Free Agent Fits

With the start of Free Agency just around the corner there are a lot of top level players that could be switching teams. Here is a look at 10 players that are the most likely to move teams and where those players fit the best.

1. QB Peyton Manning
Old Team: Indianapolis Colts
Fit: Kansas City Chiefs
Analysis: It's fairly clear that Manning won't be back in Indy for next year. And after video of his workouts surfaced online it looks like Manning has the desire to play this upcoming year. So where will he go? My money is on Miami, Seattle or Kansas City to be the favorites. However Kansas City seems like the most logical. Kansas City's new Head Coach is Romeo Crennel who speciality is defense and his new OC is Brian Daboll who will be an OC for the first time. This might appeal to Manning because he'll have more freedom in the offense. He's known for calling a lot of the plays and under an inexperienced OC he'll have the ability.

2. QB Matt Flynn
Old Team: Green Bay Packers
Fit: Miami Dolphins
Analysis: In his limited playing time Flynn has shown he has the skill set to be a potential starting QB in this league. Add that to the importance of the QB position now, he'll be in hot demand. Seattle, Washington, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Miami will all be after him. Seattle could be a good fit because of their West Coast Offense, but Miami is the best fit. The reason? New Dolphins HC Joe Philbin. Philbin comes from the Green Bay Packers as their offensive coordinator. He'll have some familiarity with Flynn and with Flynn's young age will have a QB for the foreseeable future.

3. WR Mike Wallace
Old Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Fit: New England Patriots
Analysis: Under normal circumstances the Steelers would already have Wallace locked up. However because they are so far over the cap, the Steelers could very well loose the primer deep threat in the NFL. Now Wallace is a restricted free agent and the Steelers will more than likely put a 1st and 3rd tender on him, but that shouldn't stop a team like New England who has 2 picks in each of the first three rounds. They can afford to part with those picks and fill their biggest hole on offense. Can you imagine Tom Brady having Wallace stretching the field? What would that do for their TEs and Welker? Scary!

4. WR Vincent Jackson
Old Team: San Diego Chargers
Fit: Chicago Bears
Analysis: It doesn't look like the Chargers will be franchising Jackson, so he'll likely test the market. He'll have plenty of teams after him, but the one that best fits him would be the Bears. The Bears haven't had a legitimate #1 receiver in a long time. Newly hired GM Phil Emery has made it known that he wants to upgrade the position. If Jackson is available, look for the Bears to go all out. They have the cap room to do so. Jackson would give QB Jay Cutler a big receiver who is an excellent deep threat somebody quality to throw to. This would also allow Earl Bennett, Johnny Knox and others to fit into more complementary roles that better suit their skills.

5. G Carl Nicks
Old Team: New Orleans Saints
Fit: Dallas Cowboys
Analysis: To be honest, there are a lot of NFL teams that Carl Nicks would be a perfect fit on. He's arguably the best guard in the NFL and if the Saints hadn't put the franchise tag on Drew Brees (they should have) they more than likely would have used it on Nicks. However Nicks will hit the market and attract a lot of attention. The place that could be the best fit might be the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys have a huge need at guard and have shown the desire to upgrade. But a real factor here is new Dallas OC Bill Callahan. It was Callahan who recruited Nicks from JUCO to come to Nebraska. A reunion could be in the works.

6. DE Mario Williams
Old Team: Houston Texans
Fit: Buffalo Bills
Analysis: It's crazy to think that Houston could let Mario walk, but with money needed in a variety of other spots, Williams could be the odd man out. Especially since the defense kept up at a high level after his injury. Williams would have a ton of suitors but look for him to go to a team with a 4-3 defense where he is better suited. That place might just be the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo management has expressed their desire to get some help rushing the passer and Williams could answer a lot of those issues. Buffalo may not feel they are in the best position to get one of the top defensive ends in the draft and could instead go after one of the primer free agents.

7. NT Paul Soliai
Old Team: Miami Dolphins
Fit: Indianapolis Colts
Analysis: Soliai isn't a household name, but he is one of the better 3-4 NTs in the league. And with Miami moving to the 4-3 they won't need him anymore. So Soliai will be looking for a new home. A great fit might be another team who is switching defenses. The Indianapolis Colts. New HC Chuck Pagano will transition this team from a 4-3 Tampa 2 to a 3-4 defense like he had while in Baltimore. A big need for this change will be some space eating defensive lineman. Soliai could be used at NT or even at DE like Haloti Ngata was used. Either way the Colts would fill a huge (pun intended) hole.

8. LB Jarrett Johnson
Old Team: Baltimore Ravens
Fit: Indianapolis Colts
Analysis: Jarrett Johnson has quietly been one of the key parts to the Ravens defensive success. However he doesn't offer much of a pass rushing presence so the Ravens could let him walk if the money gets too high. That could happen because a team like Indianapolis could use somebody like Johnson. Johnson would follow his former DC Chuck Pagano to Indy and help transition the defense to the 3-4. Johnson is a strong run defender and would help the Colts who have long struggled in that category.

9. Cortland Finnegan
Old Team: Tennessee Titans
Fit: St. Louis Rams
Analysis: Finnegan is a prime example of a love him or hate him player. Guys on his team love him and opponents hate playing against him. Finnegan isn't considered a lock down corner but has a knack for getting top receivers off their game. With him available in free agency look for a team like St. Louis and Detroit to go after him hard. But the Rams could be the favorite. Finnegan would be reunited with HC Jeff Fisher and with DC Gregg Williams. Finnegan is a perfect corner for Williams aggressive system and with the lack of depth/talent he would be a big upgrade.

10. Michael Griffin
Old Team: Tennessee Titans
Fit: New England Patriots
Analysis: It would be hard for the Titans to lose two members of their secondary this off season, but it could very well happen. Griffin has been good, but not great. And the Titans might not want to pay the money that Griffin might command in free agency. A place where Griffin would be welcomed would be New England. The Patriots secondary (especially at safety) has gone a big transformation and are in need of a major upgrade. Griffin would bring some versatility in that he can play both safety spots and even some corner. And if we know anything about HC Bill Bilicheck we know he loves versatile players.

Whose going to get RG3?

We know that Andrew Luck is going to go #1. Don't let anybody fool you. Robert Griffin isn't going to surpass Luck. With St. Louis sitting at the #2 spot they dont' have a need at QB but yet are in the position where teams are willing to move up to get RG3. Add that up with St. Louis' desire to trade down, it's safe to say that we are going to see the first top 3 trade since the Falcons moved up to draft Michael Vick in 2001. But who will be the team that lands Griffin? We have a good number of teams that could make the move, but with a strong group of Free Agent QBs lead by Peyton Manning and Matt Flynn available it makes this answer very murky. Let's take a look at the teams that could very well move up to get the talented Heisman Trophy Winner.

Top Contenders

Cleveland Browns
The Browns make the most sense for RG3. They have the most ammunition to make a trade (2 1st round picks this year) and are sitting at the #4 spot which won't take too much to move up. Add in that Colt McCoy has really struggled and doesn't look to have what it takes to be a Franchise QB. However, with GM Mike Holmgren in charge don't think that this is a slam dunk decision they'll move up to get him. Sure if RG3 falls to them at #4 they very well could take him. But Holmgren likes to accumulate draft picks rather than trade them away. And he has never taken a QB in the first round. He chooses to instead go out and get one. That means we need to look for them to be a major player in the Matt Flynn sweepstakes or bring in somebody else. But when it comes to the draft, you never know.

Washington
When you are starting John Beck and Rex Grossman at QB this past year, you know you need a QB badly. Mike Shanahan prefers to have a veteran QB, so you know they'll go after Peyton Manning and Matt Flynn aggressively. But I don't see Peyton Manning going there and the same with Flynn. A guy that they might end up with is Kyle Orton. But that doesn't mean he is a long term anwser. Robert Griffin would be their best choice. Shanahan loves mobile QBs who have strong arms. That describes Griffin very well. The thing to focus on here is the urgency Shanahan will have to get a QB. He needs a QB desperately. DESPERTELY. And if they are unable to land a quality free agent QB, moving up from #6 to the #2 spot will be a win at all costs for this organization.

Miami
Don't let the play of Matt Moore fool you. We saw this a couple of years ago when he took over for Jake Delhomme in Carolina and looked good to finish the season. The next year Moore was given the starting QB spot and struggled and then was released. With a new head coach in town they won't have any aligence to Moore and will look to find their QB of the future. The Dolphins have to be the leading candidate to get Matt Flynn. Mainly because of his ties to Philbin who was the offensive coordinator in Green Bay while Flynn was the backup. Besides Flynn they'll look to go after Manning also. However if they don't get either of those two, they could go after RG3 or wait till the 2nd round and get Ryan Tannehill who played for new Dolphins offensive coordinator Mike Sherman at Texas A&M.

Seattle
Whenever mock drafts or projections are made we haven't really heard much about Seattle moving up. A big part of that might have to deal with them picking at #12. But sometimes it's the teams that fly under the radar that get the job done and pull the trigger. Like a majority of the above teams, they'll be in the running for Matt Flynn and Peyton Manning. They and the Dolphins are the favorites to get Flynn in my opinion. However if Seattle strikes out with Flynn and Manning (aren't getting him IMO) they could feel the pressure to get a top flight QB prospect and move up to get RG3. But moving up from 12 would take a lot more than the other teams and the Seahawks would have to give up at least next year's 1st round pick along with their current 2nd rounder at least. That might be too rich for this team.

Wildcards

Arizona
The Cardinals have been talking opening about improving the QB position all off season and didn't shy away from it on the opening day of the combine. But their target is Peyton Manning for a shot fix before moving back to Kevin Kolb or John Skelton. However if they want to upgrade the QB position, you can't rule out RG3. It's a long shot, but you never really know.

Dallas
Would you really be shocked if Dallas made a move to go and get RG3? I sure wouldn't. Tony Romo is alright, but he isn't an elite player and there have been rumors that Jerry Jones has considered upgrading. Robert Griffin to Dallas makes some sense. The Baylor prospect is born and raised in Texas and a dynamic playmaker. Sounds like a guy that Jerry Jones would love to have. And when Jerry wants a player and can make it happen, he usually pulls out all the stops.

My prediction for the team to get RG3........Washington Redskins

NFL Power Rankings (Preseason)

1. Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia was already a Super Bowl contender before they went out and brought in key free agents to make them even more dangerous. Nnamdi Asomugha, Jason Babin, and Cullen Jenkins give them three impact defenders that add depth to an already talented defense. An adding Steve Smith (Former Giant) is a very very underrated move.

2. New England Patriots

New England was one of the best teams in the NFL last year and after another typical Patriots off season they reloaded and got even better. Trading for Albert Haynesworth and Chad Johnson makes both sides of the ball a lot better. But signing Shaun Ellis away from the Jets could be their best move.

3. Green Bay Packers

Normally I'd put the defending Super Bowl Champions at the #1 spot, but when Philly has the off season of the century its hard to not have them there. Now the Packers didn't go out and make any big moves, but getting back all the players that got injured last year is practically the same as adding a bunch of top level free agents.

4. New Orleans Saints

Another one of the rich gets richer. Darren Sproles and Mark Ingram makes their RB core a lot better. Aubrayou Franklin was a steal and will do wonders for their run defense. But their biggest moves where resigning Bushrod and Nicks.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers

Aside from James Harrison going crazy in an interview the Steelers have been pretty quite. They went out and resigned Ike Taylor which isn't a big time move, but Taylor fits well into their defense and him leaving would have hurt.

6. Atlanta Falcons

A lot of people forget that Atlanta finished 13-3 and the #1 seed in the NFC. But that huge loss to Green Bay skews a lot of people's perception. Adding Julio Jones opposite of Roddy White will help the offense out a ton. DE Ray Edwards gives them the pass rusher they weren't able to get since they traded away so much to get Jones.

7. Houston Texans

If it wasn't for Philly's FA bonanza, Houston would have had the best off season in my opinion. They needed to upgrade their defense and through the draft and free agency they did that. JJ Watt will start at DE day 1. Brooks Reed gives them another rush linebacker while Jonathan Joseph is a top tier CB and Daniel Manning is a very underrated SS. Look for Houston to win their first division and make the playoffs.

8. Indianapolis Colts

Bill Polian finally saw the need to upgrade the offensive line and went out and drafted Anthony Castanzo and Ben Ijalana who could both start as rookies. Ernie Sims could flourish now that he is back in a Cover 2 scheme.

9. Baltimore Ravens

The Raven's weren't the players in free agency that a lot of people thought they would be. Instead of adding key parts they ended up cutting a lot of their offensive fixtures. But Torrey Smith will give Flacco his deep threat he hasn't had in a long time. This will allow Anquan Boldin to do what he does best and work the middle of the field. And we all know the Ravens will only go as far as Flacco takes them.

10. Kansas City Chiefs

After coming out of nowhere the Chiefs were looking to add some pieces to stay atop the AFC West. Steve Breaston reunites with Haley and gives the offense another speedy threat. Kelly Gregg gives them a run stuffer up the middle that they lacked last year. But signing Tamba Hali to an extension was their best move.

12. Chicago Bears

If the Bears would have signed somebody to play guard they would be much higher, but they didn't and outside of drafting Gabe Carimi and that could really come back to bit them in the ass. But adding Roy Williams who had his best year under OC Mike Martz could give Jay Cutler the big threat he has really lacked since coming to Chicago. Vernon Gholston and Amobi Okoye could be under the radar moves that could really help if they bounce back.

13. St. Louis Rams

The Rams didn't make any huge moves, but they made a bunch of small moves that makes them a lot better. Mike Sims-Walker gives Bradford a WR with #1 skills and Ben Leber gives them an upgrade at OLB. Add in that the NFC West is flat out awful and that could lead the Rams to the playoffs.

14. New York Jets

After going to two straight AFC Title Games the Jets are due for a fall off in my opinion. They traded in Braylon Edwards and Jericho Cotchrey for Plaxico. Shaun Ellis was their best defensive lineman last year and he is now a Patriot. Now they have to rely on rookie Muhammad Wilkerson making the jump from the MAC. The Jets talk a big game, but they might not be able to back it up this year.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

I was really disappointed with the Buccanners this off season. The Bucs went out and upgraded their defensive end by drafting Adrian Clayborn and DaQuan Bowers, but with a ton of money they had to spend in free agency they whiffed big time. With a huge hole at CB they whiffed on note getting Nnamdi Asomugha or Antonio Cromartie. But don't worry, they did spend a bunch of money on a FA....a punter!

16. New York Giants

Here is another big time loser this free agency. The Giants lost TE Kevin Boss and suposive replacement Ben Patrick up and retired. Then injuried but talented WR Steve Smith was poised to return to the team. But instead the Giants slow played him and he ended up leaving to the Eagles. Now Eli Manning is out two of his most reliable targets. Not looking too good.

17. Detroit Lions

The Lions took a big hit losing Mikel LeShoure to injury which would have given the offense a power runner that they lacked last year. But they won't make the jump they are expected to if Matt Stafford can't stay healthy. But a lack of addressing their offensive line might not allow Stafford to make it the entire year.

18. Arizona Cardinals

No matter how good you think Kevin Kolb is, you have to give the Cardinals credit for getting a franchise quarterback. He is a much better outlook than Derek Anderson, Max Hall, and John Skelton. If Kolb can play like he did last year the Cards could be closer to the team they used to be and not the bad team that they were last year.

19. Oakland Raiders

You would think that a team that goes undefeated against the division would actually win the division. However that wasn't the case for the Raiders. If they can get some consistent QB play out of Jason Campbell they could make a run at Kansas City and the division title.

20. Miami Dolphins

If the Dolphins would have worked out the deal for Kyle Orton they might be higher up, but just Chad Henne with no competition isn't good for the Dolphins. But adding Reggie Bush to Daniel Thomas gives them two sets of fresh legs to a team that loves to run the ball. Add in Bush's return abilities and that could help the offense put up more points.

21. Seattle Seahawks

Nobody would have thought the Seahawks would have won the division last year let alone beat the Saints in the playoffs. Add in that they made some big time additions in free agency in Robert Gallary and Sidney Rice you would think that they would be the favorites to repeat as NFC West Champs. However Tavarrius Jackson and Charlie Whitehurst as your projected QBs doesn't spell much success. But hey, maybe they are trying to win the Andrew Luck sweepstakes?

22. Buffalo Bills

Buffalo wasn't too active in free agency, but I absolutely loved their draft. Buffalo's biggest weakness was stopping the run. So they drafted Marcel Dareus who was the best player in the draft, ILB Kelvin Sheppard who is a physical down hill run stuffer, and CB Aaron Williams who will probably be moved to FS where he is better suited. Buffalo might not set the world of fire this season, but they'll be a much improved team.

23. Jacksonville Jaguars

Paul Posluszny and Dwan Landry will do a lot to help out their poor defense last year. But their lack of WR talent will really hurt their offense and allow teams to load up the box on MJD. If Garrard doesn't play well or the Jags start the season off slow we could see the start of the Blaine Gabbert era.

24. San Francisco 49ers

A lot of people didn't like what the Niner's have done in this off season, but I do. Aldon Smith was the best pass rusher in the 2011 draft in my opinion and he'll be a perfect fit for the 3-4 outside linebacker. Braylon Edwards was a good signing who will play motivated and give Alex Smith another receiver besides Michael Crabtree. They may struggle, but don't expect them to finish with the worst record in the league.

25. Dallas Cowboys

I'll never get all the hype the Cowboys continue to get. All the national media especially ESPN. Despite their poor season and lack of moves I still hear people say that Dallas is a Super Bowl caliber team. REALLY? Their offensive line is not very good, Tony Romo is vastly overrated. Their secondary sucks. And you have Jerry Jones making the personal decisions which doesn't lead to good moves. Look for another bad year in Big D.

26. Cleveland Browns

Cleveland made a big jump last year and actually were competitive. Peyton Hillis emerged as one of the top RBs in the NFL and Colt McCoy surprised practically everybody in his strong play. A lot of people don't think McCoy is the answer, but I'd like to see him play a full season as a starting QB before I give up or praise him. If Greg Little can shake off the rust the offense could be even better than they were last year.

27. Tennessee Titans

If Chris Johnson's contract holdout lasts into the season it could be a long season for the Titans. Outside of Johnson there really isn't much talent. Unless Kenny Britt decides to stop getting in trouble with the law. I really like the signing of Matt Hasselbeck. He'll be able to teach Jake Locker how to be a pro and do wonders for his development.

28. Minnesota Vikings

Its hard to imagine that the Vikings were the best team in the NFC a couple of years ago. But injuries and poor play by Brett Farve really exposed a lot of their weaknesses. Their offensive line has a bunch of holes, they lost all their top free agents, and the secondary still isn't any good. But Donovan McNabb should come in motivated and if he has one more good season left in him he could elevate the Vikings to respectable, but don't hold your breathe.

29. Denver Broncos

Denver made some solid moves in free agency adding some depth at DT and not trading away Kyle Orton. But they are in for a long road. Josh McDaniels really left this team in shambles. Add in that they have a mess on their hands in the whole Orton/Tebow controversy it could be a really long season in the mile high city. Plus I believe Von Miller will be a tremendous bust and they left Marcel Dareus on the board.

30. Cincinnati Bengals

Andy Dalton and AJ Green are in and Carson Palmer and Chad Johnson are out. I really really like AJ Green and think that he is going to be a good receiver in this league, but if they have to start Andy Dalton its going to be a long season.

31. Carolina Panthers

Carolina did a great job of keeping all their young talent and making the moves to get talented receiving tight ends in Jeremy Shockey and Greg Olsen. Those two an a happy Steve Smith could give Cam Newton some pieces to help him in his development. But it will still be a tough season and Carolina will probably be picking in the top 3 again.

32. Washington Redskins

I'm not going to pull any punches here. With Rex Grossman or John Beck as their starting quarterback, the Redskins will be competing for the worst record in the NFL and hopefully win the Andrew Luck sweepstakes. But its too bad because I like a lot of the moves that they made.