The franchise tag deadline has passed, and the 'legal tampering period' has begun; new league year starts March 13
Tuesday 12 March 2019 11:11, UK
Who are the most talented players in the NFL due to become free agents and find new teams this offseason?
With the Scouting Combine wrapped up, teams around the league have a better idea of how their draft boards will look ahead of April's NFL Draft.
Before then, head coaches and general managers will look to plug holes and address positions of need when the new league year begins and free agents are officially allowed to sign for new teams.
From March 11, teams were allowed to start talking to players in the "legal tampering period". On March 13 at 4pm Eastern Time, deals can officially be signed.
We have picked out some of the top names to keep your eyes on...
We have eagerly anticipated the ‘end’ of the Bell saga since he decided to refuse the franchise tag last season and sit out the whole year. Now, a 27-year-old who has played at a Hall of Fame pace for most of his career can pick his spot.
Through his 62 career games, Bell has averaged 129 yards from scrimmage - an absurd number. He is the cream of this year’s crop and will drastically improve a team’s attack.
Last year, Thomas held out for a contract he felt he deserved. He eventually turned up to play on his $8.5m salary in 2018, only to suffer a broken leg in Week Four and miss the remainder of the season.
Now, he will get his wish and most likely, will be targeting a deal with some long-term security. At 29 years old, the six-time Pro Bowler has plenty left in the tank, but teams will want to ensure he’s fully healthy before he signs.
The Philadelphia Eagles confirmed Foles will be allowed to hit free agency, making him a rare proven producer available at the most important position in football. Having brought a Super Bowl to Philly, they were happy to let him seek out a new challenge with Carson Wentz set to return again as starter.
The reports are the Super Bowl LII MVP will reunite with former offensive coordinator John DeFilippo in Jacksonville - a move many have expected for quite some time. Will another team swoop or is Foles ready to be a Jaguar?
UPDATE: Jacksonville Jaguars land Foles on four-year, $88m deal
There were rumblings Collins was on his way out the door after he appeared to confirm he had “cleared out his locker” with a post on social media. It does not appear wise for the Giants to let him go for nothing, but general manager Dave Gettleman is allowing him to walk.
He’s been a Pro Bowl player in three of his first four seasons, and the 25-year-old will be one of the most coveted defensive back signings in recent history. It would have only cost $11.15m for the Giants to retain Collins with the franchise tag, but he will receive much, much more than that on the open market.
UPDATE: Washington Redskins to sign former Giant Collins
With DeMarcus Lawrence, Frank Clark, Dee Ford and Jadeveon Clowney all receiving the franchise tag, Flowers may well have been left as the top pass rusher on the market. If that is the case, he could demand money the New England Patriots simply aren’t willing to cough up.
After missing his 2015 rookie campaign with a shoulder injury, Flowers has managed 164 tackles and 21 sacks in the past three seasons, and added 5.5 QB takedowns in the postseason. As valuable as he has been for the Pats, they traditionally show faith in finding a cheaper option - and Flowers could get big money elsewhere.
UPDATE: Flowers signing caps busy day for Detroit Lions
‘Honey Badger’ was one of the biggest prizes last year, but after multiple injuries in his past, he only signed a one-year deal with the Texans. He is a former first-team All-Pro (2015) and having played in all 16 games for two straight years, the 26-year-old could end up as a steal.
UPDATE: Mathieu chooses Kansas City Chiefs
Ultimately, Barr could be the biggest catch of the class. He is 26, has made the Pro Bowl for four straight seasons, and provides great versatility and flexibility on the outside. Minnesota will attempt to re-sign him, but he may want to seek the biggest deal on the open market.
UPDATE: Pro Bowl LB Barr to sign with New York Jets
Another 26-year-old, like Barr, Mosley has made the Pro Bowl four times too and has been a tackling machine for Baltimore through five seasons as a Raven. He’s racked up 579 in total, and is one of the team’s most reliable defenders. Like Barr, the Ravens don’t want to let Mosley go.
UPDATE: New York Jets win race for Mosley with $85m deal
Recently released outside linebacker Houston jumps straight in fairly high among the list of top free agents as a proven producer at one of the most important positions in football. He may be 30 years old, but there is no doubt plenty of teams will approach a pass rusher who has 78.5 career sacks and 18.5 in his last two seasons.
Teams looking for help along the defensive line can find big men in Sheldon Richardson and Ndamukong Suh, while there a fair few pass rushers, including Ziggy Ansah and Za’Darius Smith.
If teams seeking a linebacker miss out on the top prize - Mosley - they could target K.J. Wright, Jordan Hicks or Kwon Alexander. And in the secondary, Eric Weddle and Lamarcus Joyner have already signed for the Rams and Raiders, respectively, while Ronald Darby, Bradley Roby and Bryce Callahan will be starters at corner on their new teams.
On offense, Tevin Coleman will be looking for a starter contract after sharing the backfield with Devonta Freeman in Atlanta, Jared Cook had a breakout year in Oakland last season while Golden Tate will be looking to be an offensive focal point after a short stint in Philly.
The following players were hit with the franchise tag, keeping them with their teams for at least another year:
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