2016 NFL Free Agency: Identifying the Biggest “Flirts”
By Erik Lambert
Flirting may be a regular, accepted part of the dating scene. However, when it comes to football, it’s an unceasing annoyance. The 2016 NFL free agency period will experience it’s share of flirts. What constitutes a flirt? It is a player who decides to test the market, making it seem like he’s willing to hear out other teams but in the end decides to just re-sign with his original team. Often for less money, wasting the time of executives, coaches and fans.
The question becomes with the market set to open in a few days, which names must be watched out for as such possible teases? Keep an eye on these guys.
Bruce Irvin (OLB)
Already there are hints that linebacker Bruce Irvin has interest from multiple teams including the Atlanta Falcons and Jacksonville Jaguars, both of whom have former defensive coordinators of his that are now head coaches. However, he’s left the door open for a return to the Seattle Seahawks and based on the current states of Falcons and Jaguars, chances are he’d take any deal with the same financial ball park to stay.
Janoris Jenkins (CB)
The franchise tagging of Trumaine Johnson made Janoris Jenkins quite angry with the Los Angeles Rams, perhaps enough that he might spite them by leaving for a new teams. There is bound to be plenty of suitors for the solid cornerback. Still, the Rams have plenty of cap space and aren’t likely to break off their pursuit in free agency. Given the relocation to sunny California and the fact they have money, it might just take time for Jenkins to cool down before he decides to come back.
Doug Martin (RB)
It took some time, but running back Doug Martin finally regained the Pro Bowl form he exhibited as a rookie a few years ago. The timing was impeccable as his contract was set to expire. Now teams who want a three-down workhorse in his prime are bound to come calling. Thing is runners tend not to get lucrative deals on the open market outside of the teams they came from. Besides, Martin knows the Bucs’ system well since his offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter is now head coach.
Damon Harrison (NT)
Muhammad Wilkerson and the defensive ends get all the attention for that dominant New York Jets defensive line but they wouldn’t have been nearly as effective without the presence of Damon Harrison. He has emerged as one of the best nose tackles in football, a maestro at stopping the run. The Jets know other teams will love having him in the middle, which is why retaining the big defensive tackle is their top priority. In such situations, the odds usually say a deal gets done.
Marvin Jones (WR)
Given the amount of cap space the Cincinnati Bengals have, it’s hard to imagine they’d let two of their key wide receivers leave via free agency. Especially Marvin Jones who had emerged as a capable #2 option next to A.J. Green. While the cost to keep him might be expensive with other teams eager for receiving help and the market being weak, the Bengals have the funding to make it happen. Unless they believe they can replace him even in a thin draft class, odds say Jones will be locked up at the last second.