At the moment, the 2020 free-agent class looks stellar. It’s loaded with current, former and potential franchise quarterbacks and one big-time wide receiver
It also has some strong pass rushers. There are a few solid offensive linemen and a smattering of talented players at other positions. There could even be some big additions that could be added to the list if their current teams decide to let them go.
Hypothetically, this could rank as the best free-agent class ever. But let’s keep in mind that much can change between now and the official opening of free agency in March.
When it comes to the very top players on the list, their current teams are going to fight like heck to keep them with new contracts. That’s especially true with the quarterbacks.
Think about this for a second – who’s the last true franchise quarterback to switch teams in free agency? I say Drew Brees, who went from the Chargers to the Saints in 2006. Even then, the circumstances were unique. Brees had a severe shoulder injury and there was uncertainty if he would be able to play again. Plus the Chargers had Philip Rivers waiting in the wings. The Saints took a gamble on Brees and it paid off hugely.
But, again, that kind of thing is rare. The list of free agents will look much different in March than it does now.
Still, it’s fun to look at who is scheduled to be available in free agency. Here’s a list of the top 25 players, who, at the moment, are supposed to be available in March and it includes a couple of guys who are likely to be added to the list (Cam Newton, for example) who are likely to be released by their current teams and join the free-agent pool.
25. Brandon Scherff, G, Washington Redskins
Interior linemen seldom get big money in free agency. But Scherff could be the exception. He’s a dominant run blocker and those are hard to come by.
24. Hunter Henry, TE, Los Angeles Chargers
Henry has had some trouble staying healthy. But when he’s physically ready, he’s a solid receiver and blocker. Henry turns 25 on Saturday and has lots of upside.
23. Byron Jones, CB, Dallas Cowboys
Jones has only two career interceptions. But he’s decent in coverage. The Cowboys would like to keep him, but that may be impossible. Signing quarterback Dak Prescott and receiver Amari Cooper are much bigger priorities and they’ll take up a ton of cap space.
22. Dante Fowler Jr., OLB, Los Angeles Rams
Fowler, 25, has 7.5 sacks this season and is just entering his prime. He still has plenty of upside. But the Rams have a bloated salary cap and may not be able to keep him. There will be a big market for Fowler.
21. Chris Harris, CB, Denver Broncos
At 30, Harris is still going strong. He’s spent his entire career with the Broncos. It’s unlikely he’ll end up in another uniform.
20. Anthony Castonzo, OT, Indianapolis Colts
He’s started all 128 games he’s played in during his nine seasons with the Colts. It’s unlikely Indianapolis will let him leave. But if he does hit the market, he’ll be the best offensive tackle available.
19. Arik Armstead, DE, San Francisco 49ers
Armstead, 26, has 10 sacks this season. His previous career high was three last year. The 49ers aren’t going to let go of a play they’ve developed into a force.
18. Marcus Mariota, QB, Tennessee Titans
The second overall pick in the 2015 draft, Mariota never turned into the franchise quarterback the Titans hoped for and was benched in favor of Ryan Tannehill earlier this season. Still, there will be a market for Mariota. But he’ll probably end up as a backup at first.
17. Austin Hooper, TE, Atlanta Falcons
Hooper, 25, is a very dependable receiver and the Falcons want to keep him. But that may be difficult because quarterback Matt Ryan and receiver Julio Jones take up so much cap space.
16. A.J. Green, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
A lifer in Cincinnati, Green, 31, hasn’t played this season because of an injury. Assuming he gets healthy, he’d be wise to look for a fresh start on a team that has a chance to be a playoff contender. He deserves that.
15. Gerald McCoy, DT, Carolina Panthers
After coming over from Tampa Bay in the offseason, McCoy, 31, has fit in well. He has five sacks and has played the run well. But with the arrival of a new coaching staff next year, there’s no telling what his future looks like in Carolina. McCoy will be 32 before next season and that’s generally an age when defensive linemen start to slow down. But, if it’s not Carolina, somebody will pay McCoy for another season or two.
14. Philip Rivers, QB, Los Angeles Chargers
Rivers is having a rough season for one of the league’s most disappointing teams. He’s 37 and it sure looks like it’s time for the Chargers to make a change and get a younger quarterback. Assuming Rivers doesn’t decide to retire, he’ll end up somewhere else and play another year or two.
13. Shaquil Barrett, EDGE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After five mediocre seasons in Denver, Barrett has landed in Tampa Bay and become a dominant pass rusher. He has 14.5 sacks. Is he for real? It sure looks that way. Barrett says he’s happy in Tampa Bay and the Bucs should have plenty of cap room, so it’s likely he gets a new deal and stays. But there’s also the chance the Bucs use the franchise tag on him (assuming they don’t use it on quarterback Jameis Winston) and make Barrett prove he wasn’t a one-season wonder.
12. Marcus Peters, CB, Baltimore Ravens
Traded from the Rams to the Ravens after the first six games, Peters has been a success in Baltimore. With the Ravens, he has three interceptions including two for touchdowns. The Ravens didn’t make this deal to have Peters for half a season. They’ve got a great roster and Peters now is part of the nucleus. Baltimore will find a way to keep him.
11. Bud Dupree, EDGE, Pittsburgh Steelers
At only 26, Dupree has earned himself big money this year. He’s having the best year of his career with 8.5 sacks. The Steelers will try to keep him, but there will be a bidding war if he hits the market.
10. Jameis Winston, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Through five seasons, Winston still is an enigma. He’s looked brilliant and put up big numbers at times. There’s no denying his physical talent. But Winston has been a turnover machine much of the time and the Bucs haven’t been able to win big with him. Has Winston done enough to get a second contract with the Bucs? I don’t think so. Other teams would take a shot at him on the open market because of his raw ability. But the way I see this most likely playing out is the Bucs put the franchise tag on Winston and give him one more year under the tutelage of coach Bruce Arians.
9. Yannick Ngakoue, DE, Jacksonville Jaguars
At only 24, Ngakoue may not have even hit his prime yet. But he’s already been very good. In four seasons, he has 35.5 career sacks. If the Jaguars don’t re-sign him, he’ll be one of the most sought-after players in free agency.
8. Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers
OK, I’m pulling out the crystal ball here. Newton technically won’t be a free agent until 2021. But the handwriting is on the wall for that to change. I see the Panthers cutting Newton after the season. He’s scheduled to earn $21 million next year and the Panthers can free up $19 million by releasing him. With a new coach coming in, it’s time to start over at quarterback. Newton, 30, has been injured the last two years and looks like he might be physically washed up. Still, some teams will be willing to take a shot that he can get back close to his 2015 MVP form.
7. Chris Jones, DE, Kansas City Chiefs
Pass rushers are a priority and Jones, 25, is an elite pass rusher in his prime. He had 15.5 sacks last year and has six so far this season. Whether it’s in Kansas City or elsewhere, Jones is going to get huge money.
6. Teddy Bridgewater, QB, New Orleans Saints
If there is one player who helped his future earnings most this year, it’s Bridgewater. Well paid for a backup at $7.5 million, Bridgewater had to step in and start five games when Drew Brees injured his thumb. The Saints won all five games with Bridgewater playing well. The Saints would love to keep him as an eventual successor to Brees. But that probably will be impossible because Bridgewater can break the bank on the open market.
5. Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints
Just like Tom Brady, Brees would rank at the top of this list if the clock was set back just a few years. But Brees turns 41 in January. He’s also not going anywhere else. He’s deeply ingrained in New Orleans culture. As long as he wants to keep playing, it will be only with the Saints.
4. Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots
A few years ago, Brady would have topped a list like this. He’s the greatest quarterback ever. But he’s 42 now and slowing ever so slightly. It’s hard to imagine Brady in another uniform and it’s probably a waste of time. But nothing is impossible because there are rumors (fueled by the fact Brady’s Massachusetts home is on the market) that Brady wants to finish his career elsewhere. But I just can’t see Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick let that happen.
3. Amari Cooper, WR, Dallas Cowboys
Cooper is an elite receiver and the Cowboys want to keep him as part of the big three with quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott. But there is a real chance Cooper could hit the market. The Cowboys already have given Elliott a huge contract and are looking to do the same with Prescott. Cooper could be the odd man out if owner Jerry Jones can’t find ways to manipulate the salary cap.
2. Jadeveon Clowney, OLB, Seattle Seahawks
Clowney is a precious commodity, a disruptive pass rusher. The Seahawks acquired him in a trade with Houston prior to this season. Although his contract will be up, the Seahawks weren’t looking at him as a one-year acquisition. Clowney is 26 and in his prime. The Seahawks will find a way to keep him.
1. Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys
Does anyone really think Prescott actually hits the open market? There’s virtually no chance. He’s a franchise quarterback just entering his prime. He’s going to be the highest-paid player in the game. The only surprise is that he hasn’t already been signed to an extension. But owner Jerry Jones is trying to squeeze every penny he’s got because he already signed running back Ezekiel Elliott to a huge deal and wants to do the same with receiver Amari Cooper. But, before all is said and done, Prescott will re-sign with the Cowboys. Jones really has no choice unless he wants to wreck his franchise.
Pat Yasinskas has covered the NFL since 1993. He has worked for The Tampa Tribune, The Charlotte Observer and ESPN.com and writes for numerous national magazines and websites. He also has served as a voter for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
