The NFL postseason is well underway. As “Super” Wild-Card weekend kicks off at the time of writing this. With 2 games today (SF/SEA, LAC/JAX), and more to follow tomorrow and Monday. While the road to the Super Bowl is the main focus right now. For some players, their main focus is where they will play come this September.
Each position group has a few big names that will possibly find new places to call home. Below, I will highlight 1 player from 4 different position groups (RB/WR and CB/S will be combined), and where I think they will be moving to this off-season.
QB- Geno Smith, Current Team: Seattle Seahawks, New Team: Washington Commanders
My pick for Most Improved Player, Smith had a career year that no one saw coming. Formerly a career backup between 4 teams (including Seattle), soon after he joined the league in 2013 (#39 pick). The West Virginia product matched his career TD total this season in Seattle (30 TDs). Not to mention, his yards total this year (4,282), was almost three quarters of his career total from 2013-2021 (6,197).
If it weren’t for the Seahawks sending Russell Wilson to Denver, Geno would have never got his shot. Now he will have his shot with multiple other teams. As there’s no doubt in my mind, that he will have teams calling his agent soon enough. One of those teams should be the Washington Commanders.
They didn’t seem bought into Taylor Heinicke or Carson Wentz as their QB1 this year. There’s a chance they could try to give Sam Howell more chances. But I just don’t see that happening. Between the three aforementioned QBs, they had less Passing TDs (24) combined than Smith himself (30). Along with more total INTs (16) thrown than Smith (11).
While Seattle may not want to let the 32 year old QB walk, they are set up to let it happen. Drew Lock is waiting in the wings to try and show that he can be a QB1. Along with the fact that they have a high enough pick, thanks to the Wilson trade, to draft a possible new franchise QB. Should they keep Smith? Yes. Will they? Probably not.
RB/WR- Josh Jacobs, Current Team: Las Vegas Raiders, New Team: Denver Broncos
One of my favorite players in the league, Jacobs led the league in rushing this season (1,653 yards). Which is also a career high for him, by over 500 yards. He might not be the biggest guy on the field, but according to PFF.com, Jacobs gained 71.4% of his total yards after first contact. Which to me, means a solid amount of broken tackles.
Owner Mark Davis and the rest of the Raiders decision makers, must not have believed much in Jacobs coming into this season. As they didn’t pick up the fifth-year option on the former University of Alabama star’s rookie contract. That may have given Jacobs a bit of a chip on his shoulder. At least the stats, including the aforementioned career high, seem to show just that. Not to mention the 1st Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections.
It leads me to believe that Jacobs will be very open to looking for a fresh start. Possibly even a fresh start that gives him a good shot at “revenge” of some sort. Almost no better way to do that, than stay in division. Denver has Javonte Williams coming off of an injury that kept him out most of this season. After almost rushing for 1,000 yards in his rookie year (2021). A 2 RB system with Williams and Jacobs could wreak havoc against opponents on the ground.
Come September, I see the former 1st round pick wearing the orange and blue in the Mile High City.
TE- Dalton Schultz, Current Team: Dallas Cowboys, New Team: Dallas Cowboys
The Tight End FA pool isn’t exactly full of “household” names this year. But there are some really solid guys that could help out struggling offenses. Schultz, in my opinion, is the top FA for his position. Primarily used as a blocker to start his career in the “Big D”.
The Stanford University Alum, has come on as a more-than-solid pass catcher for Dak Prescott and the Cowboys. His career Yards/Reception is 10.1, which he matched this year alone. Match that with a 70.1% catch percentage, and you’ve got a guy you can rely on in pressure situations.
With the TE pool looking like slim pickings for the most part, the Cowboys can’t afford to lose Schultz.
CB/S- James Bradberry, Current Team: Philadelphia Eagles, New Team: Minnesota Vikings
I don’t know if there is a contending team more in need of secondary help than the Minnesota Vikings. When 32 year old Patrick Peterson is by far your best DB, you need help. Granted, Peterson still plays at a high level (82.5 coverage grade was top 4). There is too much of a discrepancy between him and the no. 2 DB on the Vikings to not address the position.
Bradberry, is one of the top 5 DBs set to be on the open market. Coming off of a season where he earned a 2nd Team All-Pro selection. The 29 year old held opposing QBs to a 46.0% completion percentage (4th best). He’s durable, in the sense of how many snaps he plays. This season was his 4th straight season having been on the field for 1,000+ defensive snaps.
With the inconsistencies at the position for Minnesota this season. With having to call up guys from the practice squad, etc., Signing a guy like Bradberry, would be a step in the right direction to not let 6 of the last 9 opposing QBs to throw for 300+ yards against them.
While they might not all be the “#1” guy at their position. These are guys to keep an eye on come this free agency season.
