2017 NFL Free Agency: Projecting the Price Tag of the Top 20 Available Players

Break out the checkbooks. Get those signing hands limbered up. And prepare to dole out some serious cheddar.

Before you know it, the 2017 league year will begin in the National Football League. One of the first major orders of business will be addressing the marketplace known as free agency.

Some NFL teams are going to need to be frugal or at least creative. In fact, two teams (the New York Jets and perennially cap-strapped Dallas Cowboys) presently sit over the projected salary cap of $168 million, per Spotrac.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, the Cleveland Browns have spending cash galore. The worst team in the NFL in 2016 has a staggering $111 million at its disposal to try to improve.

A fortune to improve their fortunes, if you will.

Granted, a good percentage of the top free agents won't be going anywhere. Whether it's via a long-term extension or the franchise tag, teams are loath to allow their best players to just walk out the door.

However, whether a player is moving on or staying put, all the athletes on this list share one important trait: They are about to make a lot of money.

How much exactly?

Well, that's why we're here—to take a stab at estimating (based on a combination of recent deals and good old fashioned speculation) the upcoming contracts of my top 20 free agents-to-be as things stand today.

20. Terrelle Pryor, WR, Cleveland Browns

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The Cleveland Browns managed only a single win in 2016, but it wasn't all doom and gloom on the shores of Lake Erie.

Among the team's few bright spots, none shined brighter than Terrelle Pryor.

Entering the 2016 season, the 27-year-old Pryor was a failed NFL quarterback who was attempting to salvage his career by making the switch to wide receiver. By season's end, he had hauled in 77 passes for more than 1,000 yards and emerged as a true vertical threat in the NFL.

He took the scenic route to get there, but Pryor told Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com he's finally where he was meant to be on the football field.

"I knew once somebody gave me a shot, it was going to be all she wrote," said Pryor. He added, "I believe God closes doors and moves things out of the way for a reason. He kept pushing me in this direction. It's the position I was meant to play."

With well over $100 million in cap space, the Browns have the financial resources to give Pryor a lucrative long-term extension. If the Browns aren't willing, you can bet the rent that other teams are willing to play a 6'4", 223-pounder who runs like a deer.

But since he's had just one big season, he carries more than a little risk.

Besides, the Browns don't have to sign him. After re-signing linebacker Jamie Collins, the Browns can use the franchise tag on Pryor, essentially asking him to back up his breakout before he sees the really big bucks.

According to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com, that's exactly what the Browns plan to do.

Hey, $15.6 million for a year's work beats delivering pizzas.

Projected Contract: One year, $15.6 million ($15.6 million guaranteed)

19. DeSean Jackson, WR, Washington Redskins

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DeSean Jackson has done many things over his nine years in the NFL. Jackson has beaten teams deep from Buffalo to San Diego and all points in between. He's topped 1,000 receiving yards five times and been to three Pro Bowls.

But as Jackson told reporters in December, he's never hit the open market.

"Once free agency comes, we'll see how it plays out," Jackson said. "This is the first time in my career I'll hit the free-agent market, so I'm definitely intrigued about seeing what's going to happen and test the market and see what's going on. Who knows what will happen?"

Jackson may not know what's coming next, but more than a few pundits (including ESPN's Adam Schefter) are predicting a reunion between Jackson and his old team in Philadelphia.

As Schefter told 97.5 The Fanatic, via Matt Lombardo of NJ.com:

"

It's so logical. There are certain things that you can just see coming from a mile away. We'll see whether or not it ever materializes. With Philadelphia, the biggest need is at wide receiver. With DeSean becoming a free agent and with him having as much respect for Doug Pederson as he does, every element that you can think of is in place there.

"

The Eagles aren't the only team that's going to be interested in Jackson. He may be on the wrong side of 30, but he demonstrated in 2016 he's still capable of making opponents pay over the top (17.9 YPC).

Nothing is ever certain in free agency. It's possible a team with loads of cap space could make an offer that's too good to pass up.

But the smart money says in the latter stages of his career Jackson is willing to sacrifice a little contract money he'd likely never see for a smaller deal in familiar surroundings with a higher percentage of guaranteed cabbage.

Whether that's in Washington, D.C., or the City of Brotherly Love remains to be seen.

Projected Contract: Three years, $19.5 million ($14 million guaranteed)

18. Stephon Gilmore, CB, Buffalo Bills

Rich Barnes/Getty Images

It was another disappointing season for the Buffalo Bills, but for the most part cornerback Stephon Gilmore held up his end of the deal.

In 2015, Gilmore ranked 20th among cornerbacks, allowing just over 54 percent of the passes thrown in his direction to be completed for 666 yards, per Pro Football Focus. Opposing quarterbacks had a rating of 82.1 when throwing in his direction.

Most of those raw numbers improved in 2016, but Gilmore's ranking at PFF fell to 60th. That was the result of an uneven season, as Gilmore would play well one week only to struggle the next.

Gilmore told Jay Skurski of the Buffalo News that the perpetual carousel of coaches in Buffalo over his career hasn't made things any easier.

"It's frustrating, because everybody [teaches] different things," Gilmore said. "You've just got to find a way to be successful in whatever system they have. It's hard. Some guys play in a system for a long time, and that's how [they] end up making more plays, but you've got to learn how to adapt. That's no excuse not to go out there and win games."

There will be yet another new head coach (Sean McDermott) in 2017, and Gilmore said while he'd like to stay in Western New York, he's unsure if that's in the cards.

"I would like to [return], but you know, that ain't my decision to make," he said, adding: "I don't know what's going to happen. I'm prepared for whatever, you know what I'm saying? They've got a job to do. We'll see what happens."

Given Gilmore's up-and-down season, Bills general manager Doug Whaley may be reluctant to re-up him long-term. But Gilmore is a talented player at a premium position who has demonstrated Pro Bowl-caliber talent and is entering his prime.

That makes the 26-year-old a likely candidate for Buffalo's franchise tag in 2017.

Projected Contract: One year, $14.3 million ($14.3 million guaranteed)

17. Nick Perry, OLB, Green Bay Packers

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Nick Perry is one of the most interesting players on this list—a young pass-rusher in his prime who is coming off a breakout season and plays for a team that's been known both for keeping its own and balking at big deals in free agency.

After four relatively quiet seasons in which Perry totaled 12.5 sacks, the 26-year-old played last season on a one-year, $5 million deal.

As Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus wrote, to say Perry broke out is an understatement:

"

Coming into 2016, Nick Perry had never played particularly poorly over a season, but there was little to suggest that he could become an impact player for the Packers and justify his first-round draft status. This season, though, Perry racked up 11 sacks and 47 total QB pressures—despite missing significant time due to injury. He also recorded 37 defensive stops, good enough for ninth-most among all NFL edge defenders, despite playing fewer snaps than any of the players above him in that category (and many of those below him). Perry has looked excellent against the run and pass, and now looks every bit like a former first-round pick.

"

It leaves general manager Ted Thompson and the Packers with quite a conundrum. On one hand, in 2016 Perry played like just the sort of young player Thompson has been willing to pay in the past. On the other hand, it was one big year out of five, and Perry has never played a full 16-game season.

It's possible the Packers could tag Perry, but it's unlikely. Not at $14.8 million with other prominent free agents to worry about.

That leaves Teddy Tightwad (I kid—he's good at what he does) with the aforementioned conundrum. Either bite the bullet and hope that Perry's 2016 was the beginning of a trend and not an anomaly, or watch him leave for a team that is willing to take that risk.

My guess is it will be the latter, but I'll confess it's essentially just that—a guess.

Either way, Perry will get paid this spring.

Projected Contract: Five years, $46 million ($22 million guaranteed)

16. Trumaine Johnson, CB, Los Angeles Rams

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Last year, the Rams used the franchise tag on cornerback Trumaine Johnson, hoping 2016 would show whether Johnson's excellent 2015 season was more breakout or fluke.

Results leaned toward fluke. After intercepting seven passes in 2015, Johnson managed only one takeaway last season. His ranking among cornerbacks at Pro Football Focus dropped from 20th in 2015 to 35th in 2016. And his passer rating against ballooned by more than 30 points.

It appears those numbers were all the Rams needed to see. According to Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports, the team will allow Johnson to hit free agency.

If that's the case, wave buh-bye. While the Rams might not be willing to pay him, someone will.

Yes, Johnson's numbers in 2016 weren't as good as the season before. But he is also a 27-year-old player at one of the NFL's most coveted positions who still ranked inside the top 20 at PFF in pass coverage.

Throw in that Johnson (6'2") has the size that teams covet at the position, and he won't hurt for suitors.

Given that teams like the Cleveland Browns are both swimming in cap space and hard up in the secondary, Johnson isn't going to hurt for spending cash either.

Projected Contract: Four years, $51.7 million ($26.5 million guaranteed)

15. T.J. Lang, OG, Green Bay Packers

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As I mentioned, the Green Bay Packers face more than one decision this year in free agency. In addition to Nick Perry, guard T.J. Lang is set to hit the open market.

After eight seasons in Titletown, Lang wasn't shy about making his wishes known while speaking to reporters:

"

You know, I've raised my children here. I've got a family. I just love my brothers here—some of my best friends on this team, love the city—just love putting on that helmet every weekend. It's an honor to represent this team so, yeah, it's definitely something that, you know, it's not up to me. It's not my call but yeah, I think everybody here knows that this is where, this is where my home is and this is where I want to stay.

"

There's ample reason for the Pack to want to keep Lang in the fold as well. The 29-year-old ranked sixth among right guards in 2016 at Pro Football Focus. In 791 snaps, Lang didn't allow a sack or a quarterback hit.

That's a nice insurance policy for Aaron Rodgers.

Get it? Insurance? Ha! I kill me!

Given Lang's age, it's unlikely Ted Thompson will break the bank for him, and at almost $14.5 million the franchise tag is probably out too.

But if Lang is serious about wanting to stay put, it's not hard to see a compromise—a deal lighter on total size and length but with a little more in guarantees.

That's why Lang isn't going anywhere.

Projected Contract: Four years, $29.3 million ($16 million guaranteed)

14. Brandon Williams, DT, Baltimore Ravens

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It's a good time to be a lane-clogger.

Damon Harrison not only signed a five-year, $46.25 million contract last year but lived up to that deal, so the idea of paying big cash for an elite nose tackle is becoming more palatable to NFL clubs.

The increasing prevalence of the 3-4 across the NFL doesn't hurt either.

That all bodes well for Brandon Williams.

Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com slotted Williams inside the top 10 available free agents in 2016.

"Williams is a one-man solution to your favorite team's run-stopping problems," Rosenthal said. "Damon Harrison paved the way last season for nose tackles to get paid like pass-rushers."

That puts the Ravens in a bind. Per Spotrac, the Ravens have the fifth-least cap space in the NFL, and Williams told Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun that while he's enjoyed his time with the Ravens, a hometown discount isn't in the cards.

"Hey, my hometown is St. Louis," Williams said. He added: "Only time and God can tell if I will return to the Ravens. I appreciate what the Ravens have done for me, especially Ozzie Newsome and John Harbaugh. We'll just see how it goes."

Sure, it's possible the Ravens will wrangle up enough cap space to retain Williams, whose new deal would probably come in under what Harrison got from the Giants a year ago.

But with teams like the San Francisco 49ers both in need of big bodies and in possession of large free-agency war chests, the signs point to Williams' stuffing the run somewhere else in 2017.

Projected Contracted: Five years, $40.6 million ($20 million guaranteed)

13. Tony Jefferson, S, Arizona Cardinals

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Decisions, decisions.

No team faces more of those in free agency on defense than the Arizona Cardinals—starting with safety Tony Jefferson.

Arizona defensive coordinator James Bettcher lauded Jefferson's breakout 2016 season, according to Adam Green of Arizona Sports:

"

Disruptive; a guy that made a bunch of plays for us. One of the most consistent guys that we had defensively. Week in and week out, you could count on Tony. He was going to make plays that are going to change the game. He's going to cover tight ends, and I thought he did a really great job when we put him in one-on-ones with tight ends this year. I think he had a really, really good year. I was disappointed for him from a Pro Bowl standpoint that he didn't get voted. I thought this is a guy that is one of the top players at his position in this league.

"

The numbers bear that out. Jefferson's 96 tackles were fifth among defensive backs, and the 25-year-old ranked sixth among all safeties at Pro Football Focus.

Those numbers should create robust interest in Jefferson's services, but he said the team has reciprocated his desire to remain in the desert.

"Obviously I want to be here, they want me back, so we'll try to do what we can do," he said on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, per Green. "The worst part about the great NFL is the business side, so you've got to let that stuff play out how it goes. But I think the interest between each of us is obviously mutual—this is pretty much my home."

The problem is that wanting to do something and being able to are two different things, and with at least two other defensive starters also set to hit the open market, the Redbirds are going to have to make some tough choices.

Projected Contract: Five years, $33.2 million ($18 million guaranteed)

12. Dont'a Hightower, ILB, New England Patriots

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It's a testimonial to just how good Bill Belichick (and to an extent defensive coordinator Matt Patricia) is that the Patriots can trade away arguably their two most talented defensive players and still field the NFL's No. 1 scoring defense.

That's exactly what they did in 2016. As Chandler Jones, Jamie Collins and Dont'a Hightower headed into contract years, the Pats dealt the first two to the Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns, respectively.

Hightower, on the other hand, is still in Beantown—at least for now.

Given that the Patriots "chose" Hightower over Collins, the prevailing thought has been that his long-term deal is a done, well, deal. But as Henry McKenna of USA Today reports, there may be a catch.

Hightower wants more money than Collins (four years, $50 million, $26 million guaranteed) got from the Browns, according to Bleacher Report's Jason Cole (via McKenna).

"Hightower's argument for receiving more than Collins is simple: The Patriots traded Collins to the Browns midseason because Hightower was the more valuable linebacker," McKenna wrote. "Whether that's true or not, Hightower can use that logic as leverage against the Patriots as he attempts to reach a new deal. And both sides likely want to reach a new deal."

You can't fault Hightower's logic, but the fact is the Patriots may be reluctant to make that substantial an investment in a player who has missed significant time in three straight seasons.

Also, Hightower's argument fails to take into consideration the possibility that the Pats dealt Collins (and Jones) because they brought a better return. Hightower could have been the most valuable player to the Patriots—or the least valuable in a trade.

The Patriots didn't become the NFL's most dominant franchise by letting anyone dictate terms to them, including their own players.

It's not likely they're going to start now, especially when tagging Hightower wouldn't be much more expensive than the deal he reportedly seeks.

Projected Contract: One year, $14.8 million ($14.8 million guaranteed)

11. Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, New York Giants

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After piling up seven sacks in 12 games in 2016, Jason Pierre-Paul told reporters that so far as he's concerned, his days of having to "prove it" are done.

"I'm not playing [again] on no one-year deal," he said. "I've proved it. I've showed it."

He added, "There's not really a guy like me out here doing it with 7.5 fingers."

Ralph Vacchiano of SNY reported Pierre-Paul already has a number in mind when it comes to his next contract.

"According to a source familiar with his situation," Vacchiano wrote, "he has his eyes set on at least the five-year, $85 million deal (with $52.5 million guaranteed) the Giants gave Olivier Vernon. Given the number of teams with cap space to spend who are likely to be looking for a pass-rusher—including the Cowboys—he might end up with more."

In related news, I would like a winning lottery ticket.

It's not a knock on Pierre-Paul. The 28-year-old showed off his unique explosiveness over much of 2016, and he appears to have successfully acclimated to playing without a portion of his right hand.

But Pierre-Paul is coming off sports hernia surgery, which marks the third time in four seasons he has missed four or more games.

The chances that Pierre-Paul gets Vernon money aren't good. And the chances that he gets that kind of money from the Giants are zero. They have too much money invested in the defensive front already with Vernon and Harrison to add another huge salary.

Make no mistake: Pierre-Paul is going to get a monster payday, well in excess of the $10 million he made in 2016.

However, paying him $17 million per season would make for one of the worst deals in free agency this year.

In other words, Cleveland will probably do it (don't laugh—the arrival of Gregg Williams could denote a move to the 4-3 for the Browns).

Projected Contract: Four years, $61.1 million ($32 million guaranteed)

10. Kevin Zeitler, OG, Cincinnati Bengals

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Of all the offensive linemen who are set to hit free agency in 2017, the best is likely Kevin Zeitler of the Cincinnati Bengals. The 26-year-old ranked seventh among all guards last year at Pro Football Focus.

Not only did Zeitler play well in 2016, but he was also on the field for every offensive snap in 2016—a streak that he took a great deal of pride in (sort of), according to Jay Morrison of the Dayton Daily News.

I don't know if it's pride; it's just what you do," Zeitler said. "It's kind of crazy because I was looking back at last year and I missed snaps where you come out a play here, come out a play there."

Given Zeitler's triple-threat combination of youth, effectiveness and durability, teams would line up around the block to take a run at him once free agency opens.

That's why it's never going to come to that.

If push hits shove, the Bengals won't hesitate to slap the franchise tag on Zeitler. That was the fate I originally projected for him in this piece.

But it makes too much sense to lock up Zeitler, which would afford the team both stability up front and maximum cap flexibility.

Get on it, Mike Brown.

Projected Contract: Four years, $43.4 million ($23 million guaranteed)

9. Calais Campbell, DE, Arizona Cardinals

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Of the many decisions the Arizona Cardinals have to make this spring, none is more difficult than what to do about defensive end Calais Campbell.

It has nothing to do with his level of play. Campbell's 53 tackles and eight sacks don't jump off the page, but as Gregg Rosenthal wrote for NFL.com, numbers have never really told the whole story with the 30-year-old.

"There's no other player quite like Campbell, as thoughtful and savvy as he is physically overwhelming at 6'8", 282 pounds," Rosenthal wrote. "He would make a great 'get over the hump' piece for a team looking for a title."

Sure enough, Mark Kiszla of the Denver Post thinks the Broncos should take a hard run at Campbell in free agency.

"With back-to-back Pro Bowl appearances in 2014 and 2015," Kiszla wrote, "Campbell has the credentials to fill the gap missing in the Denver defense when Malik Jackson took the money and ran to Jacksonville a year ago. Although Campbell celebrates his 31st birthday on Sept. 1, the big man still has big game."

The Broncos wouldn't be alone. When the No. 1 3-4 defensive end in the NFL on Pro Football Focus hits free agency, teams notice. Lots of teams.

That creates a problem for the Redbirds. The franchise tag is probably out (for reasons we'll get to in a bit), and given the other players Arizona needs to sign and the middling amount of cap space, it's a real possibility the auction for Campbell's services will hit the NFL as a whole.

If that happens, it's even money (at best) that he'll stay in Arizona. But it's a much safer bet that his new deal will come in at roughly the $11 million per season he made on his last contract.

Projected Contract: Four years, $45 million ($20.3 million guaranteed)

8. Melvin Ingram, OLB, Los Angeles Chargers

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For most of the top 10 free agents on this list, it's more likely than not they'll stay put. Teams don't like to watch players that talented and important walk out the door.

With Melvin Ingram, it's a different story. New Chargers coach Anthony Lynn will be starting the Chargers' Los Angeles era with Gus Bradley as his defensive coordinator. Bradley is a proponent of the 4-3 "under" front.

At 247 pounds, Ingram is just not a good fit for that scheme.

Don't feel too sorry for the 27-year-old, however. Ingram might have to pack his bags, but the subsequent ones filled with money he'll receive should more than make up for it.

There isn't a higher-ranked pass-rusher on this list who has a real chance of moving on this year. Ingram is in the prime of his career, and while his eight sacks in 2016 aren't a huge number, he ranked fourth among 3-4 outside linebackers at Pro Football Focus.

The Cleveland Browns badly need help getting after the quarterback and have a ton of cap space. Ditto for the San Francisco 49ers. And the Tennessee Titans. And the Indianapolis Colts.

Get where I'm going with this?

The chances that Ingram makes the move up the California coast with his old teammates might not be good.

But the chances that he makes over $10 million per season to line up with new ones is excellent.

Projected Contract: Four years, $44.3 million ($22 million guaranteed)

7. Alshon Jeffery, WR, Chicago Bears

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At the culmination of yet another rotten season in Chicago, Alshon Jeffery made an interesting prediction while speaking to reporters.

"I guarantee you we'll win the Super Bowl next year," Jeffery said. "We had a lot of injuries. I don't think a team in the league had as much injuries as us."

There was no word on whether Jeffery was then placed in the NFL's concussion protocol.

Kidding aside, Jeffery also said he wasn't sure if he'd be around for this most improbable of rebounds.

"Right now, I'm a Chicago Bear," Jeffery said. "It's business at the end of the day. Like I said, I'm a Chicago Bear."

According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, figuring out where Jeffery will be next year is a complicated proposition—largely because most aren't sure what the 26-year-old is worth:

"

The sampling of opinions I got on Jeffery from executives across the league here ran the gamut. One AFC player personnel director said Jeffery easily will command $14 million per season if he makes it to free agency but "a PED suspension for a wide receiver is a red light for me." An NFC pro scouting director said he thinks Jeffery's market is in the $10 million per year range. An AFC general manager called him easily one of the top three players on the market if he reaches free agency with "the chance to hit it big." A veteran agent who is not affiliated with Jeffery predicted a Vernon-type deal for wide receivers if Jeffery is on the open market.

"

On one hand, suspensions and injuries have cost Jeffery significant time in each of the last two years. Jeffery's 52 catches for 821 yards last year were a big disappointment from a player who seemed destined to join the NFL's elite receivers not too long ago.

However, Jeffery's physical gifts are still there. The 6'3", 218-pounder topped 1,000 yards in both 2013 and 2014. And Jeffery is easily the best wide receiver in this year's free-agent class.

It only takes one team for Jeffery to hit the proverbial lottery.

More than a few will offer him tickets.

Projected Contract: Four years, $53 million ($24 million guaranteed)

6. A.J. Bouye, CB, Houston Texans

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There isn't a player in free agency this year who did more to help his stock in 2016 than Houston Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye.

At the beginning of the season, Bouye was an undrafted three-year veteran with eight career starts. By the end of the year, he was a key cog in the NFL's No. 1 defense and a top-10 player at his position, per Pro Football Focus.

Head coach Bill O'Brien made it clear to reporters he wants Bouye back in Houston in 2017:

"

Free agency is tough, and I can tell you that we want A.J. Bouye back. He's one of us, you know what I mean? He's a guy that was undrafted before we got here and when we came here, based on his own work ethic, the coaching from John Butler, the guy has done an excellent job. I mean, I would tell you that just in talking to people around the league that I really trust that I think he's viewed as a top corner.

"

Bouye echoed his coach's hope for a reunion next year.

"I've been through a lot here with the organization, a lot of ups and downs," Bouye said. "But they never gave up on me. I'm appreciative of that. Me and the DBs especially were very close. Like I said the day before, I just would like to be back. We'll see what happens, though."

Last year, the Los Angeles Rams, faced with a similar dilemma, applied the franchise tag to cornerback Trumaine Johnson. It's not a cheap remedy, but it is one that affords teams an extra year to determine whether a player can replicate a breakout season.

The smart money says the Texans will follow suit with Bouye in 2017, which means he'll have to make do with $14 million and change next season.

Poor guy.

Projected Contract: One year, $14.3 million ($14.3 million guaranteed)

5. Kawann Short, DT, Carolina Panthers

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Last year at this time, Kawann Short appeared to be on a collision course with a whopper of a contract.

As a key component of the Panthers' run to Super Bowl 50, Short piled up 11 sacks in a career season. He appeared ready to join the elite defensive tackles in the NFL.

And elite defensive tackles get paid.

Like just about everyone else on the Panthers, Short's numbers were down in 2016. But despite posting only six sacks, he ranked third at his position, per Pro Football Focus.

As ESPN.com's David Newton reported, Short is believed to be looking for a contract commensurate with his production of a couple of years ago. It's possible those demands could pave the way out of Charlotte for the four-year veteran, who turns 28 on Feb. 2.

However, Newton also mentioned another possibility.

"If Short doesn't drop his price, I can see the Panthers either using the franchise tag on him or moving on and building around [Star] Lotulelei and [Vernon] Butler," Newton wrote. "The franchise tag is a definite possibility, in that it gives the Panthers one more year to give Short and Butler time to develop. If Butler emerges, Short becomes expendable in 2018 and Gettleman will have more money to spend on other positions."

Frankly, it's an easy call for general manager Dave Gettleman. Yes, Lotulelei and Butler have both shown more than a little potential, but neither has demonstrated Short's pass-rush chops.

While a long-term deal would offer the Panthers more cap flexibility, that flexibility would come at a considerably higher price than tagging Short and pushing the decision down the road one year.

It won't make the player happy, but that's what the team will probably do.

Projected Contract: One year, $13.5 million ($13.5 million guaranteed)

4. Eric Berry, S, Kansas City Chiefs

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Of course, pushing a decision down the road only works for so long. Eventually teams have to either pull the trigger on a long-term deal or watch a player depart.

That time has arrived for the Kansas City Chiefs and safety Eric Berry.

After Berry played in 2016 under the franchise tag (a decision that didn't sit especially well with the veteran safety), the Chiefs have a choice to make:

Pay Berry like the elite NFL safety he is or stand aside as another team does.

Berry tallied 77 tackles in 2016, tying a career high with four interceptions—two of which he returned for touchdowns. Berry was named a first-team All-Pro, placed seventh among safeties at Pro Football Focus and was arguably the MVP of a Chiefs team that won 12 games and the AFC West.

Add in that Berry is a consummate pro and a leader for the Chiefs both in the locker room and in the community, and then there's no shortage of reasons for Kansas City to make this deal happen.

There's been at least a bit of movement in that regard. As BJ Kissel of the team's website wrote, Berry's agent has spoken to the team and indicated Berry's desire to stay with the Chiefs.

However, the NFL is a business, and Berry isn't the only player the Chiefs have to attempt to re-sign. With the third-least cap space in the NFL, the Chiefs will have to create quite a bit of wiggle room to get this deal done.

However, it's hard to imagine they won't make every effort to do that. Berry wasn't just arguably the Chiefs' best player in 2016—he's also one of their most popular and still in his prime at 28 years old.

Letting players like that leave isn't how you get back to the postseason.

Projected Contract: Four years, $41.2 million ($21 million guaranteed)

3. Chandler Jones, OLB, Arizona Cardinals

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We've reached the top of the mountain. The cream of the crop. The top three free agents in all of football. While these three players play different positions, all three share at least one thing in common.

OK, two things.

All three will make a lot of money in 2017.

And all three are "it," in that they will probably make that money under the franchise tag.

As Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians told reporters, outside linebacker Chandler Jones isn't just staying put after piling up 11 sacks in his first year in the desert.

Jones isn't even going to hit free agency.

"[Jones] is not going anywhere," Arians said. "If we have to, we'll franchise him."

It's hardly a surprise. After all, the Cardinals dealt offensive lineman Jonathan Cooper and a second-round pick to the New England Patriots for Jones, who was coming off a career-high 12.5 sacks in 2015.

Jones justified that price tag, hitting double digits in sacks for the third time in four years and checking in fifth among all 3-4 outside linebackers at Pro Football Focus.

The Cardinals didn't pay what they did for Jones to rent him for six months, especially as he enters his prime. A long-term deal might help afford the team some added wiggle room to sign Calais Campbell and Tony Jefferson, but there's a lot of moving parts there and not much time.

Chances are good that Jones will be among the players who hear their names called March 1, which is the deadline for teams to assign the franchise or transition tag.

From there, the Redbirds will have about one week to work something out with their other free agents before the lid comes off Pandora's box.

In any event, Jones might as well start house-hunting.

He isn't going anywhere.

Projected Contract: One year, $14.8 million ($14.8 million guaranteed)

2. Le'Veon Bell, RB, PIttsburgh Steelers

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According to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger made his opinion clear on what the team should do about the impending free agency of tailback Le'Veon Bell.

"I think they do need to do whatever they can to keep him," Roethlisberger said.

It isn't difficult to see to see why Big Ben wants the Bell to keep tolling in the Steel City. As good as Roethlisberger and wide receiver Antonio Brown were in 2016, it was Bell who was the MVP of the Steelers' run to the AFC Championship Game.

Bell did more than that. The 24-year-old made NFL history, becoming the first tailback to average 100 rushing yards and 50 receiving yards per game.

For his part, Bell said he'd very much like to stay put.

"Obviously, I want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler, so obviously we're going to try to do everything it takes to make that happen," Bell said.

As Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reported (h/t Sean Wagner-McGough of CBSSports.com), it's a virtual certainty that Bell will receive the franchise tag from Pittsburgh.

The issue has less to do with money than it does with security. A long-term deal would all but surely carry a lower cap hit than the $12-plus million Bell will be guaranteed under the tag. But it would also involve a lot more guaranteed money for a player with an already substantial history of injuries and suspensions.

Wagner-McGough's colleague Joel Corry thinks the transition tag could be in play, an option that would be equal parts cheaper and riskier:

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Placing a transition tag on Bell could also be an option. The number should be in the $10.15 million neighborhood. A transition tag would come with some risk because the Steelers would only get a right to match an offer sheet from another team instead of two-first round picks as compensation if they opt not to match. The Steelers have been one of the biggest proponents of the seldom-used transition tag, applying it to offensive tackle Max Starks in 2008 and linebacker Jason Worilds in 2014.

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The Steelers aren't going to gamble with arguably the NFL's best running back. So they'll tag Bell and either work out a team-friendly extension (with some sort of injury out) or wait things out and see if Bell can stay healthy in 2017.

Projected Contract: One year, $12.4 million ($12.4 million guaranteed)

1. Kirk Cousins, QB, Washington Redskins

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There are two types of teams in the NFL.

There are those who have a franchise quarterback and will do anything to keep him

And there are those who do not have a franchise quarterback and will do anything to get one.

OK, there are apparently three kinds of NFL teams. Because there's also the Washington Redskins, who appear to have a franchise signal-caller in Kirk Cousins but also don't appear ready to commit to a megadeal for him.

Back in November, Schefter reported that the Redskins were considering applying the franchise tag to Cousins for a second straight season, a move that would cost the team nearly $24 million.

Despite Cousins' setting a franchise record in passing yardage for the second straight season, per Conor Orr of NFL.com, that option is still on the table. Perhaps it's because the Redskins missed the playoffs in 2016. Or it might be because a long-term deal for Cousins would likely top $100 million with $50-60 million in guarantees.

In any event, Cousins told Orr even he isn't sure if he'll be back in Washington in 2017:

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I don't know. I think you have to have an open mind but ultimately it's not in my hands in the sense that the team is going to make that decision and I'll react accordingly. ... I'd love to have a crystal ball that tells me what I'm going to do next year and 50 years after that, but that's not life. And that's not life in this league. I'll just take it a year at a time and trust in the Lord's plan.

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Well, it just so happens I do have a crystal ball. And it tells me Cousins isn't going anyplace.

Is the five-year veteran a great quarterback? No. He may well never be one. But he's a good quarterback with two straight 4,000-yard seasons and a touchdown-to-interception differential of plus-31 over the past two years.

Those numbers are worth their weight in gold, and the Redskins are well aware that two of the three teams with the most cap space in the NFL have a gaping hole at football's most important position.

Washington is seventh in cap space. And a big chunk of that is about to go to Cousins.

Tag! You're it!

Projected Contract: One year, $23.9 million ($23.9 million guaranteed)