Only two weeks remain in the NFL regular season, with plenty of teams already looking forward to the offseason. For the players it is a time to unwind and heal the body, while front-office members start reshaping rosters for a push toward the future. Nothing has ever been so poorly named as the NFL offseason, because there is nothing off about it.
On March 7, teams will be able to talk with free agents previously on other teams before actually signing them three days later. Free agency is always a time of great intrigue, high-risk and huge dollars, making for a spectacle which captivates fans.
Here are five signings that probably won’t, but absolutely should, happen.
1. Randall Cobb to the Kansas City Chiefs
Cobb has proven to be an elite receiver for the Green Bay Packers in his four seasons. In 2014, Cobb is enjoying his best year yet with 76 catches for 1,076 yards and 10 touchdowns. Kansas City’s receivers have not scored a touchdown all year (not a typo), but have potent weapons elsewhere. The Chiefs will have cap space after converting Alex Smith’s base salary into bonus and cutting a few players, and would be wise to spend it on Cobb.
2. Ndamukong Suh to the New York Giants
Suh is one of the best 4-3 defensive tackles in football, blowing up ballcarriers and getting to the quarterback with regularity. Suh often requires a double-team and clogs up the interior, providing an anchor to build around. The Giants already have Jason Pierre-Paul on the end and would give him an incredible partner-in-crime up front. This year, Suh has 42 tackles, 12 stuffs and 6.5 sacks, posting his best season since being a rookie in 2010.
3. Devin McCourty to the Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta is flush with cap space (estimated to have $26.3 million, per Over The Cap) and needs to upgrade its defense. The secondary is a particular area of need with the Falcons ranking last in pass defense. McCourty is an elite safety and is likely to price his way out of cash-strapped New England. McCourty would be a nice building block and can also play corner in a pinch, giving him some extra value.
4. Mike Iupati to the San Diego Chargers
San Diego has been without a solid offensive line for years, allowing Philip Rivers to take a beating. The team has terrific skill players but needs to invest in the trenches, making Iupati a perfect. The 28-year-old guard is going to command top dollar, but the Chargers have an estimated $25.7 million in cap space to make it work. Expect Iupati to attain a deal at approximately $8 million per year.
5. Julius Thomas to the Jacksonville Jaguars
It seemed a sure bet the Denver Broncos would try to retain Thomas after this season, but then the running game exploded onto the scene. Thomas, not known as an excellent blocker, may be too pricey for the Broncos. Denver already havs to sign Demaryius Thomas and Terrance Knighton this year, with Von Miller coming in 2016. The Jaguars have to invest in some pieces around Blake Bortles, and who better than a premiere tight end?
