7 NFL Signings That Would Make Perfect Sense
By James.r
The bustle of the NFL Free Agency period has wound down, and at this point, teams are looking ahead to training camp. Beyond the initial moving pieces, though, there are still some valuable players available on the open market, and as teams look to bolster their rosters ahead of the upcoming season, these are seven signings that would make too much sense not to happen.
1. S Eric Berry to the 49ers
The 49ers have questionable depth at the safety position, and that's exacerbated by Jimmie Ward's recent broken collarbone. The 31 year-old Berry would make perfect sense for the 49ers, as they could sign him to a low-risk, high-reward contract after two injury-riddled seasons. It would be worth a shot to see if the three-time All-Pro still has something left in the tank, and the 49ers have plenty of cap space to make it happen.
2. DT Gerald McCoy to the Ravens
The Ravens' vaunted defense took some big hits during free agency this year, as they lost key pieces in Terrell Suggs, CJ Mosley, and Za'Darius Smith. With minimal depth on the defensive line, the Ravens should pull out all the stops to sign the six-time Pro Bowler McCoy, who would instantly improve their run defense and interior pass rush. This signing would add a much-needed veteran presence in the middle of their defense.
3. C John Sullivan to the Jets
The Jets whiffed on Matt Paradis and Mitch Morse during the first wave of free agency, leaving them with a gaping hole at the center position. They need someone other than Jonotthan Harrison to start under center for second-year quarterback Sam Darnold, and Sullivan is the best option remaining on the market. Unless New York explores trading for a center, the new GM should pull the trigger on signing the 33-year-old.
4. RB Jay Ajayi to the Bears
After trading Jordan Howard, the Bears should be in the market for a running back. Tarik Cohen is a great playmaker and pass-catcher out of the backfield, but he should not be relied upon to carry the entire workload of a top running back. Ajayi certainly has some injury concerns, but he is a talented back who would instantly improve Chicago's depth chart.
5. WR Michael Crabtree to the Lions
The 31-year-old Crabtree's skills are declining, but he would still provide some reliable production to a wide receiver room starving for depth after the departure of Golden Tate. Crabtree has played all 16 games in four of his last five seasons. His durability would be incredibly helpful for the Lions, especially given Marvin Jones' injury history. Matthew Stafford needs a reliable red zone target, and Crabtree could be just that.
6. CB Morris Claiborne to the Jets
The Jets still have Trumaine Johnson under contract as their No. 1 cornerback, but they have a glaring need at the second outside corner position. They re-signed career backup Darryl Roberts to a big contract, but he is not a starting-caliber player. With few corners remaining on the market, it would make perfect sense for the Jets to bring back Claiborne, who has been solid during his tenure with the club.
7. S Glover Quin to the Jaguars
Safety is the biggest question mark on a talented Jaguars' defense, and Glover Quin could provide some needed stability. The 33-year-old had a down year in 2018, but he would provide an instant upgrade over Jarrod Wilson, who is unproven as a starter. With a thin market remaining after a free agency period that saw safeties get poached quickly, Quin is the Jaguars’ best option to shore up the back end of their defense.