The NFL offseason is about to heat up. Things have been simmering under the surface for a couple of weeks, but the action really begins once the new league year starts. That's slated for March 10, with trading and free agency starting at 4 p.m. ET.
Although it's not the most star-studded free-agent class of all time, there are certainly some impact players capable of filling voids. The limited talent on the open market could also lead to a more active trading block as teams seek changes.
For now, let's focus on free agency and a few of the most coveted targets available. Let's examine some of the early rumors making their way around the league, examine the potential impact and predict where the players will ultimately land.
Ndamukong Suh
It takes a special talent to dominate from the interior of a defensive line like Suh does. There are a lot of good run-stoppers—players who can take on multiple blockers and slow down opposing run games—but he's one of the few legitimate game-changers at defensive tackle.
In turn, it's no surprise teams are already lining up to take a run at him. Rand Getlin of Yahoo Sports reports the expectation is that Suh will seek around $60 million guaranteed. There are two teams emerging as early favorites.
"The Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts are expected to make the strongest pushes for impending free-agent defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh when the early negotiating window opens on Saturday, multiple league sources told Yahoo Sports," Getlin wrote.
Where do you think Suh will end up?
Where do you think Suh will end up?
Miami Dolphins
Indianapolis Colts
Other
The report notes the Dolphins will use the fact Florida doesn't have a state tax to their advantage in negotiations. They could certainly benefit from adding a monster in the middle after ranking 24th against the run last season.
That said, run defense has been a long-term issue for the Colts. They also lack playmakers on the defensive side, which helps explain why they tied for 22nd in turnover differential. With Andrew Luck on offense and Suh on defense, they would have a terrific foundation for the next several years.
Prediction: Colts
Gary Wiepert/Associated Press Spiller is an explosive running back capable of making big plays. Whether he's capable of handling a heavy workload given his slight frame is a major question mark, though. He never had more than 207 carries in a season in five years with the Buffalo Bills.
The Bills' expected trade for LeSean McCoy, according to ESPN.com's Adam Schefter and Mike Rodak, marks the end of that chapter of Spiller's career. He averaged five yards per carry in 70 games but played in just nine contests last season due to injury. The Clemson product told NFL Network the sides were going their separate ways:
Given his upside, there's no doubt he will be a hot commodity on the open market. Teams are hesitant to hand out big contracts to running backs, but they are still key to success. Josina Anderson of ESPN reports there are already four teams showing interest:
The Arizona Cardinals immediately stand out from that list. They already have a strong aerial attack in place and could use a more dynamic option in the backfield. Spiller would probably also benefit from the more ideal playing conditions in the desert.
Prediction: Cardinals
Mark Ingram
Chris Graythen/Getty Images Ingram is basically on the opposite end of the spectrum from Spiller. While the former Bill is a hit-and-miss home run threat, the New Orleans Saints' pending free agent is more of a punishing runner—a back who likes to attack the line and use his power to pick up yards.
With the Philadelphia Eagles seemingly looking for a player with those types of traits after the aforementioned McCoy deal, they could be a fit. Lyons Yellin of WWL-TV reports there has definitely been buzz connecting the sides:
Ingram received the biggest role of his career in the Saints offense this past season. He responded by rushing for over 950 yards and nine touchdowns on 226 carries. He also made a career-high 29 catches to showcase some versatility.
That's obviously essential if he's going to fit in the fast-paced Eagles offense. Some more suitors will likely emerge during the process, but Philadelphia seems like a real nice fit. Chip Kelly and Co. are the favorite for the time being.
Prediction: Eagles
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