The One Free Agent Each NFL Team Must Re-Sign in 2015 Offseason
One thing we know about free agency and the NFL: There’s nothing free about it.
We are less than three weeks away from the start of the NFL's fiscal year.
Here, we are determining which potential unrestricted free agent is each team’s biggest priority in terms of returning to the franchise.
While some answers may seem absurdly easy, there are other teams that have quite a few prominent players who could hit the open market if not re-signed (or franchised). We will give you our reasoning in terms of our preference in such instances.
We not only take recent performance by the player into account but need and depth at the position, as well as cost in some instances. More importantly, the best interest of the team is the key here. There are some uniquely talented performers that could hit the market and some are less replaceable than others.
Also keep in mind that while we have our thoughts on who each team should re-sign, should and will are two totally different matters.
On a somewhat side note, ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter (via ESPN.com) reported on Wednesday that this year’s salary cap will be between $140 million and $143 million. It’s safe to say that’s good news for a number of teams.
Arizona Cardinals: DT Dan Williams
1 of 32
Now that the Arizona Cardinals know they will have wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald back in the fold, general manager Steve Keim can take a look at who he would like to prevent from walking away from last year’s surprising success story.
The choice here is defensive tackle Dan Williams. A first-round pick from the University of Tennessee in 2010, he arguably comes off his best season to date. The Arizona defense went into the season shorthanded for numerous reasons, including the loss of defensive tackle Darnell Dockett to injury. But the Cardinals kept their heads above water on this side of the ball for most of the season.
You could make a case for veteran defenders Larry Foote and Antonio Cromartie here as well. But Williams offers them the best situation in terms of youth and growth.
Atlanta Falcons: DT Corey Peters
2 of 32
There’s a big reason that former Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is now the Atlanta Falcons head coach.
He inherits a club that allowed the most total yards in the NFL in 2014 and was also ranked dead last in the league against the pass.
Quinn’s Seahawks were the polar opposite in that regard this past season. No team gave up fewer yards and fewer passing yards than the NFC champions.
Yes, the Falcons are in dire need of pass-rushers, but keeping Kroy Biermann and Osi Umenyiora doesn’t work given their underwhelming numbers this past season.
So retaining Corey Peters would be the wise move. A year after ranking 31st in the league against the run, the Falcons improved to 21st in that category. It will be interesting to see how different Atlanta’s defense looks in 2015, but keeping Peters would still be a very wise move.
Baltimore Ravens: OLB Pernell McPhee
3 of 32
The Baltimore Ravens remain one of the league’s quality organizations, and a lot of it is due to general manager Ozzie Newsome's eye for talent.
And the two-time Super Bowl champion executive is always looking toward the future as well.
Outside linebacker Pernell McPhee was a fifth-round pick in 2011 from Mississippi State. The Ravens finished eighth in the NFL in total defense this past season and McPhee did his part, totaling 27 tackles and 7.5 sacks. While he was on the field for only 540 plays, Pro Football Focus graded him the second-best outside linebacker in the 3-4 scheme behind only Kansas City’s Justin Houston.
So why not running back Justin Forsett? There’s nothing to say he won’t be back in Baltimore as well. But outside linebacker Terrell Suggs has already played 12 seasons and can’t go on forever…
We think.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Buffalo Bills: FS Da’Norris Searcy
4 of 32
No doubt some would be surprised not to see defensive end Jerry Hughes on this slide.
You could certainly make a strong case for him, given the fact that in two years with the Buffalo Bills, he’s totaled exactly 10 sacks each season.
But the choice here is emerging free safety Da’Norris Searcy, who finished fifth on the team with 65 tackles and tied for second on the team with three interceptions this past season. The fourth-round draft choice in 2011 from the University of North Carolina took over for free-agent defector Jairus Byrd this past season and did his part. Searcy also knocked down five passes, forced a pair of fumbles and recovered a fumble.
That’s not to say that Hughes won’t be back as well. But leave Searcy here as the Bills and new head coach Rex Ryan try to make that elusive trip back to the playoffs.
Carolina Panthers: OLB Chase Blackburn
5 of 32
The Carolina Panthers actually don’t have a lot of potential unrestricted free agents (10) to deal with this offseason. And it will be interesting to see how the whole situation regarding defensive end Greg Hardy plays out in terms of league-wide interest.
Blackburn lasted only six games this past season before being placed on injured reserve with a knee injury. While not a starter, he adds experienced depth to a defense that remains the calling card of the team.
So why select Blackburn over a starter such as left tackle Byron Bell, who could also walk in March? Look for the Panthers to address the offensive line in the draft this spring.
As previously mentioned, the Panthers don’t have a lot of players to re-sign (defensive tackles Colin Cole and Dwan Edwards may be possibilities), but Blackburn may come at the right price and simply make the most sense.
Chicago Bears: DT Stephen Paea
6 of 32
Once upon a time, in a Windy City not too far away, the Chicago Bears were known for their defensive prowess.
That reputation has taken some big hits the past two seasons. That’s what happens when you give up 478 points one season, 442 points a year later and allow a disturbing 93 offensive touchdowns in your last 32 games.
One bright spot for the defense last season was defensive tackle Stephen Paea, who totaled 33 tackles, six sacks, three passes defensed and a pair of forced fumbles. That’s not much solace for a team that allowed the third-most total yards in the league in 2014, but his presence is good for young defensive tackles Ego Ferguson and Will Sutton.
Of course, the arrival of head coach John Fox and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio also hopes to bode well for Paea and the rest of the Bears defense.
Cincinnati Bengals: LG Clint Boling
7 of 32
The Cincinnati Bengals have done a solid job drafting in recent years. While the onus is always on the skill positions on offense, the work in the trenches is obviously invaluable.
A fourth-round draft choice in 2011 from the University of Georgia, Clint Boling graded out as the NFL’s 24th-best guard last season by Pro Football Focus. The Bengals finished sixth in the league in rushing in 2014, led by rookie Jeremy Hill and supported by the versatile Giovani Bernard.
Boling is a no-brainer choice when it comes to a Cincinnati team that does a pretty good job of keeping its young players. But what of tight end Jermaine Gresham's and middle linebacker Rey Maualuga's futures? Both are slated for free agency as well.
Cleveland Browns: OLB Jabaal Sheard
8 of 32
While the Cleveland Browns may be looking for a quarterback sooner rather than later, they have not looked Brian Hoyer’s way yet this offseason.
Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com reports that the team and Hoyer have yet to meet this year, not necessarily a good sign for a club waiting on 2014 first-round pick Johnny Manziel to turn his life around. The former Heisman Trophy winner is currently in rehab.
“He’s in a much better place now than before he went in,”' Browns head coach Mike Pettine told Mary Kay Cabot of the Northeast Ohio Media Group. “He's very determined to come out of it in a much better way.”
While the Browns are deciding what to do at quarterback, look for them to get outside linebacker Jabaal Sheard re-signed. While he totaled just 44 tackles and two sacks this past season, he graded out, according to Pro Football Focus, as the league’s second-best run-stopping outside linebacker in the 3-4 defense (say that three times fast).
That’s saying something considering no team in the NFL allowed more yards on the ground than the Browns in 2014.
Dallas Cowboys: WR Dez Bryant
9 of 32
Just in case you think it's easy to decide between Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant and running back DeMarco Murray, let’s hear from head coach Jason Garrett.
Todd Archer of ESPN.com says the team is leaning toward franchising the NFL leader who had 16 touchdown receptions this past season.
But those thinking Bryant gets the nod simply because Murray may be replaceable haven’t talked to Garrett.
“I don’t like that expression, ‘Plug another back in there,’ ”said Garrett to Jim Litke of The Associated Press. “DeMarco Murray led the NFL in rushing by, I think, by (nearly) 500 yards and...the value of being able to hand [sic] the ball 25 times a game week in and week out is significant.
In any case, it’s a nice problem for Dallas to have. And much more fun to talk about after all those years of finishing 8-8.
Denver Broncos: WR Demaryius Thomas
10 of 32
Well, like the famous English muffins, there was somewhat of a promise that you would see a Thomas here.
We’ll take a pass on tight end Julius Thomas, who may or may not be back with the club because he could demand a big payday elsewhere (granted he can stay healthy this season). You could also make a case for defensive tackle Terrance Knighton, who was a big part of a Denver Broncos defensive unit that made some strides in 2014, finishing third in the NFL in yards allowed and second in the league against the run.
But it’s just too hard to overlook wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, who ranked second in the NFL this past season in both catches (111) and receiving yards (1,619). In three seasons with quarterback Peyton Manning at the controls, Thomas has started every game, totaling 297 receptions for 4,483 yards and 35 scores.
Simply put, those numbers would be hard to replace.
Detroit Lions: DT Ndamukong Suh
11 of 32
This seems to be a daily one-player subject.
Yes, we know that the Detroit Lions must try and get four-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh re-signed. That’s a major priority for a team with the league’s second-ranked defense this past season, a unit that allowed the fewest rushing yards in the NFL in 2014 and also gave up the third-fewest points in the league.
Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press has the latest on the team’s talks with Suh, who is one of three defensive tackles (along with Nick Fairley and C.J. Mosley) who could hit the free-agent market next month.
Stay tuned for further details.
Green Bay Packers: WR Randall Cobb
12 of 32
No doubt the Green Bay Packers don’t want to become one of those teams that develops players and then watches them eventually head elsewhere via free agency.
A few years ago, veteran wide receiver Greg Jennings left the green and gold pastures for the Twin Cities. It’s hard to believe the Packers will let talented Randall Cobb do the same (regardless of where he may go).
The versatile wide receiver finished 2014 with 91 catches for 1,287 yards and 12 touchdowns. You can also find him on punt returns and occasionally running the football.
Green Bay has its share of big names to re-ink in the form of Pro Bowl fullback John Kuhn, right tackle Bryan Bulaga, cornerback Tramon Williams and perhaps defensive lineman B.J. Raji (who missed all of 2014 due to injury). But it’s hard to believe that they will break up the receiving tandem of Cobb and Jordy Nelson.
Houston Texans: RT Derek Newton
13 of 32
This is a tough call.
Pro Football Focus tells us that Houston Texans right tackle Derek Newton was one of the best run-blocking performers at his position in 2014. The four-year pro had a solid year for a team that ranked fifth in the NFL in rushing this past season.
The Texans also have cornerback Kareem Jackson on their list of potential free agents. He also comes off an excellent season, but according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle, Houston isn’t likely to give its 2010 first-round draft choice big money or the franchise tag. Of course, that's not to say Jackson won't be back, depending on the market for his services.
So we will lean toward Newton, whose pass blocking was shaky this past season, but this team is driven by Arian Foster and its ground attack. Of course, who he will be trying to protect is another story altogether.
Indianapolis Colts: SS Mike Adams
14 of 32
Safety Mike Adams was a late pickup by the Indianapolis Colts this past offseason.
He proved to be worth the wait. And that’s saying something given the state of the team’s defense.
The one-time Denver Broncos starter finished third on the team with 87 tackles and second with 11 passes defensed. He also forced two fumbles and totaled seven of the club’s 26 takeaways—including a team-high five interceptions.
Chuck Pagano’s team is in need of some young and talented players on its defensive unit, and general manager Ryan Grigson would be wise to invest most of his 2015 draft picks on this side of the ball. But Adams was a solid addition who should make his way back to Indianapolis.
Jacksonville Jaguars: WR Cecil Shorts
15 of 32
The Jacksonville Jaguars are another one of those teams that simply don’t have a lot of veteran free agents to re-sign.
The franchise has seven players who could possibly hit the market the second week of March. So it’s not hard to figure out who we’re selecting here.
Wide receiver Cecil Shorts has led the Jaguars in catches each of the last two seasons, but his 53 receptions in 2014 were far from awe-inspiring. One of the team’s primary starters at wideout the past three years, he failed to total 1,000-plus yards receiving each of those seasons.
However, he’s the veteran on a wide receiving corps that includes Allen Robinson, Marqise Lee and Allen Hurns, all rookies in 2014, as well as Ace Sanders, who has played on two seasons. The Jaguars also have a young quarterback in Blake Bortles, who is also coming off his rookie campaign.
It appears Shorts is the easy choice when it comes to whom the team will re-sign. But if Jacksonville goes out and spends some money as promised, how many of his new teammates will the “old man” of the receiving corps recognize this year?
Kansas City Chiefs: OLB Justin Houston
16 of 32
If there was one player who seemed destined to get the franchise tag this offseason, it was Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston.
That’s not to say the team may not strike a deal with the All-Pro defender before March 2, the deadline to franchise a player. But Houston certainly comes to the table with a lot of ammunition when it comes to getting big money. A league-high 22 sacks in 2014 will certainly do that.
Adam Teicher of ESPN.com explains why it’s in Kansas City’s best interest to get a deal done before having to use the tag. Pro Football Focus shows just how good a year Houston had. He has 43 sacks in his last 43 games dating back to 2012 and has been named to the Pro Bowl in each of those last three seasons.
Miami Dolphins: TE Charles Clay
17 of 32
So far, it’s been a career of two phases for Miami Dolphins tight end Charles Clay. And the second of the two has been pretty impressive.
The former sixth-round pick out of the University of Tulsa (2011) has totaled 127 receptions passes for 1,364 yards and nine touchdowns in 30 games since 2013. In his first two seasons, the underrated performer totaled 34 catches for just 445 yards and five scores.
The Dolphins have their share of potential unrestricted free agents to re-sign, and perhaps you could make a case for defensive tackle Jared Odrick as well. But quarterback Ryan Tannehill has gotten better on a yearly basis, and it’s no coincidence that the reliable Clay has been a part of that growth.
Minnesota Vikings: FB Jerome Felton
18 of 32
The Minnesota Vikings have a talented roster with a number of players who were all drafted in the first round in the last three years.
General manager Rick Spielman’s biggest chore the next few years will be retaining his up-and-comers.
This is a club that has just nine potential unrestricted free agents whom the team must make a decision on, including two starters. Here we will give the nod to fullback Jerome Felton, an important part of the running game whether it is Matt Asiata, Jerick McKinnon or possibly Adrian Peterson running the football.
At a position where players don’t see a ton of action these days, Felton played 175 snaps and graded out as the league’s seventh-best fullback, according to Pro Football Focus.
New England Patriots: CB Darrelle Revis
19 of 32
Getting a Super Bowl ring in his eighth NFL season with his third team had to be a great feeling for New England Patriots cornerback Darrelle Revis.
He was one of the league’s best cornerbacks this past season and looked like the player whom he was in his days with the New York Jets—pre-knee injury—in Week 3 of 2012. In 2014, Revis totaled 47 tackles, two interceptions, a team-high 14 passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. He also picked off a pass in the team’s AFC title game win over the Indianapolis Colts.
So why would he rate the choice, for instance, over free safety Devin McCourty? Revis’ secondary mate ranked fourth on the team with 68 tackles, knocked down six passes and also picked off two passes.
Still, Revis is a unique talent at a position where today’s rules discourage that, and the Pats would be wise not to let him get away…no matter how resourceful they always turn out to be.
New Orleans Saints: RB Mark Ingram
20 of 32
Now that a former Heisman Trophy winner looks like he might finally be hitting his stride, the New Orleans Saints would be wise to keep him around.
In 13 games this past season, running back Mark Ingram amassed career highs in rushing attempts (226), rushing yards (964), receptions (29) and touchdowns (nine). The Saints finished 13th in the league in rushing in 2014, a big improvement from the previous season (25th).
While Sean Payton’s club appears somewhat deep at the position with the likes of Pierre Thomas and Khiry Robinson, Ingram offers them a workhorse-type performer who could help keep that shaky Saints defense off the field.
New York Giants: DE Jason Pierre-Paul
21 of 32
This has seemingly been the story all along when it comes to the New York Giants.
Veteran defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul appears destined to get the franchise tag from his current employers. That’s the latest via Steve Serby of the New York Post.
It’s also the correct move. After a rough couple of years due to injuries, the former Pro Bowler responded with a team-high 12.5 sacks this past season. And when you combine his excellent play against the run (via Pro Football Focus), Pierre-Paul is the obvious choice to return to the Giants.
There is a lot of excitement surrounding this team and its potential on offense with Eli Manning and wideouts Odell Beckham Jr. and Victor Cruz. But the Giants aren't going anywhere if old/new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo doesn’t get that unit fixed and they don't see how crucial it is to bring Pierre-Paul back.
New York Jets: ILB David Harris
22 of 32
On Wednesday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com had some encouraging news if you are a fan of the New York Jets and, in particular, unsung inside linebacker David Harris.
The veteran defender and new Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan were slated to meet this week at the NFL Scouting Combine at Indianapolis, according to a tweet from Cimini.
This past season, Harris led the Jets with 124 tackles. He also forced a pair of fumbles and totaled six sacks. New York finished sixth in the NFL in total defense. And with 100 consecutive starts under his belt (and counting), he is a must-have for new head coach Todd Bowles.
Oakland Raiders: C Stefen Wisniewski
23 of 32
Once again, there’s a new coaching regime in Oakland as the Raiders look to snap out of their 12-year doldrums.
In 2014, the Silver and Black ranked dead last in the league in both total yards and rushing yards. General manager Reggie McKenzie bolstered his offensive line via free agency last year, but he now may want to retain one of his own.
According to Pro Football Focus, center Stefen Wisniewski comes off an up-and-down year. But he’s the best option in terms of re-signing a player. Of course, the team could also look to bring back running back Darren McFadden or cornerbacks Carlos Rogers and Tarell Brown. But we’ll give the second-round pick from 2011 the nod here.
Philadelphia Eagles: WR Jeremy Maclin
24 of 32
We made the case earlier this week that the 2015 wide receiver free-agent class could be the best in terms of position this year.
We have already listed Dez Bryant, Demaryius Thomas and Randall Cobb as players who must be re-signed by their respective clubs. And Philadelphia Eagles wideout Jeremy Maclin is certainly no exception.
After missing all of 2013 with a torn right ACL suffered in late July, the six-year pro rebounded with huge numbers this past season. Maclin led the Birds in catches (85), receiving yards (1,318) and touchdown grabs (10).
Simply put, a team that cut ties with speedy DeSean Jackson last offseason can’t afford to lose its best wide receiver two years in a row.
Pittsburgh Steelers: OLB Jason Worilds
25 of 32
As hard as it may be to believe, in recent seasons, the Pittsburgh Steelers have had problems pressuring opposing quarterbacks and creating turnovers.
So why would they part ways with outside linebacker Jason Worilds (unless he gets an incredible offer from another team)? Former first-rounder Jarvis Jones hasn’t lived up to billing quite yet, part of that due to injuries.
Last offseason, Worilds was given the infrequently used transition tag, signed to play for one year and tied for the team lead with 7.5 sacks in 2014. A year earlier, he led the Steelers with eight sacks. He’s been far from spectacular, but he has been remarkably steady.
St. Louis Rams: RT Joe Barksdale
26 of 32
The St. Louis Rams have some interesting names on their potential free-agent list these days.
Of course, there are very few of them on the defensive side of the ball.
On offense, backup quarterback Shaun Hill, tight end Lance Kendricks and wide receiver Kenny Britt (whom the team signed last offseason) are among those who could walk in a few weeks.
But we’ll give young right tackle Joe Barksdale the nod here. After beginning his career with the Oakland Raiders, the four-year pro wound up in St. Louis late in 2012 and has played every game for the Rams since—making 16 starts this past season.
Barksdale was ranked as one of the better run-blocking tackles in the league this past season by Pro Football Focus.
San Diego Chargers: CB Brandon Flowers
27 of 32
Cut loose by the Kansas City Chiefs last offseason, cornerback Brandon Flowers found himself quite the second home with the San Diego Chargers in 2014.
And the Bolts would do wise to secure his services for at least one more year. The seven-year veteran totaled 52 tackles, three interceptions and tied for the team lead with 10 passes defensed. There are other members of the secondary, such as cornerback Shareece Wright and strong safety Marcus Gilchrist, who could also hit the free-agent market on March 10.
So what about running back Ryan Mathews, who enjoyed a career campaign in 2013 but was bitten by the injury bug once again this past season? Staying healthy has not been his strong suit, despite the flashes of talent.
San Francisco 49ers: WR Michael Crabtree
28 of 32
It was a long 2014 for the San Francisco 49ers, especially the team’s offensive unit.
The team scored exactly 100 fewer points than they did the previous season, and only two teams in the league gained fewer yards through the air.
It was an erratic year for young quarterback Colin Kaepernick, and it could be rougher this season without certain pieces around him. Hence it is important that he re-establish his rapport with wide receiver Michael Crabtree, who finished second on the team with 68 catches in 2014 but scored only four touchdowns.
Veteran Anquan Boldin (tied for 15th in NFL history with 940 career receptions) has 12 seasons under his belt and remains. Brandon Lloyd can hit the free-agent market in March, and Stevie Johnson will also be back for another year. And a pair of former fourth-round picks in Quinton Patton (2013) and Bruce Ellington (2014) have yet to really emerge.
This will be a year of change with the hiring of new head coach Jim Tomsula, the elevation of quarterbacks coach Geep Chryst to offensive coordinator and the possible free-agent departure of running back Frank Gore. Keeping Crabtree makes any transition easier.
Seattle Seahawks: CB Byron Maxwell
29 of 32
When Super Bowl XLIX was all said and done, the Legion of Boom had the boom lowered on them.
The Seattle Seahawks’ fabled secondary never really stopped New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. Part of that problem was the fact that performers such as cornerbacks Richard Sherman and Jeremy Lane and safeties Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas either entered the game banged up or left the 28-24 loss with an injury.
Cornerback Byron Maxwell emerged unscathed from the game, but he’s also slated to hit the free-agent market in March. He’s done an outstanding job since taking over for Brandon Browner late in 2013, and it’s vital that the Seahawks (if possible) retain the emerging defender. He comes off a season in which he totaled 39 tackles, a pair of interceptions and a team-high 12 passes defensed.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: MLB Mason Foster
30 of 32
There hasn’t been much for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to get excited about as of late. They spent lots of money in 2014, but lost a lot of games.
Mason Foster played in only 10 games in 2014 but still finished with 62 tackles, fifth-best on the team. Early in the season, he struggled against the run but eventually settled down to a degree and also wound up with three passes defensed.
While Tampa Bay ranked 25th in the NFL in total defense and a less-than-average 19th in the league versus the run, a healthier Foster and another year under the guidance of both head coach Lovie Smith and defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier may be the best for Foster and all involved.
Tennessee Titans: OLB Derrick Morgan
31 of 32
Derrick Morgan’s transition for defensive lineman to outside linebacker in 2014 appeared to be a success.
Now the Tennessee Titans need to build on what they saw from the 16th overall pick in the 2010 draft. He finished the season with 63 tackles, a team-high 6.5 sacks, a pair of forced fumbles and seven passes defensed. Morgan was ranked as a top-10 outside linebacker in the 3-4 by Pro Football Focus.
Of course, the team was less than scintillating on defense, as only five teams in the league gave up more total yards, while only the Cleveland Browns surrendered more yards on the ground.
Finally, if you are Morgan, the prospect of learning more about your craft from celebrated defensive mind Dick LeBeau (who was recently hired by the organization) has to be a big-time selling point.
Washington Redskins: OLB Brian Orakpo
32 of 32
Injuries have played a huge part in Washington Redskins outside linebacker Brian Orakpo's career in recent years. The first-round pick missed all but two games in 2012 and was lost after seven contests this past season.
Still, when he’s on the field, he does know how to get after the quarterback. In four of his six NFL seasons, he’s totaled at least 8.5 sacks and twice amassed double digits in that department.
It remains to be seen if Washington wants him back. However, it’s safe to say that new defensive coordinator Joe Barry could use all the help the team can give him. The Redskins totaled only 36 sacks this past season and in the process surrendered 35 scores through the air.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Post-June 1 Trade Candidates ☎️")
.JPG?w=600 "TO Talks Cowboys Relationship")
.jpg?w=600 "Taylor Heinicke Retiring")
.jpg?w=600 "49ers OC Hypes Mike Evans 🤩")