As we stand on the precipice of free agency, here is our Top 10 list of players (not franchise tagged) certain to hit the jackpot during the NFL’s March Madness:
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1. Jairus Byrd, free safety, Bills
AP A three-time Pro Bowl ballhawk (22 career interceptions) who will turn 28 in October. If the Bills ($23.1 million in cap space) can’t keep him, the Eagles ($24.1M) and Browns are logical landing spots — he played for Chip Kelly at Oregon and Mike Pettine was his defensive coordinator last season.
“A difference-maker in the secondary,” former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum tells The Post. “A great fit for modern-day football. Would greatly improve any team’s back end.”
Ed Reed Lite, in a class with the Seahawks’ Earl Thomas. The Chiefs ($9.9M) probably can’t afford him. The Jets ($23.3M) and Dolphins ($35.2M) can.
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2. Alex Mack, center, Browns
AP Eric Mangini’s first draft pick is the top priority for the Browns, who can match any offer and have $49.9 million in cap space. The Ravens ($24.9M) would love to have a premier center in his prime. So would the Giants ($19.3M).
“Smart, young dependable center who is a really good fit for his division,” Tannenbaum said.
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3. Branden Albert, left tackle, Chiefs
AP “It’s rare for somebody of his ability to hit the open market,” Tannenbaum said.
Albert, an 83-game starter who will be turning 30, will be targeted by the Cardinals ($17.8M) — who need to keep Carson Palmer upright — and maybe the Dolphins, who won’t have Jonathan Martin to kick around anymore. Albert picked the perfect time to make his first Pro Bowl.
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4. Eugene Monroe, left tackle, Ravens
AP Twenty-six-year-old left tackles who can pass block don’t grow on trees. He will do better than Jake Long’s $8.5 million average a year ago. The Dolphins, Cardinals, Bucs ($18.6M) and Panthers ($7.1M) , who just watched LT Jordan Gross retire, are potential suitors. Monroe is the Dolphins’ first choice to keep Ryan Tannehill in one piece.
“Good pass protector who’s been a dependable player and should be a starting left tackle for years to come,” Tannenbaum said.
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5. Michael Bennett, defensive end, Seahawks
Getty Images Super Bowl champs have $17.8 million in cap room. A reunion with brother Martellus in Chicago could become a reality because the Bears face a Julius Peppers Conundrum: diminishing returns (7 1/2 sacks), advancing age (34) and salary cap albatross status ($13.9 million base salary).
“He’s played inside and outside,” Tannenbaum said of Bennett. “Natural pass rush ability.” And he’s only 28, which is why the cash-rich Raiders ($64.3M) and Jaguars ($59.4M) are possible landing spots.
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6. Michael Johnson, defensive end, Bengals
AP Only 27, with impressive length, but his sack total dwindled from 11 1/2 to 3 1/2. “He got more double teams after Geno Atkins got hurt,” Tannenbaum said. Could be on the radar of new Vikings ($41.2M) coach Mike Zimmer, his longtime defensive coordinator, to replace Jared Allen. The Falcons ($19.6M) are always in the market for pass rush help (see: Umenyiora, Osi) and the 6-foot-7, 270-pound Johnson went to Georgia Tech.
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7. Alterraun Verner, cornerback, Titans
AP A 5-foot-10, 187-pounder coming off a Pro Bowl season (5 INTs, 26 passes defensed). Why might the Patriots ($12.7M) and Rams ($7.3M) among others, be interested? “He has quickness and long speed, and the fact he can play man-to-man,” Tannenbaum said. Quarterbacks had a 54.7 rating against him last season. Only Richard Sherman was better.
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8. T.J. Ward, safety, Browns
AP An in-the-box enforcer coming off his first Pro Bowl season (112 tackles) at age 27. The Bears ($8.9M) cannot stick with Chris Conte and Major Wright missing so many tackles. The Eagles ($24.2M) make sense as well. “Solid starter,” Tannenbaum said. “Physical.”
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9. Aqib Talib, cornerback, Patriots
Getty Images The big, physical corner everyone craves to match up with the Calvin Johnsons, etc. Ask Bill Belichick how much he missed Talib against Demaryius Thomas in the AFC Championship game after he went down early. Buyer beware because of character and durability concerns. “Very physical corner with good ball skills,” Tannenbaum said.
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10. Jared Veldheer, left tackle, Raiders
AP May or may not be on the brink of signing five-year, $55 million deal ($23 million guaranteed) to stay in Oakland. Tall, long, rangy and young (27 in June). “He’s improved since he’s been in the league,” Tannenbaum said. “Good athlete for his size.” Will cash in even though his 2013 season was sabotaged by triceps surgery. Being 6-foot-8 and 321 pounds helps.