Who are the best 2018 NFL free agents?
By Joe Schiller
Entering the 2018 NFL free agency period, who are the best players available to sign this offseason?
The conclusion of Super Bowl LII marks the official beginning of the 2018 NFL offseason for all 32 teams. The first step is free agency, which kicks off in just over two months. It’s a time where teams can make or break their seasons. Players come and go but cap flexibility is the most important factor in this process.
This year’s free agent class features high profile names that will be on the move to new destinations. Here’s a look at the best players that will be available on both sides of the ball.
Offense
Drew Brees, QB, Saints
Kirk Cousins, QB, Redskins
Case Keenum, QB, Vikings
Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Vikings
Sam Bradford, QB, Vikings
Le’Veon Bell, RB, Steelers
Carlos Hyde, RB, 49ers
Jarvis Landry, WR, Dolphins
Allen Robinson, WR, Jaguars
Sammy Watkins, WR, Rams
Paul Richardson, WR, Seahawks
Jimmy Graham, TE, Seahawks
Nate Solder, OL, Patriots
The offensive side of the ball is loaded with free-agent talent this offseason.
Headlined by Drew Brees and Kirk Cousins, this is an interesting class for quarterback-needy teams. It’s just about guaranteed that Brees returns back to New Orleans but Cousins is guaranteed to hit the market after the Alex Smith trade. The quarterback carousel in Minnesota will also likely leave two quarterbacks searching for new teams. With questions surrounding the top quarterback prospects heading into the 2018 draft, finding a proven free agent will be a more enticing option for many teams.
Wide receivers are also plentiful in free agency. There’s a good chance we see Landry, Robinson, Watkins, and Richardson come away with franchise tags. Teams have a tendency to over-pursue and overpay receivers in free agency and I don’t expect this year to be any different.
Defense
DeMarcus Lawrence, DE, Cowboys
Adrian Clayborn, DE, Falcons
Ezekiel Ansah, DE, Lions
Trumaine Johnson, CB, Rams
Malcolm Butler, CB, Patriots
Kyle Fuller, CB, Bears
Sheldon Richardson, DT, Seahawks
There isn’t as much top-heavy talent on defense but there are still big-name players who could make a significant impact next season. The pass rush group of Lawrence, Clayborn, and Ansah will be highly sought after by teams looking to improve their front-seven. Malcolm Butler will be the top cornerback option available and he’s all but gone from New England after being benched in the Super Bowl.
Next: One reason each team can win Super Bowl 53
Expect plenty of rumors and drama headed your way come March. Just because the 2017 season is over doesn’t mean things have slowed down. In fact, they’re just getting started.