For all those who don’t already know, yesterday marked the opening of the NFL free agency period, meaning teams and players are now able to negotiate with each other without any restrictions. And for those who have paid attention, there have already been a few millions of dollars passed on to guys. For that reason, I’m taking a look at some other players who are in-line to get a hefty paycheck themselves, whether worth it or not.
4. DeMarcus Ware
The longtime Dallas Cowboys pass-rusher was recently cut by the team after the two sides couldn’t rework Ware’s contract, likely ending his career with “The Boys.” That doesn’t mean he won’t be happily accepted by other teams, though, as Ware still has plenty of gas left in the tank and, after proving himself to be one of the best in the game at getting to the quarterback, will demand some good cash for whoever signs the 31-year-old.
3. Knowshon Moreno
Sure, the shelf life for an NFL running back is never to great, but Denver Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno has shown that he still has plenty of versatility to bring to a team, busting out last season with a career year in which he both stayed healthy and produced his best stats ever. A guy who can block, run and catch the ball is rare to find, and still 26 years old, Moreno is one who should still get one last big contract from someone.
2. T.J. Ward
After making his first Pro Bowl last season with a dreadful Cleveland Browns team, the franchise decided that the 27 year old Ward didn’t fit into the new regime’s system—signing hometown kid Donte Whitner on the first day of free agency. That doesn’t mean Ward won’t break the bank, though, as plenty of teams can use a guy who played 96 percent of his team’s snaps last year, making 112 tackles and helping to stuff the run.
Update: Ward signed with the Denver Broncos.
1. Jairus Byrd
Formerly of the Buffalo Bills, the three-time Pro Bowl safety has seemingly been rumored to be heading to nearly any team who might need back-end secondary help. Arguably the star of this year’s free agent class, Byrd possess all the tools necessary of a big-time playmaking safety, so it’s no surprise that he’s in high demand—and will likely sign the biggest deal of anyone this year.
Image via Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
