Which Alabama football players have new NFL teams?
Alabama football fans love to watch former players succeed in the NFL. One opportunity for new beginnings is during free agency. Players can find new teams and make more money.
Even with a shrinking cap, there is money to go around during free agency. Some Alabama football players have already gotten paid. Here are the new signings and top free agents available.
Mark Ingram: Houston Texans
The first Heisman winner in Alabama football history began his NFL career with the Saints. He then became the voice in the locker room when he signed with the Baltimore Ravens, but he ended up being cut. He then signed a one-year deal worth $2.5 million with the Houston Texans. Houston doesn’t have a lot going for them, but Ingram will make some good money for a running back at his age. Even though this isn’t a good landing spot for Ingram, the money makes it worth it.
Dalvin Tomlinson: Minnesota Vikings
Tomlinson is one of the best interior defensive linemen in the NFL, but he never gets credit for what he does. He is leaving New York to play for the Vikings on a two-year, $22 million deal. He has a lot of money guaranteed, so this is a major development for the former Alabama football lineman.
Cam Robinson: Jacksonville Jaguars
Robinson was expected to hit the market, but the Jaguars franchise tagged him instead. That will keep him in Jacksonville for one year on a $13.75 million deal. He will likely be protecting the blind side of Trevor Lawrence in 2021.
Free agents still available
A lot of money has been spent, but there is still plenty up for grabs. The top former Alabama football players still on the market include Kenyan Drake and Ryan Anderson. Drake has seen success in Miami and Arizona, and some team will likely look to add him to the fold. Anderson has some injury concerns, but he still has plenty to give if he finds the right situation. D.J. Fluker is also on the market. He played guard and tackle for the Ravens last year and played in every game.
Reuben Foster might have seen his final NFL contract. He missed playing time due to off-the-field issues, but knee injuries kept him from seeing the field in Washington. He is a high-risk, high-reward player. If an NFL team can somehow turn Foster back into the player we saw when he played for Alabama, he will be worth the risk.
The other free agents on the market include Dre Kirkpatrick, A.J. McCarron, Kareem Jackson, Reggie Ragland, Damion Square, T.J. Yeldon and DeAndrew White. Out of all of these players, Jackson is easily the most likely to find a new home. He was a salary casualty when Denver declined his team option, but he is coming off of a career year.
McCarron is interesting. With many teams drafting young quarterbacks, he might be signed as a mentor for someone. He would not compete for a starting job, but his presence adds value. At the end of the day, Alabama football fans hope all of these players find quality landing spots and help contribute to Super Bowl runs in 2021.