A Few Free Agents to Watch in the NFL and Madden 25. - JohnDoe8865's Blog

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A Few Free Agents to Watch in the NFL and Madden 25. Stuck

Posted on March 4, 2013 at 11:30 AM.

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NFL Free Agency kicks off March 12 and that means it's time to look at the top players available this offseason. Where these players sign will have significant carry over for gamers in Madden NFL 25, great players give the user the power to enhance defensive schemes and add new offensive options. There's no need to mention free agents who aren't going anywhere, either by re-signing with their current team or being slapped with the franchise tag. So you won't find Joe Flacco (just re-signed to a record deal), Ryan Clady (franchised tagged), Dwayne Bowe, or Tony Gonzalez on this list. You will find impact players who change the expectations for the team that signs them in 2013.

4. DE Cliff Avril � Avril is seen by most as the best pass rusher in this year's free agent group and possibly the best free agent available overall. He turns 27 in April and looks to be in line for a huge contract. The words �Mario Williams money� have been thrown out by Avril himself. Avril picked the perfect time to peak coming into his free agent year and now it's going to pay off. Avril notched 9.5 sacks last season and with so many teams needing dynamic players who can get to the quarterback his value will never be higher. He's also seen as �scheme versatile� by many insiders, meaning he fits into both 4-3 and 3-4 fronts. Avril claims he'd love to stay in Detroit but that may not be financially feasible. The market is wide open for Avril with the Lions having first crack at him, but no team leading in his pursuit. Indianapolis would make a ton of sense, as they will be replacing Dwight Freeney and have a ton of cap room. Other teams where he would be a great fit (but not necessarily affordable) include Cleveland, Jacksonville, Green Bay, and Pittsburgh. Avril finished the year rated an 85 OVR in Madden NFL 13.

3. FS Ed Reed � Reed might not have more than one or two seasons left at most, but he is still an elite defensive play maker in the NFL. His combination of leadership, toughness, and anticipation make him a valuable commodity. Baltimore would love to re-sign Reed and they will try hard. Reed has flirted with the idea of joining Bill Belichick this off-season, making Ravens fans everywhere queasy. It seems to be a two team race to sign Reed, but don't count out the dark horse in this, his hometown New Orleans Saints. While it's impossible to transfer all of Reed's intangibles into Madden NFL 25, he will be still be an impact player. He's rarely out of position and he just makes plays. He's clearly on the decline, but still very, very good. Reed finished the year rated a 92 OVR in Madden NFL 13.

2. RB Reggie Bush � Reggie Bush comes into 2013 free agency trying to find his niche in the NFL. He isn't really seen as an every down back although he did carry the ball 200+ times each of the last two seasons with Miami. Bush has a history of injury problems but seems to have overcome that the last couple of seasons. Most teams view him as a 3rd down back and slot receiver combo, similar to his role in New Orleans. Bush has drawn interest from Detroit, San Diego, and Atlanta early on. His ability to further spread the field in Detroit with Calvin Johnson and the lack of a healthy Jahvid Best the last couple of season is intriguing. A return to the NFC South with the Falcons (now that Michael Turner had been cut) sharing the backfield with Jacquizz Rodgers would make an exciting offense even more explosive. His value in Madden has always been higher than his real value in the NFL and that will likely be the case again. Fans of the team that signs Bush will be happy to have him at their disposal in Madden NFL 25. Bush finished the year rated an 84 OVR in Madden NFL 13.

1. WR Mike Wallace � Most sports writers have Wallace headed to South Beach this off-season where his impact would be maximized. With Brian Hartline a free agent, the Dolphins don't have any real receivers on the roster besides Devone Bess. The Dolphins currently sit at #12 in the draft and the wide receiver class looks a bit uninspiring at that spot. Wallace however has options. The Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Cleveland Browns are the other teams rumored to be in hot pursuit of Wallace and his ability to spread the field. He would be an immediate upgrade for Carolina, lining up opposite Steve Smith. The pairing of Wallace and AJ Green would be downright scary for opposing defenses if he signs in Cincinnati. Wallace would be the best receiver on Cleveland, adding to a young core of Greg Little and Josh Gordon. Wallace has the ability to be the biggest impact free agent in 2013. Wallace finished the year rated an 88 OVR in Madden NFL 13.

There are many impact free agents to be signed this off-season but the above guys head the list. Keep an eye on the following players too: Greg Jennings (who just missed this list), Steven Jackson, Ahmad Bradshaw, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Osi Umenyiora, Paul Kruger (who will get massively overpaid), Branden Albert, and Jake Long.

What do you think OS? Which free agent will have the biggest impact on their new team in 2013-2014? Which one will make the biggest difference in Madden NFL 25?