2017 NFL Free Agency Pursue or Pass: Big-Name Offensive Players
Should teams pursue or pass on these big-name offensive players in 2017 NFL free agency prior to the NFL Draft?
The legal tampering period ahead of 2017 NFL free agency began on Tuesday, with teams allowed to begin negotiations with available players. Surely we'll know where many of these players will sign before they can legally do so under NFL rules. Others will take a bit longer, and even some the more grizzled vets will have to wait beyond the 2017 NFL Draft.
Players beware, the depth in the 2017 draft at nearly all positions is nothing short of fascinating. Offensive linemen and quarterbacks in free agency should be able to feast on teams in need with the lack of real standout players in this 2017 NFL Draft. Guys like Mike Glennon, T.J. Lang, Russell Okung, Colin Kaepernick, and Nick Mangold are primed to make a decent living for the next year or two, while other positions will be scrapping for jobs with NFL teams.
It's hard to fathom a free agency period with offensive stars like Adrian Peterson, Jamaal Charles, Brandon Marshall, DeSean Jackson, Alshon Jeffery, Eddie Lacy, Latavius Murray on the docket. Even productive defensive players like Dont'a Hightower, Calais Cambell, Stephen Gilmore, A.J. Bouye, and Dontai Poe are being given the opportunity to weigh their options on the market. Many will demand high dollar, most will more than likely receive their dues. But at what point will they?
With free agency kicking into gear, let's review some of the big-name offensive players slated to hit the open market and whether or not they're worth the price tag they'll demand. This is "Pursue or Pass" for 2017 NFL free agency, the offensive edition.
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
10. Jamaal Charles, RB – Kansas City Chiefs
The all-time leading rusher in Kansas City history felt the burn not but a few days ago, as he joined Adrian Peterson in NFL free agency after being cut by a team he spent nine years with. Having rushed for over 7,000 yards with a record-setting 5.5 yards per carry, Charles' legacy as formerly being one of the most explosive backs in NFL history has all but been cemented.
More from NFL Spin Zone
The move to cut Charles was purely a business play by Andy Reid and the Chiefs, having found another work horse in the making in that of Spencer Ware. Moving on from Charles saved the Chiefs needed funds to spend in other areas they lacked. Hitting that 30-year-old plateau for running backs and consistently being injured year in and year out, Kansas City had no other choice then to move forward.
What exactly is the value for a running back that has had two ACL surgeries and a torn meniscus surgery during his career? It's widely unknown, and hardly worth the gamble. Teams like the Philadelphia Eagles or possibly the Jacksonville Jaguars fit the style of offense Charles would need to thrive, but not knowing how those knees will hold up on a much higher salary cap hit than a rookie's may lead to many GMs passing.
Verdict: Pass
Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
9. Alshon Jeffery, WR – Chicago Bears
Believe it or not, outside the first three wide receivers on the draft board, this class isn't as deep as it has been in past years during the NFL draft. Even though this former Chicago Bear was often banged up and wound up suspended for four games during his contract year, Alshon Jeffery still has many years left in his prime.
It's quite worrisome for Bears fans when considering the direction of this offense. Their primary receiver is leaving, their former first-round pick from 2015, Kevin White, has missed the most of his first two years due to injury, and now they have no direction under center with rumors swirling around what they will do with Jay Cutler.
With a good four to five years in his prime at the least and 4,500+ yards in five years already under his belt, Jeffery's potential and value is only ascending for teams that have no shot at either Mike Williams from Clemson or Corey Davis from Western Michigan.
The need for wide receivers is exceeding, especially for teams that still have a window like the Arizona Cardinals or Kansas City Chiefs. Jeffery, like it or not, will get paid before the 2017 NFL Draft comes. The team paying him just probably won't be the Chicago Bears.
Verdict: Pursue
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
8. Latavius Murray, RB – Oakland Raiders
It really depends on the market and how certain teams really value Murray and what he brings to the table as a running back. He's great in pass protection, can pound it in on the goal line, catch out of the backfield, and has proven durable through his career thus far. Downfalls? Murray isn't exactly the best in open space and does have issues with finding his own holes. He also has had issues in the past with fumbling, while also already being 27 years of age.
The workload hasn't been extremely strenuous with Murray only having 543 carries under his belt in three seasons of play, one of those resulting in a 1,000-yard season. Last year was quite confusing watching Murray split carries with DeAndre Washington, Jalen Richard, and fullback Jamize Olawale, though Murray was the most talented back the Oakland Raiders had on roster.
Maybe his nagging injuries and pending free agency prompted head coach Jack Del Rio to get a look at the other backs on roster. The future of the Raiders' franchise, quarterback Derek Carr, has already stated he would like to see his bulldozing running back signed back to the black and silver along with others.
Teams in need of a running back like Minnesota, Philadelphia, Green Bay, and possibly New England could all be suitors for Murray. There may be a closing window, but Murray can still provide a few more excellent years in his prime.
Verdict: Pursue
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
7. DeSean Jackson, WR – Washington Redskins
A feast or famine type on the deep ball type player since entering the league, DeSean Jackson at the age of 30 isn't exactly what he used to be. The market value for receivers reportedly is going to be high; are teams willing to pay a high cost with way too much in guarantees? I'd like my chances with someone like John Ross out of Washington or Curtis Samuel out of Ohio State with the demand being so high from players in free agency.
Jackson's ability to beat defenders with his elite speed is still his main asset, but his open field agility and ability to make people miss has minimized throughout his nine years as a pro. The fact that there are not as many receivers with his name nor his production available on the market will be leaving teams to once again overpay to fill needs.
Jackson isn't exactly a red zone threat, nor does he pile up the catches, having only exceeded 80+ catches once during his tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins. A team needing a second fiddle to their primary receiver would be interested in someone like Jackson, though it wouldn't be surprising if the receiver doesn't stay in familiar territory with the Eagles somewhat interested in him once again and the Redskins still being an option.
My personal opinion? This league is relying more and more on yards gained through the air, which in turn should result in more diverse receivers in all aspects, not a one-trick pony.
Verdict: Pass
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
6. Colin Kaepernick, QB – San Francisco 49ers
To buy or not to buy, your guess is almost as good as mine. The production was once there, then it wasn't for two years, then it came back again last season in waves. Colin Kaepernick is definitely the biggest boom or bust quarterback prospect on the market after opting out of his contract with San Francisco.
Reports are stating that new head coach Kyle Shanahan's system is complicated, a lot to digest for quarterbacks in general. Can a rookie quarterback really adapt and pick up the professional lingo quick enough for Shanahan's offense to be successful? The options on the outside for any quarterback aren't exactly appealing, though Carlos Hyde's ability on the ground could relieve quite a bit of pressure for someone learning.
Back to Kaepernick,, is he willing to make the necessary changes in his game or will he now become a serviceable backup quarterback for another team? It sounds like Kaepernick will now stand for the national anthem, but will someone give this seventh-year pro a chance to prove himself worthy once again?
It may be just too much to handle for a team not looking for distractions, because the media will surely jump at any opportunity to bring attention to anything Kaepernick does.
Verdict: Pass
Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
5. Terrelle Pryor, WR – Cleveland Browns
Without knowing much about Terrelle Pryor personally, his adaption to the wide receiver position has been inspiring to see. Teammates and coaches have praised his work ethic, his professionalism in the locker room and willingness to do whatever is necessary should have teams lining up to sign this guy before free agency hits.
Pryor made the change from raw quarterback with playmaking ability with the Raiders to stud wide receiver that eclipsed over a 1,000 yards in his first year during the transition. The Cleveland Browns need to make signing Terrelle Pryor a priority. His name should be taken off the market before it even opens, but it's sounding like that isn't going to happen.
If the Browns were able to finally find their true quarterback, a team with Pryor and Corey Coleman outside, Gary Barnidge at tight end with Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson toting the rock, the Browns could finally see themselves trending upwards.
Is Cody Kessler the answer? What will they do with Robert Griffith III? Are the reports true that they may be targeting Tyrod Taylor? All these questions they need to figure out before the draft. If not, guys like Mitchell Trubisky, Deshaun Watson, or DeShone Kizer could all be in the running to turn this thing around in Cleveland. Either way, the Browns need to sign Terrelle Pryor with the pile of money they have sitting there.
Verdict: Pursue
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
4. Eddie Lacy, RB – Green Bay Packers
This one was a bit tricky, because it's really hard to take a running back like Eddie Lacy seriously if he doesn't himself. His weight issue last season and even before has just been mind-boggling. With Aaron Rodgers under center and with the abundance of weapons on the outside, you'd figure a back like Lacy would seize the opportunity to become great with seven man boxes—he just hasn't.
For all we know, Ty Montgomery may have sealed the starting role with his versatility to catch the ball out of the backfield while running in between the tackles. The Green Bay Packers cannot forget, though, Lacy did have back to back 1,000-yard seasons and was averaging a career high 5.1 yards per carry before getting hurt this season.
If Lacy is fully recovered from his ankle injury and comes into the season as he did last season, he may be primed for one of the best seasons of his career. The four-year pro is only 26 years of age with a good four to five years of his prime still available if a team values his style of running.
Lacy isn't exactly the all-around back teams are eyeing; he's a two down back who can plow in between the tackles, break tackles and pick up extra yards after contact, while also being very valuable on the goal line. Teams like Detroit, Jacksonville, New York Giants, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers could certainly use his attributes if the Packers decide to move on from the Alabama product.
Verdict: Pursue
Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
3. Martellus Bennett, TE – New England Patriots
This being his 10th season in the league and near the age of 30, Bennett's best years may now be passed him. He fortunately was able to capitalize on the bad luck of Rob Gronkowski's 2016-17 campaign and once again have relevance as a tight end.
Will the Patriots bring him back? Who knows. Gronk's inevitable return to the starting lineup and the intriguing depth in the NFL draft could lead the savvy Super Bowl champions down a different path.
The often boisterous and opinionated Martellus Bennett would be trying to find work with his fifth NFL team in his ninth season. Teams may not be willing to deal with the headache that Bennett sometimes brings to the table, even though his production at the position has been tremendous over the last four years.
It is being reported that the Jacksonville Jaguars and Oakland Raiders may have interest in the veteran tight end. Said interest is probably not long-term, so expect possibly a two-year deal in the works if he is to be signed. Familiarity with Tom Coughlin may help end his job search quickly, but with the deep tight end class coming out in 2017, other general managers will look to go younger.
Verdict: Pass
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
2. Mike Glennon, QB – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I bet many were wondering when this day would come for Mike Glennon. After years of dangling this dynamic arm talent around on the trading block, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers did themselves a disservice by not at least getting something in return for Glennon. Glennon's situation and arm talent sort of reminds me of the situation with Matt Schaub when he was with Atlanta before signing with the Houston Texans.
The fifth-year quarterback has produced when given the opportunity, but Jameis Winston now running the show, Glennon was never going to get the chance to prove that he could be a starter in this league. Like Schaub in Atlanta, the intrigue was high, the production was there when he played, and the position itself was much-needed.
It's been said that many teams believe Glennon is starter material, and we'll be sure to see this live arm gone quickly to quarterback needy teams. There are a magnitude of teams that'll do their homework on Glennon. San Francisco, Cleveland, Chicago, New York Jets, Houston, and even San Diego could look into his services.
Verdict: Pursue
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
1. Adrian Peterson, RB – Minnesota Vikings
You've probably never thought of a day that Adrian Peterson would be wearing something opposite of the purple and gold, but here we are. Now we'll watch one of the greatest running backs test free agency for the first time in his NFL career.
The accomplishments stack up when Adrian Peterson's name is mentioned among his peers. The multiple rushing titles during his 10-year career, his MVP award from 2012, and his 11,747 yards rushing that rank him in the top 20 among running backs all-time. When it comes down to it, though, he's missed a total of 28 games in his last three seasons and, as much as the Minnesota Vikings would have liked to keep their all-time leading rusher, the $18 million price tag was too steep for an aging running back who has become an injury liability.
At least one team unnamed general manger came forward to Bleacher Report's Mike Freeman and said Peterson's "burst was gone." Minnesota's porous offensive line didn't exactly help out Peterson before he suffered an injury versus the Green Bay Packers. All-Day averaged a career low 1.9 yards per carry last season. With the little work he had, he bounced indecisively too much at the line of scrimmage, looking for holes that just weren't there. A primed Peterson would've stuck his foot in the turf and attacked the pile.
The Giants, Buccaneers, and Cowboys all may be in play for AP, do not be surprised if a team like the Patriots come out of the wood work and strike a deal with a future Hall-of-Famer still looking for his first Super Bowl. However, the key question is, are teams willing to pay Adrian a premium knowing he's becoming less reliable as a bell-cow back rather than test the waters through the draft and see if they can find a much younger athlete at a lesser price? Do not break the bank for All-Day.
Verdict: Pass
