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The upcoming season is only weeks away, with games of some sort taking place every weekend now up until February of 2020. While it’s fun to bet on the current favorites, what about the future of select superstars? Here is where we breakdown the headline free agents of 2020.
Quarterback: Dallas Cowboys Dak Prescott
The Dallas Cowboys will face a number of contract negotiations in the next two seasons, but none will be more important than Dak Prescott. With a starting record of 32-16, the two sides have mutual interest in a contract extension. With Carson Wentz earning $128M in his newest extension, that could be the standard for the two-time NFC East winner.
Other Names Include: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jameis Winston, Tennessee Titans Marcus Mariota
Running Back: Los Angeles Chargers Melvin Gordon
Despite an injury history, Los Angeles Chargers’ Melvin Gordon is currently holding out for either a new contract or trade. With an impressive 38 TD over the last four seasons, this comes from missing 12 games in the process. The running back market is a bit depleted at the moment, so it’ll be interesting to see whether Gordon starts in Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts.
Other Names Include: Tennessee Titans Derrick Henry, Houston Texans Lamar Miller, Cleveland Browns Kareem Hunt
Wide Receiver: Kansas City Chiefs Tyreek Hill
After clearing all allegations of child abuse this summer, Hill will be in the spotlight for the entirety of 2019. In just 30 games, he has totaled 3,255 yards and 25 TD. Although this segment is dedicated for wide receivers, it’s hard to ignore the fact that Hill also has 5 TD on special teams. The Chiefs will need to decide whether his talent outweighs his baggage by the end of the upcoming season.
Other Names Include: Dallas Cowboys Amari Cooper, Cincinnati Bengals AJ Green, Denver Broncos Emmanuel Sanders
Tight End: Indianapolis Colts Eric Ebron
In his first season under the Indianapolis Colts, Eric Ebron found himself with 13 TD. To put that into perspective, Ebron totaled 11 TD in his previous four seasons with the Detroit Lions. As a borderline elite tight end in the eyes of most, we should be on watch for the Colts, who also need to address the contract of Jack Doyle; someone who’s been with Indianapolis the past six seasons.
Other Names Include: Los Angeles Chargers Hunter Henry, Cincinnati Bengals Tyler Eifert, Indianapolis Colts Jack Doyle
Offensive Line: Chicago Bears Cody Whitehair
The offensive line is often overlooked, and many believe that Cody Whitehair is the next member of the Chicago Bears to receive a long-term extension. Last season, Whitehair was the only member of the Bears offense to play every single snap. His rookie contract concludes at the end of the 2019 season, so let’s see if he lands the extension he deserves.
Other Names Include: Washington Redskins Brandon Scherff, Cleveland Browns J.C. Tretter, Green Bay Packers Bryan Bulaga
Defensive Line: Kansas City Chiefs Chris Jones
According to the latest reports, the Kansas City Chiefs and Chris Jones have been in communication in regards to an extension. In 2018, Jones led the team in sacks with 15.5; which ranked 3rd in the league as well. In order to be eligible for a new contract, Jones needs to report to training camp no later than August 6th.
Other Names Include: New York Jets Leonard Williams, Detroit Lions Mike Daniels, Los Angeles Rams Michael Brockers
Linebacker: Houston Texans Jadeveon Clowney
With the franchise tag becoming a looming issue in the NFL, Jadeveon Clowney has become the latest victim in this sense. With reports that Clowney will not report to the Houston Texans until the last possible moment, the two sides have remained in touch, despite the holdout. Unless a trade takes places within the coming weeks, Clowney will eventually join the team in preparation of the new season.
Other Names Include: Atlanta Falcons Vic Beasley, Los Angeles Rams Dante Fowler Jr, Pittsburgh Steelers Bud Dupree
Defensive Back: Los Angeles Rams Aqib Talib
Coming off the IR, Aqib is marked as the most experienced headline player in the upcoming free agency pool. At the age of 33, Talib is scheduled to make $8M next season. Having played with four different franchises in the past, it’s important to remember that Los Angeles has multiple contracts to address next offseason. Last season marked the second time Talib totaled only 1 interception. The time before that? The 2017 season with the Denver Broncos.
Other Names Include: Denver Broncos Chris Harris, Dallas Cowboys Byron Jones, Los Angeles Rams Marcus Peters
Featured Image: NY Post
