NFL

Top 5 Landing Spots for Recently Released Darnell Dockett

Top 5 Landing Spots in Free Agency for Darnell Dockett

Darnell Dockett Arizona Cardinals
Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

After missing the entire 2014 season with a torn ACL, veteran defensive tackle Darnell Dockett was released by the Arizona Cardinals on Friday. Now free to sign with any team as an unrestricted free agent, let's take a look at the top 5 most likely landing spots for the three-time Pro Bowler.

5. Oakland Raiders

Charles Woodson Raiders
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

5. Oakland Raiders

Charles Woodson Raiders
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The Raiders are expected to take their best shot at the best defensive tackle in free agency, Ndamukong Suh, and Dockett could be a nice consolation prize if they fail to land him. With more money to spend in free agency than any other team besides the Jaguars, general manager Reggie McKenzie has the option to sign just about any player he wants. Speaking of the Jaguars…

4. Jacksonville Jaguars

Blake Bortles
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

4. Jacksonville Jaguars

Blake Bortles Jaguars
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

They need help all over the field, have the most cap space, and could really use an anchor to build their defense around. Now 33 years old, Dockett isn’t the same player he used to be, but at the least he could be a good mentor to Jacksonville’s young roster. Florida also doesn’t have state income tax, which always helps.

3. Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

3. Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

The Colts might be the most intriguing option because they’re one of the better teams in football. They played in the AFC title game last year, have the best young quarterback in the NFL, and have plenty of cap flexibility. They need help along the defensive front, especially after releasing Ricky Jean-Francois early this week, and Dockett could very well be the answer.

2. New York Jets

Geno Smith New York Jets
Getty Images

2. New York Jets

Geno Smith New York Jets
Getty Images

The Jets play in New York, which has always been a desirable place for players to play. This could especially be the case for someone like Dockett who has played the entirety of his 11-year career in Arizona, which I’m sorry, is no New York. Dockett’s used to playing in a 3-4 defense, making him a perfect fit for the Jets.

1. Chicago Bears

John Fox Chicago Bears
Getty Images

1. Chicago Bears

John Fox Chicago Bears
Getty Images

Similar to Jacksonville, the Titans need all the help on defense they can get. New Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is familiar with Dockett from his days in the NFC West with the San Francisco 49ers. Looking to rebuild the Monsters of the Midway, John Fox and the Bears could very well rely on Dockett to stabilize their defense.

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