Kirk Cousins
After a great two year run with the Redskins, Cousins is by far the most prized quarterback on the market. He posted a 97.2 quarterback rating, leading a poor Washington team to a 8-7-1 record. Cousins has incredible vision and command of the game, rarely turning the ball over. He only threw for 12 interceptions this year, and threw for 25 touchdowns. With a 67% completion rate, Cousins almost reached 5,000 yards this year and made it known to the league that the ‘Skins are a pass-heavy team as long as he is in charge of the offense. Teams like the 9ers could snatch him away, but I just don’t see a scenario where Washington doesn’t pay him whatever he commands.
$110 million, 5 years: Washington Redskins
Chandler Jones
Chandler Jones didn’t slow down at all after his trade to Arizona. The lanky linebacker solidified the rush attack for the Cardinals this year. he recorded 11 sacks and amazingly forced 4 fumbles on the year. He was especially great against division rivals, which is something Bruce Arians raves about. Jones is also fast enough to hold up in man coverage, making him a duel threat linebacker. The linebacker market isn’t extremely high, however, making it improbable he packs his bags to go elsewhere.
$4 years, $52 million: Arizona Cardinals
Kawann Short
Although his stats may not show it, Kawann Short is a top 10 defensive tackle in the NFL. The 315 lb. DT is a offense’s nightmare. Paired up with Charles Johnson and Str Loutelei, Short showed us that he was the best among the defensive line. His ability to press an offensive lineman hard for 10 seconds is unmatched. Also, his relentless quickness makes him a threat at all times even if he isn’t near the QB. He recorded 6 sacks and 25 assists to cover that. His ability to perfect the double team has NFL GMs watering their mouths for him. I would have said Carolina would pay the man, but after what happened with Josh Norman it’s hard to tell what the Panthers front office thinks.
4 years, $44 million: Dallas Cowboys
Alshon Jeffrey
Alshon Jeffrey is one of a kind. His incredible route running and long arms make him the number one threat at all times. With almost 70 yards a game, he is one of the biggest red zone threats with this leaping ability and long frame. However, with the QB situation murky this year in Chicago, it was a tough road for him. He got plenty of targets, but with so many inaccurate throws only was able to haul in 2 TD catches the entire year. The only thing missing for him is a good QB.
$3 years, $52 million: Tennessee Titans
Jason Pierre-Paul
Because Pierre-Paul is so good at finishing plays for New York, he is guaranteed to make big bucks this year. Even with only eight fingers, his tremendous frame and arsenal of moves make him impossible to guard consistently. He racked up 7 sacks and 18 assists this year, and anchored one of the top defenses in the league. To add on to this, his style of hitting guys hard riles up entire defenses. He forced 3 fumbles this year, and added to a defense that specialized in forcing turnovers. With the New York defense already so solid, it’s unlikely that the Giants will spend big money to keep him.
4 years, $65 million: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Eric Berry
Eric Berry has an incredible story. After recovering from cancer, he hasn’t missed a single beat these past two years in Kansas City. He totaled 4 INTs this year and helped solidify the Chiefs secondary as the best in the league. Also, his explosive speed can make a huge impact on QBs. He totaled 2 sacks this season and had one pick six that was one to remember. Berry is very football smart. He knows where the play is and it allowed him to make over 70 tackles this year. Kansas City would obviously love to keep their star safety, but with their eyes set on retaining the best corner in the league, Marcus Peters, they may not have the money to do it.
3 years, $44 million: Indianapolis Colts
by Shaan Singh
Sideline Champ 