NFL free agency 2019: 5 names to watch

5. Ndamukong Suh

Suh is certainly winding down what has been both a controversial and great career. He is going to turn 33 years old before the next season begins and after putting more than $100 million away on his first two deals, what does the third one look like? There’s no question that Suh is going to be taking a shorter contract, but will he go for the biggest money or does he take less to play with a contender? He could be an enticing piece for a team in need of an inside force.

4. Tyrann Mathieu

Mathieu was cut by the Arizona Cardinals last spring before the Houston Texans scooped him up on a one-year, $8 million deal. Now a free agent again, Mathieu remains a younger talent at the age of 26 (turns 27 in May). Last offseason there was a glut of safeties on the market and the contracts ended up being meager. The same could happen this time around with men like Landon Collins, Tre Boston, Earl Thomas and Mathieu all looking for deals. Can the Honey Badger get himself a nice payday?

3. Anthony Barr

Barr is going to be fascinating. During his rookie contract with the Minnesota Vikings, Barr made the Pro Bowl four times in five years as a standout outside linebacker. Few players are more well-rounded than Barr is, but he’s not a pass-rusher. With only 13.5 career sacks, are teams going to value all the other traits he brings to the table, or take major money elsewhere because he doesn’t do well getting to the quarterback? At only 26 years old, Barr is going to be looking for his one big contract, but he’ll have to hope that it materializes.

2. Golden Tate

Tate is coming off the second deal of his career, this one with the Detroit Lions after spending four seasons — and winning a Super Bowl — with the Seattle Seahawks. Now, after being on the Philadelphia Eagles for a half-season following a trade from Detroit, Tate is the clear-cut top receiver on the market. However, that’s more because the position is thin there this time around, so do teams look toward the draft (which is also weak at receiver) or does Tate benefit from being a good player in a great situation? All it takes is one team being desperate enough to open the wallet with both hands.

1. Le’Veon Bell

This is simple. Bell is going to be the best player in free agency, and after sitting out a year, his situation is utterly fascinating. Buckle up.