By Cynthia Frelund | NFL Network Analytics Expert
Many things go into free-agent signings, including team need, contract cost and player preference -- and all factors must be carefully considered by NFL franchises in order to determine the potential consequences an addition will have on the entire roster.
We've already seen a massive trade (Russell Wilson) and a potential draft-shaping franchise tag (Cam Robinson). More quarterbacks figure to be on move -- oh, and the best signal-caller of all time retired.
With the salary cap officially set at $208.2 million per team for the 2022 season, it's a good time to play matchmaker, right before the free agency frenzy kicks off next week. Where would some of the bigger names on the open market fit best -- as in, where could they add the most wins? That's what I set out to find.
My win-share model, as explained here, is built around the number of times a player impacts first downs and touchdowns that lead to wins or losses, either by creating such first downs and touchdowns on offense or by preventing them on defense. With that data in hand, I matched the free agents with all the teams carrying needs at their respective positions. Using each franchise's current roster (and what's missing from it), this model maximizes where each free agent would add the most victories in 2022, also taking into account scheme fit and cap space (per Over The Cap).
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