12 Races into 2014 and Edwards and Biffle are Still FA's
By Richard Tix
Coming into the 2014 season a few drivers were on the hot seat and remained free agents. We are now 12 races into the season and typically contract talks (or lack there of) start to pick up. Rumors start flying and everyone seems to have an idea of where a driver should go or stay.
Going into Kansas NASCAR fans learned of a new Clint Bowyer contract extension. He signed a new 3 year deal with MWR and also 5 Hour Energy. He also learned he and his wife will be expecting a child with a "dingy."
Aric Almirola was also a free agent off the board early this season as he also signed a new extension with RPM (separate rumors come with RPM and Toyota, but that's a different matter). So that leaves us with a couple of big names (check out the 2014 Contract Year: NASCAR Drivers article from the start of 2014)
Just this past weekend Roush Fenway Racing announced that Trevor Bayne will be driving for them full time. Trevor will be running the #6 car with a full sponsorship from Advocare. By bringing the number 6 back on the track it still seems as though RFR is looking at the very least being a 2 car team. But, bringing the 6 back and not filling in for the 99 or 16 still leaves the door open to having a four car team in 2015.
The news is still out on Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle. With Bayne now in at RFR (and Stenhouse Jr still under contract) I will make an assumption that one driver is out the door. In my opinion Carl has much more in the tank and is a better title contender than Biffle so he would be the easy choice for RFR to bring back.
The Biff has spent a long and successful career with Jack Roush, but he is at a cross roads in his career. I think a move for him could be in his best interest. Maybe that one last shot of fresh air would help prolong his career and finally give him another shot at a title?
Big rumors have been going around that he could be moving to Michael Waltrip Racing to join Brian Vickers and Clint Bowyer. After seeing Truex Jr leave I think MWR has been wanting to get back to a three car operation. Biffle coming in would give MWR the sponsor ship (assuming 3M moves with him) to add that third car back into the mix.
I think a move to MWR would be good for Biffle and MWR as they would add another veteran driver. As for Carl, I can only see him moving if Joe Gibbs Racing opens up a fourth car for him. I think JGR has the operations to run four cars and could be a power closer to Hendrick with a fourth driver as good as Carl. In the end I do think Carl will stay put in the 99 at RFR though. As the weather heats up, so should the contract talks and eventually NASCAR fans will figure out where these guys will end up.
What do you think? Where should Edwards and Biffle go? Should they stay? Will RFR be a four car team in 2015? Will MWR open up a third spot? How about JGR? Let me know your thoughts!
