Best Fits for Top Remaining NFL Free Agents
While the initial rush to sign free agents has died down, with training camp coming in July we can expect more veteran free agents to find jobs in the coming months. In this article, I'll give you the best fits for the top remaining free agents.
QB Cam Newton
Cam Newton was released by the Carolina Panthers after an injury-riddled 2019 season. Newton may not have much left in the tank, but the upside is there if he can play close to his 2015 MVP season. Because there aren't any starting quarterback jobs open, Newton will have to take a backup role. Newton would be a good fit in Pittsburg, Chicago, or Tennesse.
In Pittsburg, Ben Roethlisberger would be the unquestioned starter but his injury history could allow Newton to play on a playoff-caliber team. While the Bears may not make the playoffs, I'm not sold on Mitchell Trubisky or Nick Foles as the answer at quarterback. The Titans would be a good football fit, but after the money they gave Ryan Tannehill, Newton would be a strict backup.
Best Fits: Pittsburg Steelers, Chicago Bears, Tennessee Titans
EDGE Jadeveon Clowney
The only reason Jadeveon Clowney remains unsigned is his contract demands. Clowney is a premier edge defender in the NFL. The Tennessee Titans remain the best fit for Clowney in my eyes. The Titans had an inefficient pass rush for most of the 2019 season. Clowney would fix a lot of those problems. The Titans signed Vic Beasley earlier in the offseason, but that won't be enough to fix the pass rush woes. After reaching the AFC Championship a season ago, it's time for the Titans to go all in.
The next best option is returning to the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks needed help on defense with Clowney, now without him, Seattle's in an even worse spot. The football fit works so why change it up? If the Seahawks are unable to bring Clowney back, I'm afraid the pass-rush will be one of the worst in the NFL.
Best Fits: Tennesse Titans, Seattle Seahawks
CB Logan Ryan
Just like Clowney, money demands appear to be keeping Logan Ryan off an NFL roster. Eventually, Ryan will find a home, he's too good not to. The first fit for Ryan comes in Arizona with the Cardinals. While the Cardinals are one of my sleepers teams for the 2020 NFL season, they still need more pass-coverage help. Someone to play opposite Patrick Peterson is a necessity if the Cardinals want to take the next step on defense.
The New York Jets make sense for Ryan. Ryan is from the area and previously had talks with the Jets about signing a deal. In a wide-open AFC East, the Jets should try and improve a secondary that lacks depth.
Best Fits: Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets
G Larry Warford
Larry Warford was released in May by the New Orleans Saints in a salary dump. Warford has 3 trips to the Pro Bowl under his belt. Warford can still play and should have several offers coming his way this summer. The most obvious fit is the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles lost Pro Bowl guard, Brandon Brooks, this week to a torn Achilles. Signing Warford will keep the Eagles solid upfront while also allowing Warford a chance to play on a contending team.
The fit with the Cincinnati Bengals is simple: Protect Joe Burrow. The Bengals offensive line had enormous struggles last season. The best thing you can do for a young quarterback is to keep him upright. Warford is an upgrade over anything the Bengals have at guard.
Best Fits: Philadelphia Eagles, Cincinnati Bengals
