2016 NFL Free Agency: Who Will Be A Surprise Spender?
By Erik Lambert
By now most fans have gotten an idea of who the primary big spenders will be in 2016 NFL free agency just based on their hefty salary cap situations. Jacksonville and Oakland are expected to have over $80 million and $65 million respectively. However, each year around this time is when a team that seems to have little to spend or almost never spends comes out of nowhere to make a couple of big signings. We asked the Mocks crew on who they think that team might be this year.
Matthew Holowiak:
This might sound like a weird answer but I’m saying the Jaguars. We know they have tons to spend and they have the last couple years, however they haven’t been able to pull the giant free agents that other places like Miami or other destination places. This may be the year they get major free agents to finish building a power house dynasty team. They are going to spend every last available dime this year.
Rodney Stokes:
I think the Texans could make a few splashes with their improved cap numbers. There’s talks about RG3 heading to Houston and they may want to team him with a veteran back like Martin, Ivory or even Ridley. Houston has an opportunity to make the draft incredibly simple if they’re able to sign the right guys in free agency.
Brady Lunt:
I think the Giants are going to be surprise spenders. While they don’t generally binge in free agency, they know they are desperate to strengthen their defense and offensive line. With some nice options available at each unit and a considerable amount of cap space, I can see them making a run at some high-priced free agents including Mario Williams, Eric Weddle, Jaye Howard, etc.
Erik Lambert:
Watch out for the Detroit Lions. Don’t forget that they have a new GM with his own ideas for how to build a football team. Then there is the reality that Calvin Johnson could be retiring. If so, that would open up an enormous amount of extra cap space. Upwards of $24 million. That’s in addition to the $34 million they already have at their disposal. With a number of weak spots they need to fill in order to maintain their window as a possible playoff contender, particularly along the offensive line and the defensive secondary, there is a strong chance they will put that newfound cash to use.