The start of NFL free agency is nearly here. The next few days will be full of rumors and speculation, especially from March 7th to March 9th. During those days, teams are allowed to contact and enter contract discussions with pending free agents from any team. However, a new contract can't be signed until the new league begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 9th. While there isn't technically an end time for free agency, almost every player will have signed a new contract by the end of July. Many will have reached a deal by the NFL Draft at the end of April.
There will be several notable free agent storylines throughout NFL free agency. There's team-specific, player-specific and over-arching storylines. With that in mind, here are the 6 NFL Free Agency Storylines You Need To Follow.
Denver's QB Situation
The Denver Broncos are in a difficult spot with their QB situation. Peyton Manning hasn't decided if he's going to continue playing or retire. But the Broncos need to make a decision before March 9th. On that date, Manning's $19 million base salary becomes guaranteed. The Broncos aren't going to pay Manning that, and they'll before to cut Manning if he doesn't retire.
When Manning retires or is cut, the Broncos will need to get a new contract for Brock Osweiler. He's an impending free agent and the Broncos want him back. However, the team could find itself in a bidding war with someone like the Cleveland Browns. However, Osweiler is the priority for Denver and the Broncos should find a way to bring him back.
What Will The Teams With Cap Space Do?
Multiple teams are loaded with cap space this season. The Jacksonville Jaguars have the most with $80 million in space. The team has several needs on the defensive side of the ball and they'll be players this offseason. Don't be surprised if they target, and land, a few high-profile defensive players.
The Oakland Raiders have nearly $70 million in space and they could be players for a few big-name free agents as well. Oakland hasn't gone after many big names under GM Reggie McKenzie, but that could change this season.
The New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers both have roughly $55 million in cap space and could nab a few big-name players. Several other teams have more than $40 million in cap space, but they might not be as willing to spend as the previous teams mentioned.
Who Will Be Overpaid This Year?
Each and every year, several players hit free agency and end up overpaid. Sometimes the player doesn't work as hard after a contract, sometimes injuries play a role and sometimes the fit just isn't as beneficial for both sides as previously thought. There are even times that a team overrates a player and simply gives him far more than he's worth. With the benefit of hindsight, players like Brandon Browner, Dwayne Bowe and DeMarco Murray were all overpaid last season.
This year, players like Bengals WR Marvin Jones, Seahawks LB Bruce Irvin and CB Janoris Jenkins are among the likely players to be overpaid. That's not to say they'll end up struggling, but they might end getting more than they are truly worth.
Will The Veterans Pursue The Money Or A Ring?
There are several veterans set to hit the open market this offseason. Players like S Eric Weddle, DE Mario Williams, RB Matt Forte and RB Arian Foster are all in the final few seasons of their careers. Will they follow the money and join a team on the outside of the playoff picture in order to get one more big contract? Or will they join teams like the New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys or Pittsburgh Steelers in an attempt to win a Super Bowl? For all the latest NFL free agency coverage, download the Chat Sports Android and iPhone app.
What Will Happen To The Fallen QBs?
The stocks of Robert Griffin III and Colin Kaepernick were once climbing steadily. But now, the two QBs are at a crossroads. RGIII is likely to be cut before March 9th, when his base salary becomes fully guaranteed. He'll likely end up a backup somewhere while he rehabs his stock. Kaepernick has asked for a trade, but the 49ers won't need to make a decision until April 1st. That's the date that Kaepernick's salary is guaranteed. Kaepernick seems like a perfect fit for Chip Kelly's offense, but it remains to be seen if Kaepernick will end up with the 49ers next year.
Top Free Agents Could Switch Teams
Ten NFL teams used the franchise tag this offseason, which took some of the best names off the market. However, there are several talented free agents that could hit the open market. There are defensive linemen like Malik Jackson, Jason Pierre-Paul and Damon Harrison that could play elsewhere. Offensive linemen like Richie Incognito, Alex Mack and Kelechi Osemele aren't sexy names, but they'll command big money. Linebackers like Tamba Hali, Danny Trevathan, Derrick Johnson and Bruce Irvin will be popular for a variety of teams. It's a deep secondary group, even though Josh Norman and Eric Berry won't hit the open market. Free agency is often chaotic and with multiple talented players set to hit the open market, 2016 should be no different.