By Rod Villagomez

People who have similar patterns in taste, be it movies, music, or even partners, are said to have a “type.” This designation has been assigned to San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan when it comes to his quarterback preference. Over his years as an offensive coordinator and head coach, he’s been linked to traditional pocket passer style signal-callers. The two biggest examples that come to mind are Kirk Cousins and Matt Ryan. Some will add Jimmy Garoppolo and even C.J. Bethard to this mix as the prototypical, “Kyle Shanahan,” quarterback.

The question is though, does Shanahan really need a pocket passer to run his offense? It may seem as if he seeks them out. Although, it’s possible that a more versatile quarterback may get the job done, and maybe even do a better job. Let’s look at two of the main names being proposed as the San Francisco pick in the draft.

Mac Jones

As the poster boy for the “prototypical,” quarterback, Mac Jones has been touted for his arm inside the pocket. His 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns passing last season pretty much speaks for itself. He made big names out of the teammates that surrounded him. He exploded on the national stage during the CFB Championship stage. The question is, will that continue as a member of the 49ers. Also, does he have the necessary tools to do what will be asked of him in the Shanahan offense?

Justin Fields

Coming into the draft as the young man Jones beat in that National Championship game is Justin Fields. The Ohio State product has not enjoyed the same statistical success as its competitor. What he has thought, is more of what makes for a successful quarterback these days. Like Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, and Kyler Murray, Fields can make plays in both the passing and running games with his legs. Whether it’s a bootleg or a designed keeper, he can move and elude with the best of them. On top of all of that, he was not surrounded with potential first-round talent. He was able to elevate the play of his teammates to an undefeated regular season.

Who Should Run Shanahan’s Offense?

So what does that mean in terms of which quarterback fits in the Shanahan system? Despite what many believe, Mac Jones is not the best fit. There is no question that he would be able to operate within it. That said, Fields could actually elevate the offense with his athletic abilities. Which is the shot in the arm San Francisco needs right about now. If they are intent on moving away from Jimmy Garoppolo, the smart money is not to replace him with another version of him.

Trading away as many picks as they did to move up in the draft should signal a desire for change. Jones will not offer the kind of change necessary to justify losing first-round picks in future drafts. With that said, here is how Fields not only fits but can help make Shanahan’s offense even better.

Work Off the Bootleg

One of the keys to the San Francisco offense is the ability to set up off the bootleg. This is because most of what Fields will be doing as a quarterback will be set up from the running game. Here we see at least one example of his ability to deliver the ball to the open receiver off the bootleg.

Execute The Play Action

Again building on the premise of a strong running offense is the need to be able to throw from the play-action. Shanahan’s scheme calls on its quarterback to deliver accurate passes as well as being able to sell the run. This is something Fields has done better than almost every quarterback in college football for the past several years. 

He’ll have two of the best receivers of his career around him in Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. Both will be able to help bring out the best in the young quarterback. It’s highly likely we’ll see them making plays like this in years to come. 

Of course, those are the skills Fields brings to the table that fit the 49ers scheme. What he has that a guy like Garoppolo doesn’t and can add some flavor to the mix, are his wheels. When you can not only throw off of a play-action but are capable of pulling it down and keeping it yourself, it’s just something else a defense has to take into account. This is the missing element from a Mac Jones type of quarterback. It’s that ever-present threat that the ball carrier is the guy taking the snap. Introducing that layer into an already successful offensive strategy could be the difference between a Super Bowl appearance, and a Super Bowl victory. 

It’s likely that whoever the 49ers selected with the third pick in the draft will spend most of the year watching Garoppolo take the starting snaps. This is not entirely a bad deal since either would benefit from a year to absorb the offense fully. In fact, if it truly is Fields, having a few special packages for him could work in San Francisco’s favor. It would not only be a change of pace, but it would get Fields on the field in preparation for the day the team becomes his. 

It’s clear that the 49ers feel they need to shake a few things up in 2021. There really is no other explanation for paying such a high price to move up a mere nine spots in the draft. So with that as the basis for argument, why take a player with as many similarities to the one you already have? It makes more sense to go all-in on the change and step outside of the norm. Jones is not the change San Francisco needs, Fields is.   

The post Assessing which QB Fits Best In Kyle Shanahan’s Scheme appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By Rod Villagomez

Former San Francisco defensive coordinator Robert Saleh was poached by the Jets to be their next head coach. That move left a giant void in the 49ers coaching staff. Lucky for organization, there was someone qualified and groomed to take the job. Within days, John Lynch announced Saleh’s successor would be their linebackers coach, DeMeco Ryans. The promotion from within was met with praise from his current players. He was also praised by players he has dealt with in the past including J.J. Watt.

All of the excitement notwithstanding, this is the young coaches’ first assignment coordinating an entire defense alone. To that end, little is truly known about what his overall plans are, or what type of scheme he plans to implement. That said, there are at least a few things we can expect in year one of the DeMeco Ryans era of the 49ers defense.

He’ll Still Have One Of The Top Defenses In The League

There is something to be said about walking into a house that already has most of what you want. Ryans will do exactly this. He will step in to lead a defense that was far and away the saving grace of San Francisco’s 2020 season. They were led by Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw, both of which were part of the linebacking corps he coached. Both of which enjoyed outstanding years. 

As a unit under Saleh, the 49ers ranked safely inside the top-10 in total yards allowed per game, and both rushing and passing yards allowed per game. As impressive as that is, Ryans will get Nick Bosa back for the 2021 season. Bosa’s absence on the line was noticeable. That said, the fact that the defense was able to hold its own was impressive. His return next season is like gaining a first round pick to an already strong team.

Not Much Should Change In Overall Scheme

This point draws from the old saying, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Ryans is not an outsider to the team or the defensive scheme he’s inheriting. It’s certain that he won’t conduct business exactly the way his predecessor had before him. Even still, he witnessed first hand the effectiveness of Saleh’s approach. He would be wise to allow a majority of the philosophy to stay in place at least for his first season at the helm. 

That’s not to say that he shouldn’t attempt to put his own stamp on his unit. It would just be better overall to slowly implement any changes he sees necessary rather than to make wholesale changes right away. You could also figure that one of the reasons San Francisco decided to promote Ryans was his familiarity with the defense the 49ers want to continue using in the 2021 season. 

He Comes With Great Acclaim

A favorite designation when it comes to coaches is that they are a, “player’s coach.” This of course implies that he understands and relates with his/her players. Ryans fall firmly into this camp. As a former player himself, he knows exactly what his players are going through and speaks from his own experience. High praise has been showered onto him by not only Warner, but also former teammate J.J. Watt. They both played a part in a Texans team that won the AFC South and came within a game of the Super Bowl. 

Leadership shared in their enthusiasm. This was evident by their naming him as the new defensive coordinator so quickly after the position was vacated. Not to mention the fact that there seemed to be no one else in the running for the job. It appeared to be his and his alone from the outset.

There is little doubt there will be an impact on the San Francisco defense without Robert Saleh. What the 49ers are hoping to accomplish with their new coordinator is a continuation of a formidable defense. It may take some time for Ryans to get his bearings in his new role. That said, he’s proven he has the potential for this increased responsibility and to build on the success of Saleh into the future.    

The post Three Things We Should Know About a DeMeco Ryans Defense appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By Rod Villagomez

As the offseason moves closer to the draft, there are plenty of rumors and speculation to go around. Some of the conversations are backed by actual team messaging, while others draw on pure opinion and guesswork. No matter how it gets out into the public debate, it’s out there for the public to debate. 

That said, here are a couple of the biggest storylines facing the San Francisco 49ers right now. These rumors have all but taken over the team’s narrative and dominate the fan interactions. Some rumors, you can already lean to one side of the matter as truth. With these issues though, like Lenny Kravitz once said, “baby, it ain’t over til it’s over.”  So here is the gossip going around regarding two hot button topics for the Niner’s Faithful.

Mac Jones Over Justin Fields

The biggest point of speculation this offseason is who the 49ers will select with their first pick in the draft. Since moving up to the third position, San Francisco seems set to take a quarterback. The question is, which one will wear the red and gold next season? Many believe the front runners in this battle are Alabama quarterback Mac Jones, and Justin Fields out of Ohio State. Both are talented signal callers, both will certainly make a difference wherever they land. Only one though, can be drafted third overall. 

Most experts believe John Lynch will be taking Jones. They back this claim by leaning on the “Kyle Shanahan loves a pocket passer,” theory. History has proven that some quarterbacks that have played in his system did fall into that camp. Kirk Cousins, Matt Ryan, even Jimmy Garoppolo. So for San Francisco to reach for Jones at number three, they have to believe that the head coach wants another version of what he’s already had in the past. Which is what he’ll get with the Alabama product. The real issue here remains, is whether more of the same enough to get the Niners another championship trophy.

Which is where picking Fields comes into play. The former Buckeye is more Robert Griffin than Matt Ryan lands him outside of the pure pocket passer mold. Instead, he’s a prototype of the current crop of successful NFL quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Kyler Murray, and Josh Allen. What he’ll bring to San Francisco is a level of athleticism that could boost a young, talented offense. While he may not be Shanahan’s “type,” he will certainly be the best player on the board after Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson go with the first two picks. Ultimately, whichever one of these two quarterbacks are taken, will become the face of the franchise sooner rather than later. Which leads to the next rumor.

First Round Bounty For Jimmy Garoppolo

Auction listings on EBay sometimes come with a “Buy Now,” price. As we all know, this gives the buyer the option to purchase said product immediately without having to bid against others. Social media buzz is suggesting that San Francisco has placed such a tag on their current franchise quarterback. That price is rumored to be a first round draft pick. Given what the 49ers paid to lock him down, this makes a certain amount of sense. At the time of his contract, San Francisco made him the highest paid player in the league. The 49ers want to recoup some of that value in any deal they make.

For most quarterback needy teams, that asking price may be too steep. The Jaguars and the Jets will secure their new franchise quarterbacks in the draft. Carolina has just enlisted the services of Sam Darnold. Before most of the madness got started, the Colts snagged Carson Wentz from the Eagles. Even the Bears made a move and signed Andy Dalton. It all amounts to a lack of teams ready to give up their first round draft pick, in any year, for an injury prone quarterback. There have still been rumblings that the Patriots may bring Garoppolo back home, but should Mac Jones fall in the draft to them, they may not need him and the salary he will almost certainly command.

The best bet for San Francisco at this point is to ride out his contract and allow whoever they draft this season to learn the system before becoming the 2022 starter. While you can understand the desire to pull value from him now, the fact of the matter is that it just isn’t the right market for it currently.

The post Two Amazing San Francisco 49ers Offseason Rumors appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By Rod Villagomez

Late last week, the San Francisco 49ers made one of the most surprising moves of the draft season. In a move that forced mock drafters back to their boards, San Francisco sent their 12th overall pick along with a first and third round pick in 2022 and a 2023 first round pick to Miami. In return, the 49ers were given the Dolphins number three overall pick this year. 

It seemingly came out of nowhere and as many are now predicting, signals an end to Jimmy Garoppolo’s time with the team. While he may not be exiting this season, his days seem to be well and truly numbered now.

Of course there are many other reasons to trade up that far in the draft. It’s just that none make much sense other than to grab a new face of the franchise. Moving up to take a receiver could be argued, but there is so much depth that a solid wideout would have still been available with their 12th pick. Maybe they feared Kyle Pitts wouldn’t be there at 12 and Miami was the only team willing to dance. Sure, but why would you need another tight end when you have a future hall of famer in George Kittle on the field? 

The list can go on and on, but the fact remains, you trade up to a top three pick to lock up a young quarterback to build a team around. With that in mind, here are three picks, all quarterbacks, that San Francisco could be, and should be looking at with that new third pick in the draft. Each has a unique skill set, and each would do well with the young receiving corps they will inherit. 

Justin Fields – QB Ohio State

Lately, the “Kyle Shanahan type,” quarterback narrative has taken over popular opinion. Truthers of this narrative point to Mac Jones as the next man under center for the 49ers. They will also use the head coach’s choice of which pro day he would be attending. Both of these make for compelling arguments, but in the end, can be countered just as easily.

It’s true and well documented that Kyle Shanahan has gravitated to the more traditional pocket passer style signal callers. Jimmy Garoppolo is living proof of this as is C.J. Beathard. It’s also true that Shanahan has had a certain level of success featuring these quarterbacks. Sadly, that success has only gotten him one quarter shy of a championship. Twice.

Maybe it is time for Shanahan to open up to the possibility of a more versatile and mobile quarterback. The skill sets that Fields brings to San Francisco are arguably better than both Alex Smith and Colin Kaepernick did in previous years. Fields is also a big program arm the likes of which the 49ers haven’t seen since Joe Montana. Mac Jones does in fact check that box as well, but if it’s truly time to venture in a new direction, Fields represents that shift more than Jones. 

As for the pro day attendance, sometimes you just want to see something with your own eyes. Maybe Shanahan was convinced that he saw enough tape to know how Fields would perform on his “audition.” Granted, Fields did turn in an impressive showing under the circumstances. That said, it’s possible the head coach’s mind was close to being made up and he just wanted to give Jones an in person chance to change it. 

In the end, the trade up to the third spot signaled an intent to shake things up. There is little doubt that will come in the way of a new franchise quarterback. Since Trevor Lawrence and even Zach Wilson are all but spoken for, Fields is the next logical player to come off the board. Since that pick falls to San Francisco now, it’s a good bet he will be suiting up for them next season. Hopefully, they will allow him to spend a season behind Jimmy Garopplo for some seasoning before throwing him out as a starter. 

Mac Jones – QB Alabama

How is it that after completely debunking a Mac Jones draft pick over Justin Fields can the very next section suggest taking him? It’s simple, every argument made while addressing Fields was true. Kyle Shannahan does love him a pocket passer. He’s never kept that a secret. He lost his job in Cleveland trying to keep Johnny Manziel on the bench. In fact, as Cleveland’s offensive coordinator, he thought it would be better if Manziel learned how to become a pocket passer. So yeah, it’s safe to argue he’d prefer a traditional quarterback.

That is precisely what he’ll get out of Jones. In his time under center with Alabama, his largest rushing output in a season was the 35 yards he produced last season. What he did instead was throw for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns while only throwing four interceptions. He capped off that amazing season by throwing for 464 yards and 5 touchdowns in the national championship game. A game he and the Crimson Tide won 52-24 over Fields and his Buckeyes. So if nothing else, Jones already owns a head to head advantage over his competitor.  

What this may come down to is whether or not San Francisco is happy with their current situation, or if it’s time to keep up with the times. The 49ers witnessed first hand what a player like Patrick Mahmomes can do for a franchise. Of course, a talent like Jones might just become that golden pocket passer prototype Shannahan has been waiting for. As with Fields, should he find himself in the red and gold, a year holding the clipboard would not hurt.

Trey Lance – QB North Dakota State

If we continue under the premise that San Francisco traded up to grab a quarterback, then Trey Lance factors into that mix. He does not have the street cred that the other two on this list possess, but there is no doubt he’s a special talent. This pick, like Fields, does buck the pocket passer narrative, so it’s likely he’ll compete with the Ohio State alum head to head for this pick.

Where Lance can separate himself from the other two is his Lamar Jackson type ability to run the ball. In the 2019 season, he ran for 1,100 yards with the Bisons. He was the team’s leading rusher. So, if the 49ers are looking to become Ravens-like in their next quarterback, Lance fits that bill.

The biggest knock on him though really does come from his small program background. He spent time as the big fish in the small pond in the FCS. It will be interesting to see what happens when he starts swimming with fish his own size, or bigger. He’s lucky the organization has taken chances on smaller program quarterbacks in the past. Alex Smith, the number one overall pick in the 2005 draft, came from Utah. Colin Kaepernick who was picked in the second round, played in Reno. Even Jimmy Garoppolo played for Easter Illinois. Let’s just say the precedent is established to take Lance with an early pick.      

The post Top 3 San Francisco 49ers First Round Draft Pick Targets appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By Rod Villagomez

Oh the joys of free agency. On the one hand, it’s a chance for players to find new life under a different system. On the other, it can be a massive step in the wrong direction resulting in a disappointing setback in a career. What it really ends up being in the end is an amazing Madden-like reshuffling of the deck every year with endless fantasy implications.

Here are four wide receiver evaluations based on their potential value with their new teams. Some are likely to enjoy their new surroundings. Others will probably wish things would have worked out differently for them. You can use these as a starting point for your redraft preparations. Or, if you are a dynasty manager, these can help you assess your roster and make any changes you see fit based on them. Hopefully they are useful and will help you build a competitive roster for the 2021 fantasy football season.

Buy

Kenny Golladay: Detroit Lions → New York Giants

It should take very little convincing for you to buy into Kenny Golladay going into the 2021 season. That is of course, you are someone who believes that almost a full season away and a move to another sub-par team impacts his worth. If that happens to be your stance, allow this article to sway you into spending a draft pick on him next season in your fantasy drafts. Or, for dynasty players, an excuse to go after him in your league.

For starters, Golladay turned in back-to-back 1,000-yard performances in the 2018 and 2019 seasons. He outshined veterans with names like Golden Tate, Marvin Jones, and Danny Amendola in the process. Despite finding himself on underperforming teams over his time in Detroit, there was no doubt he was a clear number one wideout. Unfortunately, that momentum was derailed last season. Golladay missed the first two games due to a hamstring injury and sat the last nine out with a hip flexor strain.

There is hope for a return to relevance next season as he makes his way to the Big Apple and the New York Giants. He’ll join forces with Darius Slayton and Sterling Shepard in an attempt to give Daniel Jones another young, speedy weapon in his receiving corps. Last year, the Giants were without a 1,000-yard pass catcher. Slayton was the closest with 751 yards, but every New York wideout had their struggles. The addition of Golladay gives Jones a reliable deep threat and a proven number one caliber pass catcher. Expect another fantasy feast in 2021 that could rival his 1,190 yards and 11 touchdowns from the 2019 season. 

Will Fuller: Houston Texans → Miami Dolphins

Imagine being buried on a depth chart for three years behind marquee names like DeAndre Hopkins, and Brandin Cooks. Such was the life of Will Fuller during his time with the Texans. He’s arguably just as talented as both, and just as fast to boot. The problem just seemed to be finding a way to stay on the field. Hopefully Fuller can find a way to play a full slate of games as he moves to Miami.

Upon his signing with the Dolphins, he became Tua Tagovailoa’s most powerful weapon. This is in no way a slight to DeVante Parker who has served Miami well in his tenure. This is actually a nod to Fuller’s talent and his not yet fully realized potential. He will be taking a slight step down in respect to who will be throwing him the ball. Although, that can be mitigated, should Tua take a leap forward in his sophomore season.

The stars are in alignment for Fuller to finally get the opportunity to step into a leading role on offense. Behind Parker is a mishmash of supporting players that were largely ineffective in their own rights last season. Guys like Jakeem Grant, Preston Williams, and Isaiah Ford all pitched in at times. None really broke out as a clear number two to Parker nor did they make large contributions to the cause. Fuller could not be walking into a better situation for him individually. He’s likely to be undervalued going into your fantasy drafts next season, so if he falls to you in the middle rounds, feel free to put his sticker on your draft board.

Sell

Corey Davis: Tennessee Titans → New York Jets

There is a difference between a high performance race car and a normal everyday sedan. A driver can tell the difference as soon as foot hits pedal. Corey Davis will experience this as he transitions from Ryan Tannehill to Sam Darnold. Last season Davis enjoyed an impressive season with the Titans alongside fellow wideout A.J. Brown. While Brown stole most of the headlines, Davis managed to turn heads in his own right. Ultimately, with Davis’ contract coming to a close, Brown made any other pass catcher expendable paving the way for Davis to test free agency and the Jets.

His signal caller in 2020 threw for almost 4,000-yards and 33 touchdowns. In 2021, Davis will be catching passes from a quarterback who barely topped 2,200 yards and 9 touchdowns last season. Needless to say, this is a giant hit to the fantasy value of Davis. It’s true that sometimes talented receivers can raise the performance of their quarterback. That said, Darnold has never supported a pass catcher with a 1,000-yard season. On top of that, the most receiving touchdowns by any one receiver has been six. A number held by Robbie Anderson in 2018, and Jamison Crowder in 2019 and 2020.

The acquisition of Keelan Cole only makes a breakout season even more difficult. Cole brings a similar skill set to the Jets as Davis and decreases Davis’ overall value. A likely circumstance is what little there is to go around in the first place will be divided between Crowder, Davis, and Cole in that order. What this all means in the end is if Davis is on your roster, try and find someone who is hopeful he can light it up in New York. If you are in a redraft league, let him be someone else’s headache next season.

Nelson Agholor: Las Vegas Raiders → New England Patriots 

Your feelings were probably mixed as it pertained to Nelson Agholor last season. He enjoyed a relatively productive season in 2020 as a member of the Silver and Black. As part of a young crop of receivers, he was just four yards short of 900 on only 48 receptions. He averaged an astounding 18.7 yards per reception. He also equaled his highest career touchdown total with 8 grabs for a score. Almost all of that came by way of Derek Carr who finished the season with over 4,100 passing yards and 27 touchdowns. Despite those numbers, something still felt lacking in his overall performance. 

The Patriots team he now finds himself is a far cry from whence he came. Cam Newton was a shell of his former self under Bill Belichick last season. So much so that his return was a major topic of debate until New England locked him down for another go at it. Despite the organization’s faith in their quarterback, there isn’t much to point to a drastic improvement in 2021. It’s certainly not for a lack of trying.

Hampering Agholor’s ceiling even further is the existence of the newly signed tight ends Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry. Both are target monsters at their position and both will command a certain amount of Newton’s attention. Not to mention, Newton was not one for the long ball last season. Only twice did he have a game where his longest pass went for more than 35 yards. With so many mouths to feed around the line of scrimmage, the need for Agholor’s deep threat abilities will become moot. Add to that newly acquired Kendrick Bourne who lives and breaths the shorter routes. None of this bodes well for Agholor. See what value you can get from him now before it disappears at the beginning of the season.        

The post Fantasy Buy or Sell: Top Wide Receiver Free Agent Signings appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By Rod Villagomez

The 2021 NFL season has officially begun as the free agent market has officially opened its doors. There was a flurry of activity in the opening hours of the signing period as several big names were taken off the board. Whether it was to shore up a weakness, or to beef up a strength, teams offered big dollars to many talented players. Here are five of those players considered in the top of their positions to have new homes for the 2021 season.  

LG Joe Thuney – Kansas City Chiefs; 5 Years, $80 million

A mobile quarterback can mask offensive line issues. It can also create problems for an offensive line. Such can be the case for the Kansas City Chiefs who consider the elusiveness of Patrick Mahomes a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it can create spectacular plays. On the other, it can wind up in a disastrous loss in sack yardage. Obviously, the goal is to try and keep your star quarterback comfortable enough in the pocket so as to limit the need for plays outside of it. Joe Thuney just became a major player in the Chiefs attempts to do just that.

Thuney comes to the defending AFC Champions already familiar with the situation. His time with the New England Patriots gave him prior championship experience. It also provided the necessary training to protect an all-pro quarterback. He represents a major upgrade to the position. He’ll replace Nick Allegretti, the third year guard who was the Chief seventh round draft pick in 2016.

As a member of the Patriots last season, Thuney ended the season ranked ninth among guards according to Pro Football Focus. In the two prior seasons, he came in as the 5th and 6th ranked guard respectively. Since 2018, he’s allowed only three sacks. In the last two seasons, he’s committed only three total penalties. Offensive lineman are usually best known for doing their job correctly if their name is not spoked during the game. That being the case, Thuney has done his job exceptionally well over the last few years. That should continue under Andy Reid.

OLB – Bud Dupree – Tennessee Titans; 5 Years, $85 million

A tough Titans linebacking corps just got tougher with the addition of Bud Dupree. He’ll be departing his only professional home he’s known in Pittsburgh and moving to Music City for the 2021 season. Last season, he played under the Steelers franchise tag, a move they chose not to implement a second time. It wasn’t easy to watch a marquee name walk out the door. Ultimately, Pittsurgh was up against it in terms of cap space and could not afford to pay Dupree what he was worth in the open market.

So, the Steelers loss is the Titans’ gain. They will inherit an edge rusher with some of his best years in front of him. In 2019, he registered 49 solo tackles, including 16 for losses. On top of that, he recorded 11.5 sacks. He had amassed eight sacks last season before having to exit with an ACL injury in December. Barring another setback, Tennessee has added a powerful defensive weapon to their arsenal.  

WR Corey Davis – New York Jets; 3 Years, $37.5 million

A.J. Brown stole the show in Tennessee as far a wide receivers went last season. His shadow engulfed a terrific season from Corry Davis. The number two weapon enjoyed his best season as a pro in 2020. Davis caught 65 passes for 984 yards and five touchdowns. He was only five catches and 91 yards behind Brown overall. So in a sense, the Jets will now have two number one wideout options for their new quarterback (whoever that is) to target. 

This contract is actually more than they inked Jamison Crowder for in 2019. Then, the former Washington receiver signed his three year contract for $28.5 million. Either inflation has driven the cost up at the position, or New York has placed that much faith in Davis’ abilities.

He has the potential to grab that top spot too as the corps he’s joining did not enjoy a fruitful 2020 season. Crowder led in every statistical category on the team despite batting with injuries at various points of the season. That may sound impressive except for the fact that he led with 59 receptions, 699 yards, and six touchdowns. As long as the Jets can find a decent arm to throw the ball next season and without Brown to slow him down, Davis should thrive in his new role in New York.

CB Ronald Darby – Denver Broncos; 3 Years, $30 million

All in all, the Broncos did not have that bad of a pass defense last season. They were middle of the pack in terms of passing yards per game. Not to mention, they were actually among the best when it came to passing touchdowns surrendered per game. This is impressive considering they had to deal with injury and suspensions in their secondary last season. Cornerback A.J. Bouye just vacated his position in Denver having contributed to both circumstances over the course of 2020. His departure paved the way for Ronald Darby to take his place.

Darby will give Denver a dependable cover corner who excels at deflecting passes. Last season, he knocked down 16 pass attempts with the Football Team. It was his highest total since his rookie season when he batted down 21 balls. He’ll join second year corner Michael Ojemudia who is coming  back from a knee surgery.  

TE Jonnu Smith – New England Patriots; 4 Years, $50 million

For a couple hours, the news of Bill Belichick signing Jonnu Smith was the belle of the free agency ball. With Cam Newton locked in as the signal caller for another season, surrounding him with competent pass catchers became an instant priority. Enter Smith. For years New England enjoyed the services of talented tight ends. The last of which, Rob Gronkowski, came out of retirement to follow his buddy and only quarterback, Tom Brady, to Florida for a ring. This left the work to a floating rotation of faces to fill the void. Ryan Izzo was the most successful among them last season with 13 catches and 199 yards on the season.

This is the situation in which Smith now finds himself. He’ll bring his 448 yard 2020 season into Foxborough where there is a desperate need for a big play threat in the receiving game. Newton now benefits from a solid presence at tight end much like he did when he and Greg Olson were together in Carolina. Under Newton, Olson enjoyed three straight 1,000-yard seasons from 2014-2016. Smith’s signing will shore up a sagging New England passing game and will go a long way to making Newtown feel more comfortable.

Of course, a few hours later, the Patriots signed Hunter Henry. This may muddy the waters for Smith as the position just became a little more crowded. It also could be another one-two punch at tight end tactic like the one they used for years when Aaron Hernandez and Gronkowski roamed the field. 

The post Top 5 Day One Free Agent Signings appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By Rod Villagomez

The Detroit Lions locked up who they believe will be their quarterback for the next several years when they acquired Jared Goff from the Rams. It seems now, they are willing to allow their current backup to also suit up elsewhere next season. The word is out that Chase Daniel may be dealt away soon. So who will serve as the second on the position depth chart if Daniel departs?

Looking at the salary cap situation in Detroit makes this situation a little more complicated that it should be otherwise. Currently, the Lions are coming into the 2021 season just under $5 million over the cap. This makes signing a more expensive veteran arm difficult. Of course, there is always the draft to find a suitable backup. Although, given how young Goff still is, spending anything more than a sixth round pick seems too expensive. 

Where then, does this leave Detroit as far as options? The most feasible way to solve the problem is to look for a signal caller who has a decent amount of experience, or nearing the end of his career. Over the years, it’s been proven that a solid second quarterback can do wonders should their starter go down. One need only look at San Francisco for proof of that. They were lost when Jimmy Garoppolo fell to injury. The Nick Mullins/C.J. Bethard combo was not up to the tall task of keeping the 49ers in the mix in the NFC West. Ryan Fitzpatrick almost sparked a revolution in Miami as the man behind rookie Tua Tagovailoa.

Here are arguments to be made for two possible candidates as Goff’s second in command. We’ll start with the pros, move on to the cons, and make a final conclusion as to whether they make a good fit. 

Blake Bortles

Pros:

The Lions could runite these two former first round draft picks should they pluck Blake Bortles off the free agent market. Once the Jacksonville Jaguars greatest hope, Bortles fell from grace in 2018, one year removed from a playoff appearance. Although, to be fair to the third overall pick in the 2014 draft, he wasn’t dealt the greatest of hands in Duval. 

The fallout from his failures left Bortles bobbing out in the Atlantic Ocean without so much as an inflatable raft. It may not have been fair though considering his situation and how, statistically speaking anyway, he managed to perform in spite of it. 

Despite finishing with a record of 5-11 in the 2015 season, Bortles still passed for 4,428 yards, 35 touchdowns, and only 11 interceptions. Each of these fell inside the top-10 of their respective categories. The next season was not so kind even though he still threw for almost 4,000 yards and 25 touchdowns. Then, in 2017, he took the Jags to within a game of the Super Bowl, only to get bounced by the New England Patriots. He made the best of a bad situation, but ultimately it seems, the situation, brought the worst out of him.

Cons:

Whatever managed to flip Bortles from a rising star to a sinking ship came on without apology in the 2018 season. Fresh off a contract extension and a deep playoff run, one would think he would be primed for a stellar year. Sadly, this was not the case. Suddenly, he became more turnover prone. His passing accuracy and overall numbers plummeted. It was as if his heart just wasn’t in it anymore. As if that wasn’t enough, he lost his starting job to Cody Kessler. 

If the Lions decide to take a risk on Bortles, they will take on more than his luggage. They’ll also inherit the baggage he’s carrying with him from his disappointing departure from Jacksonville. Not to mention, even if he lands in Detroit, there is no telling which version of Blake Bortles will walk into that locker room. 

Conclusion:

Life is full of situations in which there are a wide range of outcomes. Obviously, predictions are made by trying to anticipate and minimize these ranges. With Bortles, you know at his best, you will be getting a competent arm with starting potential. We’ve seen him lead a team to the playoffs with it. At worst, you’ll get the last version of him the Jaguars endured before letting him go. By giving him another shot to back up Goff though, you may be setting him up for a successful (third) chance. 

Goff is not known to miss much time due to injuries, so the pressure won’t necessarily be on to carry the team as often. Granted, he’ll find himself attached to another struggling franchise, but at least this time, he’s not the one who has to turn it around. He would do just fine as the first round backup of the first round starter. 

Geno Smith

Pros:

When it comes to backing up quarterbacks that refuse to ride the bench no matter their condition, look no farther than Geno Smith. After literally getting knocked out of the Jets 2015 season, he found himself riding behind Ryan Fitzpatrick. From there he went on to backup such injury free quarterbacks as Eli Manning, Philip Rivers, and finally Russell Wilson. If there is a role Smith is meant to fill, it’s as the understudy to an Ironman. 

Smith will come at a gigantic discount to Daniel should the current backup find himself sent packing. If the Lions stand pat, they’ll owe Daniel almost $6 million. At most, Smith would cost less than a third of that price, even factoring in the $750,000 dead cap hit Daniel will incur if he’s cut. It’s more likely Detroit will try to trade him though to get more value. In the end, it might not be much, but something is better than nothing. Which is why Smith would make a suitable filler of this vacated position. 

Cons:

Let’s face it, there are actually more reasons not to bring Smith on board than there are to sign him. In six seasons, he’s been involved in only 10 games. Most of them, he’s spent either inactive, or on injured reserve. Not to mention the issues surrounding his eventual loss of his starting job in New York. Although, you could chalk those up to youth and inexperience, both of which are no longer the case. So there’s that. Even still, the fact that he may or not come through when called upon is a major red flag. It may be one that isn’t worth the risk.

Conclusion:

This all comes down to two things: the price tag on Smith, and the durability of Goff. Any team would stand to benefit from signing a seasoned backup at a huge discount. It’s especially true considering the man he’s backing up has yet to miss any considerable time due to major injuries. Can Detroit do better? Probably. Can they do worse? That can be debated. There does exist enough evidence to put this offer on the table and see where the chips fall.  

The post Two Veteran Quarterbacks Targets For Detroit Lions: Who Can Join Goff? appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By Rod Villagomez

Last season, the Arizona Cardinals finished with a disappointing 8-8 record. They missed the playoffs even with the expansion. It was a team that seemed loaded at the start of the season. But, for some reason, it never quite fell into place for Kyler Murray and company. 

Recently, they acquired a major improvement on the defensive side of the ball. In a move that sent tremors through the free agent market, J.J. Watt announced he would be leaving Houston for Arizona. That addresses one aspect of building a 2021 powerhouse team. There is still work to be done on the other side of the ball though. 

The Cardinals are still waiting to hear whether or not 2020 was the last season for their mainstay wideout Larry Fitzgerald. They will also likely watch Kenyan Drake explore running back opportunities elsewhere. This opens the door for Arizona to shop around for new offensive faces. 

This can be accomplished via trade, but the free agent market offers a lot of value to potential suitors. Between the two, the Cardinals would benefit more by signing one or more of the many names on this list. The following are four suggestions to beef up the offensive side of the ball much the same as Arizona has defensively.   

Will Fuller – FA (Houston Texans)

If the Cardinals are intent on becoming the Texans 2.0, grabbing Will Fuller will help their collection along. He’d be reunited with his fellow Houston wideout DeAndre Hopkins as well as newly acquired J.J. Watt. The three made considerable contributions to a stretch of three AFC South Championships in four years. Were Arizona to consider getting that band back together, they would quickly become a favorite to win the NFC West. 

With the future of Larry Fitzgerald still uncertain, there is certainly a need to address new targets for Kyler Murray. Last season, Hopkins didn’t miss a beat as he transitioned from being Deshaun Watson’s number one weapon to becoming Murray’s go to wideout. Christian Kirk settled in as the second option much like Fuller did in Houston, with similar numbers. In 2020, Kirk put up 621 yards on 48 catches. In 2019, Fuller accumulated 670 yards catching 49 passes in Hopkin’s last year as a Texan. 

It would have been a strong assumption that with Hopkins out of the picture, Fuller would become his successor. Unfortunately for him, the addition of Brandin Cooks once again relegated him to second fiddle status. While Fuller did enjoy a production boost gaining 879 yards and eight touchdowns on 53 receptions, Cooks still outpaced him. Those who have been waiting for that breakout season from Fuller might wait a while. He seems to be settled into the complementary role.

With that, rejoining Hopkins as an Arizona receiver would only add to the firepower they already have. It will also add a familiarity in the receiving corps as the former teammates already know how the other operates. This can only benefit Murray who will have two proven winners catching his passes.

T.Y. Hilton – FA (Indianapolis Colts)

There is little doubt that Colts fans are not ready to part ways with their favorite receiver. Unfortunately, they may have to as T.Y. Hilton may take off the only jersey he’s ever worn and enter the 2021 free agent pool. Of course, Indianapolis may decide to make an offer at the last minute to avoid that. But, it’s seeming less and less likely the two will come to terms. This will allow Hilton to ride into the sunset somewhere else. That somewhere could be Arizona. It could make sense to replace one legend with another should Fitzerald decide to hang it up for good. 

Arizona is not looking for a new number one option nor is Hilton expecting to be the lead wideout on his next team. Even if he were to stay with the Colts, Michael Pittman Jr. has put himself in position to be the top receiver. Add to that with the departure of Philip Rivers and the uncertainty of the quarterback situation. Basically, it all signals a fine time for Hilton to take his leave. 

If he’s looking for one last opportunity to be a member of a championship team, Hilton could do worse than the Cardinals. They are not so quietly assembling a team that could take the reins of a turbulent wild west in the NFC. He’ll serve as a veteran presence on the squad and another mentor to an up and coming Kirk. It’s a no lose situation for everyone involved and certainly one worth exploring.

Cam Sims – ERFA (Washington Football Team)

To stay on top, accumulating young talent is a must. In that vein, grabbing an up and comer like Cam Sims could add tremendous value to the Cardinals. The third year receiver is an exclusive rights free as of the expiration of his two year deal with the WFT. He has spent the last two seasons in the heavy shadow cast by his teammate Terry McLaurin. Even still, he’s managed to show that he is capable of big things. Given a more stable quarterback situation, he could shine even brighter.

That would be the situation he would find himself in with the Cardinals and Kyler Murray. He’ll look to improve on his 477 yards and 32 receptions from last season. Sims would offer a solid support effort on a roster with DeAndre Hopkins and potential Larry Fitzgerald. Granted he would do the same in Washington. In Arizona though, he’d have a shot to move up a spot or two on the depth chart. Last season, he was buried as the fourth option for the Football Team.

At the top of the pecking order was McLaurin with 134 total targets. J.D. McKissic and Logan Thomas were next with 110 targets apiece. If you’re keeping score, he found himself getting less looks than a tight end and a running back. This had much to do with the inconsistency at the quarterback position. It will be a tough sell to ask Sims to stay with a team where he is losing looks to players outside of his position group. Especially if the lead offensive position does not get an upgrade. If Fitzgerald does retire, taking on Sims would add youth and speed to the roster which will only help Murray in the long run. 

Leonard Fournette – FA (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Last season, Leonard Fournette won the Super Bowl lottery. Joining the Buccaneers at the absolute right moment took the still young former Jacksonville Jaguar from the bottom to the pinnacle of the NFL. Now, he has the opportunity to take that success and turn it into a decent payday. It’s highly unlikely he will decide to stay with Tampa Bay even with most of the Championship team still intact. Despite playing a large role in the 2020 season, he still had to split time with Ronald Jones and Ke’Shawn Vaughn. Both of which find themselve still under contract. Fournette will likely want to find a spot where he won’t have to share the load quite as much. Enter the Arizona Cardinals.

As Kenyan Drake is set to depart the backfield he leaves behind Chase Edmonds. Edmonds hasn’t broken out as a true number one back in his three seasons in the league. He had his shot in 2019 to claim the spot. That was the year Arizona brought in Drake from the Dolphins mid season. Should they lose Drake to free agency, it’s highly likely they will start shopping for his replacement. 

Of all the backs on the market not named Drake, Fournette is the most attractive. He’s still young and has proven he can handle being an every down back. He’ll certainly be the most coveted of the running back free agents out there. Pairing him with an already mobile quarterback would be a nightmare for opposing defenses.      

The post WR/RB Free Agent Targets For Arizona Cardinals appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By Rod Villagomez

Once upon a time, Marcus Mariota was drafted by the Tennessee Titans with the second pick in the 2015 draft. He joined an organization several years removed from their glory days and searching for a new identity. He went on to lead his team to a playoff appearance in his third season with Tennessee. Along the way, he took the team from a 3-13 record in his first year, to three straight seasons over the .500 mark. He showed his mobility and playmaking ability on the field and helped put the Titans back in the conversation of one of the better teams in the league.

It all came to an end unceremoniously in the 2019 season when Ryan Tannehill replaced the injured Mariota and held on to the job for the rest of the year. That offseason, the Titans offered Tannehill the invitation to stay sending Mariota to find his own way. He did that by signing with the Las Vegas Raiders to back up Derek Carr. He only appeared in a single game in his first year of the two year contract he signed with the Raiders.

There are plenty of teams that are in need of a starting quarterback heading into the 2021 season. It’s arguable that Mariota’s best days are actually not behind him and that bad luck has him playing back up to an ironman. If this is true, there should be several phone calls being made to secure his services. Here are four possible trading partners that would benefit from the former Oregon standout.  

New England Patriots – Current Quarterbacks: Cam Newton (FA), Jarrett Stidham

The 2021 season in New England will not begin with Cam Newton under center. That being the case, the need for his replacement should be a priority for the Patriots. Mariota’s has a valid case to be that guy. Big named potentials have been taken off the board in past weeks. Names like Carson Wentz who is now an Indianapolis Colt. Jared Goff and Matthew Stafford pulled the old switcheroo and will permanently swap jerseys next season. There do remain though some big fish to try and land like Deshaun Watson. In all reality, the Pats don’t have enough to offer Houston for that to happen.

So what that leaves is a collection of names a la Dak Prescott, Mitchell Trubisky, and Ryan Fitzpatrick among others. Of these, none seem likely to raise the antenna much as a potential leader in New England. This means if Bill Belichick wants a new face under center next year, his best bet is to make a deal. Several people seem to think that bringing back Jimmy Garoppolo makes sense. As touching as it would be to bring the former Tom Brady backup home, he carries with him a hefty price tag. The Patriots would need to take on his $24 million contract to suit him up in their colors next season. Mariota on the other hand, would only require a little over $10 million to put on the red, white, and blue.

In the short term memory syndrome that has befallen the NFL, some might have forgotten that all was not that bad in Tennessee in the Mariota era. He logged two seasons with more than 3,000 passing yards and made a deep playoff run in the 2017 season. More importantly, he helped turn around an otherwise slumping franchise. Up to his arrival, the Titans finished under .500 in four of the last five seasons. He’s still only 28 and given the chance could offer the Patriots a solid foundation from which to begin their rebuild.

The question becomes what do the Raiders get for Mariota? In this instance, New England is without a third-round pick which seems to be the agreement on market price. That may change though as the Patriots are in line for a compensatory pick for Tom Brady which could come in the third round. It could be that the Pats part ways with their fourth-round pick and a defensive player of their choice. The Raiders struggled in many aspects defensively last season, especially on the defensive line. Whatever the cost, if Belichick wants Mariota bad enough, he’s sure to make it happen. 

Denver Broncos – Current Quarterbacks: Drew Lock, Brett Rypien, Jeff Driskel

It does not appear as if Drew Lock is the future in Colorado. The Broncos second-round pick of the 2019 draft hasn’t been all John Elway had hoped he’d be. It probably wasn’t realistic to expect a rookie to have an immediate impact on a franchise coming off of back-to-back sub .500 seasons. That said, Lock had difficulty hitting a stride in the season and a half he held the reigns. This ineffectiveness could open the door for the arrival of Mariota. He certainly provides the level of veteran leadership to the Mile High City it’s been lacking since the departure of Peyton Manning. 

No matter which quarterback is taking snaps for the Broncos next season, work will need to be done around him for him to succeed. If it does turn out to be Mariota, he’ll be throwing behind the 8th worst offensive line in the league. He will have some stability though in the running game with Melvin Gordon as the anchor. Gordon finished only 14 yards shy of 1,000 rushing yards last season. They will have to find at least one more explosive receiver. If they can support him Mariota could be the solution to Denver’s quarterback problem. 

Jacksonville Jaguars – Current Quarterback: Gardner Minshew, Mike Glennon

This is no knock on Minshew Mania. Gardner Minshew has stolen many hearts in Jacksonville. It also blinded a lot of eyes as a result. His epic beard hides his overall ineffectiveness over the last two seasons. Maybe more of it has to do with his situation than talent, but the fact remains that it is not working out for either party anymore. So much so in fact, that with the first pick in the draft, they will look to crown their next gunslinger by presumably taking Trevor Lawrence off the board. 

But here is a logic train that is lost in today’s impatient, “win now” league: talent development. You can argue that only game action seasons these rookies and that sitting does nothing good for them. While there are exceptions, what we see more than often is these young, otherwise talented quarterbacks, flame out fast. Too much pressure is put on them to save floundering teams with the skeleton of the poorly performing team surrounding them. In the end, it’s not fair to the players, the management, or the fans. 

To that point, renting Marcus Mariota for a season via trade will give Lawrence a decent mentor who has experience turning a sub .500 team into playoff contenders. It will also give Jacksonville a decent chance to “win now.” There’s plenty of young talented Jaguars to help him along the way. Breakout rookie James Robinson will be behind him in the backfield. He’ll also benefit from three speedy young wideouts in D.J. Chark, Keelan Cole, and Laviska Shenault Jr. This will be the most controversial of landing spots, but one that makes sense.

Chicago Bears – Current Quarterbacks: Mitch Trubisky (FA), Nick Foles

Whatever the question was in Chicago last season. Nick Foles was not the answer. He struggled for the better part of his nine starts with the Bears. Eventually, he lost his spot to the incumbent Chicago quarterback Mitch Trubisky. While the team managed to stumble it’s way into a second place finish in the NFC North and a playoff spot, it wasn’t pretty. They seem to be a quarterback away from being able to make a deeper run at the title.

Bringing Mariota into the fold would link him to Allen Robinson and David Montgomery. Both would up his stock. Montgomery would be a nice buffer for his new quarterback as Mariota is used to having a 1,000-yard caliber running back behind him. Chicago has a 20th pick in the third round to offer up as collateral. This would be ideal supposing they allow Trubisky to hit the free agent market. Foles will either be relegated to back up status as a result, or Chicago will try to shop him around. Either way, Chicago should look into upgrading their quarterback situation.  

The post Four Possible Marcus Mariota Trade Destinations appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By Rod Villagomez

The 2020 season closed as one of the worst for the New England Patriots in over two decades. Currently, there are 22 unrestricted free agents free to walk away from the team should they choose. Among them are running backs James White and Rex Burkhead. If one or both of them depart for less turbulent waters, it will leave Sony Michel and Damien Harris alone in the backfield. New England will need to bring someone into the fold if they are intent on keeping the most prominent running back committee in the league going. But who will that be and what will that person do to the Patriots running identity?

Here are three 2021 free agents that could potentially fill the void if New England finds itself light on running backs in a few months. Whether it’s taking Whites’ place as the pass catching back, or the potential to establish a lead back for a change. Each of these backs offers something different to the squad as well as proven upside and enough value that it’s worth the speculation. At this point, a rebuild of the former dynasty is underway and a new running philosophy could help it immensely. 

Le’Veon Bell

At one point, it seemed as if Le’Veon Bell was destined to be the league’s next generational running back. Unfortunately for the league, the fans, and more importantly the Pittsburgh Steelers, such was not the case. After five hot seasons in Pittsburgh, Bell and the Steelers brass could not come together on a suitable price for his services. He wound up sitting out the entire 2018 season as a result. A brief stint with the Jets followed, but that crashed and burned leaving him searching once again for a home. Ultimately, he signed a 1-year deal with the Chiefs giving him an opportunity to play in tandem with their rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaire. But that deal is over and there doesn’t seem to be a need to bring him back to Arrowhead next season.

Here is where New England might be able to find a true number one running back. Bell has proven he can handle an intense workload. In 2017, he carried the ball a league leading 321 times. On top of that, he tallied 85 receptions. The Patriots have lacked a strong lead back for some time now. Sony Michel figured to be that guy, but injuries and the frustrating game of backfield roulette New England is fond of has taken the shine off his apple. Maybe bringing Bell onboard could change that philosophy.

He won’t escape sharing the backfield with a younger back though. Damien Harris will remain as it’s likely James White and Rex Burkhead test the markets for a new home. It certainly will not hurt the Patriots to sign Bell to shore the gaps. He is a veteran back who will not be nearly as expensive as he would have been a couple of years ago. What’s more, New England and Bill Belichick have proven they will not shy away from ex-Steeler challenges. By signing Antonio Brown in the past, they’ve set a precedence for taking a chance on players. 

What the Patriots will get in Bell is an All-Pro example on the field for an already talented Harris. Before leaving Pittsburgh, his dual threat backfield approach made him one of the most feared in the game at his position. Despite being closer to 30 than most teams are comfortable with, he’s still got plenty left to offer. All told, he’s played only seven seasons so far, which is not bad even factoring in his seemingly over usage in Pittsburgh. It’s clear the Jets weren’t the right team for his return. It was also clear that Kansas City had very little use for him. All things considered, a move to New England could be just what both parties need to get back to the top.

Kenyan Drake

There is no denying that New England loves to cycle their running backs. And, if anyone is used to sharing a backfield, it’s Kenyan Drake. His time in Miami had him splitting carries with the likes of Jay Ajayi, Kalen Ballage, and even Frank Gore. While getting more favorable usage in Arizona, he still found himself watching as Chase Edmonds factored into the mix. This makes a Drake addition to the Patriots running back roster all the more attractive. At 27, he’s still in prime form to be a veteran presence to Damien Harris, plus he’s still young enough to carry that backfield for a few years to come.

The future of the quarterback position he’ll walk into is up in the air. Odds are Cam Newton will not return for another year in New England. So, depending on who replaces him, the need for a back like Drake to provide a solid running foundation for the offense becomes important. What makes it a better situation is the Patriots ability to absorb his potential free agent price tag. Given his current market value, he’ll likely cost his next team just north of $8 million next season. Even if Belichick decides to open the coffers for a quarterback, their available cap room should still leave plenty of room to welcome Drake to the team.

It may seem as if Sony Michel is being vastly overlooked in this equation, and by all rights and accounts, he and Drake are comparably the same back. Both have logged seasons with over 900 yards rushing. Both are 27 years old. Both have spent time in a running back committee. But for whatever reason, his injury last season seemed to put him out of sight and therefore out of mind. He only had one game over 10 carries over the last six weeks of the season. Harris assumed lead back duties even as he struggled to turn them into sizable outings. Drake signing could also give New England the leverage to get some value in a Michel trade. Should that happen, it will free Drake to play the lead role in the backfield. Whether the Patriots give it to him is another story.

Jerick McKinnon

If all the Patriots want in their next running back is someone who can give Harris and Michel a short break, McKinnon is their guy. He’s not short on talent, but unfortunately, injuries and opportunity have chipped away at his potential. After having to sit out two full seasons, he came back to action last season still trying to get up to speed. His situation was not helped coming back to a loaded San Francisco backfield. He fought to see the field behind fellow running backs like Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson. His upside was also capped by inconsistency on the 49ers offense for a better part of the season. There was never really an opportunity for him to gain any traction.

There probably won’t be too many teams willing to take a chance on him, especially if they are running back needy. That’s why New England could end up being a perfect landing spot for him. He’ll likely play out the same type of role he did in San Francisco. Although, if the Patriots deal away Michel, he stands a great chance to see more work in tandem with Harris. He can also serve as the pass catching back a la James White who will likely test the free agent market. This is a role he has some familiarity with as he performed it with regularity during his time in Minnesota. 

Again, he won’t come to New England to be the top back. His role will play out much like it has for most of his career, which is to say, he’ll be one of many. It seems to be a solid fit for both the Patriots and McKinnon alike. Especially since there will likely be no interest from either side for a return to the Red and Gold.  

The post Three RB Targets for the New England Patriots appeared first on Pro Football Mania.