NFL Free Agents 2017: Rumors and Predictions for Players with Multiple Suitors

On Tuesday, the NFL opened its legal tampering period, which allows teams to negotiate with unrestricted free agents. In other words, the free-agent frenzy kicked off even though players can’t officially sign until Thursday. 

Running back Adrian Peterson stands in a league of his own as the biggest name on the market. He’s past his prime, turning 32 years old on March 21, but his track record speaks for itself. One day, he’ll celebrate in Canton, Ohio as a Hall of Famer. Right now, he’s looking for appreciation, according to his father via St. Paul Pioneer Press reporter Chris Tomasson:

The Minnesota Vikings don’t seem forthcoming with loaded contract offers for their most recognized player over the past decade. Will we see Peterson wearing new team colors in 2017?

General managers usually fall over themselves to overpay for a starting-caliber quarterback. What’s turning front offices away from Mike Glennon? 

After a breakout year, cornerback A.J. Bouye will sign a lucrative deal. Based on his potential suitors, he’s likely to see the same teams twice a year in the upcoming season. 

We’ll match each big-name free agent with his most likely destination.

Adrian Peterson Considering Raiders, Seahawks

According to NFL Network’s Stacey Dales, Peterson has his sights set on the Oakland Raiders and Seattle Seahawks:

One destination makes more sense than the other by a wide margin. The 31-year-old running back should only consider teams with a good offensive line at this stage of his career. 

The Raiders offensive line only allowed 16 sacks and opened lanes for a featured running back who came into the league as a sixth-round pick. Oakland’s rushing offense also fielded two rookie ball-carriers, one of whom signed as an undrafted free agent.

The Silver and Black boasted the No. 6 rushing offense last season. With ball-carrier Latavius Murray testing the free-agent market, Peterson could step in and further improve the ground attack. However, the Raiders haven’t drafted high or spent a lot on running backs under general manager Reggie McKenzie. 

Bleacher Report’s Jason Cole also reported the Raiders would wait for Murray’s decision before engaging Peterson. With a deep draft class coming up, Oakland should look past a 31-year-old running back for a mid-round rookie in April.

The Seattle Seahawks offensive line doesn’t compare to the Raiders. Furthermore, the front office drafted C.J. Prosise and Alex Collins in last year’s draft. Currently, Thomas Rawls leads the backfield as the featured ball-carrier. There’s no room for Peterson in Seattle with its collection of young talent at the position.

Tom Dahlin/Getty Images

Where does this leave Peterson?

At the combine, Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien said running back Lamar Miller carried too much of the burden in the backfield, per the team’s official website. The Texans still have a huge question mark at quarterback. Will Brock Osweiler start? Can Tom Savage take over the job? Will Houston draft another quarterback?

It doesn’t seem like the ideal situation for Peterson, but the Texans have won the AFC South division in consecutive years. He’s also accustomed to playing for a team with a subpar or average passing attack. As a small factoid, it’s worth noting Peterson is a Texas native. He’ll still garner a sizable workload in a run-oriented offense and finish a Hall of Fame career in his home state. 

Prediction: Adrian Peterson signs with the Houston Texans

Mike Glennon Losing Traction?

According to Yahoo Sports reporter Charles Robinson’s sources, Glennon would command $14-$15 million on the open market:

Well, several teams seem to disagree with Glennon’s reported value. According to CSN Chicago reporter John Mullin, the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers dropped out of the race for the 27-year-old quarterback. Those clubs probably viewed the price tag as absurd for a passer who hasn’t started a football game since the 2014 season.

According to Cole, Glennon refused to sign an extension with the Buccaneers that would’ve made him the highest-paid backup quarterback in the league:

Maybe Glennon and his agents aimed too high on market value. It's possible the 6'6", 225-pound signal-caller expects one desperate team to hand over a pot of gold. The Chicago Bears could be bidding against themselves for the high-priced passer over the next few days. Nonetheless, quarterback Brian Hoyer who played with the team during the previous season seems like a more cost-effective option with a proven track record as a stopgap starter.

Glennon’s agent should consider dropping his annual demands to approximately $10-$12 million per year to regain traction on the market. If so, he’ll find a home with a quarterback-needy team with deep pockets.

Prediction: Glennon signs with the San Francisco 49ers

A.J. Bouye Will Remain Within AFC South Division

According to Houston Chronicle reporter Aaron Wilson, Bouye will likely remain in the AFC South division: 

The AFC South teams that didn’t have the 25-year-old cornerback on the roster in the previous season certainly need help at the position. The Jacksonville Jaguars released cornerback Davon House, per ESPN's Adam Caplan. The Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans ranked No. 27 and No. 30 in pass defense for the 2016 season.

The Texans don’t have an electric offense, which puts much pressure on the defense to hold the opposition under 24 points. Houston should do everything in its power to keep Bouye around for the long term. With uncertainty at the quarterback position, expect the front office to keep the No. 1 defense in yards allowed intact for another season. 

Prediction: Bouye re-signs with the Houston Texans

Stats provided by NFL.com and Pro-Football-Reference.com unless otherwise noted.