Ranking the top 25 potential free agents for 2020

Dak Prescott, Jadeveon Clowney, Cam Newton and Jameis Winston highlight the list of impending NFL free agents for the upcoming offseason.

 

 

 

Will the Steelers pay LB Bud Dupree in free agency?

Bud Dupree is on track for a big free-agent contract.

Many of us, myself included didn’t think there was a future for outside linebacker Bud Dupree with the Pittsburgh Steelers. But it seems the light has finally come on for Dupree and he is living up to all the pre-draft hype.

Through 12 games, Dupree has career highs in sacks with 8.5, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and tackles with 50. Dupree is hoping this surge is going to pay off in a big way in free agency. But will it be the Steelers who pay him?

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The Steelers defense is loaded and all of those guys are going to want to be paid. With big contracts on the horizon for players like linebacker T.J. Watt and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, it might be too much of a risk for Pittsburgh to commit long term to Dupree.

Cast your vote and let us know if you think the Steelers will be able to re-sign Dupree.

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First glance at the top 2020 free agents

Dak Prescott and Jadeveon Clowney highlight the list of potential free agents for 2020.

At the moment, the 2020 free-agent class looks stellar. It’s loaded with current, former and potential franchise quarterbacks and one big-time wide receiver

It also has some strong pass rushers. There are a few solid offensive linemen and a smattering of talented players at other positions. There could even be some big additions that could be added to the list if their current teams decide to let them go.

Hypothetically, this could rank as the best free-agent class ever. But let’s keep in mind that much can change between now and the official opening of free agency in March.

When it comes to the very top players on the list, their current teams are going to fight like heck to keep them with new contracts. That’s especially true with the quarterbacks.

Think about this for a second – who’s the last true franchise quarterback to switch teams in free agency? I say Drew Brees, who went from the Chargers to the Saints in 2006. Even then, the circumstances were unique. Brees had a severe shoulder injury and there was uncertainty if he would be able to play again. Plus the Chargers had Philip Rivers waiting in the wings. The Saints took a gamble on Brees and it paid off hugely.

But, again, that kind of thing is rare. The list of free agents will look much different in March than it does now.

Still, it’s fun to look at who is scheduled to be available in free agency. Here’s a list of the top 25 players, who, at the moment, are supposed to be available in March and it includes a couple of guys who are likely to be added to the list (Cam Newton, for example) who are likely to be released by their current teams and join the free-agent pool.

25. Brandon Scherff, G, Washington Redskins

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Interior linemen seldom get big money in free agency. But Scherff could be the exception. He’s a dominant run blocker and those are hard to come by.