The countdown to NFL free agency has officially begun, with less than a week left until teams can start making moves to improve their rosters. As always, this year’s free agency class has its strengths and weaknesses, with some positions being deeper than others. With teams gearing up to spend big by restructuring deals, trading, and releasing players, let’s take a look at which position groups are the strongest and which ones are the weakest in this year’s free agency.
1. Edge Rushers
The edge rusher position is undoubtedly the deepest in this year’s free agency class. With big names like Jadeveon Clowney, Yannick Ngakoue, and Shaquil Barrett set to hit the market, teams in need of a pass rusher will have plenty of options to choose from. Clowney, who is coming off a solid season with the Seattle Seahawks, is expected to be one of the most sought-after free agents. Ngakoue, who has been a consistent force for the Jacksonville Jaguars, is also expected to draw a lot of interest from teams. And let’s not forget about Barrett, who led the league in sacks last season with 19.5. With such a deep pool of talented edge rushers available, teams will have the luxury of being picky and finding the perfect fit for their defense.
2. Interior Offensive Linemen
The interior offensive line is another position group that is stacked with talent in this year’s free agency. Brandon Scherff, Joe Thuney, and Graham Glasgow are just a few of the big names that will be available. Scherff, who has been a Pro Bowler for the Washington Redskins, is expected to be the most sought-after interior lineman. Thuney, who has been a key part of the New England Patriots’ offensive line, is also expected to draw a lot of interest. And let’s not forget about Glasgow, who has been a consistent starter for the Detroit Lions. With so many talented interior linemen available, teams in need of help on the offensive line will have plenty of options to choose from.
3. Wide Receivers
The wide receiver position is another one that is deep in this year’s free agency. With names like Amari Cooper, A.J. Green, and Emmanuel Sanders set to hit the market, teams in need of a playmaker on the outside will have plenty of options to choose from. Cooper, who had a career year with the Dallas Cowboys, is expected to be the top receiver on the market. Green, who has been a Pro Bowler for the Cincinnati Bengals, is also expected to draw a lot of interest. And let’s not forget about Sanders, who was a key part of the San Francisco 49ers’ Super Bowl run. With so many talented receivers available, teams will have the luxury of finding the perfect weapon for their offense.
4. Cornerbacks
The cornerback position is another one that is deep in this year’s free agency. With names like Byron Jones, James Bradberry, and Chris Harris Jr. set to hit the market, teams in need of help in the secondary will have plenty of options to choose from. Jones, who has been a consistent starter for the Dallas Cowboys, is expected to be the top cornerback on the market. Bradberry, who has been a solid starter for the Carolina Panthers, is also expected to draw a lot of interest. And let’s not forget about Harris Jr., who has been a Pro Bowler for the Denver Broncos. With so many talented cornerbacks available, teams will have the luxury of finding the perfect fit for their defense.
5. Quarterbacks
The quarterback position is always a hot topic in free agency, and this year is no different. While there aren’t any big-name quarterbacks set to hit the market, there are still some solid options available. Teddy Bridgewater, Philip Rivers, and Jameis Winston are just a few of the quarterbacks that will be available. Bridgewater, who filled in admirably for the injured Drew Brees last season, is expected to draw a lot of interest. Rivers, who has been a consistent starter for the Los Angeles Chargers, is also expected to have a few suitors. And let’s not forget about Winston, who led the league in passing yards last season but also had a league-high 30 interceptions. With a mix of experienced veterans and young potential, teams in need of a quarterback will have some interesting options to choose
