With each start of a new season, NFL teams try to improve in the short term by offering a lot of dollars to attract free agents.
This practice poses a risk, however, as organizations may overpay a player whose performance is declining, or who is likely to spend more time in the infirmary than on the football pitches.
Here are five players the 32 clubs on the Goodell Circuit must avoid when the free agent market opens on Wednesday.
– Richard Sherman, demi de coin
After missing a game in his first six seasons, Richard Sherman suffered from numerous injuries. He has not played a full campaign since 2016 and has had both ankle surgery in recent years.
Sherman will be 33 in the next NFL season. In health, he is still very good, but it is a safe bet that he will not play 16 games in 2021.
– Jadeveon Clowney, defensive end
Jadeveon Clowney’s value has greatly diminished, as have her stats for that matter.
After totaling 18.5 quarterback sacks in the 2017 and 2018 campaigns, he was limited to three sacks in 2019 and 2020. He also did not hit any pivot last season. However, it should be noted that it was limited to 13 (2019) and 8 (2020) matches during these campaigns.
The former first overall pick in the 2014 draft is too much of a risk to award a large guaranteed amount.
– Will Fuller, wide receiver
Since joining the NFL in 2016, the 26-year-old has always missed games. The first four years it was due to serious injuries. In 2020, he was suspended for using performance enhancing substances.
In 11 games, he still set career highs with 53 catches for 879 yards and eight majors.
It would be very dangerous to offer him a contract related to these figures.
– Patrick Peterson, cornerback
At almost 31 years old, Patrick Peterson is no longer the player who received eight invitations to the Pro Bowl game. Last year, 67% of the times the intended receiver had to be under the veteran’s supervision, a pass was still completed.
He was also the NFL’s most-punished defensive player, allowed five majors and only broke four passing attempts.
– KJ Wright, linebacker
The former Seattle Seahawks flagship does not hide it: he wants to get a lot of money and in the long term for his next deal.
The problem for a team looking for a linebacker is that KJ Wright will be 32 in 2021. Without wanting to be ageism, the majority of players starting at this position are under 30 years old. Last year, the Mississippi State University product missed 13 of its tackles. This is a peak for him since 2014.
