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NFL free agency 2019: 7 breakout players set to cash in

By Ian Wharton

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 21: Tyrell Williams of Los Angeles Chargers scores his sides first touchdown during the NFL International Series match between Tennessee Titans and Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley Stadium on October 21, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 21: Tyrell Williams of Los Angeles Chargers scores his sides first touchdown during the NFL International Series match between Tennessee Titans and Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley Stadium on October 21, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – OCTOBER 21: Wide Receiver John Brown #13 of the Baltimore Ravens catches a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at M&T Bank Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – OCTOBER 21: Wide Receiver John Brown #13 of the Baltimore Ravens catches a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at M&T Bank Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

6. John Brown, WR, Baltimore Ravens

The first-half of the 2018 season provided Baltimore Ravens receiver John Brown a renaissance season, making the best of the modest $5 million deal he signed one-year ago. By Week 8, he had four games over 86 yards, and four touchdowns. He put any concerns over a diminished skill set to rest.

Then the offense became Lamar Jackson’s, and the receiver’s volume was slashed as the unit began grinding out wins on the ground. Although Brown’s 1,000-yard pace came to a sudden halt, he’ll reap the rewards this spring.

Turning 28 this offseason, this is Brown’s big chance for a life-altering payday. He should be looking for a situation where he’ll thrive with targets and big plays. As much as the Ravens could still use him as Jackson develops, they’d surely have to pay a premium to overcome the lack of production he enjoyed as the offense changed.

Brown’s ability to win with speed and on contested catches alike makes him a valuable commodity. His quick separation from defenders even made Joe Flacco look more competent. He also set a career-high with 17 yards per-catch in 2018. so the threat of a big play certainly returned this year.

His injury history will be a concern when it comes to how much is guaranteed. Like Tyrell Williams, the price point should be in the $10 million range, though it wouldn’t be surprising if he takes less per-year like Kenny Stills did ($8 million) to get a more favorable situation for him long-term.

Potential suitors: Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Buffalo Bills, Tennessee Titans, Oakland Raiders, Dallas Cowboys

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