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Open Debate: How Would You Approach the Top NFL Free Agents for 2014?

| February 19th, 2014

byrd

Chris Wesserling at NFL.com listed his top twenty-five NFL free agents for this off-season. Here is that list, with all of the offensive players removed:

2. Greg HardyCarolina Panthers defensive end
3. Brian OrakpoWashington Redskins linebacker
4. Jairus ByrdBuffalo Bills safety
5. T.J. WardCleveland Browns safety
6. Alterraun VernerTennessee Titans cornerback
8. Michael JohnsonCincinnati Bengals defensive end
9. Lamarr HoustonOakland Raiders defensive end
10. Brent GrimesMiami Dolphins cornerback
12. Vontae DavisIndianapolis Colts cornerback
13. Linval JosephNew York Giants defensive tackle
14. Jason HatcherDallas Cowboys defensive tackle
16. Aqib TalibNew England Patriots cornerback
17. Dominique Rodgers-CromartieDenver Broncos cornerback
20. Michael BennettSeattle Seahawks defensive end
21. B.J. RajiGreen Bay Packers defensive tackle
22. Sam ShieldsGreen Bay Packers cornerback
23. Walter ThurmondSeattle Seahawks cornerback
24. Donald ButlerSan Diego Chargers linebacker
25. Randy StarksMiami Dolphins defensive tackle

Today we are bringing back the Open Debates of yesteryear. Put yourselves in Phil Emery’s shoes. How would you approach this list? Would you target anyone specifically? Would you stay away from anyone specifically?

My answer…?

For the Bears it is all about the safeties. Sure a player like Michael Bennett or Michael Johnson or Alterraun Verner would be an improvement for a porous Bears defense. But their most definitive need is at the safety position and if Byrd or Ward manage to escape the franchise tag period unscathed, Emery should move his chips to the middle of the table.

I’ll take a few of the better responses and create a post with them later in the week.

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