We're now one week away from the start of NFL free agency. Teams are finalizing their free agent big boards and preparing their offers and pitches to players and their agents. This free agent class is loaded with some top-tier talent and absurd amounts of money are about to be thrown around.
Let's take a look at every NFL team's top Target in free agency.
Arizona Cardinals - Nick Fairley
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Arizona Cardinals - Nick Fairley
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The Cardinals top priority should be to beef up their defensive line, especially after releasing Darnell Dockett last Friday. Fairley changed his diet during the 2014 offseason and was in the best shape of his life before he missed half of the Detroit Lions' season with a knee injury. He was the No. 13 pick in the 2011 draft and still has loads of untapped potential.
Atlanta Falcons - Jordan Cameron
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Atlanta Falcons - Jordan Cameron
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The Falcons defense was the big problem in the 2014 season, but by no means does that mean the offense doesn’t have big holes to fill. Levine Toilolo was adequate taking over for Tony Gonzalez at tight end last season, but he’s not the type of receiving threat teams covet. Julius Thomas is an option, but former Cleveland Browns tight end Jordan Cameron might be the better fit considering his familiarity Kyle Shanahan.
Baltimore Ravens - Justin Forsett
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Baltimore Ravens - Justin Forsett
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After everything that happened with Ray Rice last season, most people expected the Ravens rushing attack to disappear. Thanks to Justin Forsett, that was far from the case. Forsett finished fifth in the NFL with 1,266 yards in 2014 and is a perfect fit for Baltimore’s offense. He should be the Ravens’ top priority over any outside free agent.
Buffalo Bills - Mike Iupati
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Buffalo Bills - Mike Iupati
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Guard is one position that teams can fill pretty easily through the draft, but Iupati truly is an elite run blocker. Greg Roman, the Bills’ new offensive coordinator, coached Iupati for the last four years while both were with the San Francisco 49ers. Head coach Rex Ryan said he “plans to build a bully,” an Iupati would be a great start.
Carolina Panthers - Jeremy Maclin
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Carolina Panthers - Jeremy Maclin
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It’s a good thing Kelvin Benjamin panned out for the Panthers. Outside of Benjamin and Greg Olsen, Cam Newton had no one to pass to. The speedy Maclin is the perfect compliment to the big-bodied Benjamin and he stretches the field as well as any player in the league. Signing Maclin would quickly turn Carolina’s wide receiver position from a weakness to a strength.
Chicago Bears - Devin McCourty
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Chicago Bears - Devin McCourty
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Surprisingly, Devin McCourty is set to hit the open market after the Patriots placed the franchise tag on kicker Stephen Gostkowski. McCourty is a perfect fit for Chicago’s new 3-4 defense under Vic Fangio. He would be able to roam the back half of the field and allow Chicago’s cornerbacks to be ultra aggressive at the line of scrimmage.
Cincinnati Bengals - Jerry Hughes
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Cincinnati Bengals - Jerry Hughes
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The Bengals seriously need a pass-rush boost to push them to the next level. Jason Pierre-Paul and Justin Houston were slapped with franchise tags, but Hughes could have almost the same impact. Cincinnati has plenty of cap space and signing Hughes would be the perfect start to free agency.
Cleveland Browns - Buster Skrine
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Cleveland Browns - Buster Skrine
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When the Browns drafted cornerback Justin Gilbert with the No. 8 pick in the 2014 draft, it looked like Skrine was going to have a tough competition on his hands to remain as a starter. He ended up easily beating out Gilbert and had the best season of his career. Skrine’s versatility of being able to play outside and as the nickelback is extremely valuable.
Dallas Cowboys - DeMarco Murray
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Dallas Cowboys - DeMarco Murray
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The Cowboys slapped the franchise tag on Dez Bryant, so we know at least half of their dynamic duo will be back in 2015. Murray is an elite running back and knows he’s not going to find a better situation than what he already has in Dallas. He may end up being the top target of many teams, but in the end I think Murray and Jerry Jones come to an agreement.
Denver Broncos - Terrance Knighton
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Denver Broncos - Terrance Knighton
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When the Broncos hired Wade Phillips as their defense coordinator, it meant a move to a 3-4 defense. The nose tackle is the anchor of any 3-4 defense and a position you absolutely need to have a reliable player at. Knighton could prove to be too expensive to keep as one of the top defensive tackles on the market, but he has expressed a desire to return to Denver.
Detroit Lions - Ndamukong Suh
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Detroit Lions - Ndamukong Suh
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The Lions made the choice not to place the franchise tag on Suh, making it very possible that he signs with a different team once the free agency doors open. He’s one of the best players in the league and the Lions need to do whatever it takes to keep Suh in Detroit.
Green Bay Packers - Julius Thomas
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Green Bay Packers - Julius Thomas
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Signing Thomas only makes sense for the Packers if they lose Randall Cobb in free agency. Davante Adams is an emerging star, but Aaron Rodgers will need another proven target in the passing game if they lose Cobb. Thomas is the top tight end on the market, and it’s been awhile since Green Bay had a true receiving threat at the position.
Houston Texans - Kareem Jackson
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Houston Texans - Kareem Jackson
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The Texans elected not to use the franchise tag on Jackson and he’s sure to be in high demand once free agency begins. He’s started 71 games for Houston since being drafted with the No. 20 pick in the 2010 draft. Jackson recorded 57 tackles and three interceptions in 2014 and was a big part of the Texans surprisingly stout defense.
Indianapolis Colts - Pernell McPhee
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Indianapolis Colts - Pernell McPhee
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It was hard not to go with Ndamukong Suh here, but I think the Colts pass once his price tag soars through the roof. They still have to sign Andrew Luck to a mega deal that might be the biggest in the history of the sport. Signing McPhee would be a tremendous consolation prize after losing out on Suh.
Jacksonville Jaguars - Randall Cobb
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Jacksonville Jaguars - Randall Cobb
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The Jaguars have more money to spend than any other team and should be able to land at least a couple quality free agents. It should be a priority to acquire a proven and reliable wide receiver to help further Blake Bortles’ development as a quarterback. Cobb won’t be eager to go from Aaron Rodgers to Bortles, but in the end, money talks.
Kansas City Chiefs - Jeremy Maclin
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Kansas City Chiefs - Jeremy Maclin
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Kansas City doesn’t have much cap space, but I’m guessing they’ll find a way to free some up in order to go out and upgrade the wide receiver position. The Chiefs somehow did not have a single touchdown reception from a wideout in 2015. Maclin is the type of playmaker in the passing game that would give perfect balance to the Kansas City offense.
Miami Dolphins - Antonio Cromartie
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Miami Dolphins - Antonio Cromartie
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The Dolphins need help in the secondary, so it’s a good thing the 2015 free agent class is littered with quality defensive backs with starting experience. If Darrelle Revis becomes available, expect the Dolphins to take a serious run at him as well.
Minnesota Vikings - Devin McCourty
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Minnesota Vikings - Devin McCourty
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There’s a few different directions the Vikings could choose to go in free agency. They need to address their offensive line, the running backs, wide receivers, and their secondary. I expect the Vikings to kick the tires and see if they can get a deal done with the top defensive back available.
New England Patriots - Darrelle Revis
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New England Patriots - Darrelle Revis
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The Patriots are expected to decline Revis’ $20 million option, instantly making the elite cornerback a free agent. It looks as if they are prepared to let Devin McCourty walk in free agency, and there’s no way Bill Belichick lets the two biggest pieces of his Super Bowl winning defense get away in the same offseason.
New Orleans Saints - Trent Cole
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New Orleans Saints - Trent Cole
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The Saints attempted to revamp their defense in the 2014 offseason, but the results weren’t much different. New Orleans allowed the second-most yards per game to opponents and even with an explosive offense, Sean Payton and the Saints can’t expect to contend in the NFC until they fix the defense. Cole became a free agent after the Eagles released him on Tuesday afternoon.
New York Giants - Orlando Franklin
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New York Giants - Orlando Franklin
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The Giants have a glaring hole on their offensive line and could look to Mike Iupati or Orlando Franklin to fill it. I personally think Franklin will be the better value signing of the top two interior linemen and he really came into his own last season as a run blocker. Safety Da’Norris Searcy is another player to keep an eye on.
New York Jets - Byron Maxwell
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New York Jets - Byron Maxwell
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If Darrelle Revis becomes available, expect the Jets to do everything in their power to reunite with their former star player. For now, with Revis still with the Patriots, the Jets are considered a frontrunner to sign one the top defensive backs in the class. Maxwell, 27, was the most unheralded member of Seattle’s secondary and is the type of big physical cornerback Todd Bowles loves to use to disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage.
Oakland Raiders - Ndamukong Suh
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Oakland Raiders - Ndamukong Suh
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The Raiders have more than enough money to spend on a couple big-name free agents and Suh is likely at the top of their free agent big board. He’s the best player available and one of the most impactful players in the entire league. Don’t be surprised if Oakland hands him a blank check and Suh is wearing silver and black in 2015.
Philadelphia Eagles - Jeremy Maclin
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Philadelphia Eagles - Jeremy Maclin
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Maclin won’t find a better match for his talents than the Eagles. Chip Kelly’s unique offensive system fits Maclin perfectly and Philadelphia can’t afford to let him go. The two sides are reportedly not far apart on a deal that would keep Maclin with the Eagles.
Pittsburgh Steelers - Brandon Graham
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Pittsburgh Steelers - Brandon Graham
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The Steelers don’t have much cap space to work with, but they did free some up by restructuring a few contracts this offseason. This has me thinking the restructures were done so they could be a player in free agency. Outside linebacker is one position I think they’re looking at upgrading. Graham has been Pro Football Focus’ highest-rated edge defender per 100 snaps over the past three seasons.
St. Louis Rams - Stefen Wiskniewski
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St. Louis Rams - Stefen Wiskniewski
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The Rams are expected to cut ties with center Scott Wells soon, opening up a need to add a starting caliber center. Adding a center isn’t the most exciting move for fans, but upgrading the offensive line should be a top priority for the Rams. Since being drafted in 2011, Wisniewski has quietly earned a reputation as one of the better centers in football.
San Diego Chargers - Devin McCourty
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San Diego Chargers - Devin McCourty
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The Chargers already have an All-Pro safety in Eric Weddle and by adding McCourty, they would instantly have the best safety tandem in the league. Weddle and McCourty both play free safety, but they have the versatility to make it work with one of the two handling the occasional in-the-box assignment.
San Francisco 49ers - Jeremy Maclin
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San Francisco 49ers - Jeremy Maclin
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The 49ers have been trying for years to acquire a deep threat to stretch the field, but have failed to do so every offseason. Anquan Boldin is an aging possession receiver and Michael Crabtree isn’t expected back in San Francisco, but he wasn’t a deep threat any way. It’s time for the 49ers to get the strong-armed Kaepernick a weapon to take the top off of defenses.
Seattle Seahawks - Randall Cobb
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Seattle Seahawks - Randall Cobb
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The Seahawks need to clear up some cap space, but it’s clear their biggest need is at wide receiver. Just about any of the middle-tier wide receivers would instantly become starters for Seattle, but expect them to test the waters and check out the price tag on a top-tier player like Cobb.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Mike Iupati
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Mike Iupati
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Tampa Bay swung and missed the last time they signed the best guard in free agency with Carl Nicks, but they shouldn’t be scared to make a big splash again just because of one failure. The Buccaneers are loaded at wide receiver, but desperately need to upgrade their offensive line to give their quarterbacks time to deliver the ball to their playmakers.
Tennessee Titans - Buster Skrine
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Tennessee Titans - Buster Skrine
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The direction the Titans go in free agency could very well have an impact on who they select with the No. 2 pick in the draft. Skrine is the type of pure cover corner who would excel in Tennessee. The Titans have more than enough cap space, so don’t be surprised if they dip their toes in the Ndamukong Suh sweepstakes as well.
Washington Redskins - Dan Williams
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Washington Redskins - Dan Williams
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The Redskins defense was pathetic in 2014. There’s truly no other way to put it. New general manager Scot McCloughan had strong defensive fronts during his time with the 49ers and Seahawks, so expect him to pursue the top interior players. Williams graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 2 overall 3-4 nose tackle last season with the Arizona Cardinals.
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