NFL Free Agency Predictions

While the NFL is in full offseason mode let's take a look into some of the top free agents who could be resigning with their teams and those who may look to go elsewhere.

Chris Jones

After having two incredible back-to-back seasons with 10+ sacks and two straight First-Team All-Pro selections, it seems likely that Chris Jones will likely end up commanding a deal worth at least 30 million dollars.

Jones, who is arguably the best in the game at the interior lineman position, wants his payday and I believe that the Chiefs are going to grant him this as he has been the centerpiece of their defense's success for years.

With the Chiefs recently franchise-tagging L’Jarius Sneed, it’s clear that they want to have enough money to also sign Jones to a new deal.

My prediction: Four-year, $130 million with Chiefs

Saquon Barkley

After contract negotiations went awry last year, the Giants said they will not be franchise-tagging Barkley, allowing him to visit with other teams who may be interested such as the Houston Texans.

This is a young Texans team with an explosive offense led by CJ Stroud, and by giving him another deadly weapon in the backfield along with Tank Dell, Nico Collins and Dalton Schultz, this could truly be a nasty combination.

For a guy who put up over 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns in an offense that ranked bottom five in almost every statistical category this season, I think that he’s the most talented running back in the league when healthy right next to Christian McCaffrey.

My prediction: Three-year, $30 million with Texans

Calvin Ridley

While Calvin Ridley had a slightly underwhelming season in his first year playing for the Jaguars and his first back playing football since his suspension, he’s still going to be at the top of the wide receiver market in free agency.

Ridley still did manage to put up over 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns on the year despite some of his rough patches and drops.

Ridley will be turning 30 next season and while it’s something to consider, if the Jaguars don’t re-sign him, any contender would easily have a starting wide receiver two with one upside if they chose to go after him.

With the Bills clearing house and most likely moving on from Gabe Davis, Calvin Ridley could be an excellent guy to pair with Stefon Diggs.

My prediction: Three-year, $51 million with Bills

Mike Onwenu

It’s very rare for a great young offensive lineman to be available in free agency due to their high value in the game.

Onwenu, 26, who is coming off of one his best seasons making the transition from guard to right tackle only had four penalties and three sacks given up in a historically bad Patriots offense.

With Onwenu recently firing his agent, he could want to go to an AFC contender in need of a left tackle like the Cincinnati Bengals. With Jonah Williams most likely leaving, they’ll need to fill in the position.

Whether he resigns with the Patriots or decides to go another route, Onwenu is set to break the bank and could easily enter the top 10 highest-paid offensive linemen zone.

My prediction: Five-year, $100 million either with Patriots or Bengals

Christian Wilkins

Christian Wilkins has been one of the most underrated interior linemen since coming into the league and now he will be testing free agency.

Despite coming off a year where he doubled his career high in sacks in a season with nine, the Dolphins said they’re not going to franchise tag him, and it’s looking more and more like he’s going to try and sign with another team.

There are a multitude of teams in need at the position, including the Lions who are looking to solidify some holes in their defense as they try and make another run at the Super Bowl.

My prediction: Four-year, $80 million with Lions

Patrick Queen

An explosive playmaker who can make a tackle anywhere across the entire field will be wanting to get a large payday as he is coming up on the end of his rookie contract.

Queen, who has been healthy throughout his whole career so far, might be in a tough situation with the Ravens dealing with a lot of high contracts including Roquan Smith and Justin Madubuike being franchise-tagged.

He deserves a nice contract and I think he’s going to get it with the Philadelphia Eagles whose defense, especially in the secondary, is in desperate need of a game-changer.

My prediction: four-year $76 million with Eagles

Michael Landis is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email mpl5930@psu.edu.