The free agency negotiations period for the NFL offseason begins on March 7, with unrestricted free agents free to sign with any team on March 9 at 4 p.m. ET. And with a raise in the salary cap, teams are looking to spend. Here are some of the top picks from 2016’s free agency class.
Eric Berry, S, Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs starting safety returned from his cancer scare playing an elite level, something that many teams in the league will be looking for in their secondary. Berry finished his 2015-16 campaign with 61 tackles, two interceptions and 10 pass deflections.
Doug Martin, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The 5th-year running back will be coming off of his best year as a starter in terms of yards per-carry. Martin averaged 4.9 YPC, gaining 1,402 yards and reaching the end zone six times.
For a team in dire need of a feature back, Martin showed his worth in 2015 in Tampa Bay, finishing second in the league in rushing.
Matt Forte, RB, Chicago Bears
While not the back he used to be, Forte showed no signs of slowing down due to age in the 2015-16 season. Forte, despite missing three games in weeks 9-11 and being limited in the second half of the season, finished with 898 yards, four touchdowns and averaged 4.1 YPC.
Although not the backfield threat he once was, Forte could offer a value upgrade at a key position to a lot of teams looking for rushing help.
Russell Okung, OL, Seattle Seahawks
Okung, though not great, has been a solid starter at tackle for the Seattle Seahawks since being drafted in 2010. And in a league where protecting your quarterback has become the key component to winning, and a market low on talented line help, Okung would be a great pickup for anyone looking to upgrade their offensive protection.
The road to Super Bowl LI in Houston begins in free agency. The road to the 2017 Players Tailgate in Houston, begins today. Look back at what you missed at the 2016 Players Tailgate in San Francisco, and see just a glimmer of the VIP experience coming to Houston next February!