NFL Free Agency: This Is a Football #1

Gotta keep football alive, even in March! Expect a monthly column in this slot to either recap a month of football, look ahead, or otherwise analyze gridiron football in a way that you never would have imagined. Probably. Maybe. Hopefully.

Free Agency is a’coming to the NFL. That’s right, the time of the year when your favorite team gets torn apart, the Super Bowl teams get pilfered, and Jerry Jones pays a one-hit wonder player far too much. Let’s break down this year’s oversized money-blowing machine by stating my top 5 free agents.

5. TE Jimmy Graham, NO

I personally think that Graham is overrated. Sure, he’s been one of the best at his position the last few years, but how much of that is his skill and how much is Drew Brees and the Sean Payton throw-and-catch offense? No way the Saints let him leave, but I’m sure they could replace him if needed.

Prediction: Stays in Naw’lins for way too much.

4. ILB Donald Butler, SD

On the other end of the spectrum, I believe that Butler is one of the most underrated linebackers in a league filled with talented linebackers. While Te’o was busy dancing with his girlfriend (kinda?), Butler has made 5.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, and 4 forced fumbles in three years for the Chargers. And he’s only 25. Sure, he doesn’t make as many big plays as a Patrick Willis or Ray Lewis, but he is way too good to leave.

Prediction: Tom Telesco coughs up the big bucks to keep their best linebacker since pre-injury Shawn Merriman.

3. CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, DEN

I doubt that anyone was blown away by the Broncos’ secondary last year, but this is a young, playmaking corner that they NEED to keep. He was their best defensive back last year, and they can ill-afford to lose him. He’s only 27 as well, and one great return man.

Prediction: He stays in Denver for another chance at a ring, but not on a very long contract (he wants the big money and I don’t think they have it).

2. FS Jairus Byrd, BUF

Byrd has been one of the premiere playmaking safeties in the league since he exploded onto the scene in 2009 with nine interceptions. No one else in the Bills’ secondary can match his skill, and he is still young enough that he will be paid in full this year.

Prediction: The Bills do the best that they can to keep him, but I think he will go to the highest bidder unless they tag him.

1. CB Aqib Talib, NE

Are you sensing a pattern here? Defensive back has become an extremely important position in the NFL as we continue to promote passing. Just refer to the champion Seahawks to discern how important defensive backs are to a team. New England has absorbed many losses in its secondary over the years and managed to get by, but they never had a truly great corner until signing Talib last year. I’d say they can’t afford to lose him, but that is NOT the Patriot Way.

Prediction: Talib will stay for the right price (deservedly so), but I think he walks and signs with another contender (Broncos, anyone?).

Good luck to every team (except the Patriots) in either keeping a team together or building a new one! May the odds be ever in your favor (except for the Patriots).