One of the most exciting parts of the NFL offseason is watching where big name free agents go. I know as a fan we hope our players decide to take extensions to stay with the home team, but it’s always exciting when a big name shakes it up and heads to a new team. Here’s a look at some exciting players that left their team for (hopefully) greener pastures.
1. DeMarco Murray
After winning the rushing title by running for 1,845 yards, it’s safe to say Murray is the biggest name to change teams this offseason. Let’s set the stage. On March 4th, Chip Kelly traded fan favorite and cornerstone LeSean McCoy to the Buffalo Bills. It seemed like Philly fans were going to lose it. But then, like Lloyd Christmas, he totally redeemed himself by signing the league’s leading rusher to a five-year, $42 million contract. While the offensive line in Dallas accounted for some of Murray’s success last season, Murray will do just fine in Philly’s up-tempo run-first offense. While the Eagles did sign free agent Ryan Mathews, I don’t think he’ll take too many of Murray’s carries. If anything, the Eagles have Mathews there as an insurance policy in case Murray gets hurt like he has in the past.
2. LeSean McCoy
As soon as Rex Ryan took over in Buffalo, I knew he would want to make a splash, and a splash he made. The best part of LeSean McCoy switching teams, was that nobody expected it. He seemed like a perfect fit in Philly, so it shocked many fans that McCoy was even available, let alone Ryan actually landing him. Like Murray, McCoy is one of the game’s premier backs. He’s not a between the tackles type of runner, but when he gets the edge he’s off to the races. Rex Ryan has a plan for this offense, and it doesn’t depend on a quarterback. Veteran Fred Jackson has gone on record to say that McCoy is going to get 300 carries this season. If McCoy does get 300 carries, he will rush for 1,100 yards just off the volume. If his offensive line steps up this year, McCoy could turn those 300 carries into 1,400 yards. Don’t forget; he rushed for 1,300 yards in Chip Kelly’s offense and is two years removed from winning the rushing title by rushing for 1,607 yards. The only question will be can McCoy’s body can handle 300 carries for the third time in as many seasons. If he can last he’ll finish top five in rushing, if he breaks down it could be a long year for the Bills.
3. Andre Johnson
For the first time in his career, Andre Johnson will have a good quarterback throwing to him. The best quarterback Johnson has ever played with was Matt Schaub, who somehow turned the whole city of Houston against him and was benched and traded to the Raiders and is now a backup in Baltimore. Andrew Luck could help revitalize Andre Johnson the same way Cam Newton revitalized Steve Smith. Luck will be able to utilize Johnson’s frame, especially in the red zone. Johnson’s touchdown numbers have been declining the past few seasons and I expect him to get at least seven this season. Luck is the best thing to ever happen to Andre Johnson’s career. Not only does he have arguably the best quarterback in the league throwing to him, but now he’s also in position to possibly win a ring, especially if the addition of Frank Gore works as well as I think it will. Gore has a lot left in the tank too; his touchdown numbers were also just down last season. Plugging veteran players like Gore and Johnson make it hard to argue against the Colts having the most lethal offense in the NFL.
4. Ndamukong Suh
Adding one of the most impactful defensive players to an underrated defense turns this defense into arguably the best in the AFC. The Dolphins will line up Suh next to one of the game’s best pass rushers in Cameron Wake. The Dolphins looked at what the Bills were doing as far as stacking your defensive line and decided that would be a good strategy to emulate. By Suh commanding a constant double-team, this will give Wake many more one-on-one chances which could result in Wake having a career year this season. While I love the defense, I’m not sold on the Dolphins offense. I don’t think the offense has enough weapons for Ryan Tannehill, but I could see them taking a Wild Card spot. If the Dolphins could obtain one more weapon, or the offense blends better than I think, they could make a push to win the division.
5. Darrelle Revis
Revis shocked many Patriot fans (I would know) by leaving New England after just one season and winning a Super Bowl in that season. Revis and Brandon Browner with the combination of the front seven and rest of the secondary made the Patriots arguably the best defense in the NFL. I just don’t understand why he would give up the chance to go for a repeat with one of the best coaches in the history of the game and one of the best quarterbacks in the hisory of the game just to go back to the New York Jets, who have quarterback troubles to put it nicely. The Jets are still a ways away from making any noise in the playoffs, but the Patriots will probably win that division. From what I’ve heard, Revis never wanted to leave New York in the first place and if that’s where his heart is then best of luck to you Revis. The Jets will be one of the league’s top defenses; but the offense is too much of a mess right now for them to get close to the playoffs.
