So long, NFL trade deadline. We're moving on to 2020 NFL free agency. With several starting quarterbacks set to hit the market, next year's free-agency class has a chance to be earth-shattering.
ESPN's Kevin Seifert ranked the 25 best potential free agents in 2020, following the prevailing NFL wisdom that quarterback, pass-rusher and offensive lineman are the three most valuable positions. And while age typically is an important factor in free agency, we made an exception for a class that includes three presumptive Hall of Fame quarterbacks who are still playing at high levels.
We then asked our NFL Nation reporters to make predictions based on Seifert's list, picking whether the team they cover will re-sign, use the franchise tag on or let the player test free agency next March. Here are the results:
1. Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots
2019 salary: $21.5 million | Age entering 2020 season: 43
Prediction: The Patriots will re-sign him.
This is uncharted territory as no 42-year-old quarterback has ever started all 16 regular-season games, which probably best explains why the Patriots and Brady are in a year-to-year situation with his contract. Though there is discussion about Brady's plans for after the season, he is still operating at a high level, which shouldn't give the Patriots pause in extending his deal for 2020, and perhaps even beyond that. -- Mike Reiss
2. Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints
2019 salary: $22.7 million | Age: 41
