On February 7th, the NFL will crown the champions of Super Bowl LV. And from there on the 32 franchises will enter the world of free agency from which they can cherry-pick the best free agents in the market.
Utilizing free agency is key to building a solid team. A whole host of top players are often available on the market looking for a new challenge. Even the GOAT Tom Brady was a free agent in 2019 before joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
So with the ongoing season nearing the business end of matters, we look at 10 players from the league who are set to be free agents in 2021 as things stand.
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Dak Prescott – Quarterback
The most highly sought after free agent heading into 2021 is without a shade of doubt Dallas Cowboys‘ franchise tag QB, Dak Prescott. The quarterback was sensational till he picked up a season ending compound fracture in Week 5.
While @dak will not win the MVP this season, the Cowboys diminished offensive success without him shows why he is the most valuable player in Dallas
It can be argued that Dak’s value to the @dallascowboys has never been higher pic.twitter.com/6TDBJfigG4
— Mike Tannenbaum (@RealTannenbaum) January 2, 2021
A 2-time Pro Bowler with years of football left in him, teams such as the Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, New York Jets will look to monitor his situation closely.
Philip Rivers- Quarterback
Rivers, who is currently plying his trade with the Indianapolis Colts, is another solid QB who’ll hit the free agency market in 2021. Unlike Prescott, Rivers does not have much time left on his hands.
The 39-year-old veteran is in the twilight years of his career and any team brining him in must realize that he’ll be more of a stop-gap fixture than a long-term solution.
Aaron Jones- Running Back
Aaron Jones is a potent threat, running the ball from the backfield. Rushing over a 1,000 yards and collecting 9 touchdowns along the way, Jones has been the Packers go-to man when it comes to the running game.
The Packers, however, seem keen to move on from Jones. And teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins could look to shore up the free agent.
ALSO READ- A Look at How the Buccaneers Acquisition of Antonio Brown Has Been a Blessing for Both Sides
Chris Godwin- Wide Receiver
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver has proved that he can produce 1,000+ yard seasons. In 2019, the wide out recorded 1,333 receiving yards and ended the season as the franchise leader in this regard, pipping fellow WR Mike Evans.
Best landing spot for Chris Godwin in free agency? 🗺️ 📍 pic.twitter.com/7i9H519u9V
— PFF (@PFF) January 1, 2021
Godwin, 24, would be a valuable asset for any team in the long run. The New York Jets, especially, are be a team that could be helped exponentially by the acquisition of Godwin.
Trent Williams- Offensive Tackle
Undoubtedly one of the best in the league at what he does, Williams has the ability to lift O-Line outputs on his own. Currently, with the 49ers, he provides the protection QB Garoppolo needs to make the big plays.
Highest-graded OL of 2020:
1. Wyatt Teller (G) – 93.8
2. Trent Williams (T) – 92.1
3. David Bakhtiari (T) – 91.8
4. Zack Martin (G) – 91.3 pic.twitter.com/05JhPzIZpO— PFF (@PFF) December 30, 2020
Teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons, and Denver Broncos will be in the hunt to rope him in if he doesn’t sign a new contract with the 49ers.
Will Fuller- Wide Receiver
Will Fuller aka Flash has been a key aerial route for Deshaun Watson over the years now. While his time at Houston has largely been overshadowed by the mercurial DeAndre Hopkins, Fuller is the sort of player who is a menace when it comes to the deep throws.
If he does become a free agent, the dream move would be landing at Lambeau Field with the Green Bay Packers. If the past is anything to go by, he can provide the support needed for an offensive unit reliant on a different wideout. Something that would be the case if he heads to Green Bay with Davante Adams in the fray.
Cam Newton- Quarterback
The 3rd quarterback on this list and the one most desperate to make amends after a disastrous 2020 season. Newton never quite seemed the fit for the New England Patriots, and it’s unlikely that Belichick will re-sign him in 2021.
But that doesn’t mean that Newton is not worthy of a place in NFL. The 2015 MVP still has the fight to continue and prove his doubters wrong. But he needs the right setting and O-Line to compliment his style of play. The Chicago Bears could be a worthy shout.
Shaquill Griffin- Cornerback
One half of the Griffin brothers duo at Seattle, Shaquill, had his career season in 2019. Being selected for his first Pro Bowl, the 25-year-old has shown promise. The Buffalo Bills and Arizona Cardinals could be 2 solid teams that Griffin could benefit from switching in 2021.
Von Miller- Outside Linebacker
A premium pass rusher and 8-time Pro Bowler, Von Miller is one of the more experienced players who could be headed for free agency in 2021. While he has struggled with injuries in the recent seasons, he still is one of the best in his position when fit.
The Cleveland Browns could benefit from bringing in Miller. The Dolphins or Jaguars could be a nice fit as well.
Juju Smith-Schuster- Wide Receiver
The Steelers wide receiver is another hot prospect with his rookie contract running out. With 9 touchdowns this season, he’s hit a career best in the aspect. With the sort of cap space that the Jets and the Jaguars have, they’ll both be keen on landing the wide receiver.
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A few honorable mentions
Ryan Fitzpatrick (QB), Richard Sherman (CB), Sammy Watkins (WR), Anthony Harris (S) and Allen Robinson II (WR)
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Several other superstars are up for grabs as free agents in 2021. And as seen in the past, signing the free agents can either make or break a franchise.
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