Quarterback
Andy Dalton (QB, 34)
Dalton began 2021 as the starter in Chicago, but quickly gave way to Justin Fields after just 6 starts. There still remain a few solid backup homes for Dalton in 2022, but the Houston Texans seem like the best fit overall. Davis Mills will get every chance to be the QB1 again this season, but having a player of Dalton’s experience either to mentor and/or take over as needed makes too much sense.
Also: Blaine Gabbert, Josh Rosen, Cam Newton, Colin Kaepernick, ALL
Running Back
Melvin Gordon (RB, 28)
After two solid seasons, and $16M earned, in Denver, Gordon is still looking for his next home in 2022. While a return to Denver makes sense, teams like Atlanta, Tampa, Kansas City, or even Buffalo could be in the conversation as well. Gordon may have to drop his asking price into the $4M range this time around.
Also: Sony Michel, Phillip Lindsay, Darrel Williams, David Johnson, ALL
Wide Receiver
Julio Jones (WR, 33)
Recently released from Tennessee, Jones has yet to resurface as an option for many WR-needy teams. Indy, Philly, & Cleveland seem like early logical fits, but Jones’ inability to stay healthy for a full season makes him a difficult sign, despite the obvious talent. He might be a better fit in an offense already flush with help at the wideout spot (Tampa, LA Chargers, etc…) where he can be used a bit more specifically and sparingly to maximize production. $2M of his 2022 salary in Tennessee is his, so a new contract should be relatively cheap.
Also: Jarvis Landry, Will Fuller, Cole Beasley, Odell Beckham, Jr., ALL
Tight End
Rob Gronkowski (TE, 32)
Gronk put together a much more productive 2021 than 2020, despite 4 less games played. With O.J. Howard now in Buffalo, Gronk would seemingly be welcome back to Tampa Bay with open arms if he still has a desire to lace them up. His 1 year, $8M contract from last year should do the trick once again.
Also: Kyle Rudolph, Jimmy Graham, Eric Ebron, Jared Cook, Blake Jarwin, ALL
Offensive Line
Duane Brown (OT, 36)
Russell Wilson’s former left tackle is still seeking work for the 2022 season, with links to Indy, Panthers, & Seahawks all obvious choices. Brown has been earning around $11M per year since 2018, and it stands to reason that with multiple suitors, he’ll remain in the $9M-$11M mark for his next contract.
Also: J.C. Tretter, Eric Fisher, Ereck Flowers, Daryl Williams, Trey Hopkins, ALL
Defensive Tackle
Sheldon Richardson (DT, 31)
Richardson has posted 700 snaps in 4 straight seasons, with 3-5 sacks, 40-60 tackles and a few forced fumbles annually over that span. He’s a strong plug and play option for a contending team, and shouldn’t command more than the $3.6M deal he played on in 2021.
Also: Ndamukong Suh, Eddie Goldman, Brandon Williams, Star Lotulelei, Linval Joseph, ALL
Edge Defenders
Jadeveon Clowney (DE, 29)
A return to Cleveland has been widely rumored for Clowney, who finished 2021 with 9 sacks, 38 tackles, and 2 forced fumbles for the Browns. It stands to reason that Clowney and his camp will be seeking more than the 1 year, $8M deal he completed last season, though the Browns, with plenty of mouths to feed, may not be in the market to offer that. A version of Hasaan Reddick’s 3 year, $45M deal in Philly makes sense for Clowney, and the Dolphins & Rams may join the conversation at some point soon.
Also: Akiem Hicks, Jason Pierre-Paul, Jerry Hughes, Melvin Ingram, Calais Campbell, ALL
Linebackers
Bobby Wagner (LB, 31)
The long-time Seahawk has been making the rounds (Dallas, LA, Baltimore), and should soon make a decision. Wagner was released out of a $16M+ salary this March, and carries a valuation around $10M on the open market, but it’s obvious that a move to a legitimate contender is in his plans. Baltimore probably has the most need here, but the Rams seem like a match made in heaven.
Also: Nick Kwiatkoski, Danny Trevathan, Dont'a Hightower, Anthony Hitchens, ALL
Cornerbacks
Stephon Gilmore (CB, 31)
There’s not a solid financial track record for 31+ cornerbacks, though Gilmore, Joe Haden, & Patrick Peterson all offer intriguing opportunities for teams despite their age. Gilmore has been linked to the Chiefs, & Eagles, though the Colts & 49ers should also be largely in the veteran CB conversation right now. With a 2 year, $24M contract do the trick? A massive jump in WR pay signals that the CB market could be soaring again very shortly.
Also: Trae Waynes, Joe Haden, Tavon Young, Patrick Peterson, Chris Harris, ALL
Safeties
Tyrann Mathieu (S, 29)
Mathieu joins Tyreek Hill as another big name to depart the Chiefs in 2022, and is still making the rounds to secure his next home. Tyrann has been linked to at least a half dozen teams publicly, but the Steelers, Cowboys, & Broncos seem to make the most sense here. Pittsburgh needs a bevy of help in their secondary, and Mathieu’s versatility can cover plenty of that, while Dallas’ defensive backs were wildly exposed over the second half of 2021. Denver getting in the mix is on brand for how the franchise is currently operating: All-In. Mathieu is likely seeking $16M per year on the market.
Also: Landon Collins, Keanu Neal, Kareem Jackson, Rodney McLeod, ALL
Kickers
Michael Badgley (K, 26)
Badgley played 13 games for the Colts in 2021, hitting 18 of 22 fieldgoals, and 98% of his point-afters. He’s been inconsistent for sure, but he’ll still find a roster by camp.
Also: Chase McLaughlin, Sam Ficken, ALL
Punters
Kevin Huber (P, 36)
After 13 seasons in Cincy, Huber has yet to be retained for 2022. The Dolphins, Browns, & Falcons also have needs at the position, making it likely that Huber finds a gig to latch onto if he desires.
Also: Thomas Morstead, Corey Bojorquez, Riley Dixon, ALL