While NFL free agency is undeniably thrilling, the NFL draft truly captivates fans. It has evolved into a multi-day television event with over 50 million viewers. What if the excitement of free agency could be transformed into a similar spectacle?
Setting aside the ethical considerations of relinquishing decision-making from the players, such an approach could yield intriguing outcomes. It would recognize teams adept at managing cap space while maintaining the parity integral to the draft's design.
For this hypothetical scenario, the order is established based on Spotrac's recent cap figures, proceeding in the order of teams with the most cap space. The exercise involves projecting the top 10 picks, with each team paying the projected market value for critical players and addressing their specific team needs.
Washington Commanders: Josh Allen (Jaguars)
Cap Space: $82.3 million, Projected Market Value: Five years, $120 million
Josh Allen is a favorable choice for the commanders when evaluating free agents. While Chris Jones and Kirk Cousins excel in their positions, their fit with the team raises concerns. Considering recent extensions and cap hits for Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen, reuniting with Cousins seems suboptimal. With the second pick, the Commanders can choose between Caleb Williams or Drake Maye.
Josh Allen, at 26, emerges as the pragmatic choice, boasting youth and a strong track record. His impressive performance with 17.5 sacks for the Jaguars adds to his appeal. Trading Montez Sweat and Chase Young positions Allen as the cornerstone for the pass rush, potentially creating one of the league's premier defensive lines under Dan Quinn.
Tennessee Titans: DT Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs
Cap Space: $80.7 million, Projected Market Value: Three years, $85.5 million
General manager Ran Carthon and new head coach Brian Callahan faced the decision to provide support for Will Levis with the No. 2 pick. However, with the second-highest pass rush win rate among all interior defenders at 20%, Chris Jones stands out as an irresistible choice.
Despite facing nearly 10% more double-teams than Aaron Donald, Jones secured 10.5 sacks in the regular season and played a pivotal role in the Chiefs winning the Super Bowl. While the Titans currently boast a robust defensive interior, potential changes loom for the next season, making Jones' versatility and game-changing abilities a valuable addition.
Chicago Bears: CB Jaylon Johnson, Chicago Bears
Cap Space: $79.8 million, Projected Market Value: Five years, $78.7 million
Negotiating a new contract for Jaylon Johnson aligns with the Bears' strategic plans under Matt Eberflus. Reports suggest progress in securing the deal, with insider Jordan Schultz indicating an imminent agreement.
Despite fluctuations in their relationship, Johnson's stellar on-field performance in 2023, marked by four interceptions, ten passes defended, and a 50.9 passer rating when targeted, positions him among the league's top corners. Retaining Johnson is pivotal for the Bears to uphold defensive strength, a crucial element for their roster.
Although considerations were made to enhance the passing game, the Bears are well-positioned to address offensive needs through the NFL draft, holding the first and ninth picks. The potential selection of a quarterback and a wide receiver like Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze offers a strategic approach to fortifying the Bears' offense.
As the NFL offseason unfolds, these hypothetical scenarios spark fan conversation and speculation, showcasing the enduring allure of the league's dynamic player acquisitions and strategic team-building processes. The transition from free agency to a similar televised spectacle adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to the NFL landscape, further fueling the passion of football enthusiasts worldwide.
