NFL free agency: Predicting where top 24 projected players land in 2023
2023 NFL Free Agency: Bradley Chubb, EDGE, Denver Broncos
Prediction: Re-signs with Denver Broncos
The last three seasons have been really tough for Bradley Chubb, the former fifth overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Chubb was outstanding in his rookie season back in 2018, nearly breaking Jevon Kearse’s longstanding rookie sack record (1999).
He then unfortunately tore his ACL early in the 2019 season, and in his bounce-back year in 2020, he got better and better as the year progressed before suffering an ankle injury late in the season.
The ankle injury caused him problems early in the 2021 season and he went on IR yet again.
The Broncos still believe that Chubb can become a superstar off the edge but he needs to stay healthy. If he can do that in 2022, I think he’ll get a long-term deal from the Broncos, who will have a new owner with deep pockets.
2023 NFL Free Agency: Jessie Bates III, S, Cincinnati Bengals
Prediction: Signs with Philadelphia Eagles
The Cincinnati Bengals and Jessie Bates appear headed toward an odd separation.
Just a couple of years ago, it looked like Bates would be a fixture in the Bengals’ defense, but now it looks like these two parties may be far apart on a long-term deal.
That can change at any time, but if Bates leaves in free agency, the Philadelphia Eagles are one team with a need at the safety position that could make a lot of sense.
The Eagles have invested a ton in their secondary lately but a player like Bates could really complete the overall makeover.