NFL
With players reporting to OTAs league-wide over the past few weeks, the NFL Preseason is officially underway. Over the course of a whirlwind off-season, hundreds of NFL talents have found themselves swapping old jerseys for new. While most of the big-name free agents have found their respective homes for the 2018 campaign, many big-name talents are still available. Lost in the shuffle of a bustling free agency, numerous high caliber players are still out there, ready to make an impact for their next NFL team.
In this article we’ll address two of the most prominent free agents still on the market, Adrian Peterson and Dez Bryant, explore why they’re still available and project where their best fits are for 2018:
Adrian Peterson’s Resume Speaks For Itself
As a seven-time All-Pro and former MVP, Adrian Peterson has amassed incredible statistics and accolades over his eleven-year career. Leading the NFL in rushing yards three times (‘08,’12, ‘15) and twice in rushing touchdowns (‘09, ‘15), the future Hall of Famer has been one of the most dominant running backs in league history.
However, as injuries have piled on over the last few seasons, AP’s efficiency has taken a hit. In 2017, Peterson found himself out of a Vikings jersey for the first time in his career and the back struggled to find success in short stints with the Saints and Cardinals. Now 33, Peterson is looking to bounce-back with a new team in 2018.
Reason For Availability: Age, Health, And Lack Of Efficiency
There are a number of reasons why AP is still available this late in the off-season. The biggest reasons for Peterson’s unemployment spawns from both his age and recent lack of production. As a 33-year-old running back, teams are wary of offering Peterson the money and the workload to satisfy him. Concerns about his age and durability have kept teams from making any significant offers to AP.
Besides, Peterson hasn’t lived up to his MVP billing in recent seasons. Between 2016 and 2017 AP averaged 3.1 yards per carry, significantly less than his career mark of 4.8. A product of diminishing speed and agility, Peterson has been a shell of himself of late.
Best Fit: Carolina
Peterson has reportedly met with numerous teams this off-season, most recently with the Seahawks and Bucs. While many teams could use AP, his best fit could be with the Carolina Panthers. In the off-season, Carolina failed to resign veteran running back Jonathan Stewart in the off-season. Without Stewart, the Panthers have a lack of depth at running back. Behind McCaffrey, the only back on the depth chart with starting experience is CJ Anderson. Anderson recently inked a one-year deal with the Panthers, but his inconsistency and lack of efficiency are cause for major concern as the Panthers look to compete in 2018. Although amassing solid counting stats in 2018, Anderson’s 4.1 yards per rush ranked 18th among backs with over 100 attempts and his 3 rushing TDs ranked 33rd among RBs. While Christian McCaffrey looks to remain the focal point of Carolina’s rushing attack in 2018, AP could act as an excellent second option sliding in front of Anderson on the depth chart. Forming a nice 1-2 punch, the duo of McCaffrey and Peterson could be great for the Panthers offense. With Ron Rivera’s history of featuring two backs, AP could see a nice bounce-back with the Black and Blue.
Dez Bryant Is A Big Time Receiver
After eight productive seasons with the Cowboys, Dez Bryant is experiencing free agency for the first time in his career. The three-time Pro Bowler and 2014 All-Pro leaves an incredible legacy behind in Dallas. Joining the ranks of Hall of Fame Receivers like Michael Irving, Bob Hayes, Jason Witten and Terrell Owens, Dez ends his Cowboys career leading the franchise in receiving touchdowns (73) and finishes top 5 in franchise receiving yards (7,459) and receptions (531).
Unfortunately for Dez, his recent production has taken a big hit with the Cowboys replacing Quarterback Tony Romo with Dak Prescott in 2016. Since Prescott’s arrival in Dallas, Dez hasn’t surpassed the 900-yard mark in either season, a feat he religiously accomplished over his career with Romo. Now 29, Dez is looking for the opportunity to re-establish himself as an elite NFL receiver.
Reason For Availability: Timing and Price Tag
The most obvious factor in Bryant’s remaining free agency is timing. While most free agents had the opportunity to plead their case to NFL General Managers when Free Agency opened back in March, Dez was still working with owner Jerry Jones to stay a Cowboy. With the parties working, and ultimately disagreeing, on how to restructure Bryant’s deal, Dez didn’t hit free agency until mid-April. Now a Free Agent, Dez is doing his due diligence to find the best spot for him in 2018.
While Dez says he won’t rush anything, there is another factor in the slow development of his free agency. The former All Pro comes at a high price tag this off-season. Just a few days after being released by Dallas, NFL.com reported that Dez had turned down an offer from Baltimore. The Ravens were rumored to have offered Dez a three-year, $21 million deal. The former All-Pro still believes he’s an elite WR and is looking to bet on himself in 2018. Although questions about his off-field antics and ability to separate against stronger corners are cause for concern for many franchises, Bryant still believes he is a worthy investment for any team. Expecting to pursue a highly-incentivized “prove it deal,” Dez is looking for a single season contract at a WR1 price clip.
Best Fit: Green Bay
While many teams have reached out to Dez, only a few teams can provide Bryant the money and the elite offensive system that could draw the former Cowboy. With $13.7 million in cap space, according to overthecap.com, and an elite QB in Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay appears to be the best fit for Bryant’s bounce-back campaign.
Following the departure of Jordy Nelson this offseason, Dez could slide in as a primary receiving option. Joining a receiver corps that features Davante Adams, Jimmy Graham, and Randall Cobb, Bryant could find a ton of success with the Packers in 2018. A strong year with Quarterback Aaron Rodgers could set Dez up nicely for a big deal in 2019 free agency. With money and targets to spare, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Dez in a Packers uniform this season.
The Final Word
Over the next few weeks, fans will wait to see where these former-stars go. For both Peterson and Bryant, the goal is to land in the best spot both scheme-wise and financially. With many offers on the table, it’s now up to both players to decide where that fit is. Whether in Carolina for AP or Green Bay for Dez, these big-name players will look to produce in 2018. With OTAs underway, the hope for both players is to find their ideal fits sooner rather than later.
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This article was originally written by former TSJ101SPORTS NFL Department Head and writer William Zurcher. Due to systems modalities, the article has been assigned to the author tag designation “Former Writers”.
