Nick Fairley, Defensive Tackle
Prediction: Cleveland Browns ($105M Cap Space)
2nd Option: Minnesota Vikings ($38 Cap Space)
Cleveland’s decision to hire Gregg Williams means that they are looking at a change in their defensive system. They are going to need to find some players that fit Williams’ style and Fairley would make a lot of sense.
Fairley is a disruptive defender who can generate a lot of pressure in the middle of the defense. He’d be a nice complement alongside Danny Shelton who is known more for his ability to stuff the run.
Minnesota is looking for someone to replace the highly inconsistent Sheriff Floyd. They may turn their attention to Fairley if they are unable to use their cap space to upgrade the offensive line.
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Andrew Withworth, Offensive Tackle
Prediction: Denver Broncos ($42M Cap Space)
2nd Option: Cincinnati Bengals ($42M Cap Space)
The Broncos offensive line was the main reason they failed to make the playoff last year. They struggled to both open running lanes and protect the team’s inexperienced quarterbacks. Denver knows they have to find some help in the free agent market.
Andrew Withworth would be a great fit as someone who will represent an upgrade in talent and bring some leadership to a younger offensive line.
Cincinnati still has enough talent to make a legitimate Super Bowl run. However, that task would be much harder without Withworth. The only reason they would let him walk is because they want to give younger players like Cedric Ogbuehi and Jake Fisher an opportunity.