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Dream Locations for the top 10 remaining NFL free agents

AFI

By Mason Mesbah

While most of this year’s marquee free agents have signed new lucrative contracts, several big-name players with pro bowl pedigree remain available. In a growing trend, we’ve seen several NFL veterans play the waiting game and sign just before training camp or even during the season in order to put themselves in the best possible position. While that is a financial and even gamble, these top 10 NFL free agents remain patient even as the season rapidly approaches. Let’s take a look at ten big game free agents and

1) WR Odell Beckham Jr. – Baltimore Ravens

Coming off of a career revival in Los Angeles, and an ACL tear, Beckham has been left in the free agent market waiting for an opportunity. While the Ravens traded away Hollywood Brown and failed to bring in any other receivers throughout the offseason. Baltimore would offer Beckham the ability to be a potential WR1 for his friend Lamar Jackson and a great complement to Rashod Bateman and Devin Duvernay in the slot. Giving Beckham his deserved targets on a competing team with championship aspirations could be the perfect spot to return himself to his peak form.

2) EDGE Trey Flowers – New England Patriots

Flowers returning to New England writes itself. Flowers flourished there just a few years ago before signing a massive deal with Detroit. Following his release, and New England trading Chase Winovich, there is an open spot across from Matthew Judon that Flowers could fill, returning back to Belichicks scheme and hoping to rekindle the magic that earned him that $90 million dollar deal. His help in pass rush situations would be a gamechanger for a Patriots team trying to return to domination.

3) C JC Tretter – Miami Dolphins

Tides seem to be turning in Miami following a big offseason, filling out the roster with stars and quality players all around. Quite possibly the biggest issue of not only last season, but for most of the past decade has been the offensive line. With the signings of Terron Armstead and Connor Williams, along with the development of Robert Hunt and Liam Eichenberg, it seems like they have found the answer at every position outside of center. Tretter has been one of the league’s best centers for years now and could see a fresh start in an up-and-coming Dolphins team and complete the offensive line.

4) WR Julio Jones – Indianapolis Colts

This seems to be a match made in heaven. A team thin a receiver, and adding QB Matt Ryan in the off season, it seems bound to happen to reunite Jones with his long time QB now in Indy. Jones will be able to prove everyone wrong and be the big-time top receiver that he has been for his entire career, as well as being a mentor for Michael Pittman. The Colts have been a quarterback away for years now and seem to feel ecstatic about Matt Ryans ability to lead them to the promised land, and seems like a perfect fit to bring in the receiver he has had a tremendous connection with for years now, while also filling a need.

5) S Landon Collins – New York Jets

The former All-Pro safety goes back to New York, but this time on the other side of the stadium. Landon Collins went from DPOY runner up, to a big contract with Washington, to being overshadowed and overlooked. Collins still provides skill and versatility and at only 28 years old, is far from being done. New York has needs all over the place, but still hasn’t been able to replace the hole Jamal Adams left when he was traded. Collins can slide right into that role in Robert Salah’s scheme as the leader of the defense, while being able to provide versatility as a linebacker as well as a safety. With the additions of Jordan Whitehead and “Sauce” Gardner, the secondary has gotten a massive upgrade, and Collins may be the ultimate chess piece to complete the revamp.

6) T Eric Fisher – Pittsburgh Steelers

A new era seems to have started for the Steelers with the signing of Mitchell Trubisky, and of course, drafting Kenny Pickett in the first round. Mike Tomlin seems to always find success no matter what, but if either of these quarterbacks want to be the long-term successor for Big Ben, the Steelers must make the situation as painless as possible.

Eric Fisher is an instant upgrade over Dan Moore jr. and would be a huge addition to help protect whoever finds themselves under center week 1. A good tackle is so important to a good team, and after Moore ranked last in the NFL among tackles in pass block win rate last season, a change must come if they want Pickett to survive back there for the long run.

7) LB Anthony Barr – Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers had quite a busy off season, bringing in pro-bowlers all over the place, and that doesn’t stop now. Barr has enough versatility to fill the spot left by Kyzir White and be the heart of that defense surrounded by superstars. Barr can rotate as a top coverage linebacker on the team, while bringing enough versatility to occasionally pass rush and blitz from anywhere. Barr brings experience and veteran knowledge to the already upgraded defense that would have no weaknesses with his presence.

8) WR Will Fuller – Cleveland Browns

Yet another receiver falls on this list, and this time heads to Cleveland. It has been an interesting few months for the Browns, with the whole Deshaun Watson situation, trading for Amari Cooper, Cutting Jarvis Landry, and much more. Whether Watson plays or not next year, they need more weapons. After Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones, there is not a ton to be excited about for a team ready to make the run for a championship. Fuller already has experience with Watson from their days in Houston, and even has some experience with Jacoby Brissett from last year. A healthy Fuller is a scary sight and pairing him back up with Watson, alongside Cooper could be a gamechanger.

9) OL Daryl Williams – Chicago Bears

Justin Fields needs some help. Chicago’s O-Line was flat out awful last season and does not look like it is any better going into next year. Williams, still only 29, would instantly upgrade the entire unit and provide versatility to be able to play interior or on the exterior on the line. As I said earlier with the Steelers, young quarterbacks are getting less and less opportunities to prove themselves, so it is important to give them the best situation possible so he gets a fair shot. This applies to Fields as he had glimpses of stardom last year, but with not nearly enough help to really do damage. Williams would be a step in the right direction for the Bears in this rebuild.

10) CB Kevin King – Las Vegas Raiders

Yes, King had a rough NFC Championship game two years ago, but people forget the talent he has as an established corner in this league. The Raiders have had some trouble with their corners over the past few years and could offer King the ability to play freely across the defense alongside Nate Hobbs and newly acquired Rock Ya-Sin that could form a very young and solid developing group of corners. King has had a solid career up to this point and had a good start to the season last year before going down with an injury. Getting him on a cheap deal at this point of the off season would be an absolute steal for a team in need of a cornerback.

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