NFL Free Agency 2017: Rumors and Predictions for Key Offseason Targets

The new NFL season will get underway March 9 at 4 p.m. ET, and there's likely to be a flurry of activity as the 2017 league year begins. Teams can begin signing free agents at that time, and based on the success of teams such as the New York Giants and Oakland Raiders in 2016, others will undoubtedly attempt to follow suit.

Last offseason, the Giants signed defensive end Olivier Vernon, defensive tackle Damon Harrison and cornerback Janoris Jenkins. They went from having the league's most porous defense in 2015 to having one of the most effective units last year.

The Raiders, meanwhile, signed offensive guard Kelechi Osemele, cornerback Sean Smith, pass-rusher Bruce Irvin and safety Reggie Nelson. They were at the top of the AFC for much of the season before quarterback Derek Carr broke his leg late in the year. Oakland still made the playoffs as a wild-card team after Carr went down, though.

The success of the Giants and Raiders in 2016 could have a huge impact on this year's free-agent signings. While teams typically looked at the NFL draft as the primary way to build a championship-caliber roster, they may now view free agency as a nearly equal tool when it comes to improving.

Wide receiver DeSean Jackson of the Washington Redskins, who is set to hit the open market, is one of the league's fastest and most explosive pass-catchers in the league. According to ESPN's Josina Anderson, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be a potential destination for him, as quarterback Jameis Winston reportedly has "an existing rapport" with him.

The Bucs went from 6-10 in Winston's first season at the helm to 9-7 this past year, and adding a speedy threat alongside stud wideout Mike Evans could help them continue improving. If Jackson signs with Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers may emerge as a legitimate playoff threat in 2017.

Cincinnati cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, who Bleacher Report's NFL1000 Scouts ranked as the seventh-best free agent at his position this year, could likewise help bolster a team's chances of making a postseason run this coming season. The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tennessee Titans are among the teams interested in him, according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport. 

Kirkpatrick had three interceptions, 10 passes defensed and 46 tackles last year. Opposing wideouts caught only 59.0 percent of the passes thrown his way in 2016, according to Pro Football Focus, but he finished as the 66th-ranked corner out of 120 qualified players at the position. Investing heavily a player who will turn 28 in October could backfire, but there's little risk in giving him a short-term deal.

Charlie Riedel/Associated Press

Trailing not far behind Kirkpatrick in the NFL1000 free-agent cornerback rankings was Logan Ryan of the New England Patriots, who ranked ninth at the position. Ryan led the team with 92 tackles last year, adding 11 passes defensed, two interceptions, one forced fumble and 1.0 sacks.

The 26-year-old could command an offer north of $10 million per year, according to Ben Volin of the Boston Globe. Three sources mentioned the Detroit Lions as a possible destination for Ryan, as Detroit general manager Bob Quinn worked with the Patriots organization for a decade-and-a-half before heading to the Lions. 

Detroit ranked 19th last season in passing yards allowed per game (248.4), and Darius Slay and Nevin Lawson were the only two Lions corners with positive grades from PFF.

Predictions

With free agent Vincent Jackson's future up in the air, the Bucs need to improve their receiving corps around Evans. If DeSean Jackson can avoid the injuries that have plagued him throughout his career, he'd fit the bill as a deep threat who could stretch the field and help Evans avoid double-teams. Look for the Bucs to work out a deal for Jackson.

The Steelers and Titans are reportedly interested in Kirkpatrick, but more suitors could be on the horizon. Expect Kirkpatrick to hold off on signing immediately and find the best offer before deciding where he'll play next. It may not be with either of the two suitors Rapoport mentioned.

Ryan is a big-time tackler and a fine cover man who is due for a payday. If the Lions come through with a major offer, look for the cornerback to sign with them and help the Detroit defense raise its profile.