Right about now, some NFL executives and coaches are sitting in their cars, waiting for the clock to strike 4 pm eastern time. Sitting in their cars to make a surprise visit to the homes of potential free agents. Today at 4 pm, the madness that is NFL Free Agency begins.
It is the first, all-important step in re-tooling rosters for the all-important upcoming NFL season. While all 32 Franchises sit in a variety of positions, the undeniable fact is this is a “Win-Now” league, thanks to the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Every team has a shot to win in the National Football League.
While there’s little doubt that the unofficial free-agent process has already started (with teams and agents getting together on a “hush-hush” level), today is where the magic happens. March of 2009 proves as a reminder.
Then, first year head coach Rex Ryan, of the New York Jets, paid a visit (along with two other coaches) to free agent middle-linebacker Bart Scott. This visit was a surprise one, and took place just after midnight, only minutes after the free agency period shortly arrived. Scott re-counts the occasion: “This was one of the most flattering things of my career. “I’m still in awe about it,” according to New York Times.
The point is, with how even the playing field is today (salary-cap era) organizations will go that extra mile to gain attraction.
Top Rumors:
The bigger names that will be added to free-agency shortly will come from roster-cuts. Some that have been rumored to fall under that category:
Darrelle Revis – CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It’s been rumored that the Bucs want out. Only one year after acquiring the all-pro talent, they are actively trying to trade him. If they fail, they will release him. Two of the teams who seem interested in the former all-pro CB are the Eagles and the Patriots.
Steve Smith – WR, Carolina Panthers
Smith has been a great pro his entire NFL career, all for Carolina. However at his age (34) and cap-number ($7 million), there are very appealing reasons to trade or release the veteran, according to CBS Sports. The Baltimore Ravens have emerged as a possible landing spot.
Michael Johnson – DE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs seem to be the first team to have leaked a reported done-deal. It’s been reported that they’ve agreed to a contract with free-agent defensive end Michael Johnson, for 5-years and $43 million. New Tampa Head Coach Lovie Smith like this type of player, which fits his “Tampa-2” scheme very well, notes CBS Sports.
Top Free Agents:
Jairus Byrd – S (Bills, 2013)
The former Buffalo Bill safety is now a free agent, and one of the more coveted in 2014. The St. Louis Rams are the most talked of team when Byrd is mentioned.
Alex Mack – C (Browns, 2013)
Although the Cleveland Browns tagged Mack with the “Transition Tag” earlier in the off-season, it is widely assumed that he won’t be returning to Cleveland in 2014. The “Tag” gives the Browns the right to “first-refusal,” meaning they can match any offer made to Mack by other teams. The Ravens appear interested in the pro-bowl center. This makes sense considering their likely to lose OG Eugene Monroe to free-agency themselves.
Alterraun Verner, CB (Titans, 2013)
Verner has been garnering major attention from multiple teams. The cornerback position is one of value in the pass-happy league. Teams being rumored for Verner’s services are the Patriots, Jets and others. An interesting sub-plot here is what happens with Patriots free-agent Aqib Talib, who the Redskins are very hot for. The Pats will need to fill that cornerback spot should Talib leave town, whether it’s Verner or Revis.