Intro

The 2021 free agency is moving full steam ahead. There have been a few splashy signings and others that leave you scratching your head. The New England Patriots have thus far dolled out $162.5 million by making splash signing, whilst it only cost Robert Kraft $172 million to buy the team back in 1994!

Nonetheless, I’d like to dive into a few free agents who can have pro-bowl caliber years with their new teams. I could’ve went a few different directions here but these names below are ones who can actually stand out and can make a difference. Let’s get started!

Top Free Agents

Corey Davis, New York Jets – Yes, I know I know what you are all thinking. Why in the world would Davis be considered a possible pro-bowler on a bad Jets team. The same team who can’t even name their starting quarterback as of the time of this article. However, the reason why I am choosing Davis to have a pro-bowl level year is a bit beyond the starting QB.

Davis comes to the Jets with being the clear no.1 receiver on the Jets. Jamison Crowder, the Jets leading pass catcher the past two seasons is a great out of the slot but he cannot be considered as true no.1 wide receiver. Denzel Mims had a decent rookie 2020 campaign after missing the first seven weeks with an injury. Mims can prove to be an elite WR at some point in his career however, he is still a bit of an unknown commodity with high potential as of now.

Now, enter in Davis. Coming off career highs in receiving yards (984), receptions (65), and TDs (5) Davis will be well suited to be the lead guy in NY. The Titans ran behind the monster Derrick Henry in a rush first offense primarily. With the Jets, Davis can be the beneficiary of a more balanced offensive attack. Look for Davis to enjoy success with the Jets regardless of who is behind center as Mike LaFleur’s west coast system suits his style of play.

Curtis Samuel, Washington Football Team – Curtis Samuel finally lived up that second-round draft pick billing. He posted career highs across the board in both receiving yards (851) and receptions (77) along with rushing yards (200) with the Carolina Panthers.

Samuel has found a new home with WFT. Much like the Jets, Washington has not announced their starting QB for the 2021 season. Nonetheless, Samuel is a multi-talented player who can excel in any team and scheme. He is just one of those players that no matter where he is, he can be impactful player on the team.

On a team loaded with talent like Terry McLaurin, Antonio Gibson, J.D Mckissic, Logan Thomas etc. Samuel can fit right and immediately contribute. McLaurin is the de-facto no.1 WR on the tea, however, Samuel will challenge Steve Sims Jr. for the WR2 spot and quite frankly overtake him come the start of the 2021 season.

Mike Davis, Atlanta Falcons – This is my favorite free-agent signing thus far for the entire off-season! How is the Mike Davis signing with Falcons gone so unnoticed? Davis while filling in for Christian McCaffrey in 2020 put up career numbers! Davis had high in rushing yards (642), rushing TDs (6), receptions (59) and receiving yards (373).

Davis signed a two-year deal with the Falcons and becomes the starter immediately in my opinion. Unless, of course the Falcons decide to draft a RB with the 4th overall pick in this year’s draft. Ito Smith is a nice change of pace backup but he is not someone who can handle a full season load like Davis. Davis showed us this past season how reliable of a weapon he has become. With Arthur Smith now the new head coach of the Falcons, look for more of a rush first offensive scheme, similar to what Smith had in Tennessee. Now, obviously Davis is no Derrick Henry but he can certainly be that all purpose, bruising back that the Falcons haven’t had in so long.

Wildcard:

Kenny Golladay, New York Giants – The reason why I don’t have Golladay higher in the top section of my article is simply due to volume. The Giants with the likes of Sterling Shepard, Darius Slayton, Evan Engram, Saquon Barkley etc. have many mouths to feed. Golladay will be contending with all of these guys and then some for targets. He will be an asset to the team, I just am not convinced he or anyone else on the Giants offense will be able to break themselves away from the pack.

Golladay’s ranking is not due to potential or lack of production. The 2020 season was cut short due to a hip injury but Golladay posted back to back 1,000 yard seasons prior to this. If he regains his 2018-19 form he can be significant contributor on a loaded Giants squad.