RANKING TOP FREE AGENTS BY POSITION
The NFL free agent market officially opens this week. We rank the top available players at each position:
Quarterbacks
1. Kirk Cousins, Washington Redskins (received franchise tag) 2. Mike Glennon, Tampa Bay 3. Brian Hoyer, Chicago 4. Geno Smith, New York Jets 5. Ryan Fitzpatrick, New York Jets 6. Matt Barkley, Chicago 7. Josh McCown, Cleveland 8. Landry Jones, Pittsburgh 9. Case Keenum, Los Angeles Rams 10. Mark Sanchez, Dallas
Best of the rest: EJ Manuel, Buffalo; Matt Cassel, Tennessee; Blaine Gabbert, San Francisco; Matt McGloin, Oakland; Christian Ponder, San Francisco; T.J. Yates, Miami; Dan Orlovsky, Detroit; Shaun Hill, Minnesota; Josh Johnson, New York Giants; Ryan Mallett, Baltimore; Matt Schaub, Atlanta; Kellen Moore, Dallas; Kellen Clemens, Los Angeles Chargers, Johnny Manziel, Cleveland; Ryan Nassib, New York Giants; Thad Lewis, San Francisco. Kirk Cousins proved last year wasn’t a fluke and put up more than 4,900 passing yards and 25 touchdowns in Washington, but the franchise tag was slapped on him again for the second year. Could a trade be in his future? ... With few options available, teams in a need of a stopgap starter will kick the tires on Mike Glennon and Geno Smith ... Bryan Hoyer had six TD passes and zero interceptions while subbing in for the Bears before breaking his arm. He could find himself reunited with Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco.
Running backs
1. Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh (received franchise tag) 2. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota 3. Eddie Lacy, Green Bay 4. Jamaal Charles, Kanas City 5. Latavius Murray, Oakland 6. LeGarrette Blount, New England 7. Rex Burkhead, Cincinnati 8. Andre Ellington, Arizona 9. Jacquizz Rodgers, Tampa Bay 10. Danny Woodhead, Los An-
geles Chargers
Best of the rest: Christine Michael, Green Bay; Chris Johnson, Arizona; Brandon Bolden, New England; Tim Hightower, New Orleans; DeAngelo Williams, Pittsburgh; Justin Forsett, Denver; Darren McFadden, Dallas; Denard Robinson, Jacksonville; Jonathan Grimes, Houston; Shaun Draughn, San Francisco; Bobby Rainey, New York Giants; Jordan Todman, Indianapolis; Robert Turbin, Indianapolis; Knile Davis, Kansas City; Lance Dunbar, Dallas; Rashad Jennings, New York Giants; Travaris Cadet, New Orleans; Antone Smith, Tampa Bay; Dexter McCluster, Los Angeles Chargers; Benny Cunningham, Los Angeles Rams; DuJuan Harris, San Francisco; Chase Reynolds, Los Angeles Rams; Matt Asiata, Minnesota; James Starks, Green Bay; Ronnie Hillman, Los Angeles Chargers; Cedric Peerman, Cincinnati; Stepfan Taylor, Arizona; Joique Bell, Detroit; Reggie Bush, Buffalo.
Adrian Peterson, coming off a torn meniscus, ran behind a mediocre (at best) offensive line last season. Despite turning 32 this month, Peterson will have suitors for his services, banking that last year was an anomaly. ... Eddie
Lacy might have only racked up 72 yards per game for Green Bay, but his 5.1 yards per carry says people should consider giving him a call. ... Can anyone trust the knees of Jamaal Charles? Someone will give him a year to find out. ... Rex Burkhead could be the diamond in the rough. He posted 4.6 yards per carry for Cincinnati, including a regularseason finale in which he racked up 119 yards and two TDs against Baltimore.
Fullbacks
1. Patrick DiMarco, Atlanta 2. Kyle Juszczyk, Baltimore 3. Mike Tolbert, Carolina 4. Zach Line, Minnesota 5. James Develin, New England 6. Jerome Felton, Buffalo 7. Marcel Reece, Seattle 8. Will Tukuafu, Seattle
Patrick DiMarco flashed his pass-catching skills against the Colts in Week 11 of the 2015 season with three catches for 21 yards and two TDs. Every team in the NFL remembers watching him open holes for Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman in 2016. ... Kyle Juszczyk also is known for his soft hands out of the backfield, but he really shined in the blocking department, especially where Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco was concerned.
Wide receivers
1. Alshon Jeffery, Chicago 2. DeSean Jackson, Washington 3. Terrelle Pryor, Cleveland 4. Brandon Marshall, New York Jets 5. Michael Floyd, New England 6. Kenny Britt, Los Angeles Rams 7. Kendall Wright, Tennessee 8. Pierre Garcon, Washington 9. Kenny Stills, Miami 10. Robert Woods, Buffalo
Best of the rest: Cordarrelle Patterson, Minnesota; Ted Ginn Jr., Carolina; Brandon LaFell, Cincinnati; Brian Quick, Los Angeles Rams; Terrance Williams, Dallas; Brice Butler, Dallas; Anquan Boldin, Detroit; Marquess Wilson, Chicago; Markus Wheaton, Pittsburgh Steelers; Kamar Aiken, Baltimore; Andrew Hawkins, Cleveland; Andre Holmes, Oakland; Vincent Jackson, Tampa Bay; Rod Streater, San Francisco; Victor Cruz, New York Giants; Justin Hunter, Buffalo; Stedman Bailey, Los Angeles Rams; Jeremy Kerley, San Francisco; Marc Mariani, Tennessee; Deonte Thompson, Chicago; Aldrick Robinson, Atlanta; Andre Roberts, Detroit;
Quinton Patton, San Francisco; Percy Harvin, Buffalo; Brenton Bersin, Carolina; Bryan Walters, Jacksonville; Eric Weems, Atlanta; Michael Johnson, Philadelphia; Marlon Brown, Denver; Russell Shepard, Tampa Bay; Cecil Shorts, Tampa Bay; Jordan Norwood, Denver.
Alshon Jeffery didn’t get the big numbers he was hoping for in 2016 and a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy didn’t help his cause. However, he is clearly the top talent in this year’s wide receiver crop, and someone will surely pay top dollar for his services. ... DeSean Jack
son’s 17.9 yards-per-catch average was among the best in the league last season. He’s still in his prime at 30. ... Terrelle Pryor is the ultimate question mark. Can he hold up as a No. 1 receiver? With 1,007 yards in his first full year at the position, teams are eager to find out.
Tight ends
1. Martellus Bennett, New England 2. Jack Doyle, Indianapolis 3. Jared Cook, Green Bay 4. Vernon Davis, Washington 5. Jermaine Gresham, Arizona 6. Jacob Tamme, Atlanta 7. Luke Willson, Seattle 8. Anthony Fasano, Tennessee 9. Dion Sims, Miami 10. Gavin Escobar, Dallas
Best of the rest: Levine Toilolo, Atlanta; Larry Donnell, New York Giants; Jordan Cameron, Miami Dolphins; Mychal Rivera, Oakland; Ryan Griffin, Houston; Timothy Wright, Detroit; Clay Harbor, Detroit; Kellen Davis, New York Jets; Brandon Williams, Seattle; MarQueis Gray, Miami; Jim Dray, San Francisco; Logan Paulsen, Chicago; Jeff Cumberland, Los Angeles Chargers; John Phillips, New Orleans; Brandon Myers, Tampa Bay; David Johnson, Pittsburgh; Matthew Mulligan, Detroit; Dominique Jones, Miami.
Rare are the tight ends that can do it all, but that is exactly what
Martellus Bennett brings to the table. Pair that with his toughness, and it’s easy to see why he is the top tight end in this market. Did we mention his 701 yards receiving and seven TDs? ... Jack
Doyle showed plenty of upside with his ability to yards yards after the catch. Can the Colts afford to bring him back? ... Ver
non Davis showed he still has gas left in the tank, averaging 13.3 yards per catch, including 11 receptions of 20 yards or more.
Offensive tackles
1. Riley Reiff, Detroit 2. Andrew Whitworth, Cincinnati 3. Ricky Wagner, Baltimore 4. Russell Okung, Denver 5. Matt Kalil, Minnesota 6. Ryan Clady, New York Jets 7. Kelvin Beachum, Jacksonville 8. Jordan Mills, Buffalo 9. Sebastian Vollmer, New England 10. Menelik Watson, Oakland
Best of the rest: Mike Remmers, Carolina; Gosder Cherilus, Tampa Bay; Eric Winston, Cincinnati; Marshall Newhouse, New York Giants; Will Beatty, New York Giants; Ben Ijalana, New York Jets; Andre Smith, Minnesota; Matt McCants, Chicago; Bradley Sowell, Seattle; Jake Long, Minnesota; Tony Hills, New Orleans; Mike Adams, Chicago; Earl Watford, Arizona; Don Barclay, Green Bay; Jeffrey Linkenbach, Jacksonville; David Quessenberry, Houston; Sam Young, Miami; Byron Bell, Tennessee; Nick Becton, Chicago. Riley Reiff was a big part of Matthew Stafford’s resurgence, and his skills haven’t gone unnoticed. ... Andrew Whitworth is a beast, but he is 35. When will Father Time catch up with him? ... Russell Okung didn’t pan out in Denver, but considering the weakness of the tackle crop, he’s sure to still get paid for his services. ... Teams looking for experience on the offensive line will give Kelvin
Beachum another go despite his struggles in 2017.
Guards
1. Kevin Zeitler, Cincinnati 2. Larry Warford, Detroit 3. T.J. Lang, Green Bay 4. Ronald Leary, Dallas 5. Chance Warmack, Tennessee 6. Tim Lelito, New Orleans 7. Luke Joeckel, Jacksonville 8. Brandon Fusco, Minnesota 9. Ted Larsen, Chicago 10. John Jerry, New York Giants
Best of the rest: Jahri Evans, New Orleans; Mike Harris, Minnesota; Patrick Omameh, Jacksonville; Hugh Thornton, Indianapolis; Andrew Gardner, San Francisco; Jermon Bushrod, Miami; Chris Chester, Atlanta; Oday Aboushi, Houston; Evan Mathis, Arizona; Vladimir Ducasse, Baltimore; Tom Compton, Atlanta; Chris Scott, Carolina; Austin Pasztor, Cleveland.
The strength and power of Kevin Zeitler will be coveted by many teams seeking help on the offensive line. ... No one will ques- tion the abilities of T.J. Lang. His health? That might be another thing entirely, especially for the price tag he’ll demand. ... Ronald
Leary did a great job of keeping defenses off of Dak Prescott for the Cowboys. Of course, that is easier to do when you are sandwiched between all-pros in left tackle Tyron Smith and center Travis Frederick.
Centers
1. Nick Mangold, New York Jets 2. J.C. Tretter, Green Bay 3. A.Q. Shipley, Arizona 4. Joe Hawley, Tampa Bay 5. John Sullivan, Washington 6. Brian Schwenke, Tennessee 7. Ryan Wendell, Carolina 8. Mike Person, Kansas City 9. Cody Wallace, Pittsburgh Steelers A weak crop of centers made
Nick Mangold’s availability a pleasant sight. The Jets are moving on from the 33-year-old seven-time Pro Bowl pick to save money, but his experience could be huge for a young offensive line. ... J.C. Tretter’s seven-game audition as a fill-in on Green Bay’s offensive line went well enough that several teams should be looking into his services.
Defensive ends
1. Calais Campbell, Arizona 2. Jason Pierre-Paul, New York Giants (received franchise tag) 3. Chris Baker, Washington 4. Jabaal Sheard, New England 5. Charles Johnson, Carolina 6. Lawrence Guy, Baltimore 7. Jared Odrick, Jacksonville 8. Andre Branch, Miami 9. Dwight Freeney, Atlanta 10. Mario Williams, Miami
Best of the rest: Chris Long, New England; Devin Taylor, Detroit; Darryl Tapp, New Orleans; Margus Hunt, Cincinnati; William Gholston, Tampa Bay; Jason Jones, Miami; Damontre Moore, Seattle; Justin Trattou, Minnesota; Jarvis Jenkins, Kansas City; Stephen Paea, Cleveland; Wallace Gilberry, Cincinnati; C.J. Wilson, Chicago; Cornelius Washington, Chicago; Cullen Jenkins, Washington; Cam Thomas, Los Angeles Rams; Ziggy Hood, Washington; Glenn Dorsey, San Francisco; Vance Walker, Denver; Damion Square, Los Angeles Chargers; Kendall Reyes, Kansas City; Antonio Smith, Houston; John Hughes, Tampa Bay; Tony JerodEddie, San Francisco; Billy Winn, Denver; Jack Crawford, Dallas; Greg Scruggs, New England.
After eight sacks and 12 tackles for losses in 2016, Calais Camp
bell has teams with money to spend salivating at the chance to land the 31-year-old. ... Chris
Baker’s 48 combined tackles and constant ability to create havoc make him a premium addition for any defensive unit.
Defensive tackles
1. Kawann Short, Carolina (received franchise tag) 2. Brandon Williams, Baltimore 3. Dontari Poe, Kansas City 4. Johnathan Hankins, New York Giants 5. Nick Fairley, New Orleans 6. Alan Branch, New England 7. Bennie Logan, Philadelphia 8. Terrell McClain, Dallas 9. Stacy McGee, Oakland 10. Karl Klug, Tennessee Titans
Best of the rest: Vince Wilfork, Houston; Tyrunn Walker, Detroit; Tony McDaniel, Seattle; Sylvester Williams, Denver; Frostee Rucker, Arizona; Corbin Bryant, Buffalo; Jonathan Babineaux, Atlanta; John Jenkins, Seattle; Kedric Golston, Washington; Stefan Charles, Detroit; Domata Peko, Cincinnati; Akeem Spence, Tampa Bay; Jordan Hill, Jacksonville; Kyle Love, Carolina; Ricardo Mathews, Pittsburgh; Leger
Douzable, Buffalo; Devon Still, Houston; Sealver Siliga, Tampa Bay; Tyson Alualu, Jacksonville; Paul Soliai, Carolina; Sean Lissemore, Los Angeles Chargers; Brandon Thompson, Cincinnati.
Brandon Williams really should almost be 1B because he was an one-man wrecking crew when it came to stopping the run in Baltimore. ... Few defensive tackles have the athleticism of
Dontari Poe, and he’s still fairly young. ... Nick Fairley had 43 combined tackles and 61⁄ sacks in 2 2016. If you’re looking for raw power, here’s where you start.
Outside linebackers
1. Melvin Ingram, Los Angeles Chargers (received franchise tag)
2. Chandler Jones, Arizona (received franchise tag) 3. Nick Perry, Green Bay 4. Julius Peppers, Green Bay 5. DeMarcus Ware, Denver 6. Alex Okafor, Arizona 7. Lorenzo Alexander, Buffalo 8. Datone Jones, Green Bay 9. Erik Walden, Indianapolis 10. John Simon, Houston
Best of the rest: Paul Kruger, New Orleans; Jarvis Jones, Pittsburgh; Chad Greenway, Minnesota; Josh Bynes, Detroit Lions; Armonty Bryant, Detroit; Jelani Jenkins, Miami; Courtney Upshaw, Atlanta; Trent Cole, Indianapolis; David Bass, Tennessee; Mike Morgan, Seattle; Bryan Braman, Philadelphia; Michael Mauti, New Orleans; Barkevious Mingo, New England; Sam Acho, Chicago; Spencer Paysinger, Miami; Philip Wheeler, Atlanta; Tourek Williams, Los Angeles Chargers; Ramon Humber, Buffalo; Andrew Gachkar, Dallas; Josh Martin, New York Jets; Mark Herzlich, New York Giants; Corey Lemonier, New York Jets; Dekoda Watson, Denver; Akeem Ayers, Indianapolis; Chris Carter, Indianapolis; Lerentee McCray, Buffalo. Nick Perry was tied for fifth in the NFL with 11 sacks while playing with Julius Peppers, Clay Matthews and Datone Jones. There’s a need for that. ... Peppers had 71⁄ sacks for Green Bay, giv2 ing him 14 of 15 years with at least seven sacks. Did we mention he’s 37? ... At 34, DeMarcus Ware , can still find the quarterback and create havoc in the backfield. Can he stay on the field?
Inside linebackers
1. Dont’a Hightower, New England 2. Zach Brown, Buffalo 3. Kevin Minter, Arizona 4. Perry Riley, Oakland 5. Lawrence Timmons, Pitts- burgh
6. Gerald Hodges, San Francisco 7. Malcolm Smith, Oakland 8. Sio Moore, Arizona 9. Manti Te’o, Los Angeles Chargers 10. Sean Spence, Tennessee
Best of the rest: Paul Worrilow, Atlanta; Michael Wilhoite, San Francisco; Keenan Robinson, New York Giants; A.J. Klein, Carolina; Justin Durant, Dallas; Kelvin Sheppard, New York Giants; Jon Bostic, Detroit; Daryl Smith, Tampa Bay; Stephen Tulloch, Philadelphia; Sean Weatherspoon, Atlanta; Akeem Dent, Houston; Donald Butler, Miami; D’Qwell Jackson, Indianapolis; Rolando McClain, Dallas; Bruce Carter, New York Jets; Daren Bates, Oakland; Nick Bellore, San Francisco; Nate Palmer, Tennessee; Audie Cole, Minnesota; Najee Goode, Philadelphia; Sam Barrington, New Orleans; Terence Garvin, Washington; LaRoy Reynolds, Atlanta; Ben Jacobs, Carolina; Jason Trusnik, New Orleans.
Dont’a Hightower’s flexibility makes him highly coveted. Few inside linebackers can slip into coverage, stuff the run and pressure a quarterback the way he can. ... With 97 tackles and four sacks, there’s no question Zach
Brown will be one of the first to find a new home. ... Kevin Mint
er provided 81 combined tackles and 31⁄ sacks in his fourth season 2 with Arizona and should be on several teams’ radar.
Cornerbacks
1. A.J. Bouye, Houston 2. Stephon Gilmore, Buffalo 3. Trumaine Johnson, Los Angeles Rams (received franchise tag) 4. Logan Ryan, New England 5. Dre Kirkpatrick, Cincinnati 6. Morris Claiborne, Dallas 7. Prince Amukamara, Jacksonville 8. Brandon Carr, Dallas 9. Captain Munnerlyn, Minnesota 10. Nolan Carroll, Philadelphia
Best of the rest: Darrelle Revis, New York Jets; Darius Butler, Indianapolis; Sam Shields, Green Bay; Brandon Boykin, Cincinnati; Terence Newman, Minnesota; Leodis McKelvin, Philadelphia; Sterling Moore, New Orleans; Kayvon Webster, Denver; Robert McClain, Los Angeles Chargers; D.J. Hayden, Oakland; Leonard Johnson, Carolina; Leon Hall, New York Giants; Jerraud Powers, Baltimore; Marcus Cooper, Arizona; Coty Sensabaugh, New York Giants; Greg Toler, Washington Redskins; Trevin Wade, New York Giants; Valentino Blake, Tennessee; Mike Jenkins, Arizona; Johnthan Banks, Chicago; Corey White, Buffalo; Josh Robinson, Tampa Bay; Asa Jackson, Detroit; Chykie Brown, Cincinnati; Chimdi Chekwa, Miami; Ifo Ekpre- Olomu, Miami; Teddy Williams, Carolina; Josh Thomas, Dallas; Blidi Wreh-Wilson, Atlanta; Kyle Wilson, New Orleans; Dwayne Gratz, Philadelphia; Darryl Morris, Indianapolis. A.J. Bouye started last season as the fourth cornerback, and injuries allowed him to showcase his skills. Clearly, he didn’t disappoint with 63 combined tackles and 17 passes defended. ... Stephon Gilmore’s reputation precedes him as a shutdown corner. He tied for fifth in the NFL with five interceptions last year. ...
Logan Ryan was all over the field for the Patriots, collecting 92 total tackles and defending 13 passes.
Safeties
1. T.J. McDonald, Los Angeles Rams 2. Tony Jefferson, Arizona 3. Barry Church, Dallas 4. Johnathan Cyprien, Jacksonville 5. Micah Hyde, Green Bay 6. Bradley McDougald, Tampa Bay
7. Jahleel Addae, Los Angeles Chargers 8. D.J. Swearinger, Arizona 9. J.J. Wilcox, Dallas 10. Quintin Demps, Houston Texans Best of the rest: Jairus Byrd, New Orleans; Donte Whitner, Washington; Duron Harmon, New England; Matt Elam, Baltimore; James Ihedigbo, Buffalo; Rashad Johnson, Tennessee; Daimion Stafford, Tennessee; Mike Adams, Indianapolis; Duke Ihenacho, Washington; Robert Blanton, Buffalo; Jordan Poyer, Cleveland; Kemal Ishmael, Atlanta; Shiloh Keo, New Orleans; Nate Allen, Oakland; Jamarca Sanford, New Orleans; Roman Harper, New Orleans; Michael Griffin, Carolina; Chris Conte, Tampa Bay; Dashon Goldson, Atlanta; Chris Prosinski, Chicago; Don Jones, Houston; Rafael Bush, Detroit; Brynden Trawick, Oakland; Michael Thomas, Miami; Jeron Johnson, Seattle; Kelcie McCray, Seattle; Shamarko Thomas, Pittsburgh; Anthony Levine, Baltimore; Colin Jones, Carolina; Duke Williams, Indianapolis.
A heavy-hitting safety that can get into the backfield is always a welcome sight, and T.J. McDonald fills that role. ... Tony Jef
ferson finished 2016 with 92 combined tackles, ranking fifth among defensive backs. He added two sacks. ... Why is Johnathan
Cyprien a top target? He led all defensive backs with 127 total tackles.
Kickers
1. Steven Hauschka, Seattle 2. Greg Zuerlein, Los Angeles Rams 3. Phil Dawson, San Francisco 4. Nick Novak, Houston 5. Robbie Gould, New York Giants 6. Connor Barth, Chicago 7. Zach Hocker, Cincinnati
Steven Hauschka leads a decent crop of kickers available to teams in need. His 89% accuracy on 37 attempts last season was good for seventh in the league. He nailed his only kick of more than 50 yards. ... Robbie Gould proved there is life in his leg, hitting all 10 of his field goal attempts last season. However, his longest kick came from 47 yards. ... Nick No
vak punched home 85% of his 41 field goal tries, including three from over 50 yards.
Punters
1. Bryan Anger, Tampa Bay 2. Jeff Locke, Minnesota 3. Shane Lechler, Houston
Bryan Anger finished tied for third in the league for net average with retired Colts punter Pat McAfee at 42.7 yards per punt. He also tied for third in the NFL for placing kicks inside the 20-yard line with 37 and had five touchbacks. ... Another interesting leg to keep an eye on is Jeff Locke. He finished tied for fifth in the NFL for punts inside the 20 and only had three touchbacks.