NFL Rumors: Buzz and Predictions After Day 1 of 2017 Free Agency

The countdown into the new NFL year and the official start of free agency brought reality television show-like drama. Players signed with new teams, a bizarre unforeseen trade sent a quarterback further into obscurity and one franchise fired its general manager in the process. 

Based on Day 1 transactions, it’s difficult to predict what’s going to happen next. Nonetheless, sources have dropped clues to NFL insiders about where players could sign within the next few days. 

Many await Adrian Peterson’s next move, but another prominent ball-carrier with more suitors may find a new home before the three-time rushing champion. Who’s drawing more interest than Peterson at the same position?

The Chicago Bears agreed to a three-year, $45 million contract with quarterback Mike Glennon, which prompted quarterback Jay Cutler’s release, per ESPN's Adam Schefter:

After failing to live up to expectations with the Denver Broncos and Bears, which team will give Cutler a third opportunity as a starter?

The Super Bowl champion, New England Patriots, have been active leading up to and during free agency. General manager Bill Belichick traded for tight end Dwayne Allen, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, and agreed a deal with top cornerback Stephon Gilmore on a huge five-year, $65 million deal with $40 million guaranteed, per Schefter.

Now, they’re working to retain a key asset on defense. However, it’s taking ample time to come to an agreement.

How does each scenario above play out as players continue to test their market value?

Jamaal Charles Visiting, Signing with Seahawks?

Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles has garnered more interest on the open market than Peterson, per Rapoport (h/t NFL.com’s Chris Wesseling): 

Charles will visit the Seattle Seahawks, according to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, but it’s not an ideal fit for the 30-year-old running back. The NFC West division champions have a crowded backfield with Thomas Rawls, C.J. Prosise and Alex Collins all 23 years old or younger at the position.

Even though Charles will likely take on a reduced role, he’s going to at least want a fair opportunity to contribute. Far off the radar, the Los Angeles Chargers have a need at running back. Danny Woodhead signed with the Baltimore Ravens, per the team's official website, which leaves some carries and pass targets open for a dynamic asset in the backfield. 

Charles would still be taking a backup role to featured ball-carrier Melvin Gordon, but he'd have more touches with the Chargers than the Seahawks.

Prediction: Jamaal Charles signs with the San Diego Chargers

Jets Will Choose between Jay Cutler and Trevor Siemian?

The New York Jets don’t have a compass on their direction at quarterback. Among the leftovers at the position, Cutler became available right before the free-agent period kicked off at 4 p.m. ET on Thursday.

According to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, New York will strongly consider acquiring Cutler while eyeing Broncos signal-caller Trevor Siemian in a trade:

Unless quarterback Tony Romo chooses to sign with Denver, team vice-president of football operations John Elway will probably hold on to Siemian as competition for Paxton Lynch.

Cutler would undoubtedly serve as a stopgap starter in New York. Unfortunately, the local media would have a field day with his past leadership issues and body language on a losing team. Cutler would reunite with running back Matt Forte, but he’s not the type of field general needed to help develop a young rebuilding roster.

It doesn’t seem like the Washington Redskins will trade quarterback Kirk Cousins after he requested a trade, per Mortensen. However, the front office can’t retain a player in a leadership position against his will. According to Rapoport, Cousins will sign the franchise tag, but it doesn’t help that his unhappiness with the team went public.

Eventually, Washington will have to move Cousins and start fresh. In preparation for the rebuild, the front office must find a short-term replacement. In the final stages of his career, Cutler would probably deal with the disarray in Washington, an organization that just ousted Scot McLoughan as general manager, per the team's official website, for another chance to start under center.

Prediction: Jay Cutler signs with the Washington Redskins

Patriots Working on Re-signing Dont’a Hightower 

New England traded for a tight end, signed a Pro Bowl cornerback and engaged in talks to land New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks in a trade, per ESPN’s Dianna Russini: 

Right now, cornerback Malcolm Butler remains a Patriot, but he’s going to command a large deal after the 2017 season as an unrestricted free agent. Typically, general manager Bill Belichick handles productive in-house assets like chess pieces. He’ll trade a good player in a contract year to acquire assets as opposed to losing him on the market for nothing. 

Despite frequently playing hard ball at the negotiating table, the front office wants to retain linebacker Dont’a Hightower, according to CBS Sports Jason La Canfora's sources:

New England opted against using the franchise tag on Hightower, which allowed him to test the market. Nonetheless, he won’t scoff at an opportunity to sign a long-term deal with a winning organization that’s utilizing free agency to improve its roster right after a Super Bowl victory.

Prediction: Dont’a Hightower re-signs with the New England Patriots

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