March 5, 2017 - HeadtoHeadFootball

NFL

Is ex-Jets star Darrelle Revis a first-ballot Hall of Famer? Uh, not so fast

A look at what’s happening around the New York Jets:

1. Canton Island? Now that the Jets have parted ways with Darrelle Revis, this is a good time to take stock of his legacy. To paraphrase Bill Parcells, Revis will go to the Jets’ Ring of Honor on roller skates. The question is, what about the Pro Football Hall of Fame? A better question: Is he a first-ballot Hall of Famer?

ESPN surveyed 10 of the 48 on the selection committee, which consists of media members, and the overwhelming sentiment was that Revis already has the credentials for induction. Eight of the 10 said he belongs in Canton, with one no and one undecided.

It’s a different story on the first-ballot issue. Only one committee member said Revis deserves to make it in his first year of eligibility, which comes five years after he retires. Six leaned toward no and three said they’re undecided, with several saying it’s difficult to gauge a candidacy without knowing the strength of the 15 finalists in that particular year.

Darrelle Revis’ 29 interceptions would be the lowest by a Hall of Fame cornerback, but intimidated quarterbacks didn’t test him often. Alex Goodlett/Getty Images

A few facts to chew on:

Only two pure cornerbacks (Deion Sanders and Darrell Green) made it on the first ballot in the past 10 years. Of the 14 corners in the Hall of Fame, 13 played longer than Revis (10 years). Revis has only 29 career interceptions, far below the lowest Hall of Fame corner (Mike Haynes, 46). As noted by Bleacher Report, a handful of top candidates coming up have more interceptions than Revis: Charles Woodson (65), Ty Law (53) and Champ Bailey (52).

Revis hasn’t produced eye-popping stats because, in his heyday, he wasn’t tested often by fearful quarterbacks. But let’s be real: From 2008 to ’11, he dominated his position. As for his chances of making it on the first try …

“My guess is that you will know more when Champ Bailey comes up as a candidate in 2019 and, yes, I believe Champ will make it on his first try,” said Clark Judge of Hall of Fame Talk Radio. “Do I think Revis gets in eventually? Yes, I do. He checked all the boxes, with numerous Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections and a Super Bowl ring. Plus … he was considered the measuring stick for others at his position for a significant number of years, named to the first-team all-decade team for the 2000s, and that counts for a lot.”

Jason Cole of Bleacher Report believes Revis will make it eventually, but “I don’t think he walks in as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.” He cited Revis’ short career by modern standards, the low number of interceptions and his poor performance last season.

Barry Wilner of The Associated Press was the only one of the 10 to say Revis’ current resume still doesn’t meet the Hall of Fame standard.

“No, I don’t think he is a first-ballot guy, and I am not sure he’s even a Hall of Famer,” Wilner said. “His period of strong performances is short, though impressive. I compare him to Ty Law, who has been up a few times and who I would actually put ahead of Revis to get in. The caveat: If Revis hooks on elsewhere, as I expect he will, and has another big year or two, it would put him ahead of Law and over the hump with me. As of now, I’d say I would need strong persuading to vote for him.”

Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland said “predicting first-ballot Hall of Famers is a risky proposition because each class of finalists is different. … Timing is everything, and if it’s an overloaded class the year Revis is eligible, he might have to wait. The list of no-brainer, automatic first-ballot Hall of Famers is short.”

2. Gentlemen, start your checkbooks: Four days away from free agency, the Jets’ most likely targets are: Quarterback Mike Glennon, left tackle Russell Okung, safety Tony Jefferson and linebacker Kevin Minter. Jefferson and Minter played for Todd Bowles in Arizona, so they’d slide seamlessly into his defensive scheme. If they sign Minter, it probably would mean the end of David Harris.

3. Brandon, Brady & Bill: If the New England Patriots pursue receiver Brandon Marshall — The Boston Globe reported that there’s mutual interest — one factor in the discussions figures to be Marshall’s TV career. Assuming he continues his role as a studio analyst for Showtime’s “Inside the NFL,” Marshall will need to be in New York on Tuesdays for taping. That’s one of the reasons he loved playing for the Jets; talk about an easy commute. Tuesday is the traditional day off for players, but Bill Belichick runs a tight ship and — just speculating here — might not give his blessing to Marshall’s TV arrangement.

If Marshall signs in New England, you know he’ll find a way to haunt the Jets. That’s a lock.

4. Not-so-Magical Mike: Two years ago, Mike Maccagnan was named the NFL Executive of the Year, based largely on three player acquisitions — Marshall (trade), Revis (free agent) and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (trade). Now all three are gone. It shouldn’t diminish what he accomplished in 2015, but you’d like to have more than a two-year shelf life for big additions.

5. Quarterback talk: The Jets met at the scouting combine with Deshaun Watson and Mitch Trubisky, widely regarded as the top quarterbacks in the draft. Relax — this doesn’t mean they’re going to draft one of them. Teams are allowed to meet with 60 prospects at the combine, so let’s keep it in perspective.

NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock, for one, believes the Jets should stay away from a quarterback with their first-round pick.

“If you’re asking me whether the Jets at No. 6 should take a quarterback, I would emphatically tell you no,” Mayock said. “I don’t have a top-10 grade on any quarterback in this draft. I would not be in that conversation.”

In three of the past four drafts, the Jets have used two second-round picks (Geno Smith and Christian Hackenberg) and one fourth-rounder (Bryce Petty) on quarterbacks. And they’re still searching.

6. Money is the root of problems: Interesting comment the other day from ESPN analyst Bill Polian, who said the Jets had “bad financial chemistry” last season. He didn’t cite any specific examples, except to say it’s not good for locker-room morale when high-salaried players are outplayed by players who make less money. The most glaring example was Revis, whose shockingly poor season caused some resentment among teammates.

7. The endangered list: The Great Purge has claimed five players, all of whom are in the 30-and-up category. That leaves Harris (33), running back Matt Forte (31) and defensive tackle Steve McLendon (31) as the oldest players on the roster. I don’t believe any of them are in immediate danger of getting cut, but we’ll see how the offseason plays out.

8. Mangold wanted to stay: In an interview with the New York Post, Nick Mangold confirmed that he never was offered a pay cut, which I reported on the day he was released.

“I was hoping there was going to be a negotiation of some sort to get something worked out,” Mangold said, “but when you’re told, ‘Hey, we’re cutting you, and good luck,’ that really caught me off guard.”

NFL

Redskins make necessary move with Jay Gruden's extension

The Washington Redskins did what they needed to do, which was provide a sense of stability and sign coach Jay Gruden to a two-year extension. They couldn’t afford to enter free agency with so many unanswered questions surrounding the franchise.

The reality is that free agents choose teams based in large part on money. But the head coach is up there on the list, too. You want to know who you’re playing for — it matters more than the general manager, that’s for sure.

That doesn’t mean people might avoid a situation because of appearances, but the head coach — knowing how long he’ll be in place — matters. After money, it’s high on the list: Players want to know who they’ll be playing for now and in the future. Here’s a key: Gruden’s two-year extension is all for guaranteed money. This is not a move for appearance only.

Jay Gruden’s two-year extension is all for guaranteed money, so this was not a move made for appearance only. Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Had the Redskins done this shortly after the season, it might have made a difference in the pursuit of some defensive coordinators. If they had wanted Gus Bradley, as had often been reported, certainly it would have helped. Bradley opted for a place where he’d have time to build the sort of defense he wanted. He could go somewhere with a coach armed with a new contract, or one entering a pivotal season. Job security matters to everyone.

If you’re Gruden, this makes sense and was needed. He has two new coordinators, might only have his starting quarterback for one more season, might lose his top two receivers and might lose his general manager. That’s not the way to enter the fourth year of a five-year deal. His agent, Bob Lamonte, is one of the savviest around. It’s why Gruden received a fully-guaranteed contract in the first place, knowing what a tough place this has been for coaches. Getting him two more years in this situation was a must.

Gruden still has to prove he can take a team deep in the playoffs. But the Redskins also have gone from winning a combined seven games in 2013-14 to winning 17 in the past two years. They appeared to be a mess after his first season. It’s progress. Someone here is doing something right. That next step, though, can be the toughest.

But from the get-go, it’s been clear that Gruden’s main passion is just coaching. It helps him stay above any situations that appear messy, allowing him to move forward with what he must do. Maybe after the Redskins have more success he’ll become more centered on gaining power. But he’s also not a power-hungry coach. Perhaps having to do everything for years in the Arena League — as coach, GM and everything in between — made him realize all he wanted was to coach. Power comes with winning, so maybe that will change in the future. Certainly it will provide him more clout and say — why wouldn’t he use it?

Still, his focus hasn’t been on acquiring more power. That’s why a number of people I spoke to after Scot McCloughan was hired two years ago said how optimistic Gruden was about the future. He had someone acquiring talent he could trust. It’s hard to say who will be that guy securing players. Will it still be McCloughan? For how long? That’s a story on which we don’t yet have all the information. We all know the appearances. So does the NFL.

The other question becomes the impact of Gruden’s extension on the Kirk Cousins talks. It’s both hard and easy to give an answer. It’s easy because the desires have been known for a while in terms of salary. Just having Gruden around for possibly four more years won’t suddenly lessen Cousins’ leverage, thereby lowering his salary wishes. But it’s hard, because stability does matter to Cousins — and any quarterback. How much is that worth? As an organization, how much is that worth to you — to know who your coach and quarterback will be for the next several seasons?

The Redskins still will face certain questions over the coming weeks: What’s up with McCloughan? Will they sign Cousins? Gruden’s extension, whether intended or not (it came together rather fast), at least diverts the focus for the time being. How long that is the case is up for debate. It remains a pivotal offseason for the franchise. But this was a necessary attempt at stability.

Soccer

Dortmund's Reus to miss 4 weeks with torn thigh muscle

Marco Reus is back on the shelf.

The oft-injured German winger will be out of action for four weeks, as Borussia Dortmund confirmed Reus “tore muscle fibres in the back of his thigh” during Saturday’s 6-2 win over Bayer Leverkusen.

“It’s a real blow, because over the last few weeks and in particular in the opening stages today, which I felt were somewhat sluggish, Marco was the one who consistently got us going, who took the responsibility, who was alert. He has been incredibly stable for weeks now, he’s been playing at a high level and is a very important character,” manager Thomas Tuchel said after Saturday’s victory.

“It’s an enormous loss that takes the shine off the win.”

Reus, 27, has seen his career blighted by a collection of ailments; he missed Germany’s victorious World Cup campaign in 2014 after tearing ankle ligaments in a pre-tournament friendly, and was also forced to watch Euro 2016 from afar due to a pelvic problem.

One of the most versatile, exciting attacking players on the planet when fit, Reus has been limited to only 11 Bundesliga appearances this season, and will now miss a crucial run of fixtures as Dortmund looks to make a Champions League run while solidifying a top-four spot domestically.

Tuchel’s side hosts Benfica on Wednesday in the second leg of its Champions League Round of 16 tie. The Bundesliga behemoth is trailing 1-0 on aggregate after a slim defeat in the opening leg in Portugal.

NFL

Predicting the top free-agent target for all 32 NFL teams

Before teams can start negotiating with free agents on Tuesday, March 7, NFL Nation analyzes who every team’s top target will be once the market opens.

AFC EAST

Running back Mike Gillislee

I do not believe the Bills will aggressively look to sign outside free agents, especially considering they have 22 unrestricted and four restricted free agents to consider bringing back. One of their restricted free agents, Gillislee, was among the NFL’s most productive running backs last season. On 101 carries, Gillislee led the NFL in yards per carry, touchdowns per carry, first downs per carry and third-down conversion rate on runs. The Bills might choose to tender Gillislee at a second-round level or higher to avoid a situation like last offseason, when they lost restricted free-agent wide receiver Chris Hogan to the Patriots for nothing. — Mike Rodak

Linebacker Lawrence Timmons

The Dolphins ranked 30th against the run last season and need two new starting linebackers for 2017. Timmons provides a physical, veteran presence Miami desperately needs behind stud defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. Timmons and holdover Kiko Alonso would provide a solid duo for the Dolphins, and they could finish their makeover at linebacker by filling the third spot with a top-rated rookie in the first or second round of April’s draft. — James Walker

Wide receiver Robert Woods

The Patriots have several internal free agents to re-sign, but let’s go with a player from another team for this one. In 2016, the Patriots signed Chris Hogan from Buffalo, and it soon became clear how catching passes from Tom Brady maximized the potential of a player who had been relegated to third on the Bills’ depth chart. The 6-foot, 190-pound Woods, who is one of the NFL’s better route-runners at the position, falls into the same category. If he was coming from an offense that featured better quarterback play, he’d be rated much higher. — Mike Reiss

Quarterback Mike Glennon

Glennon won’t be the cure-all to the team’s decades-old problem, but he could be a moderately priced bridge quarterback who will buy time as the Jets continue to develop Christian Hackenberg and Bryce Petty. The Jets have to be careful not to overpay for someone with only 18 career starts, but desperate teams tend to make illogical decisions — and the Jets are desperate for an experienced signal-caller. — Rich Cimini

AFC NORTH

Wide receiver Pierre Garcon

Garcon represents the best free-agent fit for a team looking to replace retired wide receiver Steve Smith. He’s a hard-nosed possession receiver with dependable hands who would pair nicely with the speed of Mike Wallace and Breshad Perriman. Garcon would fill the void of Smith in making the tough, contested catches and becoming the trusted go-to receiver for quarterback Joe Flacco. This signing wouldn’t create as big of a splash as Alshon Jeffery or Brandon Marshall, but Garcon delivers more reliability. Since 2013, he has the sixth-most catches in the NFL (332) and has averaged 979 yards receiving per year. — Jamison Hensley

Left tackle Andrew Whitworth

The Bengals are rarely active in free agency, so re-signing their own players will be a priority. With guard Kevin Zeitler looking like he’s on his way out the door, the Bengals’ longtime left tackle and team captain will become priority No. 1 to re-sign to keep some stability on the offensive line. — Katherine Terrell

Guard Kevin Zeitler

Cleveland’s two starting guards from last season, John Greco and Joel Bitonio, must come back from Lisfranc surgery. Adding Zeitler would allow the Browns to move Greco to center, assuming he’s healthy, and Cam Erving to right tackle, which would give him one last chance to show he belongs in the NFL. — Pat McManamon

Cornerback Prince Amukamara

The Steelers won’t dip their toes too deeply into free agency, but they will search for moderately priced help when available and could use one more quality cornerback. Amukamara, whose injury history might affect his price tag, has adequate size and athleticism and can play press-man coverage. Many of the top corners will be overpriced, but the Steelers could find a sweet spot with this second-tier option. — Jeremy Fowler

AFC SOUTH

Quarterback Tony Romo

This is an interesting question, because the Texans don’t have all that many needs in free agency outside of a quarterback, and they don’t have a lot of money to spend. Assuming the Cowboys cut Romo, the Texans will do their due diligence and see if they can add the veteran quarterback. They are a quarterback away from being one of the elite teams in the AFC. That, along with staying near his Dallas home, would be attractive for Romo. Houston likely can’t trade for Romo because of the veteran’s large contract, but if the team can figure out a deal to work with their available cap space, it is a possibility. If Romo isn’t cut, the Texans’ top priority is likely re-signing cornerback A.J. Bouye. — Sarah Barshop

Cornerback A.J. Bouye

Defense is the theme of the offseason for the Colts. They’ve tried and failed in recent years to find a cornerback to go alongside Vontae Davis, who has made the Pro Bowl twice. Bouye will likely come with an expensive price tag, but he fits the mold of what the Colts are trying to accomplish with their roster improvements. He’s young (25) and has lockdown-corner skills. — Mike Wells

Guard Kevin Zeitler

The Jaguars’ guard play in 2016 was not very good, and upgrading the offensive line is the team’s No. 1 priority. Zeitler, who is regarded as the top guard available, can play both spots but would most likely slide in at left guard between tackle Branden Albert (who will be acquired in a trade with Miami on March 9) and center Brandon Linder. That would make the Jaguars significantly better on the left side, which should improve the run game and, the team hopes, take pressure off quarterback Blake Bortles. — Mike DiRocco

Cornerback Logan Ryan

The Titans have a big need at cornerback, and I suspect Ryan is less likely to get a crazy market than A.J. Boyue. When Titans GM Jon Robinson worked in New England’s front office, he had a hand in the Patriots’ decision to draft Ryan. He may not be the No. 1-type cornerback they need, but he’s the sort of player who can make the group better and understands exactly the sort of culture Robinson and Mike Mularkey are creating. — Paul Kuharsky

AFC WEST

An offensive lineman, take your pick.

Even John Elway said he hasn’t made the final decisions about who the Broncos can sign — he said the money “is not a bottomless pit” and that “the numbers have to make sense.” But Ronald Leary fits the Broncos’ free-agency profile in age (he’s 27) and his performance as a guard in the Cowboys’ offense. Leary started 12 games last season, and 15 in 2014. The question will be money seeing as the Chiefs just gave a five-year, $41 million deal this week to a two-year starter at guard in Laurent Duvernay-Tardif. If the Broncos want to sign one or two O-line starters in free agency, it will require a big slice of their salary cap space (expected to be more than $40 million). — Jeff Legwold

Defensive tackle Alan Branch

The Chiefs will have a massive hole, literally and figuratively, in the middle of their defensive line if Dontari Poe walks as a free agent. The Chiefs have some capable defensive linemen, most notably Chris Jones, Allen Bailey and Jaye Howard. But there’s nobody who can quite assume Poe’s duties, at least on running downs. New England’s Branch could be a short-term solution. Branch wouldn’t have to play much on passing downs, given the skill sets of Bailey and Jones. — Adam Teicher

Los Angeles Chargers

Offensive tackle Russell Okung

The 2017 draft class is weak at offensive line, and the Chargers need a player to bridge the gap if they decide to move on from King Dunlap at left tackle. Okung played all 16 games last season and is familiar with the AFC West from his time with the Broncos in 2016. The Chargers also plan to run the ball more in 2017, which fits Okung’s skill set. The Oklahoma State product could be a solid player to fill the void until the Chargers find a long-term answer at left tackle. — Eric D. Williams

Defensive end Calais Campbell

Imagine the Raiders going all in with a 3-4 defensive alignment, with Campbell and NFL Defensive Player of the Year Khalil Mack at defensive end and Bruce Irvin and Aldon Smith at outside linebacker. Even in a 4-3, Campbell could play inside, where the Raiders need more pass-rush help after finishing last in the NFL with 25 sacks. Campbell has averaged 7.0 sacks since 2009 and had eight sacks last season, along with three fumble recoveries and six pass deflections. The Raiders should have close to $43 million in cap space, but GM Reggie McKenzie still wants to extend Mack and QB Derek Carr. Campbell is expected to command up to $11 million a season, while linebacker Dont’a Hightower, another potential Raiders target, could get more. Running back Adrian Peterson could also be an option for Oakland on an incentive-laden deal. — Paul Gutierrez

NFC EAST

Safety Barry Church

Church might provide more value to the Cowboys than to other teams, developing from undrafted free agent to starter to captain. He missed four games last year and still finished second on the defense in tackles and led the unit in interceptions. The Cowboys value their own free agents more than going outside the building and will do what they can to keep him. — Todd Archer

Offensive tackle Russell Okung

The Giants are focusing their efforts on re-signing some of their own. They’ll add some other pieces, but they’ll mostly be second-tier players. Okung is their solution at offensive tackle after flirting with him last year. He stayed healthy in Denver and would at least give the Giants one proven offensive tackle. — Jordan Raanan

Wide receiver Kenny Stills

The Eagles want a receiver who can stretch the field and young playmakers who can grow alongside quarterback Carson Wentz. Stills checks off both boxes. He averaged 17.3 yards per catch this past season — good for third in the NFL behind DeSean Jackson and Chris Hogan — with nine touchdowns. Just 24, Stills could be paired with Wentz for years to come. — Tim McManus

Defensive end Calais Campbell

Campbell makes all the sense in the world for Washington, even though he’s 31. GM Scot McCloughan has said he doesn’t want to pay big money to free agents that old, but Campbell is the sort of player the Redskins lacked in their 3-4 front for a while: a lengthy end who can also be disruptive in a nickel package rushing inside. He’s a true pro who has taken care of his body. Once upon a time, McCloughan signed a young Justin Smith, who anchored the 49ers’ line; Campbell would give him an older version of that sort of player. — John Keim

NFC NORTH

Cornerback A.J. Bouye

Bouye is a 25-year-old lockdown cornerback who fits in Vic Fangio’s defensive scheme. After a breakthrough year in 2016, Bouye’s price tag in free agency will be expensive. But Chicago is flush with salary-cap space — projected top-five — and has a glaring need at cornerback. The only proven playmaker in the Bears’ secondary is Tracy Porter, who turns 31 in August. — Jeff Dickerson

Cornerback Logan Ryan

While the Lions could make a play for Ricky Wagner or re-sign Riley Reiff at right tackle, Ryan seems to be the type of player Bob Quinn is will like. Quinn has familiarity with Ryan from his time in New England; plus, the cornerback is an ideal No. 2 opposite Darius Slay. It would immediately strengthen the secondary and allow the Lions to focus on the front seven and the offensive line throughout the rest of free agency and the draft. — Michael Rothstein

Tight end Jared Cook

No less an authority than Aaron Rodgers said re-signing Cook should be the Packers’ priority this offseason. Their offense was measurably better with Cook on the field last season, even if he wasn’t the target. With Cook, the Packers went 10-3 (including playoffs) and Rodgers threw 25 touchdown passes and just three interceptions with a passer rating of 115.4, according to ESPN Stats & Information. It will take considerably more than the $2.75 million the Packers paid him last season. — Rob Demovsky

Guard Kevin Zeitler

Mike Zimmer has tried to sign a number of former Bengals since coming to Minnesota — with mixed results — but as the Vikings prepare to go after offensive linemen in free agency, Zeitler could be an ideal fit. The Vikings need a right guard after cutting Brandon Fusco, and an interior trio of Alex Boone at left guard, Joe Berger at center and Zeitler at right guard would represent a marked improvement over their 2016 depth chart. — Ben Goessling

NFC SOUTH

Wide receiver Taylor Gabriel

The speedy target is a restricted free agent and a player general manager Thomas Dimitroff said the Falcons intend to tender, probably at the second-round level (approximately $2.8 million). Even with the tender, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Falcons and Gabriel agree to a long-term deal at some point, considering the explosiveness Gabriel brings to the offense opposite Julio Jones. Not to mention Gabriel said he wants to be a Falcon forever. Gabriel tied Jones for the team lead with six touchdown receptions last season. — Vaughn McClure

Offensive tackle Matt Kalil

Look for the Panthers to make a run at the Minnesota Vikings left tackle, who missed most of last season with a hip injury. It makes sense on many fronts. The Panthers remain unsure about the future of left tackle Michael Oher (concussion), and tackle Mike Remmers is set to become a free agent. Kalil, the brother of Carolina center Ryan Kalil, could be had at a reasonable price of around $5 million a year. Even if Oher returns and Remmers re-signs, Kalil adds competition and depth. — David Newton

Defensive end Jabaal Sheard

The Saints have labeled an edge-rushing DE as a “must” for this offseason, but their options ran thin when Jason Pierre-Paul, Melvin Ingram and Chandler Jones were all hit with the franchise tag. That leaves Sheard as one of the best second-tier options. He has battled inconsistency in his six-year career with the Browns and Patriots, but with 36 career sacks, he has shown that disruptive ability the Saints crave. And New Orleans has always shown a preference for bigger edge rushers who can fit four-man fronts, so Sheard’s size (6-foot-3, 265 pounds) is a plus. — Mike Triplett

Wide receiver DeSean Jackson

If quarterback Jameis Winston gets his way (he’s made no secret about the fact that he loves Jackson), the Bucs will go after the three-time Pro Bowler, who would give the Bucs the top-flight speed that they have lacked the last several years. Jackson’s would pose a real dilemma for opposing defenses who double-teamed and shadowed Mike Evans all season long. The Bucs have approximately $69 million in cap space too, which means they can afford him. — Jenna Laine

NFC WEST

Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery

The Cardinals will enter free agency with only one big, tall play-making receiver on their roster in Larry Fitzgerald since they cut Michael Floyd in December after his DUI arrest. After next season, Fitzgerald may retire, making Jeffery an intriguing option for Arizona to pursue in free agency. He’s 6-foot-3, 218 pounds and a natural playmaker. His suspension is something the Cardinals could get past in favor of pairing another dynamic receiver, who could work the sideline and help take the top off defenses with Fitzgerald and quarterback Carson Palmer. And after next season, Jeffery could be left as the Cardinals’ No. 1 receiver, easing a transition into the offense’s future. — Josh Weinfuss

Wide receiver Pierre Garcon

The Rams need a couple of dynamic, playmaking wide receivers, and Garcon is a good place to start. New head coach Sean McVay knows Garcon well from his time with the Redskins from 2012 to 2016, when the WR played in all but six games and racked up 4,549 receiving yards. Garcon would love nothing more than to be reunited with McVay in Los Angeles, but he’ll probably end up going to the highest bidder, and nearly half the league will be interested. Garcon remains a solid, consistent receiver heading into his age-31 season. He’s physical, runs good routes and is still dangerous after the catch. He may not blow by defenders vertically all that much, but he’s great at those 15- to 20-yard in-breaking routes that McVay loves so much. He would be a nice complement to Tavon Austin. — Alden Gonzalez

Cornerback A.J. Bouye

The 49ers have needs all over the roster, but there aren’t many big-ticket players set to hit the open market who make sense in new coordinator Robert Saleh’s 4-3 defense. Bouye is an obvious exception, given that Saleh’s scheme is built on the same principles as the Seahawks. A tall, long cornerback capable of covering one side of the field is a good place to start for a defense that was 28th in yards per attempt allowed in 2016. Bouye is only 25 and looks the part of an ascending player who could be entering his prime. An added bonus for the 49ers: Signing a top corner would give San Francisco the freedom to move Jimmie Ward to free safety if they wanted. — Nick Wagoner

Offensive tackle Russell Okung

GM John Schneider said at the combine that the Seahawks were too young on the offensive line last year. Okung could step in, serve as the leader of the group and fill a major need. One of the risks in signing free agents is that organizations don’t know for sure how they’ll fit in from a culture standpoint. That won’t be an issue with Okung, who spent six seasons in Seattle. He turns 30 in October and had an up-and-down year with the Broncos in 2016. But if Okung signed with the Seahawks, he’d instantly be their most dependable tackle. Bringing him back makes a lot of sense if it doesn’t take a ton of guaranteed money. — Sheil Kapadia

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