Predicting Where Top NFL Free Agents Will Sign

J.J.+Watt+with+the+Houston+Texans.

Kevin Jairaj

J.J. Watt with the Houston Texans.

Ethan K.

J.J. Watt: Pittsburgh Steelers

After mutually agreeing with the Houston Texans to part ways just a few weeks ago, Watt has been the talk all over the news. Being rumored to the Green Bay Packers, having gone to school at Wisconsin, as well as the Steelers due to his brothers T.J. and Derek playing in Pittsburgh. After restructuring DE Cam Heyward’s contract, the Steelers currently sit at only around $6 million over the maximum salary cap. With QB Ben Roethlisberger’s $41 million cap hit still in effect, the Steelers have had many talks with Roethlisberger to restructure it. After restructuring the contract, the Steelers should sit at around $5 million to $15 million under the salary cap, thus giving them enough money to bring Watt in on a one-year deal. By making the move, Pittsburgh helps bolster an already great defense and help the Steelers contend for a Super Bowl.

Aaron Jones: Buffalo Bills

While this one may be a bit of a stretch, it could be very likely that Jones ends up in Buffalo. With the Bills yet to hit a top running back in the NFL Draft, Jones could be the solution to their struggling running game. While Devin Singletary and Zack Moss are still very young, it doesn’t look like either are the future in Buffalo. While Jones could be a bit of a pricey option, it would make sense if Jones was willing to give up some extra money for a shot at a Super Bowl.

Allen Robinson II: Arizona Cardinals

Another decision that may sound a little crazy to some, I have Robinson heading to Arizona to play alongside super-star Deandre Hopkins. Cardinals RB Kenyan Drake is a free agent, and with talented back up Chase Edmonds still on the roster, Arizona does not need to prioritize getting Drake back. Instead, they can look at building for the future, in Robinson. With Larry Fitzgerald getting up there in age, as well as being rumored to be debating retirement, Robinson could fill the gap at the number two receiver in Arizona. 2019 draft picks Andy Isabella and Hakeem Butler have not worked out, and Christian Kirk has been fairly average for most of his career. Robinson, on the other hand, would provide Arizona with super-star playmaking and a huge weapon on an already dangerous offense.

Marcus Maye: Las Vegas Raiders

With the 27th overall selection in the 2019 NFL Draft (Pro-Football-Reference.com), the Raiders took a swing and a miss with the selection of SS Jonathan Abram. Abram was solid in his rookie season, but hardly saw the field. In 2020, on the other hand, Abram started in 13 games (Pro-Football-Reference.com) but was not great. Abram allowed an 81.8% completion percentage (Pro-Football-Reference.com). In other words, eight out of every 10 passes thrown his way was completed. Signing Maye in free agency could help change this. Maye was a bright spot on an otherwise miserable Jets defense, and allowed only a 58.7% completion percentage. On top of that, Maye had 11 passes defended and two interceptions. Maye can also be a pass-rush threat, having been brought up on blitzes 23 times in 2020, causing two sacks (Pro-Football-Reference.com).

Marvin Jones Jr.: Miami Dolphins

Jones is a solid, deep-threat type receiver that would fit perfectly in Miami. The Dolphins have been missing a veteran receiver like Jones that could mentor a lot of the younger wide-outs like Isaiah Ford, Mack Hollins, and Preston Williams. Jones would not only do that but would also be a huge weapon on the outside for the ‘Fins. Signing Jones also allows the Dolphins to focus on offensive line and their run game during the first round of the 2021 Draft.