Now that the NFL Draft has passed, it’s time to turn our attention back to the free-agent market as teams look to fill the rest of their holes on the roster. As usual, the first wave of free agency was chaotic as many of the top names came off the board but now it’s time for the second half of the frenzy to begin as we get closer to offseason team activities. There are still plenty of notable names on the market and now that the draft has come and gone, interest will start to pick up yet again for these NFL free agents.
(Note: Free agents as of May 2nd; will be updated when players sign)
Top Remaining NFL Free Agents Still Available
1. Jadeveon Clowney (DE)
In 12 games last season, Jadeveon Clowney produced just 29 pressures and two sacks with the Cleveland Browns. He also only mustered a total of four quarterback hits, his lowest since his rookie season. That being said, Clowney is the first among the top remaining NFL free agents because of what he’s capable of doing when he’s at the top of his game. In 14 games with the Browns in 2021, he had 53 pressures with nine sacks and 19 quarterback hits. Despite his inconsistencies over the last several years, Clowney will get interest and help a team in need.
(Update: Signed a one-year, $6M deal with BAL)
2. Rock Ya-Sin (CB)
An injury to end last season with the Las Vegas Raiders may be the reason why Rock Ya-Sin is still available but he’s the best player at his position left on the market. While only playing 11 games in 2022, he allowed a passer rating of only 82.6 as the closest defender (career low) and graded well in many categories throughout the season. While he might not be the top option on a team, Ya-Sin is a reliable player who is still only 26 years old. He has value on the market and will be a good fit on the right team.
(Update: Signed one-year, $6M deal with BAL)
3. Yannick Ngakoue (DE)
Over his seven-year career in the NFL, Yannick Ngakoue has been a very consistent player. He’s tallied eight or more sacks in every season, including 9.5 in 2022 with the Indianapolis Colts. The 28-year-old also had 27 pressures last season. Ngakoue is known as a pure-pass rusher, showing the ability to get in the backfield at all costs but he’s a liability when it comes to stopping the run. Despite his flaws against the ground attack, getting after the quarterback is valuable in this league and that’s why he’s still one of the best free agents available.
(Update: Signed one-year, $10.5M deal with CHI)
4. Dalton Risner (G)
Coming into free agency, Dalton Risner was ranked as one of the best offensive linemen available. As we sit here in May, he’s still on the market as now the best upfront. Risner brings versatility across the line with playing both guard spots and also has experience playing right tackle. He also brings consistency, starting in all 63 games he’s played in for the Denver Broncos the past four seasons. These two things are a recipe for success and bring a lot of value to his name.
(Update: Signed one-year, $4M deal with MIN)
5. Leonard Floyd (OLB)
The Los Angeles Rams released Leonard Floyd right before the free agency period. It certainly had nothing to do with his play, as he recorded nine sacks with 59 tackles (2nd-most in career), ten tackles for loss (2nd-most in career), and a career-high 22 quarterback hits in 17 games. Many thought he’d already be taken off the board early but for some reason that wasn’t the case. Now he’s one of the best free agents still available after the draft. This next wave should see him be taken by a team rather quickly.
(Update: Signed one-year, $7M deal with BUF)
Other Notable Remaining Free Agents
Robert Quinn (DE)
Frank Clark (DE) (Update: Signed a one-year worth up to $7.5M with DEN)
Marcus Peters (CB) (Update: Signed a one-year deal with LVR)
Ronald Darby (CB) (Update: Signed a one-year deal worth up to $3.2M with BAL)
Shaquill Griffen (CB) (Update: Signed a one-year deal worth up to $4.5M with HOU)
Casey Heyward (CB)
Donovan Smith (OT) (Update: Signed a one-year deal worth up to $9M with KC)
Isaiah Wynn (OT) (Update: Signed one-year deal with MIA)
Cameron Fleming (OT) (Update: Signed one-year, $4M deal with DEN)
Ezekial Elliott (RB) (Update: Signed one-year deal worth up to $6M with NE)
Kareem Hunt (RB) (Update: Signed one-year, $4M deal with CLE)
Leonard Fournette (RB)
Dalvin Cook (RB) (Update: Signed one-year, $8.6M deal with NYJ)
Justin Houston (OLB) (Update: Signed one-year deal worth up to $7M with CAR)
Myles Jack (LB) (Update: Signed one-year deal worth up to $2.5M with PHI)
Ben Jones (C)
Teddy Bridgewater (QB) (Update: Signed one-year, $5M deal with DET)
DeAndre Hopkins (WR) (Update: Signed two-year, $26M deal with TEN)
Jarvis Landry (WR)
Julio Jones (WR)
Main Photo: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
