Monday is a big day in the NFL world -- it's the deadline for teams to assign franchise tags and the negotiating window opens between teams and free agents.
We know the Dallas Cowboys' situation is up in the air with quarterback Dak Prescott and receiver Amari Cooper. Will quarterback Ryan Tannehill re-sign with the Titans? And where will tight end Hunter Henry suit up next season?
In between all the guesswork, including the biggest puzzle of all on where quarterback Tom Brady will play in 2020, NFL Nation reporters look at the top internal free agents on each team and make a prediction on whether that player will stay or go.
Jump to:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | MIA | MIN | NE
NO | NYG | NYJ | LV | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
ESPN's tracker: Signings | Tags
NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys
Amari Cooper, wide receiver
With quarterback Dak Prescott most likely to receive the franchise tag, Cooper becomes the Cowboys' biggest free agent. Acquired in 2018 for a 2019 first-round pick, Cooper changed the fortunes of the Cowboys' passing game when he arrived. But he has been a different receiver on the road than he is at home, struggling down the stretch last season with 26 catches in the final seven games. Cooper, 25, can change outcomes with his big-play ability and teams have to focus on him, which frees up things for the other receivers, such as Michael Gallup.
Prediction: The Cowboys will keep Cooper on a shorter-term deal for around $18.5 million a season, giving him another chance to hit the market before he turns 30. -- Todd Archer
New York Giants
Leonard Williams, defensive end
The Giants traded two draft picks for Williams midway through last season in a rare trade with the Jets. They're invested and liked what he contributed over the final eight games, which included solid run defense and 20 QB pressures, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. Williams was a solid but not spectacular player, much like he was with the Jets. He finished the season with 0.5 sacks and two tackles for a loss, and has 17.5 sacks in five professional seasons.
Prediction: The Giants like Williams and already have committed two draft picks. They're not letting him walk four months later. He gets the transition tag at approximately $13.1 million, which at the very least buys them time to strike a long-term deal. Nobody will blow away Williams once tagged, and he'll remain a Giant. -- Jordan Raanan
Philadelphia Eagles
Rodney McLeod, safety
The entire Eagles secondary is in flux, with three of the four starters from 2019 set to hit free agency (McLeod, Jalen Mills, Ronald Darby) and Malcolm Jenkins adamant that he won't play under his current contract. McLeod, 29, rebounded from a season-ending knee injury in 2018 and finished with two interceptions and 76 tackles this past season. Re-upping McLeod would ensure defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has some continuity on the back end. He won't cost as much as some of the top-end safeties, who will net north of $14 million per season.
Prediction: Eagles re-sign him to a deal worth $10 million to $11 million per season. -- Tim McManus
Washington Redskins
Brandon Scherff, right guard
The Redskins definitely want to keep Scherff, a three-time Pro Bowler who has missed 13 games the past two years because of injuries. Scherff, the fifth overall pick in the 2015 draft, has become a solid player capable of winning inside or on the move -- as a puller and on screens. The Redskins consider him a core player and coach Ron Rivera has stressed a desire to build strong lines on both sides of the ball. The difficult part has been injuries: Scherff tore his pectoral two years ago and suffered elbow and shoulder injuries last season.
Prediction: With questions elsewhere along the line -- left tackle Trent Williams wants out; left guard Ereck Flowers is a free agent, though they'd like to keep him -- the Redskins don't want to create another hole if Scherff leaves. They will use the franchise tag to keep him and will continue negotiating a long-term deal. -- John Keim
NFC NORTH
Chicago Bears
Nick Kwiatkoski, linebacker
The 2016 fourth-round pick out of West Virginia stepped up last season (75 tackles, three sacks) when Danny Trevathan went out with an elbow injury. Kwiatkoski, 26, has been one of the team's top defensive reserves since he entered the league, but proved last season he is full-time starter material. With both Kwiatkoski and Trevathan entering free agency, the Bears can probably keep only one.
Prediction: Kwiatkoski is much younger than Trevathan, who turns 30 on March 24. He also doesn't have a long history of injuries. The Bears will try hard to keep Kwiatkowski and re-signing Trevathan (an excellent player in his own right) is a fallback option. -- Jeff Dickerson
Detroit Lions
Graham Glasgow, guard
He is Detroit's most dependable lineman, can play guard or center, started 58 games over four years and was one of Lions general manager Bob Quinn's better draft picks since taking over in 2016. The Lions inexplicably chose to rotate him throughout last season in a three-man guard system with Joe Dahl and Kenny Wiggins, hurting offensive line continuity.
Prediction: Glasgow goes somewhere else in free agency and gets paid well to do so -- much more than the Lions would potentially give him to stay a season after they apparently didn't trust him enough to play every snap possible. -- Michael Rothstein
Green Bay Packers
Bryan Bulaga, right tackle
Bulaga bounced back from his second ACL tear in 2017, started all but three games since and returned to an elite right tackle level. But he's about to turn 31 on March 21 and likely will command big money once again. The Packers don't have an heir apparent and don't plan to move left guard Elgton Jenkins to tackle after a stellar rookie season at guard. Green Bay could try right guard Billy Turner at tackle or bring back Jared Veldheer.
Prediction: The Packers will have to pay All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari again soon, so they won't get into a bidding war for Bulaga, who will find a bigger offer from another team. -- Rob Demovsky
Minnesota Vikings
Anthony Harris, safety
The former undrafted free agent turned interceptions leader (six) at his position during his first full season as a starting safety is in line to make substantial money in free agency. After making $5.3 million over the first five years of his career, Harris is considered one of the most sought safeties, which could come with a steep price tag -- anywhere from $12-14 million annually on a multiyear contract. It seems the Vikings are planning on Harris not returning in 2020. "I love Anthony," Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said at the NFL combine. "If he doesn't come back, I think he's earned whatever he's gotten, but if you put up the positions that are the most important on defense, it's probably not going to be safety. We'll figure out a way if he's not back."
Prediction: The Vikings don't have the financial wherewithal to keep Harris, so he moves on to earn a deserved payday elsewhere. -- Courtney Cronin
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta Falcons
Austin Hooper, tight end
The 2016 third-round draft pick from Stanford continued to ascend last season, catching a career-high 75 passes for 787 yards and six touchdowns. At age 25, his best football is ahead of him.
Prediction: The Falcons have said they plan to let Hooper test the market, and Hooper will find a deal exceeding $10 million a year with plenty of tight-end-needy teams. -- Vaughn McClure
Carolina Panthers
James Bradberry, cornerback
He has been as close to a shutdown corner as the Panthers have had since Josh Norman in 2015, and the team would like to keep the 2016 second-round pick. But with a new staff that is in a rebuilding mode, the team can't afford the estimated $16.4 million franchise tag and probably won't have the salary-cap room to compete for the north of $10 million average per year Bradberry will seek in free agency.
Prediction: When asked about the potential of rejoining former Panthers coach Ron Rivera in Washington, Bradberry responded, "That's my guy." So, don't be surprised to see the Redskins, who have moved on from the rich deal of Norman, to sign Bradberry and for the Panthers to fill that spot with a midlevel free agent at a much lower cost. -- David Newton
New Orleans Saints
Drew Brees, quarterback
The future Hall of Famer has eliminated most of the drama by announcing his plans to return for a 20th season at age 41 -- and by insisting he won't even consider playing elsewhere. The Saints want to get a new deal done before the start of the league year so they don't get hit with a big dead money salary-cap charge from his old deal. But there's no reason that should be a problem. Brees gave the Saints a slight hometown discount when he signed a two-year, $50 million deal in 2018 (with only $27 million guaranteed). He will almost certainly do the same this time.
Prediction: Brees signs another team-friendly deal before March 18 worth somewhere around $27 million and $30 million a year with one year of guaranteed salary. -- Mike Triplett
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Shaquil Barrett, outside linebacker
Coach Bruce Arians said of Barrett just before the end of the 2019 season: "He ain't goin' anywhere." When asked at last month's NFL combine if Arians still stands by that declaration, he said, "Yes indeed," adding he has no concern about Barrett being a "one-year wonder" after reaching 19.5 sacks in 2019. "You don't get 19.5 being a 'one-year wonder,'" Arians said, laughing. "He's not a fly-by-night guy. It's gonna be real for a long time." Also, if the Bucs use the franchise tag on Barrett, that would mean quarterback Jameis Winston's options include the Bucs using the transition tag on him (only if the new CBA isn't approved), signing a new deal with Tampa Bay or becoming an unrestricted free agent.
Prediction: Expect the Bucs to use the franchise tag on Barrett with the goal of signing him to an extension. -- Jenna Laine
Rick Smith, Keyshawn Johnson and Adam Schefter look back on marquee free-agent signings over the past five years, including Tyrann Mathieu to the Chiefs.
NFC WEST
Arizona Cardinals
Kenyan Drake, running back
Drake, whom the Cardinals traded for on Oct. 28, blossomed in coach Kliff Kingsbury's offense and showed he can be the feature back in just about any offense. He also displayed versatility as a runner and a pass-catcher, rushing for 643 yards and catching 28 passes for 171 yards. Drake was acquired when both David Johnson and Chase Edmonds were injured and Drake played well enough to not let each find a role again the rest of the season. But by doing all that, Drake made himself a lot of money as free agency is set to begin.
Prediction: The Cardinals won't pay Drake the type of money he's expected to want. While the likes of Johnson, Todd Gurley and Le'Veon Bell likely ruined the running back market for the foreseeable future, Drake will still get paid, but the Cardinals, who are cautious of giving a running back big money after Johnson's mega-extension, likely won't be the suitor. -- Josh Weinfuss
Los Angeles Rams
Andrew Whitworth, left tackle
Whitworth wrapped up a three-year, $36 million contract that included a base salary of $10.3 million last season. It's no secret Whitworth is getting a bit older (he turned 38 in December), but even as he approaches his 15th season, he remains the Rams' best option at left tackle. Joseph Noteboom was drafted in 2018 to eventually take over for Whitworth, but he will be returning from season-ending knee surgery and it's uncertain whether he will be able to protect quarterback Jared Goff's blind side. The Rams and Whitworth have expressed a desire to get a new deal done.
Prediction: The Rams and Whitworth will come to terms on a new deal and he will return for his 15th NFL season. -- Lindsey Thiry
San Francisco 49ers
Arik Armstead, defensive lineman
Armstead had a breakthrough 2019 season, leading the 49ers in sacks (10) and remaining one of the best run-defending ends in the league. The 49ers want to keep Armstead and he wants to stay, but it won't be easy to find the right price for both sides given the going rate for top defensive ends on the free-agent market. The Niners would prefer to sign Armstead to a long-term extension rather than using the tag but might need to tag Armstead as a means of buying more time.
Prediction: If the 49ers can't get Armstead re-signed before the tag deadline, it wouldn't be a surprise if they tagged him to continue negotiating or possibly even trade him. This one is really difficult to predict considering all the variables, but the guess here is San Francisco finds a way to keep Armstead around, even if it means saying goodbye to others such as receiver Emmanuel Sanders and free safety Jimmie Ward. -- Nick Wagoner
Seattle Seahawks
Jadeveon Clowney, defensive end
The Seahawks want to re-sign Clowney, who was far and away the most disruptive member of one of the NFL's worst pass-rush units in 2019. But they can't tag him and don't seem to be interested in breaking the bank for a player who gets a lot of pressure (he was fifth in ESPN's pass rush win rate in 2019) but not nearly as many sacks (three last season) as some of the league's highest-paid edge defenders. The Seahawks didn't want to pay the nearly $21 million per year it would have taken to keep Frank Clark -- a comparable player and by some measures a more productive one -- and it isn't hard to envision Clowney's price tag getting that high.
Prediction: Instead of paying Clowney the $20-plus million it will take to keep him, the Seahawks put that money toward a pair of free-agent pass-rushers. -- Brady Henderson
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills
Shaq Lawson, defensive end
General manager Brandon Beane said at his end-of-season news conference that the Bills would be in touch with Lawson's representatives on staying in Buffalo, but that doesn't mean the feeling is mutual. Lawson recently wrote on Twitter that he "didn't get the opportunity" in 2019 -- a response to a fan who claimed Lawson "never lived up to the hype." If they can find common ground, a return to Buffalo makes sense for both sides; the Bills are thin at defensive end and Lawson was an impact player when he was on the field last season.
Prediction: Lawson takes the biggest payday possible -- and it won't be from the Bills, who will be content to add a veteran or two on reasonable deals and draft another defensive end. -- Marcel Louis-Jacques
Miami Dolphins
Aqib Talib, cornerback
There aren't many high-profile free agents with the Dolphins, but Talib still has enough gas in the tank to fill a starting-cornerback role. Talib, who spent most of 2019 on injured reserve, was traded to the Dolphins in a midseason salary-cap dump in late October and never suited up or reported to Miami.
Prediction: Talib signs a one-year deal with a Super Bowl contender after the initial free-agent wave. -- Cameron Wolfe
New England Patriots
Tom Brady, quarterback
Anyone have a magic eight ball? That might be the best thing to use at this point, with Brady's former offensive coordinator, Charlie Weis, relaying a recent text exchange in which Brady told him "nobody knows anything" about his future destination. My opinion is coach Bill Belichick can take a big step toward ensuring the QB's return by reaching out to Brady, expressing his hope they can reach a resolution, and working from there. So, I view the football being in Belichick's hands to make it happen. Will that actually happen?
Prediction: The magic eight ball says, "cannot predict now," but for the purposes of this exercise, let's say Brady re-signs. -- Mike Reiss
New York Jets
Robby Anderson, wide receiver
The Jets are trying to re-sign their top vertical threat, but it won't be easy. They would sign him in a heartbeat for a $10 million average per year salary -- maybe a little higher -- but Anderson might be able to pull down $13 million APY on the open market. A receiver-rich NFL draft could depress the receiver market in free agency, which could help the Jets' cause.
Prediction: The Jets will get outbid by a team craving his outside speed. Keep an eye on the Raiders and Panthers. -- Rich Cimini
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens
Matthew Judon, linebacker
He's a young pass-rusher coming into his prime, recording at least seven sacks in each of his past three seasons. His 46 quarterback pressures were 30 more than any other Ravens player. Judon isn't as explosive as some of the other available pass-rushers, but he's a better all-around linebacker. NFL history shows teams will pay a premium price for ascending players who can get after the quarterback.
Prediction: If the Ravens don't put the franchise tag on Judon, they won't be able to outbid another team willing to pay $20 million per season. Just like with Za'Darius Smith a year ago, Judon will be out the door. -- Jamison Hensley
(Note: Judon was tagged by the Ravens on Friday.)
Cincinnati Bengals
Tyler Eifert, tight end
Eifert, a 2015 Pro Bowl selection, has battled numerous injuries over the course of his career. In 2019, the Bengals monitored his weekly workload, an approach that helped him play all 16 games for the first time in his seven-year career. After spending last season on a one-year deal, he likely played himself into a price range that is a little too expensive for Cincinnati's tastes.
Prediction: Even though Eifert, 29, wants to continue his career with the team that drafted him No. 21 overall in 2013, his best offer likely exists outside of Cincinnati. -- Ben Baby
Victor Cruz and Field Yates pick the players they think will benefit from being overvalued by the NFL free-agency market.
Cleveland Browns
Joe Schobert, linebacker
Schobert had a banner season for the Browns, leading the team with 133 tackles, third-most in the AFC. Schobert also became the fourth linebacker since the AFL-NFL merger (1970) to record two interceptions in consecutive games. The Browns would love to bring back Schobert, but with immediate glaring needs at safety and offensive tackle, and expensive extensions for several cornerstones still on rookie deals looming, money could quickly get tight.
Prediction: Schobert will likely command more on the open market than what the Browns will be willing to play, especially with critical holes to fill elsewhere. He will be with another team in 2020. -- Jake Trotter
Pittsburgh Steelers
Bud Dupree, linebacker
After four mediocre seasons with the Steelers, Dupree had a breakout season in 2019 with a career-best 11.5 sacks opposite of T.J. Watt. The two are cornerstone pieces, and the Steelers' front office has been consistent in saying they want to keep Dupree in Pittsburgh. But because Dupree has played himself into a high value on the open market, they will have to use the franchise tag to keep him.
Prediction: The Steelers don't hesitate to tag Dupree and keep him around for at least one more season. -- Brooke Pryor
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans
Bradley Roby, cornerback
The veteran cornerback, who was drafted No. 31 overall by the Broncos in 2014, chose to sign a one-year deal in Houston because he wanted to prove he was worth a bigger contract this offseason. Despite missing time because of a hamstring injury, Roby was the Texans' best cornerback in 2019 and is expected to receive a top-of-the-market deal at the position.
Prediction: Roby receives offers the Texans are not interested in matching, and he leaves after one season (10 games) in Houston. -- Sarah Barshop
Indianapolis Colts
Anthony Castonzo, left tackle
Castonzo told the Colts, with whom he has spent his entire nine-year career, that he plans to put off retirement for at least another year. Castonzo's potential return means the Colts will return the same offensive line that started all 16 games last season. General manager Chris Ballard said the Colts plan to re-sign Castonzo. "Anthony has played a lot of great football, and he's been a great Colt," Ballard said. "He's going to continue to be a great Colt."
Prediction: No reason to doubt what Ballard said. Castonzo will be in Indy in 2020. -- Mike Wells
Jacksonville Jaguars
Yannick Ngakoue, defensive end
Ngakoue announced on social media last week he was not interested in signing a long-term deal with the Jaguars, so the team's best option is to use the franchise tag and try to change his mind. It's likely to cost at least $22 million annually to get that done. If Ngakoue holds fast and the Jaguars can't change his mind, there's always the tag-and-trade option, though the team is going to be looking for a significant haul for a player with 37.5 sacks and 14 forced fumbles in four seasons.
Prediction: The Jaguars can't change Ngakoue's mind and will deal him. -- Michael DiRocco
Tennessee Titans
Ryan Tannehill, quarterback.
The Titans are reportedly dialed in on working out a long-term deal with Tannehill, who stepped in and guided the team to the 2019 AFC Championship Game. Tannehill said playing for the Titans last season was the most fun he has had as a pro. He also praised Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith for being so open to input from the quarterbacks group. However, the Tom Brady courtship is something to monitor.
Prediction: Tannehill runs it back with the Titans in 2020. -- Turron Davenport
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos
Justin Simmons, safety
A third-round pick in the 2016 draft, Simmons has been a mainstay on the defense, especially in the past two seasons when he has topped 1,000 snaps each year. Broncos coach Vic Fangio has lauded Simmons' athleticism and intellect, a combination any coach wants. Simmons flourished in 2019, which was his first year in Fangio's system, and the expectation is he will continue to improve as he plays more in the scheme.
Prediction: He's not going anywhere. The Broncos will either sign him to a long-term deal that makes him one of the league's highest-paid players at the position, or they will use the franchise tag as they work toward a long-term deal. -- Jeff Legwold
(Note: Simmons was tagged by the Broncos on Friday.)
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Kansas City Chiefs
Bashaud Breeland, cornerback
He joined the Chiefs on a one-year, $2 million contract last season and played well enough that he should earn a longer deal for more money this time around. Breeland delivered some clutch plays, including a 100-yard fumble return for a touchdown against the Lions, breaking up a late, fourth-down, red zone pass against the Patriots and getting an interception in Super Bowl LIV.
Prediction: The Chiefs will find a less-expensive replacement and Breeland signs elsewhere. -- Adam Teicher
Los Angeles Chargers
Hunter Henry, tight end
Chargers general manager Tom Telesco recently said keeping Henry is a priority, and applying the franchise tag to the Arkansas product is a possibility. Over the past four seasons, Henry's 17 touchdown catches ranks eighth in the league among tight ends. While staying healthy has been an issue (he tore his ACL and was out the 2018 season), the Chargers love Henry's work ethic, versatility and toughness.
Prediction: The Chargers will get a long-term deal done that keeps Henry in the fold. -- Eric D. Williams
(Note: Henry was tagged by the Chargers on Friday.)
Las Vegas Raiders
Vontaze Burfict, middle linebacker
Burfict was on his best behavior after signing that one-year, prove-it deal with the Raiders last spring. And he was solidifying the middle of the Raiders' defense as a feared presence. But no one apparently knew Burfict was on a Dean Wormer-like double-secret probation from the NFL that got him suspended for the year after a hit to the head of Colts tight end Jack Doyle in Week 4. And while Burfict has been reinstated and, reportedly, training himself to tackle within the league's guidelines, he will be 30 in September and is still one unnecessary hit from being suspended again, likely for the season.
Prediction: The risk outweighs the reward and the Raiders are likely to walk away from Burfict. -- Paul Gutierrez