The Ry-Guy Column: NFL Free Agency Fireworks and Fox River Frauds
Alright folks, let’s talk some NFL free agency. It’s like Christmas morning for football nerds like me. The legal tampering window? Pure gold. Preposterously large deals that will almost inevitably look bad in two seasons? Count me in. And the one-year bargain signings that end up season-changing? That’s the stuff legends are made of.
This year feels particularly spicy, with a salary cap over $300 million and those conference champion Seahawks and Patriots splashing cash like they’re printing money at Kwik Trip. Surprising action is on the menu, and I’ve got questions. Lots of them. Questions that keep me up at night, questions that have my kids Michael-Vincent and Blake asking if Daddy’s okay.
So let’s dive into some burning NFL free agency queries:
Where will Kyler Murray land — and how will he make his decision?
Murray’s situation is a unique one, folks. He’s been cut with $36.8 million in guarantees still on the table, and that contract has offset language. That means any new deal he signs will just be subtracted from what Arizona owes him. Smart cap maneuvering by the Cardinals. For Murray? It means he’ll likely sign a veteran minimum contract for $1.3 million with another team.
But where? And why?
Murray isn’t your typical free agent. He’s got that guaranteed money coming in, so his decision won’t be solely about cash. Scheme fit, roster competition, and quality of life will all factor in. Will he want to go somewhere with a strong supporting cast? Or is he looking for a place where he can be The Man?
One thing I do know – Murray has that Winner’s Tax mentality. He hates losing more than he loves winning. Wherever he ends up, expect him to bring some of that Mukwonago Misery Index with him.
What about the Vikings? Can they re-sign their key free agents?
Ah, the Vikings. Always a team that keeps things interesting. They’ve got some big names hitting the open market – Danielle Hunter, Alexander Mattison, Garrett Bradbury. Re-signing all three will be a tall task, especially with the cap situation as it is.
But here’s the thing – the Vikings have shown they’re willing to spend money to keep their core together. Will they pony up for Hunter? Can they find a way to bring back Mattison and Bradbury without breaking the bank?
It’ll be interesting to see how GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah plays his cards. Does he go all-in on this current group, or does he start looking towards the future? One thing’s for sure – Vikings fans will be watching closely.
Offensive line shakeups loom large:
This offseason could see some major offensive line changes across the league. Orlando Brown Jr., Mike McGlinchey, Kaleb McGary, and Jawaan Taylor are all set to hit free agency. And that’s not even mentioning the potential cuts and cap casualties we might see.
Teams with needs along the O-line will be licking their chops at the talent available this offseason. Will the Bears make a splash after their porous line play in 2022? Could the Jets try to lure one of these big fish to help protect Zach Wilson?
But buyer beware – offensive line free agency is often a minefield. Paying big money for a tackle or guard who doesn’t pan out can set a franchise back for years. It’s a high-risk, high-reward game.
Seahawks look to build on surprising 2022:
The Seahawks surprised everyone last season by winning 9 games and making the playoffs. Now, they’ll look to add pieces in free agency to take that next step.
With over $30 million in cap space, the Seahawks have some money to spend. Will they target a big name? Or will they continue their strategy of signing under-the-radar guys who fit their culture?
One area to watch – cornerback. Seattle could use an upgrade there after a disappointing season from their secondary. Could they make a play for Jamel Dean or James Bradberry?
Running back market features several intriguing options:
This year’s running back free agent class is an interesting one. There are veterans like Dalvin Cook, Leonard Fournette, and Ezekiel Elliott. And younger players like Tony Pollard, Saquon Barkley, and Josh Jacobs.
But here’s the thing – in today’s NFL, paying big money for a running back is often a fool’s errand. The position has such a short shelf life, and teams can find cheap production in the draft or on the waiver wire.
Will any team buck that trend this offseason? Or will we see mostly one-year prove-it deals for these backs?
Edge rusher market could be wild:
If you’re an edge rusher hitting free agency this year, you’re in luck. The 2023 class is loaded with talent – from established stars like Nick Bosa and Maxx Crosby to rising players like Montez Sweat and T.J. Watt.
Bidding wars could drive up prices for these pass-rushers. But teams have to be careful not to overpay. As we’ve seen time and again, big-money edge rusher deals often don’t work out in the long run.
But with the importance of pressuring opposing quarterbacks at an all-time high, expect some team to break the bank for one of these guys.
Malik Willis’ future uncertain:
Speaking of the Titans, what’s next for Malik Willis? The rookie quarterback showed flashes in limited action last season, but also struggled mightily. With Ryan Tannehill likely back as the starter, will Tennessee look to move on from Willis this offseason?
If they do, there could be a market for him. Some team might see his raw talent and think they can develop him into a franchise QB. But it’s a risky bet – Willis is still very much a project at this point.
Linebacker position sees some big names available:
The linebacker market features several intriguing options this offseason. Veterans like Bobby Wagner, Lavonte David, and Leighton Vander Esch could be on the move. Younger players like Germaine Pratt and Devin White are also set to hit free agency.
But here’s the thing – in today’s NFL, off-ball linebackers can be a tricky position to value. Many teams have de-emphasized the spot in favor of more defensive backs and pass-rushers.
That could lead to some bargains on the linebacker market this offseason. Teams in need of help at the position might be able to find good value if they’re patient.
A.J. Brown looking for big payday:
Finally, we have A.J. Brown. The Titans receiver is set to hit free agency after a monster 2022 season. And he’s likely looking for a massive contract – perhaps top-5 wideout money.
But will Tennessee pony up? Or could they look to trade him if they can’t reach a deal?
If Brown does hit the open market, expect a bidding war among receiver-needy teams. His size, speed, and playmaking ability make him a true No. 1 WR in this league.
There you have it folks – nine burning questions that will shape NFL free agency this offseason. It’s going to be a wild ride, full of surprises, head-scratchers, and Fox River Frauds.
But one thing’s for sure – I’ll be watching every move, analyzing every signing, and breaking down all the action from my perch here in Mukwonago. Because in the end, that’s what being a football fan is all about. The Will to Win. The Effort Standard. And maybe grabbing a butterburger at Culver’s along the way.
Until next time – keep your sticks on the ice and your flags tucked away. The Ry-Guy, signing off.
One-Ry Out.