Dark-Horse Destinations for NFL's Biggest Free Agents

Some projected destinations for the top NFL free agents make sense—other potential suitors will catch us by surprise.

Last year, we could easily draw the connection between defensive end Trey Flowers and Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia because of their New England Patriots ties. Few people, if any, predicted defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh would sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

In March, there will be predictable landing spots for star free agents; however, we shouldn't overlook the dark-horse choices.

We'll profile 10 of the top impending free agents who have a fair chance of suiting up for a new team in 2020. What developments may send shockwaves through the league? Let's take a look at three options for each of these veterans set to hit the open market.

Top players such as Drew Brees, Dak Prescott and Derrick Henry have been left off the list because of the high probability that they'll re-sign (or in Brees' case retire).

QB Tom Brady

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After a wild-card loss to the Tennessee Titans, Tom Brady didn't give definite answers about his future. However, he did offer a teaser, telling reporters retirement seems "pretty unlikely."

Taking Brady's word at the podium, we can almost assume the six-time Super Bowl champion will suit up for his 21st season whether it's with the New England Patriots or elsewhere. For now, we'll focus on new territory for the 42-year-old signal-caller, even if a return to Foxborough is the most likely scenario. 

Even in a down year with a depleted pass-catching group, Brady threw for 4,057 yards (seventh leaguewide), 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He can still lead a team to the playoffs with a solid supporting cast.

If Philip Rivers doesn't re-sign with the Los Angeles Chargers, general manager Tom Telesco should be on the phone with Brady's representatives. 

The Chargers have wideouts Keenan Allen and Mike Williams under contract for 2020. They can re-sign tight end Hunter Henry to round out a solid pass-catching group. Running back Melvin Gordon III will be a free agent, but Austin Ekeler has proved himself as an effective replacement this season, logging 1,550 yards from scrimmage. 

In Los Angeles, Brady could join an offense capable of putting up a lot of points every week. The Chargers also fielded an offensive line that ranked ninth in pass protection last season, per Football Outsiders. 

The Indianapolis Colts don't have comparable targets to the Chargers' options, but general manager Chris Ballard could spend some of the team's projected $96.5 million in cap space to bolster the wide receiver corps behind T.Y. Hilton. Furthermore, the club's offensive line ranked seventh in pass protection, per Football Outsiders, with the seventh-ranked ground attack.

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace pegged quarterback Mitchell Trubisky as the team's starter for 2020. Nevertheless, how could he turn down Brady if the cerebral signal-caller wanted to suit up alongside a top-five scoring defense?

The Bears would also have a more efficient offense with Brady and all of his experience. Allen Robinson II, Anthony Miller and Taylor Gabriel are an upgrade over the wide receiver talent in New England, which featured two rookies, N'Keal Harry and Jakobi Meyers, behind Julian Edelman and midseason acquisition Mohamed Sanu Sr.

Dark-Horse Destinations: LAC, IND, CHI

QB Jameis Winston

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Following a productive but turnover-filled campaign, Jameis Winston faces an uncertain future despite a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport that suggested the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would keep the signal-caller for 2020.

According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, the Buccaneers may have a firm decision regarding the impending free agent in the coming weeks.

If you look at the glass as half full, Winston led the league in passing yards (5,109) and finished with a career-high 33 touchdown passes. On the other hand, some teams won't look past his 30 interceptions.

Winston may be able to cut down on turnovers when paired with a strong ground attack—something the Buccaneers didn't have this season (ranked 24th). He could also flourish with an elite coaching staff. 

Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn didn't commit to the idea that Rivers, 38, would be back with the organization, per ESPN's Eric Williams. Lynn is a former running backs coach who may rely heavily on the ground attack next season. If that's the case, Winston can feed off Ekeler, who had a breakout 2019. 

In Indianapolis, Ballard said, "the jury's still out" on Jacoby Brissett's role as the starting quarterback. If the Colts GM wants a more aggressive passer, Winston checks that box. 

In 2019, the Colts ranked fifth in rush attempts, so Winston wouldn't have to put the offense on his shoulders.

Lastly, if Brady doesn't re-sign with the Patriots, head coach Bill Belichick and his staff could flex their collective muscle by refining Winston's quarterback skills. 

Dark-Horse Destinations: LAC, IND, NE

RB Melvin Gordon III

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Last offseason, Melvin Gordon III held out in hopes of landing a new deal. The Los Angeles Chargers didn't budge on negotiations, and the two-time Pro Bowler reported to the team before Week 4.

Gordon suited up for 12 games but finished with a career-low 612 rushing yards—partially because of Ekeler's emergence.

Coming off a down year and likely exiting L.A., Gordon may go into the 2020 campaign with something to prove to his former team. The 26-year-old could consider signing with a division rival to make a statement.

Raiders head coach Jon Gruden has looked to establish the ground attack in recent seasons. The lead skipper's offensive units have ranked 11th in rush attempts for three of his last four seasons at the helm, stretching back to his days in Tampa Bay.

This year, the Raiders leaned on running back Josh Jacobs, who logged 242 rushing attempts this season. In Week 7, the rookie ball-carrier suffered a fractured shoulder and missed three games. 

Gruden could add Gordon to lighten the workload on his rookie going forward. The Raiders would field one of the best running back tandems in the league. 

Gordon could also sign with the Kansas City Chiefs—another division rival of the Chargers. Andy Reid isn't known for running the ball with high frequency, but his offense lost some luster after the team released Kareem Hunt. Gordon could provide the dual-threat component that's been missing on a consistent level.

Like Reid, Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians' offensive design has emphasized the passing game more than the ground attack. Tampa Bay also has Ronald Jones II developing in the backfield. Nevertheless, Gordon would serve as a safety valve for Winston, if he's re-signed, in the short passing attack.

Dark-Horse Destinations: LVR, KC, TB

WR Amari Cooper

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In 2019, Amari Cooper had his best season statistically, logging 79 catches for 1,189 yards and eight touchdowns—the latter two numbers career highs. If the Dallas Cowboys let him walk, he'll draw interest from several suitors.

The 25-year-old disappears in spots, and physical cornerbacks may be able to disrupt his route running, but the three-time Pro Bowler can take the top off a defense and draw extra coverage from safeties. Still, he was held to fewer than 49 receiving yards in seven games this season. That's a bit worrisome for a No. 1 wide receiver.

He could go to New Orleans as a secondary option behind Michael Thomas, who has dominated as one of the NFL's best targets. Cooper could draw some of the coverage away from Thomas downfield and make either Drew Brees or Teddy Bridgewater's life easier under center.

Pittsburgh Steelers wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster's first campaign without Antonio Brown didn't pan out well. He battled injuries (toe, concussion and knee) and logged a career-low catch rate (60 percent). Perhaps quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's return from an elbow injury coupled with a polished threat on the opposite side would help elevate Smith-Schuster's numbers back to a Pro-Bowl level.

Furthermore, the Steelers would have a viable aerial attack capable of keeping pace with the Baltimore Ravens' No. 1 scoring offense.

The Patriots could entice Brady to return with Cooper, who's a technician with his route tree and would be the No. 1 option. When he struggles, Edelman and Sanu could take over.

Dark-Horse Destinations: NO, PIT, NE

WR A.J. Green

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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green recorded 1,000-plus receiving yards in five consecutive seasons alongside mediocre quarterback Andy Dalton.

Once his ankle is healthy, Green could post gaudy numbers with a top-tier or ascending signal-caller. As he grows wary of what could come next in Cincinnati, perhaps a new team with playoff aspirations would suit him well as he goes into his age-32 season.

In 2017, when Green played his last full 16-game slate, he recorded 75 catches for 1,078 yards and eight touchdowns. Several contenders could use that level production for a postseason push in 2020 and beyond.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz helped lead his squad to the playoffs with Greg Ward, a collegiate quarterback at Houston, as his No. 1 wide receiver late in the season. This year, the Eagles dealt with injuries. Wideout Nelson Agholor will hit the free-agent market. Alshon Jeffery underwent foot surgery to address a Lisfranc issue in December. Will he be the same?

If Green hits the market, the Eagles could pair him with speedy deep threat DeSean Jackson, JJ Arcega-Whiteside and possibly Jeffery for a strong group.

The Saints, who need a No. 2 wide receiver, could also be interested. If Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald retires, the front office can go after Green—a potential Hall of Famer. Quarterback Kyler Murray could rejuvenate the wideout's career.

Dark-Horse Destinations: PHI, NO, AZ

DT Chris Jones

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Last offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs traded for and signed defensive end Frank Clark to a five-year, $104 million deal. 

With Clark and safety Tyrann Mathieu earning top dollar at their respective defensive positions, the Chiefs may allow Jones to hit the market and then draft a top interior defender. Because he's logged 33 sacks in four seasons, several teams would line up to sign him.

Last year, the Green Bay Packers spent a lot of cash on their defense, signing Preston Smith, Za'Darius Smith and safety Adrian Amos. 

Those acquisitions paid immediate dividends, so it's feasible to think general manager Brian Gutekunst would take a swing at a high-performance defensive tackle to improve his 23rd-ranked rushing defense.

The Miami Dolphins selected Christian Wilkins in the first round last year. They don't need a star defensive tackle next to him if the front office trusts the coaching staff to develop the Clemson product into a solid contributor.

Yet, Jones' pass-rushing prowess may entice general manager Chris Grier, who needs to bolster his team's pocket pressure after Miami ranked last in sacks this season.

The Raiders have a solid rotation on the interior of the defensive line, featuring Johnathan Hankins, Maurice Hurst and P.J. Hall. They're all serviceable and occasionally generate pocket pressure. Jones would put that group over the top as arguably the league's best collection of defensive tackles.

Gruden's squad doesn't need Jones, but his ability to rush the passer could boost the Raiders' low count in quarterback hits (31st).

Dark-Horse Destinations: GB, MIA, LVR

DE Yannick Ngakoue

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The Jacksonville Jaguars will keep their front office and coaching staff intact, but team brass may have to shake up the roster because of its limited projected cap space ($1.3 million) for 2020.

Defensive end Yannick Ngakoue gave thanks to Jags fans via Twitter on Jan. 2. This doesn't necessarily mean he's going to hit the market—the Jaguars want to retain him, per 930 The Game's Eugene Frenette, but his price tag may be too high.

The majority of teams with enough cap space will line up to sign a premier pass-rusher. 

The Colts are projected to have the most cap space in 2020 at $96.5 million. They already have Justin Houston, along with young defensive ends Kemoko Turay and Ben Banogu, on the roster for next season.

Still, Ballard may look at his 23rd-ranked pass defense and decide the front line cannot wait for Banogu or Turay to develop into quality starters. This season, the former logged 2.5 sacks, and the latter landed on injured reserve with a broken ankle after Week 5. 

Defensive end Olivier Vernon had a disappointing 2019 campaign with the Cleveland Browns, logging 3.5 sacks in an injury-riddled year, which included a late-season knee setback. The team would be clear of dead money if it cut him. Whoever takes over the front office could do so and add Ngakoue to the defensive line. That's a solid addition, especially with Myles Garrett suspended indefinitely. 

The Buffalo Bills may look for an upgrade over Jerry Hughes and Trent Murphy on the edge. They combined for 9.5 sacks this season.

Dark-Horse Destinations: IND, CLE, BUF

EDGE Dante Fowler Jr.

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Dante Fowler Jr. put together a breakout 2019 campaign, playing up to his first-round draft pedigree, recording a career-high 11.5 sacks.

Fowler's production may price him out of Los Angeles, which is going into the offseason with a projected $23.7 million in cap space. That's approximately $23 million short of the league average.

At the peak of his career, Fowler may want to take the best deal available even if he's not playing for a readymade contender. 

In December, the Cardinals released Terrell Suggs, opening a spot opposite Chandler Jones on the edge. The NFC West club could close the gap behind the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams with a strong pass-rushing duo capable of applying relentless pocket pressure. 

The Dolphins have several roster holes to fill, but they pursued high-profile edge-defender Jadeveon Clowney via trade last offseason, per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. Perhaps the front office will turn its attention to Fowler in March.

The New York Giants may have interest in pairing Fowler with Markus Golden—if he's re-signed. The former could also lead the pass rush in case the coaching staff isn't sold on Oshane Ximines as an every-down option opposite Lorenzo Carter. 

Dark-Horse Destinations: ARZ, MIA, NYG

LB Cory Littleton

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Defenses needs an every-down linebacker who can play in both running and passing situations, since offensive coordinators can use spread offenses with an uptempo style to limit an opponent's personnel substitutions. 

Over the last two seasons, Cory Littleton proved he doesn't have to come off the field because of skill set restrictions. The 26-year-old played 95 and 94 percent of the Los Angeles Rams' defensive snaps in 2018 and 2019, respectively. 

If the Rams cannot afford to re-sign Littleton because of a potential looming investment in cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who has one year left on his deal, Littleton could either complete a top-ranked defense or become the centerpiece of a lower-tier unit.

In 2019, the Bears fielded the No. 4 scoring defense and ranked eighth in yards allowed. Pace wouldn't have to aggressively pursue Littleton, but the linebacker could be the missing piece to an elite group. 

Bears inside linebacker Danny Trevathan will hit the free-agent market in two months. If he doesn't re-sign, Pace may replenish the talent at the position.

The Raiders and Washington Redskins need talent at linebacker, but both teams have plenty of other holes to fill across the depth chart. Neither club is a strong bet to spend big money on a veteran who doesn't play a premium position, but they remain possibilities.

Dark-Horse Destinations: CHI, LVR, WAS

CB James Bradberry

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The Carolina Panthers may go through a roster rebuild under new head coach Matt Rhule. 

With that, cornerback James Bradberry will keep an open mind and take a business approach to his free-agent bid. But expect the Panthers to do the same.

Instead of paying Bradberry top dollar, Carolina may look to divvy up that cash to improve multiple positions on a 5-11 roster.

In addition to eight career interceptions, Bradberry has logged at least 10 pass deflections in all four of his seasons. Wherever he lands, the 26-year-old should be a No. 1 cornerback. 

The Eagles may run out of patience with Ronald Darby because of his injury history and allow him to walk via free agency. Sidney Jones, a 2017 second-rounder, has been underwhelming after coming out of Washington. Executive vice president Howie Roseman could address his 19th-ranked pass defense with a splashy signing at cornerback. 

Under head coach Matt Patricia, the Lions defense took a step back, going from 16th in points allowed and 10th yards allowed to 26th and 31st, respectively. 

General manager Bob Quinn could pursue Bradberry, pairing him with Darius Slay to form a strong cornerback tandem.

In December, the Giants waived cornerback Janoris Jenkins with one year left on his deal, and he signed with the Saints, so Big Blue has a void opposite rookie DeAndre Baker. Bradberry can share his experience with the first-year cover man while locking down one side of the secondary.

After giving up 30 touchdowns through the air this season, the Giants could use Bradberry's polished skill set. 

Dark-Horse Destinations: PHI, DET, NYG