Look for these five players to have a huge impact.
The NFL off-season begins at the end of the previous season, but all we hear for months are whispers and rumors of trades and free agency moves. Per League policy, we have to wait until mid-March before anything becomes official. Once the flood gates open, we can get serious about who will go where and how our favorite team will do.
Life is good as an unrestricted free agent–if you are a top-echelon player, that is. And it’s especially good if you get to pick where you play.
Not every player has that option, of course, and some players end up in better places than others. Still, though, free agency is one of the best times of the year for NFL players and fans–even though it’s full of agita for NFL GMs and directors of player personnel.
With that, here is my list of the Top NFL free agent signings for 2020.
What a tandem! (photo, ClutchPoints)
DeAndre Hopkins: He’s perhaps the best WR in the NFL. Even if he isn’t, he’ll undoubtedly make the Cardinals better. How so? He’ll help the team score more points. He’ll divert attention from Kirk & Fitz. He’ll take the pressure off the Cardinals’ D because the D knows that D-Hop is an instant playmaker. If you watched last year’s postseason games, then you know how quickly Hopkins can turn it on and have an impact.
Tom Brady: The Bucs biggest problem last year is that they were a turnover machine–mainly because of Jameis Winston and his record 30 interceptions. With talent all over this team (on offense and defense), Tampa Bay still managed to play well in 2019. But now they have ‘The GOAT.’ Don’t expect Brady to run outside the pocket. Instead, look for quick, accurate throws to the multiple threats he has available. In Tampa, Brady has instant respect. His teammates will listen to him. His work ethic will rub off. Now that’s a trifecta! It’s a whole new ball game with TB in TB.
Stephon Diggs: In Buffalo, it’s ‘make or break’ time for Stephon Diggs … and for Josh Allen as well. With Diggs on one side and John Brown on the other, the Bills’ offense has no excuse: the O needs to score more than 24 per. The defense, alone, can’t continue to carry this team. Diggs’ impact will be felt. Brown will have freedom to roam and Diggs will play the decoy role to the hilt.
Calais Campbell, now a Raven (photo, ClutchPoints).
Calais Campbell: Along with the Chiefs, the Ravens are favorites to win it all this year. And what I like about the Ravens is how the team continues to make great business decisions, and Campbell is another example. With an already stout, sturdy, and highly-ranked defense, the move to get Campbell makes it possible for Baltimore to take the next big leap. A powerhouse team got better with additions the Ravens made in the offseason, and adding Campbell tops the list.
Trent Williams: Offensive linemen aren’t sexy picks, but (boy) they are critical picks. Consider O-lineman. They have to be solid athletes at 300-plus pounds to chase players who run 4.2 40s. Left tackle is especially important as the QBs blindside protector, and Trent Williams is regarded as one of the best in the game. The 49ers needed a player of his calibre, too, when Joe Staley retired after the 2019 season. Staley anchored the 49ers line and, if anyone can fill his big shoes, that man goes by the name of Trent Williams.
