With the NFL draft now in the rearview mirror, opportunities to improve NFL rosters are few and far in between. However, there are still some quality options still available. Many times these seasoned vets can be had for discount due to the low demand. Either way, a team can get an impact player to help aide their playoff push in 2021 or get a high value mentor to help with any recently acquired rookies. We went through the remaining players, and breakdown the top 10 remaining Free Agents (in our opinion) and best destinations for them using contract and cap info from Spotrac.com:
1. Richard Sherman CB (SF 49ers): The former all-pro cornerback is projected to demand $18.2 million over two years after showing he still has some quality football left in the tank following a strong stint in the zone-heavy Robert Salah scheme in San Francisco. Naturally the favorite destinations what be similar or familiar teams such as the 49ers, Jets, and Seahawks. However, there were two surprise teams mentioned by Sherman himself to Stephen A. Smith, the Las Vegas Raiders and New Orleans Saints. The Saints have been cap-strapped off season, but the Raiders are an interesting team to monitor. I think his two previous destinations are most likely, as he would like to compete for a Super Bowl at the tail end of his career. A reunion with the 49ers seems likely as they have about $18.5 million in top 51 cap space to accommodate him and will still be looking to compete for a title in 2021. Destination?: San Francisco 49ers
2. Justin Houston EDGE (IND Colts): How much is left in the tank for the former All-pro? That’s the big question with Justin Houston. I think there is quite a bit left for him, mainly as a true pass rusher. Eight Sacks in 2020 is a good amount especially for a 33-year-old EDGE. I think he could be in the Market for an Edge hungry team like Dallas or the New York Giants, but I think a Mentor role could be available for him in Indy who will have money to spend. He reunites with Eberflus and the Colts D, and looks to help Kwity Paye with his development. His deal could be around $6-9 million for a year. Destination?: Indianapolis Colts
3. Melvin Ingram EDGE (LA Chargers): Ingram missed over half the year last year due to injuries, but when healthy has been a very productive player. According to ProFootballReference.com, he has recorded 24.5 sacks from 2017-2019 (3 seasons), while playing in 45 regular season games in that span. He was a key piece opposite Joey Bosa in Los Angeles and still has football left in the tank if he comes into the season healthy. His best fit is going to be the Gus Bradley scheme (4-3, Cover 3 heavy). Coincidently, Bradley is the new coordinator in Las Vegas under Jon Gruden. Spotrac has him commanding a 3-year deal worth up to about $34.2 million ($11.4 million/year). Three years at that amount seems hefty for a player coming off an injury riddled year. Less than half the league currently has $11 million or more in top 51 cap space, so I believe a 1 year prove it deal for $5-8 million could get this done. I like a team like the Jets or Cowboys who could use some EDGE depth to take a flyer on the former Pro Bowler. I believe he can find a fit in Dan Quinn’s defense that Bradley had used a variation of. Destination?: Dallas Cowboys
4. Geno Atkins IDL (CIN Bengals): Atkins has quietly been the anchor of the defensive front for the Bengals and has earned 8 Pro Bowl trips and 2 All-Pro selections. The bad part is that he was in Cincinnati, where his play has been under appreciated as they have floundered under Zac Taylor. Atkins can still be an extremely productive player, with the caveat that he stays healthy (missed half the season in 2020). Being closer to the end, rather than the beginning of his career, I think a 1-year rental in the range of $3-5 million could be expected. I believe Jon Gruden could take a flyer and helps shore up their defensive front with the former Bengal. Destination?: Las Vegas Raiders
5. Malik Hooker S (IND Colts): The former first rounder does not quite have the same pedigree as the previously mentioned players, but as it stands, he is only 25 years old. Injuries have plagued most of his career to this point, so a prove it deal could be his best option. If he shows up this year and proves his potential that got him selected in the first round, he could rejoin the Free Agency frenzy next offseason and really cash in. I’m bullish on his potential and think he could step up into a big role for someone looking for a true Center Fielder. Teams such as Washington Football Team or Baltimore Ravens could be in the market for an impact Safety after missing out on the top prospects in the draft, and both have around $15 million in top 51 cap space. I think John Harbaugh could take a swing on the former Buckeye for around 1 year $4 million. Destination?: Baltimore Ravens
6. Russell Okung T (CAR Panthers): Okung put together a modest season last year for the Carolina Panthers. According to PFF, he posted an average 73.0 Blocking grade, and ranked T-26th with 3 sacks allowed over 7 games. Russell has been an above average Tackle for most of his career and can still bring starting experience to an offensive line. Teams could show interest after the draft to help shore up their starting unit or get a high-level swing tackle. At 33 years old, with his experience he could have a similar market to another free agent, Alejandro Villanueva. He should expect a deal in the range of $8-10 million/year for 1-2 years, possibly more money if the team is brining him in as a clear-cut starter. Teams like the Indianapolis Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers, or even the Chicago Bears could be looking to fill needs at Tackle. I think another team, with a recent injury, could look to help establish a solid line up front and they just so happened to be one of Okung’s former teams. Who? Denver. Destination?: Denver Broncos
7. KJ Wright LB (SEA Seahawks): KJ Wright is coming off a season where he still is posting good stats (According to ProFootball Reference, 86 tackles, 1 INT, 2 FR, and 1 FF in 16 games), and have an impact on defense. He excels as an off-ball linebacker who is savvy in space and in coverage. He has spent his entire career in Seattle, and unless he takes a significant discount, will look to be playing elsewhere. His expected average annual salary according to Spotrac is in the $7 million range. That is pretty steep for a 31-year-old off ball LB with limited options. I would expect Cleveland and Denver to be possibilities. Fangio does love old school box do-it-all LB’s, and Baron Browning may take some time to develop may be more of an EDGE in our opinion. I like KJ to come in around $5-6 million per year and replace Josey Jewell in the starting lineup. Destination?: Denver Broncos
8. Oliver Vernon EDGE (CLE Browns): Vernon was a productive EDGE defender in 2020 for the Cleveland Browns as, according to Pro Football Reference, he amassed 9 sacks 36 tackles and 1 each of forced/recovered fumbles. He was a key piece opposite Myles Garrett, and after Cleveland decided to go with Jadaveon Clowney and Takk McKinley, Vernon is now the odd man out. He could be a key depth piece for a contender and could be a bargain at about $4-7 million/year. Some EDGE needy teams we mentioned previously could be in on the Vernon market, but I think Vernon will look to reunite with his former Defensive Coordinator in New York, who is now in San Francisco as a Defensive Senior Assistant. San Francisco should have some additional cap space to afford the former Brown’s EDGE, even after signing Sherman. Destination?: San Francisco 49ers
9. Golden Tate WR (NY Giants): The Journeyman Tate finishes up an injury riddled year in New York, where he only accumulated 388 yards and 2 TD’s (via ProFootball Reference). He is looking to continue his career elsewhere, as he is one of the top veteran options left on the open market. I do believe after the draft his market is cold since many teams will be looking to feed targets to younger options. One team I think he could come in and make an impact for would be the Tennessee Titans. They currently have 4th rounder Dez Fitzpatrick slated to start in the slot, they could look to use a veteran presence to provide an outlet for Ryan Tannehill. Tate could be a bargain option at this point, and I could see him getting a one year deal between $2-4 million, which fits in their budget of about $5.5 million top 51 cap space. Destination?: Tennessee Titans
10. Steve Nelson CB (PIT Steelers): Steven Nelson has let it be known that he is not happy with how the Steelers handled his contract prior to releasing him. He is still a young player, and could be an asset to a team who is looking for starting corner help. He started 15 games in 2020, accumulating 2 INT’s and 48 tackles (ProFootball Reference). I think a reunion in Kansas City could be in the cards for him as they may need some CB help. The pairing I’m here for is with the Cincinati Bengals. They have a ton of cap space (~$25 million), and after losing William Jackson they have a need opposite the newly signed Chidobe Awuzie. He would get to walk into Pittsburgh twice a year to compete against his former team. Destination?: Cincinnati Bengals
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