1 |
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He's getting older and coming back from injury, but he still hasn't had a decisive postseason run. But even consistent quarterback play is hard to find, and Cousins remains a borderline top-10 pocket passer with an eye for big plays. (Contract with Falcons) |
2 |
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Returning to full fitness after several injury-plagued seasons, Hunter remains one of the most productive and physically imposing defenders in the game. He has almost as many sacks (87.5) as starts (90). (Contract with Texans) |
3 |
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Williams was more of a solid than special pass rusher before his contract year, but since entering the NFL he's been a solid interior gap plugger. He's as reliable a run defender as they come. (Contract with Raiders) |
Four |
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Queens didn't always live up to expectations until the arrival of Roquan Smith, but even after being the star of an elite defense, Queens still has the size, speed and physicality to make a difference between the sidelines. It was equipped with (Contract with Steelers) |
Five |
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In his debut with the Jaguars, he had some iffy chemistry with Trevor Lawrence and looked rusty at times. But even at 29 years old, Ridley boasts incredible speed and big-play experience that makes him a higher-level threat downfield. (Contract with Titans) |
6 |
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Running backs are more replaceable than ever before, and he's had some slowdowns due to injuries. But Barkley is only 27 years old and has the dynamism of a dual-threat that is hard to handle when healthy. (Contract with Eagles) |
7 |
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Williams, who joined the New York Giants in mid-2023, has performed well with three different teams/systems during his career. Even in his downturn, he was a solid performer as a versatile interior man. (Re-signed with Seahawks) |
8 |
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Simmons, who suffered a cap injury in Denver, has battled injuries the past two years and is no spring chicken at age 31. But few defensive backs have been better leaders or ballhawks since he arrived (he has 30 career interceptions). |
9 |
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Huff, one of the biggest projections in this year's free agent class, has started just seven games in four years. But the stocky, explosive rotation man was deployed very efficiently, coming off a 10-sack performance. (contract with the Eagles) |
Ten |
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While availability has been an issue at times in New York due to injuries on and off the field, the Alabama product has always made a far-reaching impact when he's healthy. At 25 years old, he is being looked at as a player who could make a difference in the long term. (Signed with Packers) |
11 |
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He has missed extra time in two of his four NFL seasons, but his pass-rushing impact has been consistent during his playing days. Will Anderson Jr. made headlines in Houston in 2023, but he led the DeMeco Ryans line in sacks and tackles for loss. (Contract with Vikings) |
12 |
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Henry isn't destined for big money due to his age (30) and attrition at a low-value position (2,030 career carries). But his credibility hasn't diminished over time, and his oversized physique should help him remain a force for contenders. (Contract with Ravens) |
13 |
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He hasn't played a full season in nearly a decade, so he needs to get legal insurance beforehand. But even at 33 years old, Smith ranks among the top left tackles, and a road-grading blindside blocker is always a valuable asset. |
14 |
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All the concerns about Derrick Henry should probably apply to Jacobs as well. His rugged physicality has left him with bruises, bruises, and slow growth. However, his excitement is high as a workhorse who can do it all, and he is only 26 years old. (Signed with Packers) |
15 |
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After stints in Baltimore and Arizona, it's clear that Brown is best suited as a No. 2 player, but he's only played 27 games with proven deep ball speed. . Put him opposite a decent wideout and he'll help take the top off the defense. |
16 |
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There may not be a more underrated free agent in recent memory. Floyd has never wowed with flashy numbers, but since 2020 he ranks 10th in total sacks (39.5 sacks). He is a solid player in this position. (Contract with 49ers) |
17 |
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Like Kendall Fuller, his resume bears the scars of submitting to Washington's poor defense. However, he was well-regarded for his play and overall reliability, and in four years he recorded 385 tackles. |
18 |
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After a quiet start to his career with the Jets, Luv has flourished as a downhill sack artist for the Panthers in recent years. He's an off-ball linebacker by trade, but he has a nose for the pocket. (Signed with commander) |
19 |
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One of several mercenary edge rushers on the market, Smith will be 32 when the new season begins, but he's as tenacious as they come, hitting 20 for a quarterback in five of the past six seasons. exceeds. (Re-signed with Browns) |
20 |
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Notice a theme with these top free agent wideouts? Unlike Calvin Ridley or Marquise Brown, Davis hasn't been the epitome of consistency, but hey, he'll fly. Considering he's only 25 years old, his elite burst should continue. (Contract with Jaguars) |
twenty one |
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Normally you don't want to poach a starter from a terrible defense, but Fuller is currently a relatively solid perimeter man for both the Chiefs and Commanders. You could do much worse in such an important place. |
twenty two |
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Did he set the world on fire with the Buccaneers? no. However, he still exceeded his expectations and provided impressive grit and improved ball control to lead the way into the playoffs. Call him a humble but highly valuable QB1. (Re-signed with Buccaneers) |
twenty three |
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Three times in his career, he missed multiple games due to injury. However, the former Cowboys guard performed well during his playing days, including as the anchor of Miami's line. If he can stay on the field, he still has a chance to make the Pro Bowl. |
twenty four |
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Hunt, like basically every other lineman for the 2023 Dolphins, succumbed to injury. But he had developed into a top interior man even before that, helping pave the way for Mike McDaniel's explosive run game. (Contract with Panthers) |
twenty five |
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It's hard to heap praise on someone who has been the “headliner” for New England's meager front line in recent years, but Onwenu is highly regarded for his versatility and has garnered attention as a legitimate tackle. He could probably start in any position up front. (Re-signed with Patriots) |
26 |
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This is a case of a resume upside down. Young's once-promising career was largely curtailed by injuries, but with tremendous physical talent and youth (he's almost 25 years old) on his side, he remains a long-term prospect. It's an interesting bet. |
27 |
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Running back, we know. But Swift finally hit his stride in Philadelphia, showing bursts of positivity every time he touched the ball. He may still benefit from pitching numbers, but at 25 years old he may be just entering his prime. (sign with bear) |
28 |
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Age was just a number to David, and his instincts and sheer tenacity were the driving force behind the Buccaneers' year-end playoff run. He may never leave Tampa Bay, and at 34 years old it's clearly a short-term play, but his feel for the game is still top-notch. (Re-signed with Buccaneers) |
29 |
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Rankins is rarely portrayed as a fearsome interior man, but he's currently putting together a string of reliable performances as a playoff-caliber defender. You know what you're getting here: a stable, gap-filling presence. (Contract with Bengals) |
30 |
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Zeitler, 34, has completed his 12th season, and there is no doubt that no matter which team invites him next, he will most likely be on loan. However, he played a key role in Lamar Jackson's MVP season front, earning him the first Pro Bowl appearance of his career. |
31 |
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A sort of third wheel for the San Francisco 49ers, Al Shaea completely emerged from the shadows of Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw in Tennessee. His best work comes near the line, where he could be a tackle-for-loss machine. (Signed with Texans) |
32 |
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Although he's getting there, the former star cover man had some vintage outings for America's Team in 2023. |
33 |
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He wasn't much more than a rotational contributor, but it's hard to deny his ball skills after taking seven picks. (Contract with Bengals) |
34 |
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The Lions' offensive line was an integral part of Detroit's Cinderella run. Glasgow was heavily involved in internal affairs. (Re-signed with Lions) |
35 |
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The presence of Myles Garrett probably helped in Cleveland. But he can still be a monster that cuts off the edge. |
36 |
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Despite the awkward position change in Cincinnati, there may not be a safer bet in this market than making the right tackle. (Signed with Cardinals) |
37 |
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The concerns after being released by Miami are his age and availability. However, he has a proven track record as a top-class playmaker. |
38 |
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Like Lavonte David, he is nearing retirement. Until then, he will continue to use smarts to compensate for the loss of his athletic ability. (Signed with commander) |
39 |
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Cornerback is a volatile position, but Nelson has been pretty resilient for all four teams that have used him. |
40 |
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Pollard was finally given a main role in 2023 and had no problems at all. As a change-of-pace speedster, he has added value. (Contract with Titans) |
41 |
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Baker, another cap casualty in Miami, did it all as a reliable defensive linchpin. Will he be able to stay healthy? |
42 |
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Despite the Eagles' collapse, he had a personal resurgence in 2023. But he might end up hanging up his cleats. (retired) |
43 |
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Brooks wasn't often a highlight reel star, but his consistency and durability stood out in Seattle. (Dolphin sign) |
44 |
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After several solid seasons with the Broncos, Risner worked well as the final addition to Minnesota's interior. |
45 |
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He's clearly suited for a gadget role, but his versatile versatility still gives him value as a No. 3 wideout. |
46 |
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There are concerns about his medical record, but Leader has the size, skill and experience to be a tone-setter in the trenches. |
47 |
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Whitehead is an underrated back-end leader on the Jets' tough defense and also played for the title-winning Bucks in 2020. |
48 |
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The always energetic center fielder has a knack for making timely plays, although he has struggled to stay on the field the past two years. (Contract with Eagles) |
49 |
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He has now featured multiple times in the playoffs for the Rams, providing range on the back end and strong tackling marks. |
50 |
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Yes, he's older, but he also has experience as a smart, instinctive leader of the linebacker corps. (Contract with Panthers) |