Top 5 Teams for Cullen Jenkins

Aug 30, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins (97) along the sidelines during the second quarter against the New York Jets at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Jets 28-10. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Eagles, a team who brought in big names and gave their fans a reason to have high hopes, are slowly falling apart. Firing their head coach, allowing him to take his knowledge of the game and move onto Kansas City, the Philadelphia Eagles are now a team scratching their heads, wondering what they next moves are going to be.

They restructured the contract of quarterback Michael Vick, are currently looking to restructure with corner back Nnamdi Asomugha and now have parted ways with Cullen Jenkins.

Now, the free agency market for the 2013 season is bulking up with franchise players, it’s ridiculous. Players in this market are not going to have any problems finding a new home. Most are pro bowl caliber players, some are Super Bowl (Jenkins won with the Packers) champions. Teams who are looking to add some push on their defensive front, have a lot of candidates to look at when it comes to this years market.

Cullen Jenkins spent time in a 4-3 defense in Philadelphia, so it would make sense that a team who runs the 4-3 defense to check out Jenkins before looking at other options. A handful of teams run 4-3 in this league, but not all need help like most. So let’s check out this list.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – I mentioned these guys with my list that involved top teams for Dwight Freeney. A team who was dead last in passing yards allowed, they could definitely use Jenkins strength to get some push to help break down the offensive line and disrupt plays. I also mentioned that General Manager Mark Dominik has said they are going to look at who is available and bring in who they think can help them win. They have a lot of cap space open and i’m sure they are looking at the calendar, counting down the days until they are able to reach out to players who could help them win.

2. Chicago Bears – When you think about the Chicago Bears, you think about their history on Defense. The Monsters of the Midway, no matter who you are a fan of, you have to respect the Chicago Bears when it comes to defense. Depending on what happens with Henry Melton, it could possibly open up a shot with Cullen Jenkins now that he is a free agent. It was pointed out by another colleague of mine, that this could lower Melton’s price tag, so either way the Bears will be in the hunt for either Jenkins or Melton, just depends on who they could get cheaper.  They are so close to being a Super Bowl contender, as long as they are able to protect Cutler and stay consistent on offense.

3. Dallas Cowboys – After hiring Monte Kiffin, the Dallas Cowboys will go from Rob Ryan’s 3-4 to Kiffin’s 4-3. My only question about this team is the cap space. Yes they could use Jenkins on their line, right next to DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer. But the only way they could consider going after Cullen Jenkins is if they make moves to free up cap space. I believe they are $18-$20 million over cap and need to get that down so they aren’t over when the new season rolls around. Moves should be made by this team sometime soon, not sure when but I’m sure fellow colleague and editor Mike Dyce will let you guys know (he’s a Cowboys fan, 2-0 Chicago, cough cough) when moves are made. I just think it would be nasty to see DeMarcus Ware, Cullen Jenkins and Anthony Spencer (waiting on a decide on team about him) on the same line waiting to rip your head off. I get chills just thinking about it. They need to make moves and improve both sides of the ball. Only threat they really have in the division now is the Washington Redskins who are only going to improve. Stay step for step with them since the Eagles aren’t much of a threat, same with the Giants who are also coming off a bad season.

4. Green Bay Packers – A defense who has struggled since their Super Bowl victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers. They could definitely use Cullen Jenkins back as he is familiar with their team and system considering he was a key part of their defense when they made their championship run. Depending on how much cap space they have left, with reports being they are looking to ink Matthews and a few others to long term deals, could bring back Jenkins to bulk up their defensive front once again. They should be active shoppers, as we all know, not just for defense but for offense. So let’s see what they have left, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they give him a call again to see if he wants to come back home.

5. Denver Broncos – With the offense pretty much set, the Denver Broncos could afford to tighten up on defense. They locked up the #1 seed and home-field advantage through the playoffs but lost in over time against the soon to be Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens. John Elway is serious when it comes to making this team into championship contenders again. After trading Tebow and opening up a shot at getting Peyton Manning, Elway could turn his head from the offensive side of the ball and bring in more talent on the defense to hopefully make them a complete threat. So you know Elway is going to do whatever he can to make sure that the Broncos, not the Patriots, Ravens or the Texans, are the favorite to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl next season and others to follow. Bring in Jenkins, get a strong push in the middle of the line and all will be well in Denver.