The rumor mill is beginning to churn. Tuesday March 11 is the start of the free agency period and teams will be bidding left and right for the top players in positions that they need. There are plenty of solid defensive players on the market and after seeing that defense triumphs over offense, NFL teams will be looking to get those big player names on their roster to help solidify them.
Broncos to Pursue Safety T.J. Ward
It is no shock that the Broncos need secondary help. They ranked as one of the worse pass defending defenses and gave up tons of points all season. A top safety added to this poor defense could help tremendously for a team of this caliber.
The Broncos recently released cornerback Champ Bailey and may be losing safety Mike Adams to free agency. They have the cap space to work with to sign a top defender so do not be surprised to see them make a big move.
Texans May Trade for Mallett and Draft Clowney
This could make sense for the Texans. Top prospect defensive end Jadeveon Clowney has proven that he is the best all around athlete available and any team would be foolish to pass on him. The Texans desperately need a new quarterback. They could address that in the draft or go after another player in free agency or trade.
The Patriots backup quarterback Ryan Mallett is supposedly on their watch list as a possible trade. This would make sense to do because Mallett has yet to see the field just like a rookie but he has more experience from backing up Tom Brady. Bill O’Brien also was a coach of Mallett’s on the Patriots a few years ago so he is somewhat familiar with him.
Making this trade would allow the Texans to make a project out of an unproven quarterback (like they would if they drafted one) and still be able to draft the best player in this year’s class.
Top Names on the Block Before Release
It was announced recently that running back Chris Johnson, defensive end Julius Peppers, and wide receiver Steve Smith are all being used as trade bait by their respective teams to clear up cap space to make moves in free agency.
For the Bears and Panthers, trading their respective players will be very unlikely. No team is going to want to pick up their remaining salary for a player who is past his prime. This means that both Smith and Peppers will be released by their teams and become free agents.
As for the Titans, there could be some value attained for Johnson but is unlikely. Running backs are not really sought after these days due to the quarterback and receiving core driven league. Only a team that is really good and that needs that one piece to put them over the top would take a crack at good running back like Johnson but why bother to trade if he will be cut? Plus all the good teams have their running backs in place so it would be difficult to see a move here. The Titans will likely cut Johnson giving him a shot in free agency.
Vontae Davis Looking to Sign Deal
It was reported that Davis was in the processes of signing a deal but it will not be with his previous team the Indianapolis Colts. Talks are that there is a team with a big deal on the table and that team may be the New York Jets.
The Jets have recently released cornerback Antonio Cromartie which means they are now in need at the position. Coach Rex Ryan loves big and strong corners and Davis would fit well with the Jets.
Falcons Could be Interested in Champ Bailey
Another team with secondary woes is the Atlanta Falcons. Any help they can get will be needed for the upcoming seasons and the new free agent Champ Bailey could be on their radar. The move would make sense for Bailey since he is a Georgia native and the fact that the Falcons need defensive help.
Bailey has reportedly informed teams that he isn’t against switching over to play some safety if he’s needed in the area and that fits the bill for the Falcons.