New Digs: Nine players to watch with new teams
The initial wave of free agency is over, and several big names are off the market with new teams. It’s far too early to grade each signing when we haven’t seen these players suit up in anger for their new franchises, but that doesn’t mean we can’t speculate! Here are nine players to watch as they join new teams this season.
Brandon Marshall, New York Giants
After being released by the Jets, Marshall didn’t have far to walk to find his next team. Pairing Marshall with Odell Beckham Jr. gives Eli Manning the best wide receiver duo he’s had in years. Marshall gives Eli a tall, big-bodied possession receiver with which to work the middle of the field, drawing or exploiting double teams along with Beckham. Marshall could also provide Beckham with a veteran role model to learn from. Or, there could be fireworks in the locker room rather than on the field if Marshall and Beckham’s big personalities clash…
DeSean Jackson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jackson could be the missing piece that takes Jameis Winston and Tampa Bay’s offense to the next level; a true vertical threat. The Buccaneers didn’t have a single pass over 50 yards last season. Jackson had four. With Mike Evans drawing double teams, Jackson will be free to take the top off opposing defenses.
Stephon Gilmore, New England Patriots
It’s rare to see Bill Belichick pay top dollar for a free agent. But that didn’t stop him shocking the NFL by giving Gilmore a five year, $65 million contract. The former Bill gives Belichick a tall physical corner who can match up with players like Julio Jones, whom New England struggled to cover in Super Bowl LI. If the Patriots manage to retain Malcolm Butler (unlikely), they would have arguably the best secondary in the NFL.
A.J. Bouye, Jacksonville Jaguars
Once again, general manager Dave Caldwell is spending big on defense in free agency. Bouye, who burst onto the scene with the Houston Texans last season, gives the Jaguars another young corner to pair with last years first round pick Jalen Ramsay. If Bouye lives up to his five year, £67.5 million contract, Jacksonville could have one of the best cornerback duos in the AFC.
Lawrence Timmons, Miami Dolphins
After overpaying for several disappointing players last season, Mike Tannebaum has found a good player in Timmons. While Kiko Alonso has had durability issues in his career, Timmons hasn’t missed a game since 2009 and is great against the run. With a healthy Alonso paired with Timmons, Miami has one of the best linebacker tandems in the AFC.
Martellus Bennett, Green Bay Packers
Bennett is now on his second future Hall of Fame quarterback in as many seasons, trading Tom Brady for Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay. Bennett could be just the weapon that Rodgers needed; an upgrade over Jared Cook who can be a dominant pass catcher, a good run blocker, and a big physical redzone target. So long as the Packers let Marty B be himself, this will be one of the best signings of the off-season.
Eddie Lacy, Seattle Seahawks
Since Marshawn Lynch retired, Seattle has struggled to find a permanent presence at running back. At the top of his game, Lacy is a similarly physical runner to Beastmode, assuming he can keep his weight in check; hence John Schneider giving the former Packer a one year, $5.55 million ‘prove-it’ deal. Having a strong running game again could see Seattle surge back to the Super Bowl.
Brandin Cooks, New England Patriots
After being the subject of trade rumours since last season, Cooks is now on his way to the New England Patriots for first and third round picks in a trade that should terrify the rest of the league. Cooks gives Tom Brady his best vertical threat since Randy Moss and joins an already stacked offense. But will the closed mouth get fed to his satisfaction in such a deep group?
Andrew Whitworth, Los Angeles Rams
Yes, it isn’t the splashiest move in the world, but it could become one of the most important. General manager Les Snead and new head coach Sean McVay have essentially tied their careers to last year’s first overall Jared Goff, who still needs time to develop. Despite being 35, Whitworth played at a Pro Bowl level for the last two years in Cincinnati. Question is, can the ageing veteran buy Goff enough time?
