NFL Free Agency 2018: Start Date, Rumors and Early Predictions

The NFL postseason ended with the Philadelphia Eagles on top of the world, meaning the offseason approaches rapidly, as front offices plan to knock the champions off their pedestal.

Clubs can franchise- or transition-tag players between February 20 and March 6. Teams will have the opportunity to openly negotiate with players March 12 and agree to terms in principle. Contracts become final March 14, which is the official start of the new NFL year.

The league should recognize March 12 as the beginning of the Kirk Cousins sweepstakes.

The trade between the Washington Redskins and Kansas City Chiefs that will send quarterback Alex Smith to the nation's capital, first reported by Terez Paylor of the Kansas City Star, almost guarantees Cousins will land a big deal on the open market. Which team isn't interested in the 29-year-old signal-caller? Where will he sign?

How will the New Orleans Saints handle their 39-year-old starting passer, Drew Brees? Should the Baltimore Ravens pursue an under-the-radar wide receiver in Seattle?

Kirk Cousins Too Pricey for the Buffalo Bills

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Teams with question marks at quarterback will put together an offer for Cousins, but the Buffalo Bills may opt to explore less costly options, per Mark Gaughan of Buffalo News (h/t Nick Veronica of the same outlet).

"Cousins is expected to be too pricey for the Bills," Veronica reported. "Gaughan wrote, "nothing about his history suggests he's a lift-a-modestly-talented-squad-on-his shoulders player."

The Bills haven't fully supported signal-caller Tyrod Taylor, who stood on the sideline and watched rookie passer Nathan Peterman start against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 11 this past season. The veteran quarterback also made it clear he's not interested in giving the organization another discount, per Buffalo News reporter Vic Carucci:

Cousins doesn't strike the Bills as a top-tier quarterback, and the team doesn't have one under center in Taylor. It makes sense for the front office to take an in-depth look at the incoming crop of passers in April. 

As for the 29-year-old free agent-to-be, he's not opposed to playing for the Denver Broncos, per 9News reporter Mike Klis: 

On the Dan Patrick Show, Broncos pass-rusher Von Miller campaigned for Cousins to land in the Mile High City (h/t Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post):

Broncos executive vice president of football operations and general manager John Elway has already swung and missed three times at quarterback with Trevor Siemian, Brock Osweiler and Paxton Lynch. Despite holding the No. 5 overall pick, the front office will likely clear enough cap space to acquire a proven commodity in Cousins.

Prediction: Kirk Cousins signs a five-year deal with the Broncos.

Seattle Seahawks Won't Exceed an Annual $5.5M for WR Paul Richardson

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After two nondescript seasons and one shortened because of injury, wideout Paul Richardson broke out as an impact player for the Seattle Seahawks during the 2017 campaign. He racked up 44 receptions for 703 yards and six touchdowns in an offense heavily reliant on quarterback Russell Wilson's ability to push the ball downfield through the air.

The fourth-year wideout finished second on the team in receiving yards and third in touchdown catches.

However, the Seahawks intend to keep a tight budget when engaging Richardson at the negotiating table, per ESPN's John Clayton (h/t Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times): "If Richardson really wants $7 million per year—as some have suggested—that might be too much for the Seahawks (John Clayton of ESPN 710 Seattle has reported Seattle won't want to go above $5.5 million for Richardson)." 

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Look for the 25-year-old wide receiver to sign a long-term deal after his best year.

The Ravens have a major need at the position with a quarterback who can sling the ball downfield with decent perimeter weapons. As 31-year-old Mike Wallace hits the free-agent market, general manager Ozzie Newsome will dip into the talent pool and sign Richardson.

Prediction: Paul Richardson signs a three-year deal with the Ravens.

Another Year in New Orleans for Drew Brees

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There's no indication the Saints and Brees plan to go separate ways once his contract officially expires. After winning the NFC South title and being a miracle play away from the NFC Championship Game, why start over at the most important position on the field?

Brees turned 39 in January, but the Saints plan on moving forward with him one year at a time, per ESPN.com reporter Mike Triplett:

"Brees might get a bigger average salary than Smith's reported $23.25 million per year but won't get anywhere near the amount of guaranteed money Smith will.

"The Saints have made it clear that they only want to pay Brees one year at a time now that he is 39 years old. And Brees has been willing to play ball."

The offseason will bring few guarantees, but it's safe to pencil Brees in as New Orleans' starting quarterback in 2018. He's still performing at an optimal level, and the front office has surrounded him with quality offensive assets.

Prediction: Drew Brees signs a one-year deal with the Saints.