NFL Free Agents 2020: Latest Rumors and Predictions for Market's Remaining Names

The NFL's first official day of free agency is on Wednesday, but Monday gave teams the ability to start negotiating with players' representatives. The so-called legal tampering period brought a flood of reported deals to the free-agency market, with several of the league's top names agreeing to long-term contracts or getting ready for negotiation battles after getting hit with the franchise tag. 

Not every marquee player found an obvious suitor on Monday. Some are still evaluating their options or perhaps waiting for a market to develop for their talent. Here's a look at some of the rumors swirling around the league's biggest names.

Philip Rivers

Charlie Riedel/Associated Press

While Brady's market is three teams, the rumors seem to suggest Rivers has only one motivated suitor. According to Rapoport (via Yahoo Sports), Rivers has had "some talks" with the Indianapolis Colts, but the veteran signal-caller is asking for a lot of money and the Colts aren't quite meeting his asking price.

The Colts are unwilling to commit to Jacoby Brissett as their starting quarterback. He was solid in 2019, throwing for 2,942 yards, 18 touchdowns and six interceptions, but he lacks the spark to be a game-changer. Rivers is 11 years older than Brissett and represents a significant risk after throwing 20 interceptions in 2019, but he's one of the league's most accurate passers and has a long history of steering teams to successful seasons. 

As for other possible landing spots, the Bucs might take a look at Rivers if they can't land Brady. Rivers did move to Florida after leaving San Diego, and it's clear the Bucs are looking at their quarterback options after Jameis Winston's historic 30-touchdown, 30-interception season. Then again, Rivers might not be the ideal replacement if the Bucs want to drastically cut down on turnovers. 

Prediction: Rivers signs two-year deal with Colts

Melvin Gordon

Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images

Another player destined to leave the Chargers this year is running back Melvin Gordon. His failed contract standoff last year saw him miss part of the season, allowing the likes of Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson to shine in his absence. The Bolts rewarded Ekeler with a new deal, and if the team feels it needs more power in the backfield, it should be able to address that in the draft. 

With the likes of Derrick Henry getting the franchise tag from Tennessee and the Arizona Cardinals giving Kenyan Drake the transition tag, Gordon's market is shrinking. NFL.com's Michael Fabiano noted three teams that were interested in him as of Monday:

ESPN.com's Cameron Wolfe reported Saturday that Gordon would be interested in Miami "at the right price," a sum that may have to come down because of the Dolphins' spending spree. The Fins are flush with cap space, but they have already agreed to deals with Van Noy (per Rapoport), cornerback Byron Jones and guard Ereck Flowers (per ESPN's Adam Schefter). Those big-time signings might entice Gordon to join Miami at a reasonable price, completing an incredible free-agency haul for a team coming off a 5-11 season.

The Falcons cut Devonta Freeman, so there is an opening for a feature back. However, the team's money might be better spent on the other side of the ball. The Falcons were 23rd in scoring defense last season and tied for 22nd in sacks. Like the Falcons, the Bucs struggled to run the ball last year, but their priority appears to be at quarterback.

The Falcons and Bucs might still be in play, but look for the Dolphins to make another splash.

Prediction: Gordon signs with Dolphins