2023 NFL free agency: Predicting where top 50 players will land
This is about to be a wild 2023 NFL free agency signing period. We already have some massive news as Derek Carr joined the mix among the top 50 free agents, but what other big names will be — or could be — available?
We’ve already taken a look at where the top 10 quarterbacks could end up signing, but this 2023 NFL free agency class is absolutely loaded when you look at the running back position and other positions defensively, as well. As of right now, this list doesn’t even include potential salary cap casualties, which could make the 2023 NFL offseason one of the best and most intriguing in recent memory.
**Please note: Not every free agent is ranked in a deliberate order. This list is meant to simply reflect the 50 players who could end up as the top-paid UFAs in the NFL
Predicting 2023 NFL Free Agency: Where will the top 50 players land?
1. Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
As of right now, the expectation is that Lamar Jackson will be franchise tagged by the Baltimore Ravens. Of course, that doesn’t mean the Ravens won’t trade him away…As unlikely as that seems, it could be the path these two parties are headed down. Money talks, though, and if the Ravens make Jackson an offer he can’t refuse, the 2019 NFL MVP could be back in the fold and secure in the franchise’s feelings about him.
The Ravens would never be dumb enough to let Jackson just hit the open market. At worst, he will be in Baltimore in 2023 on the franchise tag or tagged and traded.
Prediction: Re-signs with Ravens (or tagged and traded)
2. Derek Carr, QB, Las Vegas Raiders
This spot was originally reserved for Tom Brady, but Brady signed his retirement papers with the NFL and doesn’t seem likely to undo his retirement this time around. Regardless of what Brady does, I think Derek Carr is one of the top prizes of NFL free agency in this cycle and some team is going to get a guy with a chip on his shoulder who can help your team win.
This should be a very calculated decision for Carr. He has had to deal with a bad defense with the Raiders for the majority of his NFL career. He needs to make sure he gets the perfect fit in terms of coaching, support from the defense, etc. To me, the New York Jets make the most sense even though Carr had a visit with the Saints that lasted multiple days. I’m going with my gut.
Prediction: Signs with the New York Jets