2018 NFL Free Agents: Post-Super Bowl Rumors and Predictions

The NFL quarterback carousel is set to speed up once again when free agency begins on March 14.

The mad scramble for a reliable signal-caller started before Super Bowl LII, as Alex Smith was traded from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Washington Redskins, a move that will be official at the start of the new league year.

With Smith landing in Washington, the next domino to fall should be Kirk Cousins, who will headline the 2018 NFL free-agency class, but as it always is with the Redskins, that situation could get messy before it's solved.

Before the carousel—with Cousins as the top prize—even starts to spin, two NFC franchises should secure their quarterbacks with new deals.

While there will be plenty of drama involving the quarterbacks, it won't be the only position that pops into the spotlight when the free-agent market opens in March.

Washington Could Complicate Cousins Situation

Where Cousins ends up, and more importantly how he gets there, will alter the dynamic of the free-agent market.

The Redskins, who traded for his replacement last week, could throw a wrench into the process if they slap the Michigan State product with the franchise tag.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Redskins are thinking about putting the franchise tag on Cousins in order to get something in return for him in a trade.

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The tag could limit Cousins' list of suitors, especially if other options are out there at the position that teams can sign without sending compensation to their former team.

Given the severity of the need for a quarterback across the NFL, there will be one or two teams willing to make a deal with the Redskins if this situation occurs in order to secure a proven signal-caller.

If Cousins ends up on the open market, there will be a free-for-all involving the Arizona Cardinals, Denver Broncos, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns and possibly a surprise team or two.

Denver should be Cousins' best option as it has a reputable defense and a second-year head coach in Vance Joseph hungry to prove his worth.

Arizona could be an intriguing situation with new head coach Steve Wilks and offensive coordinator Mike McCoy in search of a quarterback to replace the retired Carson Palmer.

The Jets, Browns and whoever else jumps into the Cousins race will be at a disadvantage given the current status of their rosters.

Prediction: Cousins to Denver

Garoppolo, Brees Expected to Re-Sign Soon

The most predictable deals for free-agent quarterbacks should occur before the frenzy in mid-March takes up all of our interest ahead of the NFL draft.

Jimmy Garoppolo, who was acquired by the San Francisco 49ers from the New England Patriots this season, is expected to agree to a deal with the team soon, per NFL Network's Ian Rapaport.

With Garoppolo locked up for the long term, the 49ers will be able to add pieces to their roster in free agency and with a top-10 pick in April's draft.

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Over in New Orleans, the Saints are going through the same process to ensure Drew Brees is again under center for the 2018 season.

Brees has exuded confidence about returning to New Orleans since the Saints were eliminated in the divisional round by the Minnesota Vikings. The 39-year-old echoed that sentiment during Super Bowl week, when he told SiriusXM NFL Radio he's not stressing about his decision.

The situations involving Garoppolo and Brees may seem boring compared to the drama that's expected to occur at the position in free agency and at the draft, but they are necessary steps to officially secure consistency for the 49ers and Saints.

Prediction: Garoppolo re-signs with San Francisco, Brees re-signs with New Orleans

Where Will Butler Land After Super Bowl Benching?

While the New England Patriots were busy trading barbs with the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII, questions arose about the status of defensive back Malcolm Butler, who didn't play a defensive snap in the 41-33 defeat.

Butler expressed his frustration after the game, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss, while NFL Network's Ian Rapoport brought additional information into the spotlight on Monday, as he noted a combination of factors led to the benching.

Regardless of when the real reasoning comes out, it appears Butler is on the way out of New England.

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The soon-to-be free agent has some explaining to do to his potential suitors as to what exactly occurred on Sunday, but don't expect it to be a major hindrance on his free-agent situation.

Oakland could be in the market for Butler after it released defensive back David Amerson after three seasons on Monday.

The Packers and Seahawks are both in need of secondary additions, but they might opt to fill those voids in the first round of the draft with a few prospects available, such as Iowa's Josh Jackson and Colorado's Isaiah Oliver.

The two-time Super Bowl champion will receive a hefty pay day somewhere, and with Oakland opening up a roster spot at defensive back on Monday, it could go all in on the 27-year-old.

Prediction: Butler to Oakland

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