NFL Free Agent Pairings
LAMAR JACKSON
BALTIMORE RAVENS
The former MVP has been the face of the Baltimore Ravens since his first full year of starting in 2019 and is one of the league’s premiere playmakers at QB. While there are rumors speculating his long term future in Baltimore, the likely result will be the signal caller returning to the Ravens under the franchise tag. Unless Jackson holds out and Baltimore receives a Godfather offer, the star QB isn’t going anywhere in 2023.
GENO SMITH
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
No player had a better comeback story in 2022 than Geno Smith. The journeyman QB has struggled to find a home since his rookie season yet after being named the starter in Seattle, Smith had a career season capped off with a Pro Bowl nod. Some may not view Smith as a long-term answer in Seattle but the 32 yr. old had a great season and is likely the best option for HC Pete Carroll and the Seahawks.
ORLANDO BROWN
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
While the Kansas City Chiefs are preparing for another trip to the big game, one of the top offensive players, OT Orlando Brown, could also be focusing on his next contract. The massive OT is arguably the top available OL this offseason and with the position being more important now than its ever been, teams will be lined up for Brown’s services. Enter HC Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots. Their OT situation is up in the air with Isaiah Wynn entering free agency seeking his own contract and Trent Brown finishing up with only one year left, expiring in 2024. If the Patriots want to protect their QB, whoever it may be, Brown would be a very good solution.
DARON PAYNE
CHICAGO BEARS
The Chicago bears DL was one of the most disappointing units in the league this season amassing a league worst 20 sacks along with a subpar run defense to match. One of the most important positions for HC Matt Eberflus is the interior DL so why not get him the top target for the role in Daron Payne. Payne is one of the league’s top interior pass rushers finishing with 11.5 sacks to go along with his fierce run stopping abilities. Some may think Payne wants to be paid like one of the best and with the Bears owning north of $90 million in cap space, this pairing seems to make too perfect sense.
SAQUON BARKLEY
NEW YORK GIANTS
The New York Giants had a big bounce back season led by rookie HC Brian Daboll and QB Daniel Jones, who had a decent season, but the other playmaker who helped lead them to the playoffs is RB Saquon Barkley. Barkley is one of the league’s few complete RBs who would be an asset to any offense from day 1. Since the Giants are still trying to establish Jones as their QB of the future, securing Barkley for the future would do wonders for the Giants offense now and in the future.
JAMES BRADBERRY
ATLANTA FALCONS
After being released from the Giants, CB James Bradberry signed a one year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles hoping he could make a playoff run paired with another talented CB in Darius Slay. Bradberry made the right choice as he is preparing to compete in the big game before hitting free agency. Philadelphia will likely have to move on Bradberry due to cap constraints but should have no issue finding a new home like in Atlanta. The Falcons are a young team still searching for their identity but one thing that could help is fortifying the backend of the defense with a CB like Bradberry.