Ranking the 10 best quarterback duels on the 2020 NFL schedule

Let’s watch as Brady, Brees and Rodgers try to hold off an exiting new class of stars.

In today’s pass happy NFL, a game is only as good as the two starting quarterbacks participating in it. Think back to all of the memorable games over the last decade or so. Sure, there are probably some defensive struggles mixed in here and there; but, for the most part, it’s the epic quarterback duels that stick in our minds.

Well, in 2020 the NFL schedule makers have blessed us with more than few mouth-watering matchups. At the top of the list is the new divisional rivalry between the league’s greatest quarterback, Tom Brady, and its most prolific quarterback, Drew Brees. But for this list, I’ve left out divisional matchups and focused on those that we don’t see twice a year.

Let’s kick things off with a battle of two unproven passers whose careers will be forever linked…

10. Joe Burrow v. Tua Tagovailoa, Week 13

Unless something goes horribly wrong, the first two quarterbacks taken in the 2020 NFL draft should be in the starting lineup by the time we hit Week 13 in what could be the first game in a long-time rivalry. It’s a new matchup for NFL fans, but it will be the third year in a row Burrow and Tua face off. The series is tied at one apiece. We’ll get the rubber match in December.

9. Philip Rivers v. Ben Roethlisberger, Week 16

This is probably the last time we’ll see these draft classmates go head-to-head in what could be a matchup of two AFC contenders. Fortunately for us, these two vets aren’t afraid the throw the ball downfield, so this should be an exciting one — even if there are a few interceptions thrown in there.

8. Russell Wilson v. Dak Prescott, Week 3

These might be the two most under-appreciated quarterbacks in the league. We know Wilson is elite, but his coaching staff doesn’t call plays as if that were the case. And Prescott inched closer to that level with a tremendous 2019 campaign. I wouldn’t be surprised if these two are battling for the MVP award by the end of the season, and this September game could decide that race.

7. Tom Brady v. Aaron Rodgers, Week 6

The last time we saw Brady and Rodgers face off, in November 2018, it was kind of a dud. Rodgers did not play well and got no help from his supporting cast. Hopefully that will change in what could be the last matchup between these two greats. Based on reputation alone, this matchup should probably be higher, but it’s been a few years since both of theses guys were at the top of their games.

6. Lamar Jackson v. Deshaun Watson, Week 2

As excited as I am to watch this one, I already feel bad for Watson. On one side, we’ll see a team that has done everything in its power to support its young quarterback. On the other, you have the Texans, who traded away Watson’s best receiver for a washed up running back. But if anyone is capable of overcoming a weak supporting cast, it’s Watson.

5. Deshaun Watson v. Patrick Mahomes, Week 1

When Watson and Mahomes faced off last year in Kansas City, the former was the best player on the field. The latter has more weapons to work with so this could end up being a mismatch, but watching Watson trying to keep his team in the game should make for a great watch in Week 1.

4. Patrick Mahomes v. Tom Brady, Week 12

This will be the third matchup between Brady and Mahomes, with the Pats QB holding a 2-1 advantage. But it will be the first time Brady has the weapons to match what the Chiefs have to offer. Mahomes is clearly the better quarterback at this point, but the Bucs receivers should help level the playing field for the old man.

3. Drew Brees v. Aaron Rodgers, Week 3

It’s been nearly six years since Brees and Rodgers last played against one another. In that game, the two future hall of famers combined for 728 passing yards and averaged 10.3 per attempt. And that wasn’t even the best matchup between these two! That came in the 2011 season opener when the Packers outscored the Saints 42-34. I don’t know if these two still have it in them to produce a scoreline like that, but it will be fun watching them try.

2. Lamar Jackson v. Patrick Mahomes, Week 3

This will be the third installment in this budding rivalry. Both players have an MVP trophy, but Jackson has yet to beat Mahomes. He came close in 2018 and almost pulled off a late comeback last season. Both of those games were in Kansas City. This time, they’ll play in Baltimore. If Lamar is going to turn this into a great rivalry, he needs to protect his home field.

1. Patrick Mahomes v. Drew Brees, Week 15

Barring a rematch in the Super Bowl — which is very possible — this could be the first and only matchup between Brees and Mahomes in their careers. The Saints quarterback is going to end his career with just about every passing record there is, and Mahomes is on track to challenge them all. With Andy Reid and Sean Payton calling the shots, this one is going to live up to the hype.

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2020 Cowboys schedule: Dallas has 5 primetime games

The Dallas Cowboys schedule is now out.

The Dallas Cowboys have known the 13 teams they will face for the 2020 season for some time, now they know the order. The NFL released the full 17-week, 16-game schedule for all 32 teams. Normally the schedule release means fans near and far will start to make their plans on which games they will attend, but not so much in 2020.

Now all eyes will focus on deciphering how the league scheduled around the real possibility not every game will be played and that some stadiums will not be ready, or allowed to open. The official schedule is now out and Dallas has an interesting mix of opponents. The schedule features a maximum of five primetime games, as America’s Team always brings in maximum ratings for whatever network carries their games.

Three games will be on Sunday Night football, one on Monday night football and their new tradition of playing the Thursday after Thanksgiving will have all eyes oin them.

Dallas opens up with the Los Angeles Rams on September 13 at 7:20 p.m. CT. The Sunday Night football matchup will potentially be the christening of the Rams new SoFi Stadium.

Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones was instrumental in getting the Rams back to L.A. and getting the new stadium. Dallas christened their return to California in the preseason back in 2016 and now they will be the first team to write on the visitor’s locker room walls in the new digs. Provided of course California lets the game happen in their state and the construction is finished.

The Cowboys face off against the defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers at home in Week 15 on SNF. Dallas gets their first shot to dethrone NFC East champion Philadelphia in Week 8, and then they’ll rematch against the Eagles in Week 16.

When it’s all said and done, we’ll track the complete slate for the defending NFC East champion Cowboys.

Complete 2020 Regular Season Schedule

Week	Opponent	Date/Time (CT)	Network
1	@ Los Angeles Rams	Sun Sept 13, 7:20 p.m. CT	NBC
2	vs Atlanta Falcons	Sun Sept 20, noon CT	FOX
3	@ Seattle Seahawks	Sunday Sept 27, 3:25 p.m. CT	FOX
4	vs Cleveland Browns	Sunday Oct 4, Noon CT	FOX
5	vs New York Giants	Sunday, Oct 11, 3:25 p.m. CT	CBS
6	vs Arizona Cardinals	Monday, Oct 19 7:15 pm. CT	ESPN
7	@ Washington Redskins	Sunday Oct 25 noon CT	FOX
8	@ Philadelphia Eagles	Sunday, Nov 1 720 p.m. CT	NBC
9	vs Pittsburgh Steelers	Sunday, Nov 8 325 p.m. CT	CBS
10	BYE WEEK
11	@ Minnesota Vikings	Sunday Nov 22, 3:25 p.m. CT	FOX
12	vs Washington Redskins (Thanksgiving)	Thursday, Nov 26, 3:30 p.m. CT	FOX
13	@ Baltimore Ravens	Thursday, Dec 3 7:20 p.m. CT	FOX
14	@ Cincinnati Bengals	Sunday Dec 13, Noon CT	FOX
15	vs San Francisco 49ers	Sunday Dec 20, 7:20 p.m. CT	NBC
16	vs Philadelphia Eagles	Sunday Dec 27, 3:25 p.m. CT	FOX
17	@ New York Giants	Sunday Jan 3, Noon CT	FOX

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2020 Redskins schedule: Washington plays Cowboys on Thanksgiving

The Washington Redskins schedule for the 2020 NFL season has been released, giving fans a good picture of how their team might fare in the future.

The NFL offseason got a much-needed jolt of energy on Thursday night, as the 2020 schedules for all 32 teams were released to the public. For the Washington Redskins, the upcoming slate is a mixed bag, with several winnable games at home, but many that could be challenging as well. Outside of divisional games, the Redskins will face only three teams that made the playoffs in 2019, in the Baltimore Ravens, Seattle Seahawks, and San Francisco 49ers. That doesn’t mean the other five matchups are easy though, as the Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams, and Arizona Cardinals are set to show great improvement this year.

While the opponent on the schedule matters, so too does the time and order of the games. Are than any stretches on the schedule that might prove easier than others? Does a bye-week come before a pivotal game? Let’s take a look.

Week 1 — Redskins vs. Eagles, 1 PM ET
Week 2 — Redskins vs. Cardinals, 4:05 PM ET
Week 3 — Redskins at Browns, 1 PM ET
Week 4 — Redskins vs. Ravens, 1 PM ET
Week 5 — Redskins vs. Rams, 1 PM ET
Week 6 — Redskins at Giants, 1 PM ET
Week 7 — Redskins vs. Cowboys, 1 PM ET
Week 8 — BYE
Week 9 — Redskins vs Giants, 1 PM ET
Week 10 — Redskins at Lions, 1 PM ET
Week 11 — Redskins vs. Bengals, 1 PM ET
Week 12 — Redskins at Cowboys, 4:30 PM ET (Thanksgiving)
Week 13 — Redskins at Steelers, 1 PM ET
Week 14 — Redskins at 49ers, 4:25 PM ET
Week 15 — Redskins vs. Seahawks, 1 PM ET
Week 16 — Redskins vs. Panthers, 1 PM ET
Week 17 — Redskins at Eagles, 1 PM ET

Watch: Notre Dame’s Top Ten Plays of the Year

The second edition of the #NDTop10 was released by Notre Dame Athletics on Thursday night and highlights some of the most memorable plays from the 2019-2020 academic year. Football, baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, basketball and others are all represented on it.

Before I share my one critique of the list I’ll let you watch and enjoy the ten plays they chose.

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Alright since you’ve seen it here are my couple of thoughts.

The game-winner against North Carolina by Laszewski was robbed. It could have gone in the top three and I wouldn’t have batted an eye. Kept the very small post season dreams alive while beating a blue-blood, even if North Carolina was bad.

Corner kick going in without being touched is absurd on the slow-motion replay. Could argue that one go way up.

Stealing home is the second most exciting play you can have in a baseball game (trying to score from first on a ball in the gap for me) but in highlight form it really does leave a lot to be desired when you watch it back. Not that it takes anything away from the play itself.

Did the volleyball highlight that saw the ball kicked up to be saved happen against Missouri by chance?

Ian Book’s touchdown run against Virginia Tech was awesome and capped a comeback win. It also wouldn’t have happened had Chase Claypool not been there to convert a huge fourth down moments earlier.

The game-winning goal against Wake Forest is great and it’s the difference in upsetting the second-ranked team in the nation and it’s a pretty one at that. Very worthy of the top spot.

NFL teams should avoid signing these 5 overpriced free agents and look at these alternatives

Smart NFL teams look for bargains. Smart NFL teams won’t sign these five guys.

It’s that time of year again: The NFL’s supposed “free agent frenzy,” when teams across the league overpay for players who couldn’t earn second contracts with the teams that drafted them.

Wooo. Exciting.

Of course, the smarter franchises will sit out the early period, letting other teams sway the bigger names with laughably big contracts. Successful teams like the Patriots and Ravens will bide their time and wait for bargains to emerge. It happens every year and 2020 will be no different.

So let’s take a peek into the near future and figure out which players will be overpaid in free agency this offseason. I’ve also suggested one cheaper alternative for teams insistent on signing a player at that particular position.

1. Anthony Harris, FS Vikings

Whenever Harris signs, he should give at least 10% of his signing bonus to Pro Football Focus, which has graded the 28-year-old as the best safety in football over the past two seasons and seem to be driving the hype surrounding him. I watched a few of Harris’ games on tape and didn’t see it. So I watched a few more and … still nothing. Don’t get me wrong, Harris is a solid centerfield safety, but outside of a few acrobatic interceptions, he doesn’t spend much time around the ball. His athleticism is his best feature but he lacks the instincts of other top-tier safeties like Earl Thomas or Tyrann Mathieu, which is why he doesn’t rack up a lot of tackles and rarely makes plays outside of the deep middle. I don’t think he impacts a game all that much, but he’ll be paid like a player who does — Over The Cap has him projected to make $14 million a year.

Cheaper alternative: Tre Boston, FS Panthers

Harris has better ball skills, but Boston is a more active player who also does a decent job of playing the centerfield role. Neither is going to transform a secondary but they’re both reliable. The big difference: Boston isn’t going to cost a team any more than $8 million per season. And even that projection might be on the high side.

2. Jadeveon Clowney, DE Seahawks

Clowney is in a weird spot where he’s underrated by most NFL fans but he’s also probably going to be overpaid this offseason. He’s a great edge defender who, every once in awhile, turns in a dominant performance that reminds everyone that he’s a monster. We just don’t see it nearly enough, mostly due to the fact that he’s still overly reliant on his immense physical talent to beat blockers. Clowney is just talented and productive enough to demand record-breaking money but not good enough to actually be worth such a deal. Some team is going to give the 2014 first-overall pick a nine-figure deal. It’s unlikely that he’ll see the end of it.

Cheaper alternative: Robert Quinn (2019 team: Cowboys)

It feels like Quinn has been in the league forever, but he’s only 29 and is coming off an 11.5-sack season. He’s also led the NFL in ESPN’s Pass Rush Win Rate metric two seasons running. You’d think a player like that would have some huge offers coming his way, but a team should be able to land the veteran pass rusher for a deal similar to the one Justin Houston got in Indianapolis last offseason.

3. Robby Anderson, WR Jets

Every offense could use a player like Anderson. He’s one of the fastest receivers in the league and does a good job of tracking the ball in the air. Any team lacking a field-stretching pass-catcher will give him a look, and it won’t be surprising if the bidding leads to Anderson landing a deal worth around $12 million a season. That’s a bit much for a guy who runs a limited route tree and will have trouble consistently earning targets without extra schematic help. Anderson is a good No. 2 option but not much more.

Cheaper alternative: Breshad Perriman (2019 team: Buccaneers)

He’s been typecast as a deep threat since moving on from Baltimore, but his brief stint as the Buccaneers’ WR1 late last season showed he has a little more to his game. And, unlike Anderson, Perriman won’t break eight figures in annual salary.

4. Jack Conklin, RT Titans

There is a Jack Conklin in every free agency class: A highly-drafted player who was just solid enough to avoid the dreaded “bust” label but not nearly good enough to convince the team that drafted him to cough up a big second contract. A team will let you know how they feel about a player with their actions. The Titans being cool with Conklin hitting the open market should be a red flag. As should the coaching staff’s insistence on providing Conklin with extra help in pass protection — a thing that goes back to previous Tennessee staffs. Whichever team ends up with the 25-year-old right tackle will be paying a premium for good run blocking and mediocre pass blocking.

Cheaper alternative: Demar Dotson, RT Buccaneers

Nobody is going to get excited about signing Dotson, be he’s put together consecutive seasons of solid production. He’s not going to give a team the kind of run blocking Conklin will, but he’s a more consistent pass protector at a third of the price.

5. Austin Hooper, TE Falcons

Look at Hooper’s production (1,447 yards and 10 touchdowns since 2018) and resume (two Pro Bowl nods before his 26th birthday) and you might think he’s on the cusp of superstardom. But he doesn’t really stand out when you watch him on tape. He’s an OK route-runner but not a monster at the catch point like some of the other stud tight ends we’ve seen in recent history. The numbers back this up, too. According to Pro Football Focus, over 75% of Hooper’s production came against zone coverage, the highest mark in the league. And he hasn’t been particularly good at beating man coverage. A team will likely have to give up Gronk money to land Hooper, and he’s not that kind of player.

Cheaper alternative: Eric Ebron, TE Colts

Hooper is a far better blocker than Ebron, but it’s not exactly a strength. In other words, you’re not signing Hooper for his blocking. So if a team is looking for a receiving threat at the tight end position, Ebron might be a better option who will cost a lot less.

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2020 NFL Free Agency: A few Giants might appeal to the Saints, at the right price

The New Orleans Saints could target New York Giants free agents like Alec Ogletree, Cody Latimer, or Javorius Allen when the market opens up

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The New Orleans Saints will look high and low for potential upgrades in free agency, meaning they must consider options even from very bad teams like the New York Giants. While the Giants don’t have much to offer in terms of high-upside talent, there are a few possible opportunities for the Saints to improve, if the money’s right. Here are all 23 Giants players who could hit the open market:

CB Antonio Hamilton
DE Leonard Williams
FB Elijhaa Penny (RFA)
FS Michael Thomas
K Aldrick Rosas (RFA)
LB Alec Ogletree
LB David Mayo
LB Deone Bucannon
LB Kareem Martin
LB Markus Golden
LB Devante Downs (RFA)
LS Zak DeOssie
LS Colin Holba (RFA)
OC Jon Halapio (RFA)
OT Mike Remmers
RB Javorius Allen
TE Scott Simonson
TE Isaiah Searight
WR Cody Latimer
WR Russell Shepard
WR Corey Coleman
WR Cody Core
WR Amba Etta-Tawo (ERFA)

The name most familiar to Saints fans might be Javorius Allen, who spent last summer in New Orleans before exiting with an injury early in training camp. The Saints could use a third-string running back behind Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray if Dwayne Washington gets competitive offers in free agency (he’s one of the NFL’s better special teamers), and Allen is someone they’re already familiar with. It’s easy to connect the dots there.

However, an interesting target could be Alec Ogletree. The veteran linebacker didn’t play up to his contract last season, missing too many tackles and bungling too many assignments, but he’s still an instinctive presence in pass coverage with six interceptions over the last two years. The Saints are hurting for more depth at linebacker (Alex Anzalone, Kiko Alonso, and Kaden Elliss are all returning from season-ending injuries) so Ogletree might make sense, depending on an acceptable contract offer.

We’ll close out by surveying the Giants wide receivers. Cody Latimer was hyped up during the offseason as a high-upside addition who could help fill the void left behind by the Odell Beckham trade, but it never materialized. He might benefit from another change of scenery (having started out with the Denver Broncos), this time with a good quarterback or two. Cody Core might make sense, but the bulk of his contributions have come on special teams.

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10 NFL stars who could be traded this offseason

Patrick Peterson’s days in Arizona are likely numbered.

The NFL offseason is barely weeks old and we already have our real drama of the offseason: Star wideout Stefon Diggs deleted anything related to the Vikings from his social media, With rumors that he wanted a trade already making the rounds on Twitter, that was enough to turn NFL Twitter into that GIF of Michael Scott saying “Oh my God, it’s happening.”

I don’t actually think it will happen. Unless Minnesota gets wowed with offers, it doesn’t make much sense for the team to move on from its best receiver. Diggs has a team-friendly contract going forward and trading it would leave the team with a $9 million cap charge while saving only $5.5 million in the process. There’s not a lot in it for the Vikings.

A Diggs trade may be unlikely, but that doesn’t mean we won’t be seeing other NFL stars on the move. In fact, the opposite might be true. There are plenty of big-name players who could (and probably should) be dealt over the next month or two. I’ve picked out 10…

Stars who could be on the move this offseason

1. Patrick Peterson, CB Cardinals

I’d actually be shocked if the Cardinals don’t shop Peterson around. The veteran corner has demanded to be moved in the past before walking the demands back; but now, it’s actually in the team’s best interest to move on. Peterson is 32, missed the first half of the 2019 season after flunking a PED test and then played poorly after returning.

He’s also entering the final year of his contract and it’s unlikely that a rebuilding team will want to commit long-term money to a player who is clearly past his prime. Arizona may have to pay some of Peterson’s 2020 salary if it’s going to be able to make a deal. I’m not sure how many teams are willing to give up a draft pick and pay Peterson over $12 million for what will likely be a one-year rental.

2. Todd Gurley, RB Rams

If the Rams weren’t so desperate for cap space, trading Gurley would make little sense from a financial standpoint. Such a move would cost the team $12.6 million in dead money while only saving $4.65 million in 2020 cap space.

But here we are.

Los Angeles needs money to re-sign Jalen Ramsey and Cory Littleton while also figuring out a way to rebuild the offensive line without a first-round pick. Restructuring Jared Goff’s deal would free up a good chunk of cap space but trading Gurley should still be an option the front office explores.

It may prove difficult to find a willing trade partner with the 27-year-old running back (who may have an arthritic knee) coming off a down season. But the team that trades for him would be getting him a decent price. After two seasons, Gurley’s contract would essentially become a pay-as-you-go deal with a cap charge of about $9 million per season. That’s still an overpay for a running back, but not an egregious one if Gurley can get back to his 2018 form.

3. Cam Newton, QB Panthers

We’re about to find out how owner David Tepper feels about this roster. If he’s looking to blow things up, trading the best quarterback in the history of the franchise makes some sense. If not, and Tepper feels like this team can compete for a playoff spot in 2020, I don’t see how the Panthers will find a better option at a reasonable price of $21.1 million.

That’s Newton’s cap hit for the 2020 season, and Carolina can save $19.1 million of that if they deal him. It’s in the team’s best interest to at least gauge the league’s interest in Newton, who is coming of a second consecutive season that was cut short due to injury.

But Tepper’s recent comments about Newton won’t make it very easy to trade him. The Panthers owner basically said the team will first figure out if he’s healthy before deciding on his future. So if Carolina does openly shop Newton, teams may be wary of trading for possibly damaged goods. That would drive down his trade value. Then again, an NFL team traded a first-round pick for Sam Bradford as recently as 2016. Anything is possible.

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4. O.J. Howard, TE Buccaneers

It wouldn’t make much sense for the Buccaneers to hold on to an asset like Howard if Bruce Arians isn’t going to use him. After being billed as the next great NFL tight end, Howard struggled in the new offense and was targeted only 54 times last season.

The 2017 first-round pick would draw plenty of suitors if Tampa Bay put him on the block and could fetch a Day 2 pick if the Bucs were willing to trade him. If the 2019 season is any indication, he’s more valuable to the team as a trade chip than a tight end, as Arians doesn’t seem to be overly interested in featuring him in the offense.

He may have already been traded if not for his contract, which would stick the Bucs with a $3.5 million cap charge while providing no savings. That could very well drive up Tampa’s asking price to the point where no team would be willing to deal for him.

5. Darius Slay, CB Lions

Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

A team like the Lions should not be so eager to give away a blue-chip talent like Slay, but there is no chance the 28-year-old will re-sign with the team next offseason, so it might as well try to get something in return for him.

Dealing the Pro Bowler would not only bring in a valuable draft pick (or two) but it would also free up nearly $10.5 million in cap space. And the Lions should have no problem finding a trade partner. Slay is one of the best coverage corners in the league, and top corners typically cost more than $10.5 million, which would be his cap hit number for his new team. Slay can play inside or out and match up with receivers of all sizes.

If Detroit puts him on the block, it’ll get calls from teams all over the league.

Stars who will definitely be on the move … either via trade or release

A.J. Bouye, CB jaguars

Bouye is coming off his worst season as a Jaguar, but life as an NFL cornerback is volatile. I would not be surprised if he bounces back and performs like one of the better No. 2 corners in the game. But even if he does, I’m not sure he’s worth the $15.4 million cap hit he’ll carry in 2020. The Jags should have no problem moving him, as he’d cost his new team $13.5 million. That’s not a bad number for a good starting cornerback.

Sammy Watkins, WR Chiefs

I’m sure the Chiefs would love to keep Watkins around but his cap hit balloons to $21 million next season. By dealing him, Kansas City would save $14 million of that, which could be used to retain star DT Chris Jones and go toward an extension for some dude named Patrick Mahomes. If they can’t find a team willing to pay Watkins’ $14 million base salary (or convince him to take a pay cut), releasing him will be the only option.

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Andy Dalton, QB Bengals

OK, so maybe Dalton isn’t really a star, but he’s a solid starting quarterback with a reasonable cap hit and there are teams out there who could use one of those right about now. (Yes, I’m talking about you, Chicago.) A team could wait for the Bengals to release Dalton but then he’d be on the open market, which could drive up his cap hit. By trading for him, his new team would get Dalton for the reasonable price of $17.7 million.

Everson Griffen, DE Vikings, and Olivier Vernon, DE Browns

I’m grouping these two together because they’re both in similar situations. Their teams could use the extra cap space, and while Vernon and Griffen still offer good production off the edge, both are probably overpriced at this point. Griffen’s case is particularly interesting. By registering more than six sacks and playing over 57% of the Vikings’ snaps in 2019, he earned the option to void his contract and become a free agent. That could make it harder to move him this offseason. Either way, it’s unlikely he’ll be in Minnesota next season.

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2020 NFL Free Agency: Danny Trevathan is best Bears target for Saints

NFL free agency is nearly here, and Chicago Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan could be a great fit for the New Orleans Saints in 2020.

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New Orleans has the ability to add a couple of significant pieces to the team in 2020 through free agency. As such, we continue our series in which we break down every team in the NFL’s free agents heading into the offseason. Today, we take a look at possible options for the Saints from the Chicago Bears.

ILB Danny Trevathan
QB Chase Daniel
FS HaHa Clinton-Dix
S Sherrick McMannis
OLB Aaron Lynch
TE Bradley Sowell
G Ted Larsen
DT Nick Williams
LT Cornelius Lucas
LS Patrick Scales
OLB Kevin Pierre-Louis
DE Brent Urban
RT T.J. Clemmings
ILB Nick Kwiatkoski
S Deon Bush
TE J.P. Holtz (ERFA)
S DeAndre Houston-Carson (RFA)
DT Roy Robertson-Harris (RFA)
OLB Isaiah Irving (RFA)
RT Rashaad Coward (RFA)
OLB Devante Bond (RFA)

A name to keep an eye on is linebacker Danny Trevathan. 2019 saw Trevathan go down in Week 10 against the Detroit Lions with a nasty elbow injury. Prior to his exit, Trevathan averaged over 97% of the Bears defensive snaps. As a soon-to-be 30-year old linebacker, this free agency cycle will most likely be the one where he is looking to make top dollar. However, if New Orleans can rearrange cap space, a significant upgrade to the linebacker corps, such as Trevathan, could help the Saints produce one of the better defenses in the league.

Defensive tackle Nick Williams would slot nicely into the Saints defensive line. Williams, who also turns 30-years old this month, would help provide solid coverage to a defensive line with a lot of questions marks heading into 2020. Williams finally had a breakout season in 2020, and with such a small sample size, he may find it hard when looking for a top-dollar, multi-year deal. New Orleans could capitalize on his recent surge and bring him in to shore things up along the line.

Finally, linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis could be a fantastic depth option for New Orleans to add to the club. With potential cap casualties, such as linebacker Kiko Alonso, Pierre-Louis could provide extra cover in the case the Saints don’t bring in another top end option at the position. Pierre-Louis flew under the radar in 2019 due to the fact he only started three games. However, those three games proved enough that he could be a viable, and cheaper option for depth at the linebacker position.

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PFF names Ryan Ramczyk, Michael Thomas top-10 NFL players

New Orleans Saints tackle Ryan Ramczyk and wide receiver Michael Thomas went top 10 in the Top 101 Players of 2019 from Pro Football Focus.

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The Pro Football Focus team put together its list of the top 101 NFL players of 2019, and they’ve saved the best for last with two New Orleans Saints cracking the top 10: right tackle Ryan Ramczyk and wide receiver Michael Thomas. The Saints were one of two teams to send multiple players to the top 10, along with the Pittsburgh Steelers (represented by edge rusher T.J. Watt and defensive lineman Cameron Heyward).

Ramczyk was the highest-ranked offensive tackle on the list, and the second-best offensive lineman behind Philadelphia Eagles guard Brandon Brooks. Thomas placed highest of all wide receivers and trailed only San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle among all pass-catchers. Here’s what PFF had to say about Ramczyk’s rise to the top;

9. T RYAN RAMCZYK, NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

This was a vintage season for right tackle play, and the best of them all was Ryan Ramczyk, who won PFF’s Best Run Blocking award over the regular season. Ramczyk’s run-blocking grade of 91.8 was the best among players who didn’t miss significant time, and as a pass blocker, he didn’t surrender a single sack all season. In total, Ramczyk allowed just 20 total pressures from 659 pass-blocking snaps, and he shut down some of the best pass rushers in the NFL, including blanking Houston’s J.J. Watt (albeit with a holding penalty) in the first week of the season.

Ramczyk put together an impressive resume in 2019, shutting down a ridiculous list of pass rushers including the elder Watt, Dallas Cowboys star DeMarcus Lawrence, and Chicago Bears sack artist Khalil Mack. Not bad for a junior college transfer who started one year at left tackle for Wisconsin before being picked by the Saints, and immediately moved to the right side.

As for Thomas: there isn’t much more to say in explaining his greatness, but PFF analyst Sam Monson took a shot at it:

8. WR MICHAEL THOMAS, NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Michael Thomas smashed the all-time single-season receptions record in 2019, breaking Marvin Harrison’s mark with a week to spare and ending the year with 149 catches from just 180 targets (82.8%). On the season, quarterbacks passing to Michael Thomas had a passer rating of 123.3, and he did this despite Drew Brees missing five starts with an injured thumb. Thomas was one of the most dominant players in football because even though teams knew exactly what the Saints wanted to do, few could even put a dent in his production.

Here’s where all seven Saints players who made the cut ended up ranking:

8. WR Michael Thomas
9. T Ryan Ramczyk
21. LB Demario Davis
38. S Marcus Williams
45. EDGE Cameron Jordan
62. QB Drew Brees
76. T Terron Armstead

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Terron Armstead clocks in on Pro Football Focus’ top 101 players of 2019

New Orleans Saints tackle Terron Armstead earned well-deserved recognition on the Top 101 NFL Players of 2019 list from Pro Football Focus.

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New Orleans Saints left tackle Terron Armstead has finished too many seasons as one of the NFL’s best at what he does, but lacking the accolades his peers enjoy. He wasn’t named to the Pro Bowl until 2018 (returning in 2019), and has only cracked the AP All-Pro list once (in 2018, as a second-team entry). Sure, Armstead’s lengthy injury history has hurt his reputation, but there’s few left tackles around who combine his all-world athleticism with painstakingly-polished technique.

However, Armstead finally got his due from the list of the top 101 players of 2019 from Pro Football Focus. Players 101 through 76 have been revealed so far, and plenty of Armstead’s Saints teammates should join him. but for now, he’s the only member of the black and gold to make the cut:

76. T TERRON ARMSTEAD, NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

At his best, Terron Armstead is one of the best tackles in all of football, but an in-season injury affected his play and caused him to miss time. Even his absence showed how good he is, though, as Drew Brees completely changed his game when his reliable blindside protector wasn’t in the lineup by dramatically speeding up his release. Armstead surrendered just one sack all season, including the team’s lone playoff appearance, and the sack came in that game. In total, he allowed 24 pressures across more than 600 pass-blocking snaps and remains one of the best pass blockers in football.

While this was a drop from last year’s ranking (47), Armstead placed ahead of several tackles around the league, including Tennessee Titans bookends Jack Conklin (81) and Taylor Lewan (88), Indianapolis Colts right tackle Braden Smith (92), and Atlanta Falcons left tackle Jake Matthews (96). We’ll find out in the days ahead who the analysts at Pro Football Focus ranked ahead of Armstead, but it’s great to see him getting this well-deserved recognition. Now where will Ryan Ramczyk place?

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