So this year’s combine is in the books, there were some winners (Tavon Austin) and some losers (Manti Te’o) The performances of the players have been well documented, but what about the state of the league and players within the league? Lets take a look.
1) All focus now turns to free-agency, but teams and agents have confirmed lots of deals are ‘all but done.’
Lots of verbal agreements are in place, but teams are worried to put concrete numbers on the table with the fear of these being shopped around to other sides.
2) It has been widely reported that with so many teams over the cap this year, there will be more veteran for veteran trades. In a bid to save cap space, teams such as the Jets will look to bolster positions by trading away positions of depth in straight player for player swaps.
3) The Miami Dolphins are one of the most intruiging cases this off-season, and look set to be the biggest players in free-agency. The Dolphins have $46m in cap space, which allows them to really attack the market, and look for that ‘explosive receiver’ their owner has requested. Star cornerback Sean Smith looks set to test free-agency with defensive tackle Randy Starks set to be tagged. With GM Jeff Ireland in a contract year, expect him to go all out to convince the Miami top brass that he’s worthy of keeping his job.
4) The depth of the running back market will men no one gets paid. There are some very functional running backs on the market, all, ability wise, around the same level. Steven Jackson,Reggie Bush, Rashard Mendenhall and Ahmad Bradshaw. Other names like Michael Turner, Felix Jones, Danny Woodhead and LaRod Stephens-Howling will all find roles. There’s no need to pay good money at the position.
5) Mike Wallace is going to be a very, very rich man. Lots of teams require his services, the Vikings, the Dolphins, The Patriots to name a few, they all have lots of cap room, and as a man in demand he is going to get a pay day the same as Vincent Jackson did last year. Particularly if either Dwayne Bowe or Greg Jennings get franchised.
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