Pre-NFL Draft: where did Georgia Bulldogs land in Free Agency?

NFL Free Agency has been underway for over a month this off-season.  Georgia Bulldogs are headlining some of the league’s intriguing moves.

NFL Free Agency has been underway for over a month this off-season.  Georgia Bulldogs are headlining some of the league’s most intriguing moves.

In a surprising decision, the Los Angeles Rams have released Todd Gurley. Gurley has signed a one-year $5-million deal with Atlanta Falcons. He was the engine of Los Angeles’s Super Bowl offense in 2018. It’s a dream come true for Falcons and Georgia fans.

Oct 20, 2019; Atlanta, GA; Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley catches a touchdown pass in front of Atlanta Falcons defensive end Vic Beasley. Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears have released outside linebacker Leonard Floyd. Floyd signed a one year deal with the Los Angeles Rams. Chicago originally selected Floyd with a first round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.

New York Jets outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins is returning to the Jets on a one-year $5M prove-it deal. He was New York’s sack leader in 2019.

The Cincinnati Bengals placed a franchise tag on wide receiver A.J. Green. It prevented Green from entering NFL Free Agency. Will he sign the tag with Cincinnati and pair up with projected number one overall pick Joe Burrow or hold out?

Tracking UGA football in NFL Free Agency

Todd Gurley, Leonard Floyd, and Thomas Davis are among many Georgia Bulldogs in NFL Free Agency.

NFL Free Agency is especially unpredictable this off-season. Numerous Georgia Bulldogs are headlining some shocking moves.

In a surprising move, the Los Angeles Rams have released Todd Gurley. Gurley would fit in with the Atlanta Falcons, Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and more. He was the engine of Los Angeles’s Super Bowl offense in 2018.

The Chicago Bears have released outside linebacker Leonard Floyd. Floyd signed a one year deal with the Los Angeles Rams. Chicago originally selected Floyd with a first round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Nov 17, 2019; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) makes a pass under pressure from Chicago Bears outside linebacker Leonard Floyd (94) during the first quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

New York Jets outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins is in for a massive raise. New York, who has minimal pass rushing opinions, will have to pay their 2019 sack leader to coax him to stay.

The Cincinnati Bengals placed a franchise tag on wide receiver A.J. Green. The  tag prevents Green from entering NFL Free Agency. Will he sign the tag with Cincinnati and pair up with projected number one overall pick Joe Burrow or hold out?

The  Bengals have released offensive tackle Cordy Glenn. Glenn, a second round pick out of the University of Georgia, is a free agent. At 30, Glenn will have a market among teams looking to upgrade their pass-blocking.

Recently released former New York Giants linebacker Alec Ogletree is seeking a new home. At 28 years old, Ogletree is still productive. He has the speed necessary to be a linebacker in the modern NFL.

Georgia Bulldogs in NFL Free Agency

Georgia Bulldogs Jordan Jenkins, Cordy Glenn, Alec Ogletree,Thomas Davis, Reshad Jones and more are NFL free agents this off-season.

Several Georgia Bulldogs are NFL free agents and will cash in this off-season. NFL Free Agency started Monday morning, March 16 when the contact/negotiation period began. The new CBA has been approved and teams are ready to roll toward the 2020 season.

March 16th was the deadline for teams to place a franchise tag on players. In fact, the Cincinnati Bengals put a franchise tag on wide receiver A.J. Green. The franchise tag prevents Green from entering into NFL Free Agency. Will he sign the tag with Cincinnati or hold out? Green has already stated he’ll skip OTAs (which may be cancelled due to the Coronavirus).

The Bengals have released offensive tackle Cordy Glenn. Glenn, a second round pick out of the University of Georgia, is a free agent. At 30, Glenn will have a market among teams looking to upgrade their pass-blocking.

New York Jets outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins is in for a massive raise. New York, who has minimal pass rushing opinions, will have to pay their 2019 sack leader to coax him to stay.

Recently released former New York Giants linebacker Alec Ogletree will look for another payday. At 28 years old, Ogletree is in his prime and will command a longer term contract.

Oct 10, 2019; Foxborough, MA, USA; New York Giants outside linebacker Alec Ogletree (47) tackles New England Patriots running back Brandon Bolden (38) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Dolphins released veteran safety Reshad Jones. Jones is a Pro Bowl level talent if he can stay healthy. At 32 years old, Jones will sign a short-term deal.

What Georgia Bulldogs are becoming NFL Free Agents?

Numerous Georgia Bulldogs are scheduled to become NFL free agents this off-season including: A.J. Green, Reshad Jones, and more.

Numerous Georgia Bulldogs are becoming NFL free agents this off-season. Each of these Bulldogs will get one of the largest paydays of their life or simply another shot to make an impact in the NFL.

NFL free agency kicks-off on Monday, March 16th when the legal tampering period begins. March 16th is also the deadline for teams to place a franchise tag on players. The new CBA is currently being voted on and could complicate the free agency process.

There’s no doubt about the top potential University of Georgia product who could be headed for NFL Free Agency: Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green. The Bengals are expected to give Green the franchise tag to prevent him from hitting free agency.

When healthy A.J. Green is one of the elite wide receivers in the NFL. Unfortunately he missed the entire 2019 season after suffering an ankle injury in training camp. Swelling prevented his attempted return late in the season.

Green, who is 31 years old, has over 600 career receptions for 8,907 yards. He’s scored 63 touchdowns as well, but has never won a playoff game. Will he sign the franchise tag with Cincinnati or holdout? The Bengals have needs across the board and may want to stick with their talented young receivers, who will look to mesh with projected number one overall pick Joe Burrow.

New York Jets outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins will be in for a massive raise. Jenkins led New York in sacks in 2019 with 8.0 sacks. The Jets are desperate for a better pass rush. Green was the only Jets linebacker or defensive lineman with more than three sacks! Look for him to command around ten million dollars per season.

Sep 8, 2019; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins (48) celebrates during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Recently released linebacker Alec Ogletree will be looking for another payday. The New York Giants elected to release him instead of paying his hefty salary. At 28 years old, Ogletree is still in his prime and will command league-wide interest.

The Miami Dolphins released veteran safety Reshad Jones to open up cap space. Jones, when healthy, is an impact player. At 32 years old, Jones will sign a shorter deal.

John Jenkins, who played in 16 games for the Miami Dolphins as a defensive tackle, is set to be a free agent as well. Jenkins is coming off one of his best seasons, where he recorded one sack along with 34 total tackles. Look for him to re-sign in Miami.

Buffalo Bills receiver Isaiah McKenzie will hit the NFL Fee Agent market. The 24 year-old had an career-best 2019 campaign, where he caught 27 passes for 257 receiving yards and scored a touchdown. His versatile skill-set will be coveted.

Ben Watson, who played with the New England Patriots in 2019, is a free agent. Watson announced his retirement following New England’s defeat to the Tennessee Titans in the postseason. Watson has returned after retiring before, so don’t be shocked if he plays one more season.

Bonus: Las Vegas Raiders running back Isaiah Crowell, who missed the 2019 season with an Achilles injury, is set to become a free agent. Crowell never got to play for the Raiders, but he’ll look to make an impact somewhere in 2020.

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Georgia Bulldogs who will be NFL Free Agents

There are numerous Georgia Bulldogs who will become a free agent this off-season in the NFL. Each of these Bulldogs will get one of the largest paydays of their life or simply another shot to make an impact in the NFL. There’s no doubt about the top …

There are numerous Georgia Bulldogs who will become a free agent this off-season in the NFL. Each of these Bulldogs will get one of the largest paydays of their life or simply another shot to make an impact in the NFL.

There’s no doubt about the top University of Georgia product who is headed for NFL Free Agency: Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green.

Sep 30, 2018; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) celebrates with running back Mark Walton (32) after making the game-winning touchdown catch as Atlanta Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver (20) and cornerback Brian Poole (34) look on in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.  Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

When healthy A.J. Green is one of the elite wide receivers in the NFL. Unfortunately he missed the entire 2019 season after suffering an ankle injury in training camp and swelling when he attempted to return.

That won’t stop the Georgia legend from getting a big pay day. Green, who is 31 years old, has over 600 career receptions for 8,907 yards. He’s scored 63 touchdowns as well, but has never won a playoff game. Will he return to Cincinnati? The Bengals have other needs and may want to stick with their young receivers, who will look to mesh with likely number one overall pick Joe Burrow.

Beyond Green, New York Jets outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins will be in for a huge raise. Jenkins led New York in sacks in 2019 with 8.0 sacks. The Jets are desperate for a better pass rush. Green was the only linebacker or defensive lineman on the Jets with more than three sacks!

Recently released linebacker Alec Ogletree will be looking for another payday. The New York Giants elected to release him instead of paying his hefty salary. Now, Ogletree will likely look for a new home. At 28 years old, Ogletree is still in his prime and will command interest.

Ben Watson, who played with the New England Patriots, is a free agent. Watson announced his retirement following New England’s defeat to the Tennessee Titans in the postseason. Watson has returned after retiring before, so don’t be shocked if he gives it one more shot.

John Jenkins, who played in 16 games for the Miami Dolphins as a defensive tackle, is set to be a free agent as well. Jenkins is coming off one of his best seasons, where he recorded one sack along with 34 total tackles. Look for him to re-sign in Miami.

Lastly, Buffalo Bills receiver Isaiah McKenzie is set to hit the NFL Fee Agent market. The 24 year-old had an excellent 2019 campaign, where he caught 27 passes for 257 receiving yards and scored a touchdown. His versatile skill-set will be coveted.

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Bonus: Isaiah Crowell, who missed the 2019 season with an Achilles injury is set to become a free agent. Crowell never got to play for the Raiders in 2019 and will look to make an impact in 2020.

Every Georgia Bulldog who is set to become an NFL Free Agent

There are numerous notable Georgia Bulldogs who will become a free agent this off-season in the NFL including: A.J. Green and Jordan Jenkins

There are numerous notable Georgia Bulldogs who will become a free agent this off-season in the NFL. Each of these Dawgs will get one of the largest paydays of their life or simply another shot to make an impact in the NFL.

There’s no doubt about the top UGA product who is headed for NFL Free Agency: Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green walks the field before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Frank Victores)

When healthy A.J. Green is one of the elite wide receivers in the NFL. Unfortunately he missed the entire 2019 season after suffering an ankle injury and swelling when he attempted to return.

That won’t stop the Georgia legend from getting a big pay day. Green, who is 31, has over 600 career receptions for 8,907 yards. He’s scored 63 touchdowns as well, but has never won a playoff game. Will he return to Cincinnati? The Bengals have other needs and may want to stick with their young receivers, who will look to mesh with likely number one overall pick Joe Burrow.

Beyond Green, New York Jets outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins will be in for a huge raise. Jenkins led the Jets in sacks in 2019 with 8.0 sacks. The Jets are desperate for a better pass rush. Green was the only linebacker or defensive lineman on the Jets with more than three sacks!

Ben Watson, who played with the New England Patriots, is technically a free agent. Watson announced his retirement following New England’s defeat in the playoffs. Watson has returned after retiring before, so don’t be shocked if he tries to win one more Super Bowl.

John Jenkins, who played in 16 games for the Miami Dolphins, is set to be a free agent as well. Jenkins is coming off one of his best seasons, where he recorded one sack along with 34 total tackles.

Lastly, Buffalo Bills receiver Isaiah McKenzie is set to hit the market as well. The 24 year old had an excellent 2019 campaign, where he caught 27 passes for 257 receiving yards and scored a touchdown.

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Bonus: Isaiah Crowell, who missed the 2019 season with an Achilles injury is set to become a free agent. Crowell never got to play for the Raiders.

 

Jets free agent profile: What to do with QB David Fales?

Here’s how the Jets should approach David Fales’ free agency situation.

Before Joe Douglas can focus on who he plans to target in free agency come March, he’ll have a handful of in-house decisions to make.

The Jets have 32 players set to hit the open market this offseason. Some don’t figure to factor into New York’s plans for 2020, while it’s safe to assume the Jets would like to keep others around for a while. Either way, Douglas has a lot of work to do in his first offseason on the job.

David Fales was signed by the Jets after Trevor Siemian tore ligaments in his ankle and was ruled out for the season. Fales was Luke Falk’s backup until Sam Darnold returned from mononucleosis. He played in two games during the season, but didn’t record any stats. Let’s take a look at how the Jets should approach Fales’ free agency in another edition of Jets Wire’s free agent profile.

Pros of keeping him

Fales is familiar with Adam Gase’s offense as the two spent time together in both Miami, Chicago and now New York. He hasn’t played many games in the system though, only playing in three games prior to this season.

He’s also a veteran player in the NFL. Fales just completed his fifth season in the league out of San Jose State. His familiarity with the offense and him being a veteran could be why the Jets keep him.

Cons of keeping him

While Fales does know the offense, his skills at the quarterback position are just not that good to play in case Darnold were to be injured.

The Jets need to get a capable backup quarterback who can come in and at least keep them competitive. Fales has yet to prove in his five-year career that he can do that as he’s been on six different teams.

The verdict

Fales may be best buddies with Gase, but that can’t be the reason the Jets let him stay with the team. It’s time to get a backup quarterback who has some starting experience in the NFL and knows what he’s doing when he steps on the field.

The only way the Jets could let Fales stick around is on their practice squad. But if the Jets’ plan is to break camp next season with two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster, then Fales shouldn’t be included.

Bilal Powell wants to retire with Jets

Bilal Powell would like to retire as a New York Jet.

Bilal Powell hopes Green and White are the only colors he wears during his NFL career.

Powell was on WFAN’s Joe and Evan show Thursday and discussed his future in the league. Powell has spent his entire nine-year career with the Jets and wants to continue his career with them in 2020 and beyond.

“I just stay in my lane,” Powell said. “I sit back and let things happen and unfold. I want to retire a Jet, that’s the biggest thing for me.”

The 31-year-old is an unrestricted free agent for the second straight offseason. After the 2018 season, the Jets weren’t sure if he was healthy enough to play again, as he suffered a serious neck injury that put his career in jeopardy. However, Powell was cleared to resume play and the Jets brought him back in June on a one-year deal.

Powell has told his teammates that other teams have reached out to him in the past, but he’s committed to the Jets for the long run.

“For me, I just like to sit put,” Powell said. “I had a couple opportunities to leave around the times that I was a free agent in previous years, but I wanted to stick around and see this thing unfold.”

The longest-tenured Jet has run for 3,675 yards in his career to go along with 15 rushing touchdowns. As a receiver, Powell has 1,600 yards and five touchdowns. Last season was one of Powell’s worst in his career as he only ran for 229 yards. It was his lowest-rushing total since 2014.

Jets free agent profile: What to do with LB Albert McClellan?

Here’s how the Jets should approach Albert’s McClellan’s free agent situation.

Before Joe Douglas can focus on who he plans to target in free agency come March, he’ll have a handful of in-house decisions to make.

The Jets have 32 players set to hit the open market this offseason. Some don’t figure to factor into New York’s plans for 2020, while it’s safe to assume the Jets would like to keep others around for a while. Either way, Douglas has a lot of work to do in his first offseason on the job.

Albert McClellan was signed by the Jets in the middle of August before being released during cuts. The Jets did re-sign him the next day, though. McClellan’s season was cut short after he suffered a concussion and was placed on injured reserve. So the Jets didn’t get to see a whole lot of tape on him. Let’s evaluate McClellan’s free agent situation in another edition of Jets Wire’s free agent profile.

Pros of keeping him

The Jets signed McClellan to be a depth piece after the team lost Avery Williamson for the season to a torn ACL. He was immediately thrown into the fire at the beginning of the regular season after the Jets lost C.J. Mosley as well. McClellan didn’t make much of an impact though, only recording five total tackles in five games.

The 33-year-old is an NFL veteran with some starting experience, so if the Jets want to have depth in case any of their inside linebackers go down again, then bringing back McClellan wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Cons of keeping him

At this point in his career, McClellan is not an every-down starter. He hasn’t been for a few years. If the Jets are in a situation where they need him to start, can he handle it? The answer to that question is unknown, but at 33 years old the odds don’t lean in his favor.

Since the Jets do need to get younger, it wouldn’t make much sense to bring McClellan back for another season.

The verdict

Given McClellan’s age and the fact that he’s coming off a concussion, he isn’t likely to be retained by Gang Green. The Jets showed last season that they had enough linebacker depth without McClellan in the fold.

Douglas doesn’t need to do that much in the offseason with inside linebackers. They’ll get Mosley and Blake Cashman back from injuries. They have a decision to make on Avery Williamson and they’ll likely want Neville Hewitt and James Burgess back, too.

All in all, McClellan will be likely one and done with the Jets.

Robby Anderson believes Jets want him back in New York

The Jets have told free agent wide receiver Robby Anderson that they’d like to re-sign him.

The New York Jets are getting a head start on trying to keep their own free agents.

Robby Anderson spoke to the media at the Miami Convention Center on Wednesday and discussed his upcoming free agency. Anderson has made it publicly known that he’d like to stay with the Jets for years to come, but it wasn’t known if the Jets felt the same way. Now, according to Anderson, the Jets have made their intentions known.

“I know they’ve communicated that they do want me back,” Anderson said Wednesday, according to Newsday. “So, we’ve just got to see how it plays out.”

The specifics of a new deal have yet to be discussed, though. However, Anderson is seeking between $13-15 million annually, according to a previous report from The Athletic’s Connor Hughes.

“I don’t think they’ve gotten to numbers,” Anderson said, “but I know obviously they want to be at the table, and I think they’re planning to be at the table to keep me in-house.”

Anderson said at the end of the season that he would keep his options open in free agency and that he has no plans of giving the Jets a hometown discount.

The fourth-year wideout out of Temple had one of the best seasons of his career in 2019. He recorded 52 catches for 779 yards and five touchdowns. Most of that came at the end of the season when the Jets offense started to come together.

If Joe Douglas can lock Anderson up before he hits the open market, it would be one less thing the general manager has to worry about during free agency.