NFL Free Agents 2017: Rumors, Predictions for Upcoming Weekend of Free Agency

The NFL free-agency frenzy goes beyond one day. Prominent players continued to visit teams and sign new deals on Friday. Still, leftover unrestricted free agents will create headlines over the weekend.

The Cleveland Browns released quarterback Robert Griffin III, per the team’s official website. The No. 2 pick of the 2012 draft couldn’t rekindle his athletic spark as a signal-caller without suffering another injury. A bum shoulder kept him on the sideline for most of the 2016 season. Nonetheless, another team may offer him an opportunity to start in the upcoming season.

The New England Patriots have dominated free agency through trades. The team acquired wide receiver Brandin Cooks and a fourth-round pick in exchange for a first- and third-round selection, per ESPN’s Dianna Russini:

Nonetheless, the Patriots may continue to move players through trade. Who’s available?

Dontari Poe, a top nose tackle on the market, has struggled to land a lucrative deal after a down season. Potential suitors have concerns about a nagging back injury, per ESPN’s Ed Werder. What’s the best-case scenario for Poe? 

What acquisitions should we expect over the weekend?

Robert Griffin III Interested in Jets

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Looking for his third destination and a chance to salvage his career, Griffin pinpointed the New York Jets as a desirable destination, according to NJ.com reporter Connor Hughes.

At the moment, the interest seems unilateral. The Jets have recently expressed interest in quarterbacks Jay Cutler and Trevor Siemian, per ESPN's Chris Mortensen. Both passers have more allure than Griffin who only played five games during the previous season.

The 2012 Offensive Rookie of the Year will likely see his career come to an abrupt end unless he’s able to stay healthy and produce when on the field. Despite his interest in the Jets, he needs solid pass protection, which New York doesn’t have at the moment. Griffin’s availability largely factors into his poor production over the past few years.

Gang Green will likely sign a veteran quarterback or re-sign Geno Smith as a stopgap at the position until a franchise signal-caller claims the job.

The Minnesota Vikings have quarterback Sam Bradford under contract for another season, per Spotrac. It’s uncertain if or when quarterback Teddy Bridgewater returns to action. Griffin could serve as a temporary starter between Bradford and Bridgewater.

Prediction: Robert Griffin III signs with the Minnesota Vikings

Malcolm Butler Still on the Trade Block

Initially, Russini reported cornerback Malcolm Butler as the trade piece to land Cooks. As mentioned, the Patriots acquired the former New Orleans Saints wide receiver with two high draft picks.

Just when you thought New England would stop its trading frenzy, ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted the team will keep its starting cornerback on the trade block: 

Apparently, the Patriots don’t plan on paying Butler when his contract expires after the 2017 season, despite losing cornerback Logan Ryan to the Tennessee Titans, per ESPN’s Adam Caplan. New England must be high on Eric Rowe in a starting role.

General manager Bill Belichick may have lofty hopes for this year’s incoming cornerback class. He may acquire a high draft pick for Butler to pick up a cheaper option with high upside. 

Everyone continues to wait for the Dallas Cowboys to trade quarterback Tony Romo, but it’s possible they jump on an opportunity to acquire secondary help in a separate transaction. 

Prediction: New England Patriots trade cornerback Malcolm Butler to the Dallas Cowboys

Dontari Poe to the Falcons 

The Baltimore Ravens made nose tackle Brandon Williams the highest-paid player at his position. Poe plunged into the market to cash in on his five-year body of work with the Kansas City Chiefs, which deserves a decent reward. However, potential suitors paused before talking about a big-money deal due to recurring back issues. 

Fortunately for Poe, he’s lined up visits with several teams, but one club seems to jump out above the rest, per CBS Sports reporter Jason La Canfora:

The Indianapolis Colts desperately need to upgrade their run defense. With that said, the team can’t allow Poe to leave the building without a contract. At a needy position, the Colts would likely lock the 300-pound nose tackle into a long-term deal comparable to Williams in Baltimore.

Prediction: Dontari Poe signs with the Indianapolis Colts

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