2015 NFL Free Agency: Mark Ingram and Other Possible Bargains
By Erik Lambert
Everybody knows who is going to get paid in 2015 NFL free agency. So what about some possible bargains?
Mark Ingram – RB
Finally when the New Orleans Saints made a commitment to him, Mark Ingram started to flash the potential people saw in him years ago as a 1st round pick. At age 24 he still has plenty of tread left on the tires, especially since he’s been operating in a committee approach by the Saints for years. If he can find a team that is willing to feed him, Ingram could become a high value purchase.
Tramon Williams – CB
The Green Bay Packers are notorious for discarding veteran players once they’ve had a chance to develop young, cheaper draft picks. Tramon Williams is facing that reality. At age 31, he plays on a defense where cornerback is considered a strength due to its depth. Therefore the Packers may decide to move on from him, but that doesn’t mean he has no value. Older corners have held up quite well in new locations such as Antonio Cromartie and Corteland Finnegan. Williams has the ability to do the same.
Colt McCoy – QB
He seems like one of those players coaches always look to replace, and that’s a shame because Colt McCoy proved this season that he can get a team to respond to him. The leadership and intelligence make him a viable option at quarterback if a team would just give him a legitimate chance in a good system with reasonable weaponry. Talent isn’t everything in football, and shouldn’t be in 2015 NFL free agency.
Cecil Shorts – WR
Playing on struggling teams with second-rate or rookie quarterbacks has really overshadowed how good of a receiver Cecil Shorts actually is. Not the biggest, strongest or fastest but he finds ways to get open and can make plays. At age 26 he’s still young and averages 11.4 yards per catch. In the right hands he can be a deceptively dangerous weapon.
Jason Pierre-Paul – DE
A few years ago he was hailed as the next Michael Strahan. Indeed Jason Pierre-Paul certainly has the size and length to dominate tackles but for one reason or another he has faltered of late with the New York Giants. How much is physical and how much is mental is the big key. Getting away from Tom Coughlin to a new atmosphere may be the ticket for him, especially given the cheaper price he’ll command.