2014 NFL Free Agency Mock Update: Graham to Green Bay
By Erik Lambert
Jan 4, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham (80) carries the ball during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2013 NFC wild card playoff football game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Not every name on the big list heading into 2014 NFL free agency will be available, but if they are, here is a rough outlook of where they could land.
Jimmy Graham – TE – New Orleans Saints – Joins: Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers almost never venture into the market, but when they do, it’s always for a reason (Reggie White, Charles Woodson etc.). Pairing Jimmy Graham with Aaron Rodgers would be a good reason.
Greg Hardy – DE – Carolina Panthers – Joins: Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are about to lose Jared Allen and their pass rush wasn’t that great with him. They should have the needed money to get Greg Hardy, who has 26 sacks over the past two seasons.
T.J. Ward – SS – Cleveland Browns – Joins: Philadelphia Eagles
Safety was a problem area for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013 and it tended to show up at bad times. T.J. Ward is one of the best on the market, durable, dependable and a Pro Bowler.
Jairus Byrd – FS – Buffalo Bills – Joins: Washington Redskins
It’s a big, flash signing and that is something owner Daniel Snyder loves to do with the Washington Redskins. Jairus Byrd would fill a big need for them at safety and provide playmaking ability in their secondary.
Brian Orakpo – OLB – Washington Redskins: Joins: Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts need another edge rusher opposite Robert Mathis and they will have enough money to go get one if they wish. Brian Orakpo would likely want to get paid and join a winner. It’s a win-win for him.
Alterraun Verner – CB – Tennessee Titans – Joins: Cincinnati Bengals
Corner depth became a slight concern during the season for the Cincinnati Bengals. Alterraun Verner is facing a scheme change in Tennessee. He might want to move on and the Bengals have the money and system he would prefer.
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie – CB – Denver – Joins: San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers love to pluck underrated players from other contending teams like they did with Anquan Boldin. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is a quality cover corner that would fit their 3-4 scheme and bring needed man coverage ability.
Michael Bennett – DE – Seattle Seahawks – Joins: Chicago Bears
They don’t have a lot of money, so if the Chicago Bears have one shot in their chamber, it’s best if they went after a needed edge rusher. Michael Bennett has had a big season in Seattle and is brothers with Martellus Bennett, the Bears tight end.
Michael Johnson – DE – Cincinnati Bengals – Joins: Carolina Panthers
Losing Greg Hardy would be tough to swallow but should it happen, the Carolina Panthers must minimize the damage. Michael Johnson is big, experienced and finds ways to fluster the quarterback.
Randy Starks – DT – Miami Dolphins – Joins: Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars have a lot of youth coming into their roster. They will need some veteran leadership to balance it all. Randy Starks is a 30-year old Pro Bowler with good durability and provides consistent production.
Henry Melton – DT – Chicago Bears – Joins: Oakland Raiders
A torn ACL and assault arrest was not what Henry Melton had in mind when he turned down a long-term deal from Chicago. Now he may have to rebuild his reputation somewhere else. The Oakland Raiders have plenty of money and need defensive tackle help.
Jared Veldheer – OT – Oakland Raiders – Joins: Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins will do everything in their power to upgrade the offensive line in 2014 NFL free agency and the draft. Jared Veldheer will certainly be a top target as he is a highly underappreciated left tackle who could help them in so many ways.
Brent Grimes – CB – Miami Dolphins – Joins: Cleveland Browns
Going from a cast off with a torn ACL to the Pro Bowl is certainly a great story. Brent Grimes proved he’s every bit the player he was before the injury. The Cleveland Browns should reward him by putting him across from Joe Haden.
Eric Decker – WR – Denver Broncos – Joins: New York Jets
Geno Smith needs weapons and the New York Jets have to get some for him. Free agency will be their first opportunity. Eric Decker could be the odd man out in Denver despite a great season, but he might land a nice payday with Gang Green.
Jason Worilds – OLB – Pittsburgh Steelers – Joins: Houston Texans
Eight sacks is nothing to scoff at. Jason Worilds quietly had a good year for Pittsburgh but the team may not have the money to bring him back. The Houston Texans don’t have much room to spare, but putting an outside rusher next to J.J. Watt could only help.