With the NFL season officially over, free agency is now on the minds every NFL team. There are several big-name free agents scheduled to hit the market this offseason and they'll be the top targets for many teams.
One of those players is Safety Eric Weddle. He's spent his entire career with the San Diego Chargers, but won't play for San Diego next season. Weddle is done with the Chargers, especially after they fined him $10,000 for watching his daughter perform at halftime of a home game. With Weddle set to hit the open market, several teams are going to be interest in his services. He also recently turned 31, meaning he likely won't come at the price of an Eric Berry, despite being a talented safety. Several teams will be interested in Weddle, but he's has already said it's not about the money. It's about chasing a Super Bowl. With that in mind, here are three destinations for Eric Weddle this offseason.
Dallas Cowboys
Weddle wants to chase a Super Bowl title, and that's exactly what the Cowboys are doing. The Cowboys are tight on cap space, so they wouldn't be able to pay Weddle very much money. But if he's willing to come cheaply, he'd be an upgrade at safety for Dallas. Byron Jones was the team's best safety last season, but the Cowboys might need him at corner with Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne's future uncertain. If that's the case, that would leave Barry Church and J.J. Wilcox at safety. Church is serviceable starter, but Wilcox is a backup at best. Getting Weddle would be a big upgrade for the Cowboys in the secondary.
Oakland Raiders
The Raiders have plenty of cap room, so unlike the other two teams on this list, money won't be an issue in their pursuit of Weddle. While the Raiders might not be totally ready for a Super Bowl run yet, they are building in that direction. The team badly needs safety help and the team's top four players from last season could be gone. Charles Woodson will retire, Nate Allen was cut and both Taylor Mays and Larry Asante are free agents. Woodson was the only quality starter among those, so the Raiders will need to find help. Weddle would be the perfect fit, and the chance to play against the Chargers twice a year could intrigue him.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Much like the Cowboys, the Steelers are on tight on cap space. They'd need Weddle to take a contract for less than he's worth, but he'd be a perfect fit in Pittsburgh. Mike Mitchell is best in the box, so Weddle can operate as a true free safety. Will Allen is a free agent and also aging, so Weddle could take his spot in the lineup. The Steelers will likely at least explore the option of landing Weddle. For more on NFL free agency, download the Chat Sports Android and iPhone app.