Does it pay to speculate on the retirement of these great NFL players on All Day?
Anthony Barr LB
Ndamukong Suh
Dont'a Hightower
Joe Haden
Cam Newton
You could make a very believable argument that a couple of those players will probably make it into the Hall of Fame.
In a recent video on our Pro Sports Podcasters Youtube channel I mentioned the possibility that a Retirement Challenge could be coming this summer. https://youtu.be/4YnK8UlF_aY
I listed off the official retirees, and included Richard Sherman as someone that may call it quits this summer. Sherman has had a great career, has won a Super Bowl, played for a few teams, and has one of the best sound bites ever recorded in football. It wouldn't surprise me if he hung up his cleats.
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It's important to know that none of the players I have listed want to retire. They all believe they still have a few years left of great football in them. The real question is whether or not there's a team that agrees. I will order them from the most likely to sign a new contract to the least.
Anthony Barr
Linebacker
30 years old
Anthony Barr has played his entire career with the Minnesota Vikings. He was selected to the Pro Bowl four years straight from 2015 to 2018. The last few seasons have been shortened due to assorted injuries, and that's why Anthony Barr is still a Free Agent.
Anthony Barr wants to be paid like an elite Pro Bowl Linebacker, but his best years are behind him. Plus it's likely he will miss time due to injury. Still there are a lot of teams that could use a veteran Linebacker so I expect him to get signed.
Dont'a Hightower
Linebacker
32 years old
Dont'a Hightower is in a very similar situation as Anthony Barr. He has played his entire career with one team. He has dealt with injuries throughout his career. He has been selected to two Pro Bowls, with the last selection in 2019.
As the Captain of the Defense, the New England Patriots would like to keep him. Unfortunately the Patriots aren't known to be big spenders, and Hightower wants to get paid.
I believe it's more likely that he gets a 1 or 2 year deal from a Contender for more than the Patriots are offering.
Joe Haden
Cornerback
33 years old
Joe Haden has played the first half of his career with the Cleveland Browns, and the second half with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He has been selected to three Pro Bowls, and it's very unlikely he will sign a new contract with the Steelers.
Unlike the previous two players on this list Joe Haden is well aware that his skills have diminished some. He isn't the lock down Cornerback he used to be. That doesn't mean he still isn't valuable though. His football IQ is off the charts. He can definitely cover slot Receivers, or shut down a Tight End. Depending on a team's needs he could be moved to Safety as well.
In a Pass happy league, a Cornerback with Joe Haden's veteran leadership is a welcome addition. Any team looking to add depth to their Defensive Backs room, and mentor young dynamic Cornerbacks should sign Joe Haden.
Cam Newton
Quarterback
33 years old
We have seen two versions of Cam Newton in the NFL. The Cam Newton before Super Bowl 50 that won the league MVP award, and the Cam Newton after losing Super Bowl 50.
As a former league MVP there are still teams interested in adding Cam Newton to their roster. The problem for Cam Newton is that these teams don't want to sign him as a starter.
Cam wants to play, but he might only get on the field for special Option packages. Very similar to how the New Orleans Saints used Taysom Hill. That's not good enough for Cam.
He is waiting for an opportunity to start, or at least be part of a competition to start. His best chance of getting what he wants is to wait and hope a starting Quarterback gets injured or a team isn't happy with their current Quarterback.
Ndamukong Suh
Defensive Tackle
35 years old
Ndamukong Suh has had a great career. 5 time Pro Bowler, Defensive Rookie of the year, and has won a Super owl.
He isn't the wrecking ball that used to terrorize Quarterbacks and Running Backs a few years back. His last two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have provided him the luxury of only being asked to rush the passer. Most teams don't have that luxury.
Honestly I don't see a great fit for Ndamukong Suh at this point in his career. Unless a true Super Bowl contender believes all they require is a bit of pressure up the middle to put them over the top. It would have to be a contender because I don't believe Ndamukong Suh would be motivated otherwise.
Do you think retired players are worth having in your Collection? Let us know in the Comments!
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