Fansided

One player each NFL team can’t let hit free agency in 2021

By Russell S. Baxter

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 05: Demario Davis #56 of the New Orleans Saints reacts after a stop on third down during the second half against the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 05, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 05: Demario Davis #56 of the New Orleans Saints reacts after a stop on third down during the second half against the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 05, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – DECEMBER 22: Defensive back Patrick Peterson #21 of the Arizona Cardinals covers wide receiver DK Metcalf #14 of the Seattle Seahawks during game at CenturyLink Field on December 22, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. The Cardinals won 27-13. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – DECEMBER 22: Defensive back Patrick Peterson #21 of the Arizona Cardinals covers wide receiver DK Metcalf #14 of the Seattle Seahawks during game at CenturyLink Field on December 22, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. The Cardinals won 27-13. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /

Each NFL team would be wise not to let their player test the market next year.

Yes, the 2020 NFL season is still more than two months away and there is certainly some uncertainty surrounding it. But pro football is a business and eventually, contracts are set to expire. So here is a look at each team and what player they may want to get signed, sealed and delivered before the 2021 free agency period begins early next year.

Keep in mind that this list does not include the 2020 “franchise” or “transition” tagged players that have either signed their tender or not. The ones that have agreed to terms still have roughly a month to sign a long-term deal and of course, there are those that have not and can still ink that one-year deal and take the field.

It’s an interesting list of quality veterans, as well as performers who are entering the fourth year of their rookie deals. Unrestricted free-agent status is via Spotrac.

Arizona Cardinals: CB Patrick Peterson

He missed the first six 6 games of 2019 due to a League suspension. But once quality cornerback Patrick Peterson got back on the field he made an immediate impact, finishing with 53 stops, 2 picks and seven passes defensed. The eight-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro has 25 career interceptions and enters his 10th NFL season.

Atlanta Falcons: SS Keanu Neal

There’s no doubt he’s has had his share of injuries in recent years, missing all but four games the past two seasons. And the club picked up his fifth-year option back in April of 2019 (see William McFadden of AtlantaFalcons.com). In his first two years, safety Keanu Neal was a difference maker – totaling 100-plus stops in each of those campaigns.

Baltimore Ravens: T Ronnie Stanley

A no-brainer and seemingly only a matter of time before the team and left tackle Ronnie Stanley extend their relationship. “We’ve been in talks for the last couple years now,” the four-year pro explained to Childs Walker of the Baltimore Sun. “I’m comfortable with where we are in that regard. When the time comes, it will come.”

Buffalo Bills: OLB Matt Milano

The resourceful three-year pro comes off a career year in which he totaled 100 tackles on defense, to go along with nine passes defensed, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble and fumble recovery. Linebacker Matt Milano has also toiled on special teams and has been quite the find since the Bills made him a fifth-round pick (Boston College) in 2017.

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