NFL free agency: Intriguing bargains to be had

The NFL season is almost over. This means we will be turning our attention to NFL free agency and the NFL draft.

With free agency, which begins on March 14 at 4 p.m. ET (although the tampering period starts on March 12), there will be an intense focus on the quarterback position. Teams are going to be going crazy for Kirk Cousins, Case Keenum, Sam Bradford, Teddy Bridgewater and others. The hope will be landing a game-changing player, all while paying out a game-changing salary.

The best route in free agency is to let the big money be thrown around in the first 48 hours. Sitting on the sidelines, then swooping in for the value deals later on. This offseason, we could see plenty of that with some relatively large names.

One of the most intriguing players to hit the market will be wide receiver Allen Robinson, who missed almost all of last season with a torn ACL. Robinson, who starred for the Jacksonville Jaguars over his rookie deal, is only 24 years old and while the injury is fresh, the talent is evident. Despite playing with Blake Bortles, the youngster reached the Pro Bowl in 2015, racking up 80 catches for 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns. In 2016, the former Penn State star caught 73 passes for 883 yards and eight scores.

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While the attention at receiver might be on Michael Crabtree, Jordy Nelson and Jarvis Landry, Robinson could be the best get of them all. Recently, Robinson spoke with ESPN reporter Michael DiRocco about his future and ongoing recovery.

“I don’t really know what is going to happen. I know there’s a lot of different scenarios,” Robinson said. “Right now, my main focus is to kind of let my agent narrow down the scenarios and for me to get back at 100 percent. That’s the main focus right now for me. Again, I know I’ll be back at 100 percent and relatively soon. At the end of the day, I know all that is going to play out.”

Robinson is only one of many potential bargains waiting to be had. The cornerback market could be flush with options including E.J. Gaines and Richard Sherman, with the latter coming off surgery. On the offensive line, Andrew Norwell is a terrific guard for the Carolina Panthers, and would make a fine addition to most clubs. Staying on the line, Zach Fulton could cash in if he leaves the Kansas City Chiefs, being a solid player at both guard positions and center.

When free agency rolls around, don’t hope for your team to spend huge money. Hope they spend the right money, which often happens later in the process.