The best potential free agents in 2022

The 2022 offseason is well underway.

NFL free agency doesn’t officially begin until March 16, but there is still plenty of excitement and rumours flying around regarding where the top stars available could end up.

This year, the free-agent class is incredibly deep and there are so many quality options for teams to choose from.

Things could change dramatically before then, particularly with the franchise tag deadline coming up on March 8.

Regardless, we’ve picked out 5 top players who could become free agents this offseason and we’ve included our own projections for where they may end up.

Honourable mentions: Jessie Bates, Carlton Davis, Odell Beckham Jr., Marcus Williams, Orlando Brown

Best possible free agents:

Davante Adams, WR, Green Bay Packers

Davante Adams is one of if not the best receiver in the entire NFL, so he will for sure be attracting a lot of attention should he hit the market this summer.

He’d fit into many systems and has worked across a number of schemes already in Green Bay. A reunion with former college teammate Derek Carr has been romanticised, but given question marks over Carr’s own future as a Raider, bringing Adams to Las Vegas looks unlikely.

Adams could be franchise tagged by the Packers for just under $20 million this year. This could theoretically come will future consequences for the franchise and given possible implications of re-signing Aaron Rodgers, giving Adams a huge contract could be difficult to work around.

Nonetheless, the Packers will be doing everything to sort out their player contracts to help keep their star receiver on board with the team.

Prediction: Adams to become the best-paid wide receiver in history this offseason, most likely for the Green Bay Packers

Terron Armstead, OT, New Orleans Saints

After making Ryan Ramczyk the highest-paid right tackle in the history of the NFL last year, the New Orleans Saints have another huge decision to make on their offensive line.

Deprived of salary capital, New Orleans could let Terron Armstead leave this offseason, despite being one of the best offensive tackles in football.

Armstead has offered consistent pass protection for the Saints since he came into the league in 2013 and despite a dodgy injury history, he’s got plenty left to give.

Possibilities for Armstead are endless. He could end up anywhere from Cincinnati to Miami to Jacksonville this year. Putting the 30-year-old alongside Quenton Nelson for the Indianapolis Colts would also be intriguing, and we’re sure the Colts will be looking into making that a possibility.

Interest in the former third rounder will surely be high, but it will be a struggle for the Saints to keep hold of him.

Prediction: Armstead signs a three-year deal with the Miami Dolphins

Von Miller, OLB, LOS ANGELES RAMS

The Los Angeles Rams sacrificed second and third round picks to grab now two-time Super Bowl champion Miller from the Broncos last season, so I wouldn’t expect him to hit the market.

However, with Miller turning 33 in March and injuries have hammered him in recent years, seeing the former Super Bowl MVP in another teams jersey next season remains a possibility.

While he was able to stay healthy in the second half of 2021 with the Rams, Miller is not getting any younger and there could be cause for concern over possible regression. The Rams surely don’t have enough salary room to bring all their starters back from last year, so could Miller be sacrificed? We think that’s highly unlikely.

Prediction: Miller signs a two-year extension with the Los Angeles Rams

J.C. Jackson, CB, New England Patriots

J.C. Jackson has emerged as one of the best playmaking cornerbacks in football over the past few years.

Following a nine-interception season in 2020, Jackson backed this up with eight more picks in 2021 and has stepped up to become Bill Belichick’s premier corner after Stephen Gilmore left for the Carolina Panthers mid-way through last season.

He’s handled his fair share of assignments for his team and has been extremely effective in man-coverage. But his main asset for the Patriots has been his overall ability in producing turnovers.

At 26, Jackson can only get better and could possibly be ranked as the top corner in free agency should Carlton Davis get tagged by the Buccaneers.

We expect Jackson will command big money this offseason, possibly becoming the highest paid cornerback in the NFL.

Prediction: Jackson to sign a huge contract with the New England Patriots

Chandler Jones, OLB, ARIZONA CARDINALS

After another successful year with the Arizona Cardinals, Chandler Jones will once again be looking for a big payday this offseason.

After beginning 2021 with a five-sack outing against the Tennessee Titans, Jones went on to record 10.5 sacks and six forced fumbles in 15 starts during the regular season. He’s now hit double-digit sacks in every season for the past six years.

Jones, a Super Bowl champion and a two-time All-Pro, is obviously still an extremely dominant player for a 32 years of age, especially having carried much of the load in the pass-rush arena for the Cardinals in the absence of J.J. Watt for the majority of last year.

If he doesn’t resign for the Cardinals, Jones should attract a lot of attention from teams looking to fill in a gap with a veteran edge rusher.

Prediction: Jones signs a two-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens