2017 NFL Free Agents: Top Rumors, Speculation and Predictions

The NFL free-agent market is usually tame compared to its counterparts in the other major sports leagues in the United States. A combination of factors, led by the franchise tag and salary-cap tactics to create free space, creates an environment where the number of impact assets is normally limited.

Things are shaping up a little differently for 2017, however. Although there’s still time for the outlook to change between now and March, it appears some legitimate assets could be available, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

So let’s take a look at some of the early rumors and speculation surrounding potential free agents. Each section includes a prediction for where that player will eventually land for the 2017 season.

DeSean Jackson Heading Back To Philly?

Jackson has closed out the season strong after a sluggish start to the campaign. The 30-year-old Washington Redskins wideout has racked up at least 100 yards in four of his past five games. He reached that mark just once over his first nine appearances in 2016, and that came in Week 1.

The recent hot streak shows he can still be the high-impact asset he was during his peak years with the Philadelphia Eagles. And it sounds like the deep threat could return to the home of those glory days as a free agent.

Matt Lombardo of NJ Advance Media passed along comments ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter made during a radio interview on 97.5 The Fanatic about a possible reunion between Jackson and the Eagles:

It’s so logical. There are certain things that you can just see coming from a mile away. We’ll see whether or not it ever materializes.

With Philadelphia, the biggest need is at wide receiver. With DeSean becoming a free agent and with him having as much respect for Doug Pederson as he does, every element that you can think of is in place there.

Meanwhile, Jackson was asked about the potential of becoming an Eagle again back in October and didn’t rule it out. He told Brandon Lee Gowton of Philadelphia Magazine he never had an issues with Philly and the departure of former head coach Chip Kelly plays a role in the future:

I never really had hard feelings towards Philadelphia. As far as being released by whoever released me, that’s different. But I guess he’s not there no more (laughs). So there’s never really been hard feelings towards the city or the team or organization. But like I said, things happen and we move on. I’m blessed to still have an opportunity to be playing at a high level and having a job and still playing at a high level. So never no hard feelings.

The Redskins will need to make several key decisions regarding potential free agents during the offseason, including Jackson and quarterback Kirk Cousins. Ultimately, that means the team will likely see at least one notable asset walk out the door for good.

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