Darnell Dockett should be a hot commodity, These teams could all use him
Yesterday, Darnell Dockett the former third round defensive tackle out of Florida State in 2004, was released. The move was very surprising, because Dockett truly wanted to be in Arizona, the only problem is Dockett did not want to take a pay cut.
Dockett was due to make $6.8 million next season, a figure that was too high for the Cardinals considering his age and the fact he’s coming off a serious knee injury. Well the aggressive pass rusher could have to look elsewhere for the money he wants.
Here are six teams that I feel would love to have him and would be willing to pay him some decent coin.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jameis Winston is likely their first overall pick, and although the Buccaneers have some decent pass rushers on their line, if they had Gerald McCoy and Dockett next to one another, they could be a very tough team to run on. Lovie Smith would love to have him, and remember Derrick Brooks still has his hands in the Bucs. Dockett and Brooks are good friends, so this move makes a ton of sense.
Oakland Raiders – The Raiders are supposed to pursue Ndamukong Suh, but Dockett is a cheaper version. Although, he is aging, Dockett would be a huge upgrade on the Raiders D-Line. I think the Raiders could lure Dockett there, because they have the money to pay him. Although he is 33 he still has a lot left in the tank. Raiders fans would you forgive him for the sign?
Green Bay Packers – The Green Bay Packers are supposed to re-sign B.J. Raji, but with LeTroy Guion getting arrested in Florida, they have a need at the position. If Dockett and Raji were able to get on the line together, they could really mess up some things in the NFC North.
Atlanta Falcons – The Falcons are expected to lose Corey Peters, and Dockett is a mean player. He would be a perfect player in Falcons new head coaches scheme. Dan Quinn would love to have Dockett in his system and this makes a ton of sense. Dockett would love to bring his tenacity to Atlanta.
San Francisco 49ers – The 49ers were all over Ricky Jean Francois when he was cut and he is not half the player Dockett is. Dockett is a fierce competitor that would love to stick it to the Cardinals twice a year for cutting him. The 49ers would love to have this guy and I am sure he would love the chance to play his former team.
Cleveland Browns – The Browns defensive tackles are horrible and let’s not forget they cannot stop the run. Mike Pettine loves aggressive and mean defensive tackles and Dockett is a guy that commands a double team. In a division that loves to run the ball, Dockett could really help the Browns edge rushers out by taking doubles in the middle.
Here are a few teams that I could see him going to as well:
Tennessee Titans with Dick LeBeau, Seattle Seahawks, Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens (If they let Ngata go), Dallas Cowboys (Recently let Henry Melton go), Detroit Lions (If Suh leaves in free agency), Jacksonville Jaguars (If Marks is not healthy enough to return), and the Chiefs.
He should not have a problem finding a suitor, the problem will be how much is he asking for?
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