NFL Free Agency: One player each NFC team should still sign for 2022
With the NFL Draft now over, teams will begin a thorough assessment of their roster. So, here is one player for each NFC team in NFL Free Agency to consider
On Tuesday, I published a piece on one free agent for each AFC team to sign going into 2022.
Now, let’s look at the NFC picture. In the NFC, there are far fewer overall talented teams and competition than in the AFC. As many as 13 teams in the AFC could make the playoffs. That number is much lower in the NFC.
There is probably one team per division that we can count on in 2022. The Buccaneers, Packers, Rams, and Cowboys are probably going to make the playoffs.
Then, you have the tier two teams in this conference. These are teams that could very easily make the playoffs but might have a bit of a hill to climb.
Look at the 49ers, Cardinals, Commanders, Eagles, Vikings, and Saints could all sneak into the playoffs in some way.
However, I’m not sure any of the previously mentioned teams could reasonably compete for a Super Bowl.
In fact, I think the Buccaneers, Packers, and Rams are the clear-cut favorites in the conference to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.
Crazier things have happened in the NFL, though, so let’s look at one remaining free agent each NFC team should sign to perhaps put them over the edge.
NFL Free Agency: One more free agent for each NFC North team
Minnesota Vikings – Eric Ebron, TE
The Vikings need help in their tight end room. Irv Smith is returning from an injury where he missed all of 2021. He’s also never been a consistent producer, either.
Kirk Cousins may only get another year in Minnesota to prove himself, so giving him another semi-reliable pass catcher might be smart.
Ebron’s best season came in 2018 when he had 750 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns.
He’s struggled with drops most of his career but has had several very quality seasons as a tight end. The Vikings signing him would give them a nice offensive core which includes Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, and Dalvin Cook.
Green Bay Packers – TY Hilton, WR
The story of the offseason, depending on who you talk to, was the Green Bay saga. Aaron Rodgers returned to the team on a giant extension, but the team traded Davante Adams to the Raiders.
The Packers managed to keep Allen Lazard, signed Sammy Watkins, and drafted Christian Watson.
While they’ve made moves to restock the WR room, it’s still not a great room.
TY Hilton, who has played his entire career with the Colts thus far, could provide a nice boost to this room.
He wouldn’t be relied on to be a WR1 or even WR2, but with nearly 10,000 receiving yards to his name, Hilton would still command respect from NFL defenses.
Chicago Bears – Riley Reiff, T
Please, someone, try and tell me what Chicago is doing.
I get it, somewhat. They’re in the first year of a massive rebuild–they hired a new GM, and coaching staff, and effectively tore the roster down. They were also rather active in free agency, signing a bunch of average to below-average players.
However, I think their draft class was awful for what the team desperately needed. Justin Fields is going to get clobbered behind this offensive line.
The Bears need a bit of everything, but nothing more than a solid player to help protect Justin Fields.
Riley Reiff can play both LT and RT, so if one of Teven Jenkins or Larry Borom doesn’t work out, Reiff can provide some much-needed stability up front.
Detroit Lions – Dont’a Hightower
Hightower, a former first-round pick of the New England Patriots in 2012, is approaching the final few seasons of his career.
He opted out of 2020, returned in 2021, and wasn’t all that effective.
However, Hightower possesses a strong “Patriot way” type of leadership that could be useful for a young Lions team going through a rebuild.
The Lions still need a bunch of help on their team, but they’re beginning to form a respectable club.
Hightower can provide the occasional help on defense and also serve as something like a player-coach.