By Peyton Schultze

Demarcus Lawrence of the Dallas Cowboys is just one of the marquee free agents that will be available in free agency.

Now that the 2019 NFL Combine is complete, the NFL shifts into full offseason gear with free agency and the draft on the way. When the new league year begins on March 13th, free agency will present a brand-new crop of established veterans and young weapons that will enter the market in a chase for tons of money and an ideal team. With many teams in line for some fresh faces across the board, we present our landing spot predictions for some of NFL free agency’s biggest names.

Le’Veon Bell, Baltimore Ravens

A move by Le’Veon Bell to join the rival Ravens would cause a major shift of power in the AFC North.

Many have predicted that Le’Veon Bell could easily wind up in Indianapolis, Philadelphia or New York, but joining the Baltimore Ravens seems to make a ton of sense. In joining the Ravens, not only would Bell join the Steelers’ biggest rival, but would instantly help a currently-limited Ravens’ offense with Lamar Jackson under center. Bell will require a huge contract, likely the largest for a running back in NFL history, which could ultimately hurt the Ravens’ chances of doing much else in free agency in a field where they could possibly lose two of their own in C.J. Mosley and Terrell Suggs. However, as one of the only teams that has consistently given the Patriots trouble throughout the AFC and still has a great defense, Baltimore should go all-in on a player that has the spectacular skillset that Bell possess. It will be a steep cost, but the Ravens will go and get one of the best backs in the league to remain the favorite to win the AFC North in 2019.

Mark Ingram, New York Jets

The Jets are in the market for a running back, and Mark Ingram could be the solution to their glaring hole at the position.

Even if the Jets can’t land the big fish in Le’Veon Bell, look for them to quickly turn their attention to the former Heisman trophy winner in Mark Ingram. Although the Saints could make a push for a short-term deal to continue their great backfield combo with Alvin Kamara, the Jets have a ton of cap room and should make a push towards Ingram. Although he is slowly raising in age (29, which is not considered young for a running back), Ingram could be a great addition to a Jets’ offense that truly lacks any sort of elite playmaker to assist Sam Darnold. The Jets and their fanbase are in desperate need of some sort of hope to get back on track towards relevancy in the AFC and signing Ingram could be the first big step of a long offseason process for Gang Green in The Big Apple.

Nick Foles, Jacksonville Jaguars

Nick Foles could help bring some stability to an organization that has struggled finding any sort of success at quarterback in recent memory.

The most obvious fit of the 2019 free agency class belongs to Nick Foles and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Foles has had one of the more fascinating careers in NFL history, leading the Eagles to three playoff berths on two sperate stints with the team, including one that resulted in a Lombardi Trophy. For the former Super Bowl MVP of the Eagles, the market is shaky and interesting despite his recent success after ultimately being let go by Philadelphia in favor of their young foundation in Carson Wentz. The Jaguars, however, finally seem to have seen enough of their quarterback in the terribly-inconsistent Blake Bortles and enter free agency as an intriguing team that still has a loaded defense with players like Jalen Ramsey and Calais Campbell. Jacksonville has an uphill climb towards the top in a tough division with Andrew Luck and Deshaun Watson, so signing Foles could be a wise move for a team that needs a solid quarterback in the midst of his prime.

Earl Thomas, Dallas Cowboys

For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, signing Earl Thomas would be another huge boost to an already-loaded Cowboys’ defense.

Over the years, it has been very clear that Earl Thomas has wanted to play with the Dallas Cowboys at some point in his career, even proclaiming for Cowboys coach Jason Garrett to “call him” two season ago. With that being said, that puts this squarely on the shoulders of the ‘Boys to make this happen. Yet if the recent sign of Jason Witten is any indication, the Cowboys look like they are preparing to go all-out for a run towards next year’s Super Bowl. Despite his recent injuries, adding a safety of Thomas’ magnitude could possibly make the Cowboys’ defense the best in the league and add another superstar to a hungry team in the NFC. In the end, we predict that Jerry and Stephen Jones will get it done and get Earl Thomas to Big D.

Landon Collins, Denver Broncos

Collins is a big-time thumper who would be a huge addition to the Broncos’ aging defense.

John Elway faces another huge offseason, especially after making a controversial move by trading with the Ravens for quarterback Joe Flacco. With solid pieces on offense such as Phillip Lindsay and Emmanuel Sanders, the Broncos need a few more playmakers on defense to return to their former glory. With that being said, Denver’s old “No Fly Zone” is now almost completely gone outside of Chris Harris and desperately needs some help with a hard-hitting and versatile safety. Adding Collins of the Giants would fit this bill, despite his coverage flaws, and help Von Miller and the Denver defense compete with elite offenses in the AFC West such as the Chargers and Chiefs. If Elway can pull it off, Collins could be the next great safety to take his talents to the Mile High City where players like John Lynch and Steve Atwater have roamed the field with the three-time champion Broncos.

Demarcus Lawrence, Indianapolis Colts (edit: tagged by the Cowboys on 3/4)

If Lawrence does not have the franchise tag placed on him by the Cowboys, the Colts are an obvious fit with tons of cap space.

If the Cowboys are unable to reach a long-term deal and do not opt to use their franchise tag on Demarcus Lawrence, there will be tons of suitors looking to work out a contract with the elite pass-rusher. While it would be a major loss for a great Cowboy defense, it would be a major addition for a young and emerging Colts team that looks like they are going to vault into contention in 2019. A year after solidifying a great offensive line to protect Andrew Luck, the Colts have a ton of money to spend on creating a great defense that can get it done on that side of the ball. If general manager Chris Ballard can swindle Lawrence and cause him to make a move to Indy, the Colts could be in great shape heading into a promising 2019 season.

Frank Clark, Arizona Cardinals (edit: tagged by the Seahawks on 3/4)

Frank Clark of the Seahawks would be a deadly addition to the Cardinals’ pass rush alongside Chandler Jones.

The Arizona Cardinals have plenty of holes across the board, but with some money to spend, why not add to a strength to form an elite pass rush? Although signing Frank Clark would be a clear signal that the Cardinals would likely pass over Nick Bosa and select Kyler Murray in the draft, Arizona would be wise to take away an elite pass rusher from a divisional foe. Clark could help to return the Cardinals’ defense to their former glory while the offense sorts itself out, especially in a brutal division with Russell Wilson, Jimmy Garoppolo and the defending-NFC champion Los Angeles Rams. Seattle will likely make a strong push to re-sign Clark, but look for the Cardinals to ultimately convince him to join Chandler Jones and Co. as the Cardinals look to right the ship after a horrendous 2018 season.

Trey Flowers, Cleveland Browns

Adding Trey Flowers to an upcoming Browns’ defense could be a perfect fit that should happen in free agency.

Heading into the free agent class of 2019, Trey Flowers of the New England Patriots could very well be the most underrated players not only available, but in all of football. Flowers had another phenomenal year for the Super Bowl-winning New England Patriots and New England could very well make a push at re-signing him for the right price. However, the Patriots rarely ever overpay and instead trust themselves to find a solid replacement in the draft. With that being said, this makes Flowers a great candidate to get paid big in free agency. The Browns showed tons of promise in 2019, led by the emergence of quarterback Baker Mayfield. However, their defense was not great, but showed promise at times with players like Denzel Ward and Myles Garrett. Look for the Browns to add another great piece to their defensive line in their intense pursuit of a playoff spot in 2019.

Staying on Their Team

After having the franchise tag placed upon him today, Jadeveon Clowney will remain a Houston Texan for at least another season.

Jadeveon Clowney, Houston Texans (franchise tag)
Dee Ford, Kansas City Chiefs (franchise tag)
Robbie Gould, San Francisco 49ers (franchise tag)
Grady Jarrett, Atlanta Falcons
Jordan Hicks, Philadelphia Eagles
Jared Cook, Oakland Raiders
C.J. Mosley, Baltimore Ravens
C.J. Anderson, Los Angeles Rams
Trent Brown, New England Patriots
Anthony Barr, Minnesota Vikings
Adrian Amos, Chicago Bears

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