There has been so much buzz around the league this off-season about quarterbacks, and rightfully so. Almost half of the league’s starting quarterbacks could be on the move.
However, aside from J.J. Watt, no one has really been talking about some significant skill players that could become free agents and make a potential new home an instant contender. Here are three players who will make a splash in free agency wherever they sign.
Allen Robinson II, WR
Robinson spent the beginning of his career in Jacksonville before going to Chicago and has been a bonafide star since day one. In his career, he has amassed nearly 6,000 yards and 39 touchdowns. However, he has never had a top-of-the-line quarterback, which has held back his production tremendously.
Robinson could be a Top 5 pass-catcher in the league if he had a star quarterback getting him the ball, and he reportedly wants out of Chicago. If that is the case, many teams that need a quality receiver like the Ravens, Bills, or Colts should be interested.
However, the Bears likely will not want to part with their star and could utilize the franchise tag, which would pay Robinson $18 million for this upcoming season.
Trent Williams, OT
Amazing offensive tackles are hard to come by in the NFL, and they are rarely on the market. Every team in the league is monitoring Williams’ situation in San Fransisco. Williams is a free agent this year and can walk away from the 49ers if he chooses.
As the highest-rated tackle by Pro Football Focus last year, he would get a massive payday anywhere. But the 49ers and Williams are on great terms, and both parties would like to reach an agreement if possible.
However, San Fransisco's problem is that they only have $13.5 million in cap space this upcoming season. Also, almost all of their starting secondary hitting the market, so it will be challenging for them to give Williams the contract he wants, a four-year $80 million deal. The team will have to make some miracle moves, but it is expected that they keep him.
Richard Sherman, CB
Sherman spent most of his career in Seattle, winning a Super Bowl there, and then went to San Fransisco and helped lead them to a Super Bowl appearance as well. Though he has lost a step as he has gotten older, Sherman is still one of the smartest defensive players in the league, spending his college years at Stanford, and can be a valuable leader for any contender.
However, one big concern with Sherman is he only played five games last year due to injury, and the 49ers do not have the cap space to give Sherman the contract he wants. With so many other essential pieces to that 2019 NFC Champion team, it will be tough for San Francisco to find the space. Sherman will likely test the market this year.
In terms of suitors, the Las Vegas Raiders have emerged as front runners. They desperately need help on defense and have the money to bring Sherman on board. The Raiders would love to take a chance on an excellent player that many other teams may not consider.