In case you missed it, yesterday I took a look at where free agent RT Taylor Lewan could potentially end up. Today, I take a broader look at the rest of the class and where they could and should sign when it’s all said and done.
Offensive Tackle Orlando Brown Jr.
Prediction: Chicago Bears
It seems like Orlando Brown’s time in Kansas City has come to an end. It was a short run that led to two Pro Bowl nods and a Super Bowl win, but Brown wants the bag. One of the few teams that could give him a bag this year is the Chicago Bears. They have 95 million dollars in cap space and are in desperate need of a tackle as their two starting tackles allowed a combine 10 sacks in 2022.
Center Jason Kelce
Prediction: Philadelphia Eagles
While I think retirement is the best option for Kelce, it seems like he’ll be back playing in 2023. It’s hard to imagine him in another jersey and I think the Eagles bring him back on a one-year deal for around 6-7.5 million dollars. If 2022 wasn’t his last season, then 2023 will most certainly be the end for the All-Pro and future Hall of Fame center.
Wide Receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
Prediction: Dallas Cowboys
A video recently came out of Odell running routes and looking close to fully healthy. Last season, one of the teams that were in the market for a pass catcher were the Cowboys and they were linked to possibly signing Beckham. I think we’ll see the two parties finally come together this offseason. He’ll pair nicely with Lamb and Gallup out wide and be another weapon for Dak Prescott.
Safety Jessie Bates III
Prediction: Cincinnati Bengals
While it’d make for a more salacious offseason to have Jessie Bates sign elsewhere, I don’t see it. He played under the franchise tag this past season, but I think the Bengals and the 26 year old safety will strike a deal once free agency opens. He’s been vital in the Bengals defensive success and is the anchor in their secondary.
Defensive End Marcus Davenport
Prediction: Kansas City Chiefs
With the release of Frank Clark, Kansas City is going to need a Robin for George Karlaftis. Davenport in 2021 tallied 9 sacks, but last season had 0.5. That will mean Kansas City can give Davenport a small deal, but maximize his talent. There is a talented player in Davenport that needs to just be more consistent. He’s stout against the run and has shown his ability to work in one on one pass situations.
Offensive Tackle Jawaan Taylor
Prediction: Cincinnati Bengals
This year’s tackle market is going to be a hot one and at 25, Jawaan Taylor will be a highly touted player. He was a big reason why Jacksonville ran the ball so effectively this season and is a solid pass protector. Cincinnati attempted to revamp their offensive line last offseason and it didn’t workout. Taylor could be the missing piece for the Bengals to really fly on offense in 2023.
Cornerback Jamel Dean
Prediction: Detroit Lions
Last season proved that Detroit is a place where players want to play. They’ll be an attractive market in free agency and could land the corner help they need with Jamel Dean. The Lions were in the bottom five of both pass and run defense in 2022 and Dean will step in as corner number one in 2023. He made 57 tackles and 8 pass breakups this season. I could see him signing a three-year, 15 million dollar contract with the Lions.
Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds
Prediction: Houston Texans
With it being unlikely that Buffalo brings Edmunds back, I think he’d be an outstanding fit in DeMeco Ryans’ defense. He’s a solid coverage linebacker that’s tough against the run game and with over 35 million in cap space, they could grab Edmunds on a three-year, 15-17 million dollar contract. I expect Houston to make a pass at some big name players this offseason with their cap wiggle room.
Offensive Tackle Mike McGlinchey
Prediction: New England Patriots
The Patriots let offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn walk, who was abysmal the past few seasons. McGlinchey’s large frame and quick feet make him a prime target to revamp the tackle position. He has the ability to play both left and right tackle and is an immediate upgrade from Wynn or Trent Brown. Don’t be shocked in the Patriots sign the Notre Dame alum on a three-year, 35 million dollar deal.
Safety Jordan Poyer
Prediction: Miami Dolphins
Jordan Poyer recently said he’s sick of taxes taking 50% from his salary and only one state makes sense. That’s Florida. At 31, he’s still got some gas in the tank and in 2022 he tallied 63 tackles and four interceptions. With the retirement of Byron Jones, Miami will need help in their secondary and pairing him with Jevon Holland will make offensive coordinators have nightmares.
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo
Prediction: Las Vegas Raiders
The Rodgers to New York talks are heating up as we speak so it seems like Vegas lost that lottery. They’re desperate for a quarterback, so why not reunite Garoppolo with Josh McDaniels? He knows his system and McDaniels knows the caliber of player he’ll be getting. It almost makes too much sense, but I’d be all for seeing the handsome Jimmy G in silver and black.
Wide Receiver Jakobi Meyers
Prediction: Atlanta Falcons
This year’s receiver market is pretty poor. It’s headlined by Meyers and Smith-Schuster and the Falcons are in the market for another wideout. They’re set at tight end with Kyle Pitts and running back with Patterson and Allgeier, but need another receiver option so Drake London doesn’t face constant double teams in 2023. Meyers run quick routes and works really well in the slot, out wide, or in tight in a bunch formation.
Defensive Tackle Dalvin Tomlinson
Prediction: Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota has already cut ties with high cap space guys like Eric Kendricks and soon enough Jordan Hicks and Adam Thielen. I don’t see them letting Tomlinson walk, as he was a bright spot on their interior. In 13 games last season he made 46 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 8 tackles for loss. I expect to see him in purple in 2023.
Safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson
Prediction: Detroit Lions
Detroit is really going to look to resurrect their defense in 2023. I think they’ll grab a defensive lineman in the top ten of the draft and sign Jamel Dean to play corner. I also think they’ll sign safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. He’s a chippy player that flies around the field with a purpose. He’d make it tough for Aaron Rodgers (maybe) and Kirk Cousins to push the ball downfield. He’s also effective in run support and serves as a Swiss army knife in the Detroit scheme.
Wide Receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster
Prediction: Baltimore Ravens
Begrudgingly, it looks like Lamar Jackson will be suiting up for the Ravens in 2023. If they want any shot of keeping him around in 2024, they need to get him more receiving threats. Mark Andrews can only do so much and Hollywood Brown was dealt to the Cardinals before last season. JuJu has a large frame and a big catch radius and would be a great fit on the outside in Todd Monken’s offense.
