Movin' on Up: Free Agent Landing Spots
(Special column to Hail Mary Football by guest author Dan Mattox.)
George and Weezy had it right by “moving on up.” [Editor’s Note: Hail Mary Football does not typically use such dated references that are only understood by those in the retirement-eligible age brackets. To understand this reference, use the Google machine to learn all about The Jeffersons, kids.] If you aren’t happy with your digs, get out of town! If you are an NFL free agent, however, you have to decide whether you want to chase the money, ring, playing time, warmer climate, or whatever. It’s not as simple as choosing the “east side” like George Jefferson, but I’m going to evaluate 3 free agents at quarterback, running back, and wide receiver, and make an (un)educated guess at where I think they will be collecting checks, and maybe a ring in 2021.
Quarterback
Dak Prescott
Let’s stop right here, right now. Say what you want about Jerry Jones, but he ain’t stupid, or cheap. Dak will be a Cowboy in 2021.
Cam Newton
Interesting case with Cam. Is he the scattershot passer we saw in New England? Really? Or perhaps the Patriots lacked the weapons at receiver to help Cam be successful. Either way, he is done in New England, and perhaps as a starter at least for the short term. If he is willing to play for cheap, New Orleans could be an excellent landing spot. Good receivers, an actual running game, and Sean Payton could help Cam regain the magic from his MVP days.
Ryan Fitzpatrick
The ultimate journeyman, since it is assumed WFT will draft a quarterback, Fitzmagic could well be keeping the seat warm in 2021. Not a bad gig considering he would have Terry McScorin and Antonio Gibson at his disposal.
Running Back
Aaron Jones
After turning down a deal that would’ve made him a top five back salary-wise, Jones seems set to test the free agency waters. Who would have the cap space and need to back that Brinks truck up to Jones house is the real question. The Jets are set to have the second most cap space for the new season and if they are serious about a quick rebuild they should pair Jones with the presumed pick of Trevor Lawrence. [Ed. Note: (1) Lawrence is going to the Jags, homie; and (2) A fat free agent deal for a runner after the Le’Veon Bell contract? No chance!]
Kenyan Drake
After posting very respectable numbers on a one year rental with Arizona, 955/10, the 27 year old Drake will look to lock down that likely last (first?) big contract of his career. How big and where are the question. Though middle of the pack in cap space, Buffalo would be an ideal fit for Drake. While the Bills came one game from the Super Bowl, they did it without a legit running game. Drake could be that piece to get them to the next level.
Leonard Fournette
The former LSU star has made himself some money based on how he has balled out during the playoffs. Question is, where can he go that will keep him engaged and motivated? Obviously the central/south Florida sun has been good for Fournette, so an incentive laden deal with the Dolphins makes a lot of sense. Solidifying the backfield while presumably Tua matures under center makes a great deal of sense.
Wide Receiver
Allen Robinson
Allen Robinson is basically that guy in high school who was good looking, but always dated the average girls. Kinda like me when you think about it, but I digress. Well ARob, its time to date a cheerleader, like I never did. The Los Angeles Chargers are set to have quite the cache of cash, and have a need at WR. Sure Keenan Allen is great, but my goodness how good could this offense be with Allen playing across from Robinson? Allen. Robinson. It’s too good to be true.
A.J. Green
It’s with a heavy heart as a Bengal fan that I bid adieu to Green. While on the surface it appears Green has lost considerable steps, it should be noted that when Cincinnati was trying to trade Green, he posted 8/96 and 7/82. When there were no takers they continued to phase him out. Dude can still play. While definitely no longer a WR1, he would look very good in San Francisco taking the heat off emerging star Brandon Aiyuk and replacing always injured Deebo Samuel.
Kenny Golladay
Prior to 2020 Kenny G was one of the bright, emerging stars in the league. Injuries derailed his season and perhaps dampened the market for his services. Arizona has plenty of cap space and will need to replace the retiring Larry Fitzgerald. Christian Kirk hasn’t proven to be a consistent WR2, so adding Golladay makes sense for a team only a couple pieces away from being elite.
Free agency is perhaps the most fun, stressful period of the off-season. If your team happens to land any of the aforementioned players it should make the off-season much less stressful. Celebrate like George Jefferson and enjoy watching your team move on up!