Free agency opens in five days (FIVE DAYS!!!).
With a host of teams owning massive amounts of salary-cap space -- led by the Jacksonville Jaguars inching close to $90 million in spending money -- it's a good time for players hitting the open market.
A bevy of free agents could get massive contracts -- some might even say overpaid.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport joined NFL Network's NFL HQ on Friday morning to run down a list of players set to get big paydays:
Malik Jackson, defensive lineman, Denver Broncos
What Ian said: "One of the more underrated players heading into the season. Now he is looking at a deal north of $10 million. The Broncos, of course, are interested; the Raiders are expected to be interested; potentially the Bears as well -- with some of Malik Jackson's old coaches. (It) could get into the $12 or $13 million range."
Our take: Jackson was one of the most disruptive defensive linemen in the NFL last season. Few interior linemen with his upside reach the open market. With Denver needing to pay other players, he'll likely be too rich to remain a Bronco. He'd fit perfectly in Chicago, but is general manager Ryan Pace willing to fork over that kind of cash with so many other needs?
Janoris Jenkins, cornerback, Los Angeles Rams
What Ian said: "(The Los Angeles Rams) decided to franchise tag Trumaine Johnson, leaving Janoris Jenkins on the free agent market. The Rams are expected to come hard for him. Some of the other teams looking for corners: the Niners, the Raiders, the Jaguars and the Titans."
Our take: The top cornerback hitting the open market, Jenkins should and will get paid. He possesses the ability to lock down one side of the field, something that can be said of few corners. It will be interesting to see if some teams are scared off by any lingering character concerns -- which dropped him in the draft. Jenkins already reportedly turned down a five-year, $45 million offer.
Marvin Jones, wide receiver, Cincinnati Bengals
What Ian said: "Emerged as their sidekick to A.J. Green. ... He's expected to be pursued by the Bengals, of course, the Browns, the Giants, the Falcons and really anybody who needs receivers. He is a hot name."
Our take: Jones hit the open market at the perfect time. He's not a No. 1 receiver, but could get paid close to it if a bidding war begins, given the host of teams needing receivers. Jones could thrive in the right role, on a Golden Tate-like contract. But a team could end up regretting it down the road if they pay him a boatload to be a No. 2 wideout.
Jason Pierre-Paul, defensive end, New York Giants
What Ian said: "I am told the Giants would like to bring him back on a one-year deal, potentially make him prove it for a long-term deal down the road. This is also something he'd be interested in, assuming the money is right."
Our take: JPP's free agency is one of the most interesting. A team's opinion of the pass rusher will lean on whether they believe he will start tackling opponents when he gets used to playing with his mangled hand. There is a chance he never gets back to where he was pre-injury. If Pierre-Paul believes he will return to form, a one-year deal with New York makes a lot of sense, affording him another chance to cash in next offseason.
