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The 25 best NFL free agents

Mar 10, 2018, 03:56 IST

Jim Rogash/Getty

NFL free agency is upon us!

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While this year's free agency class is a bit top-heavy, it contains several solid, difference-making players, many of whom could be on the move.

Not every player will start a bidding war like Kirk Cousins, but this year's class contains some solid defensive players, at least one star offensive lineman, and some versatile running backs.

Take a look at the top 25 free agents below.

* Notes a player who has been given the franchise tag.

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Kirk Cousins, QB

Previous team: Washington Redskins

Potential landing spots: Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, Denver Broncos

One thing to know: Cousins is expected to start a bidding war for his services as the rare in-his-prime quarterback to hit free agency. The Vikings are rumored to be the favorite landing spot, with their stingy defense and cast of capable playmakers on offense.

Le'Veon Bell, RB*

Previous team: Pittsburgh Steelers

Potential landing spots: Pittsburgh Steelers

One thing to know: The Steelers gave Bell the franchise tag for the second straight season, and he doesn't seem to happy about it. He may threaten to hold out of camp and/or the season until a long-term deal gets done.

Ezekiel Ansah, DE*

Previous team: Detroit Lions

Rumored landing spots: Detroit Lions

One thing to know: The Lions applied the franchise tag to Ansah. He has 12.5 sacks in 2017 and could be a nice weapon for new head coach, Matt Patricia.

Drew Brees, QB

Previous team: New Orleans Saints

Potential landing spots: New Orleans Saints

One thing to know: Brees is widely expected to re-up with the Saints, particularly after he helped them put together a strong 11-5 season. But hey, crazier things have happened in the NFL.

Allen Robinson, WR

Previous team: Jacksonville Jaguars

Potential landing spots: New York Jets, Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers

One thing to know: The Jaguars chose not to tag Robinson, who tore his ACL on the first drive of the season, an unfortunate turn of events after a down year in 2016. But in 2015, he recorded 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns. Teams with cap space and young quarterbacks will likely target the big, athletic receiver.

Richard Sherman, CB

Previous team: Seattle Seahawks

Potential landing spots: New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers

One thing to know: Sherman was cut by the Seahawks on Friday, abruptly throwing him into the free agent market. Sherman told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero that he wants a team with a good quarterback and good fit. He'll be linked to every contending team with a need at cornerback.

Andrew Norwell, G

Previous team: Carolina Panthers

Rumored landing spots: New York Giants, Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers

One thing to know: Norwell didn't give up a sack or quarterback hit in 2017, according to Pro Football Focus. The Ringer's Robert Mays writes that Norwell could become the highest-paid guard in the league.

Trumaine Johnson, CB

Previous team: Los Angeles Rams

Potential landing spots: Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders

One thing to know: After the Rams traded for Marcus Peters, it likely pushed Johnson out the door. Plenty of teams will vye for a top cornerback, particularly one who has 18 career interceptions.

Sheldon Richardson, DT

Previous team: Seattle Seahawks

Rumored landing spots: Seattle Seahawks, Oakland Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs

One thing to know: Richardson wasn't tagged by the Seahawks but could still return to Seattle if the price is right. He has just 2.5 sacks over the past two seasons.

Dion Lewis, RB

Previous team: New England Patriots

Rumored landing spots: Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers

One thing to know: The versatile Patriots running back is reportedly expected to out-price his former team and should command plenty of attention. He rushed for a career-high 896 yards last year.

Jimmy Graham, TE

Previous team: Seattle Seahawks

Potential landing spots: New Orleans Saints

One thing to know: Graham is reportedly likely leaving the Seahawks. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported that he could reunite with Saints, but "a bunch" of teams will be interested.

Case Keenum, QB

Previous team: Minnesota Vikings

Rumored landing spots: Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns

One thing to know: After an unlikely breakout season with the Vikings, Keenum is on the market as the Vikings pursue Kirk Cousins. He could be a stop-gap option for a quarterback-needy team, but seems unlikely to repeat his breakout 2017.

Nate Solder, LT

Previous team: New England Patriots

Rumored landing spots: New England Patriots, Houston Texans, Cincinnati Bengals,

One thing to know: One of the men most responsible for keeping Tom Brady upright, it's not certain that Solder will return to the Patriots, as he, too, should have plenty of suitors this offseason. Any team with cap space looking to beef up its front line may look at Solder.

Sammy Watkins, WR

Previous team: Los Angeles Rams

Rumored landing spots: Los Angeles Rams, Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers, Cincinnati Bengals

One thing to know: Watkins was one of the best up-and-coming receivers in the league with the Bills but struggled to stay healthy. In a dynamic offensive system with the Rams last year, he struggled with consistency. He may have to prove himself on a short deal this year.

Dontari Poe, DT

Previous team: Atlanta Falcons

Rumored landing spots: Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos, Washington Redskins

One thing to know: Poe had a down year in 2016, then took a one-year deal with the Falcons and had a strong season.

Malcolm Butler, CB

Previous team: New England Patriots

Rumored landing spots: San Francisco 49ers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts

One thing to know: Nobody in the NFL had played more snaps in coverage than Butler before he was mysteriously benched in the Super Bowl. 2017 wasn't Butler's best season, but any team looking for reliable cornerback play and for a free-agency splash may go after him.

Carlos Hyde, RB

Previous team: San Francisco 49ers

Rumored landing spots: San Francisco 49ers, Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks

One thing to know: Hyde played all 16 games for the first time in his career in 2017 and amassed 940 yards and 8 touchdowns. He might not fit with the 49ers' scheme, but could be an attractive options for teams looking for a playmaker.

Teddy Bridgewater, QB

Previous team: Minnesota Vikings

Rumored landing spots: Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns

One thing to know: Bridgewater has played just one game in the past two years after a nearly-devastating knee injury suffered in 2016. He is reportedly seeking a short-term deal and could be a good fit as a bridge quarterback or as a backup as he looks to prove himself.

Eric Reid, S

Previous team: San Francisco 49ers

Rumored landing spots: San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers

One thing to know: Reid could draw interest from several teams, but perhaps more interestingly, many are curious how quickly he finds a job after kneeling during the national anthem the last two seasons and supporting Colin Kaepernick.

Muhammad Wilkerson, DE

Previous team: New York Jets

Rumored landing spots: New Orleans Saints, Green Bay Packers, Oakland Raiders, Los Angeles Rams

One thing to know: Injuries, attitude concerns, and a down 2017 may affect Wilkerson's market, but he has already visited the Packers and Saints — contenders looking for talented pass-rushers who may be cheaper.

Ryan Jensen, G/C

Previous team: Baltimore Ravens

Rumored landing spots: New York Giants, Detroit Lions, Baltimore Ravens

One thing to know: Jensen enjoyed a breakout season in 2017, ranking ninth among centers on Pro Football Focus. He could be the next big offensive lineman to get signed after Norwell and Solder.

Bashaud Breeland, CB

Previous team: Washington Redskins

Rumored landing spots: Washington Redskins, Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots

One thing to know: Breeland has played well next to Josh Norman the last two seasons, coming up with four interceptions. After trading Kendall Fuller for Alex Smith, the 'Skins may not be able to afford giving up Breeland.

Kyle Fuller, CB*

Previous team: Chicago Bears

Rumored landing spots: Chicago Bears

One thing to know: Fuller was given the non-exclusive franchise tag, meaning the Bears can match any offer he receives. NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal and Chris Wesseling wonder if Fuller could become a breakout player on his next contract if another team can lure him away from Chicago.

Tyler Eifert, TE

Previous team: Cincinnati Bengals

Rumored landing spots: Cincinnati Bengals, Oakland Raiders, Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars

One thing to know: Eifert is a risky signing after missing most of 2017 with a back injury. However, if healthy, he's one of the top pass-catching tight ends in the NFL and could provide a team an offensive boost if they take a gamble on him.

Sam Bradford, QB

Previous team: Minnesota Vikings

Rumored landing spots: Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos,

One thing to know: Bradford played only two games in 2017 after suffering a knee injury. Yet in his one full game with the Vikings, he looked solid. He could land on a team looking to take a chance on him on a short-term contract, but his injury history is a concern.

Now, take a look at the future home of the NFL's two LA franchises...

Take a look at the massive, sleek $2.6 billion stadium the Rams and Chargers will call home >

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