While we are nearing the kickoff of the NFL season, many talented veterans are still on the market. With injuries popping up all throughout training camp, a handful of teams are in need of replacements. Here are where I think the best remaining free agents will end up.
WR Odell Beckham Jr.
Prediction: Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys receiving core looked pretty well-rounded. Then, James Washington fractured his foot and now Michael Gallup’s return is uncertain. With Washington set to miss 6-10 weeks, they have a vacancy at the wide receiver position. Beckham would be a phenomenal fit in the Cowboys offense and could thrive with Dak Prescott at the helm. He’s proven how good he is when he has a good quarterback like Matt Stafford or Eli Manning. Why not pair him with another good QB in Dak Prescott?
OT Duane Brown
Prediction: New York Jets
It’s devastating to hear that Mekhi Becton his likely done for the season, and the Jets need to figure out who is going to be their right tackle. Conor McDermott isn’t a great option so signing Duane Brown on a one year deal would be perfect. He’s a veteran that still plays at a high level and would not leave Zach Wilson running for his life.
UPDATE: Nailed this one. It was announced on Thursday morning that Brown would sign a 2-year deal in New York.
C JC Tretter
Prediction: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Again, the injury bug has hit a good NFL player. Bucs Pro Bowl center Ryan Jensen is set to miss significant time with a knee injury so bringing Tretter in would be a home run. While Tretter does have knee problems of his own, with the season quickly approaching, they could sign Tretter for cheap. He’s a veteran that would slide right into the starting slot with no issue.
DT Ndamukong Suh
Prediction: Minnesota Vikings
Rumors have been swirling about Suh signing with the Vikings, but the two parties haven’t (yet) come to an agreement. Suh’s asking price is high at the moment, but as the season gets closer, I’m sure it’ll drop so he can play another season in the NFL. He’s awesome in the run and would be outstanding in a three man DT rotation with Harrison Phillips and Dalvin Tomlinson. At his age, he can’t play 60 snaps, but could be very efficient on 25 to 30 snaps.
LB Dont’a Hightower
Prediction: New England Patriots
Never say never. Even though the Patriots haven’t resigned the veteran All-Pro, their linebacking core is still awful and could use some veteran leadership. I thought Hightower was abysmal at the backend of the Pats season, but could be a great mentor for Mack Wilson. He’d also be solid if one of the starters goes down and he needed to fill in. He may have lost a step, but he’d still be a good plug and play backer.
WR Will Fuller
Prediction: Chicago Bears
I mean, why not? The Bears receiving core is full of unproven pass catchers and retread veterans. Fuller has awesome breakaway speed and could be a spark plug in their below average offense. Even though he has missed time due to a PED suspension and injuries, he’s still got some gas in the tank and could be useful to Justin Fields in 2022.
DE Trey Flowers
Prediction: Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons pass rushing brigade is one of the worst in the NFL and could benefit from Flowers veteran presence. With 1.5 sacks and 24 tackles through 7 games last season, he’s just what Atlanta needs off the edge. If you put him and Grady Jarrett on the same side, they could run successful stunts at offensive linemen and help the Falcons defense not be a bottom feeder.