Top Remaining Free NFL Agents
NFL free agency begins today (on March 13th), and it’s going to be more exciting than it usually is. The NFL’s so-called legal tampering period started Monday, and there was a frenzy surrounding the lockup of the top free agents.
At this point, 17 out of 25 free agents have been locked into deals. That doesn’t mean free agency is over. Teams will still be searching for veteran help, but there are some viable options. This article will go over the remaining players and their prospects for the season to come.
For those who plan to make long-term bets, the state of the free agents can be a crucial factor in deciding which wagers to place. Before doing so, read the Betplay review and find the best odds and bonuses available.
Washington Commanders CB Kendall Fuller
Kendall Fuller has been a productive cornerback since he was selected with the 84th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft by Washington. Fuller finished seventh among cornerbacks in Pro Football Focus grades this past season. He’s 29 years old, so there’s a feeling that he will have at least enough time for one more contract. Fuller was instrumental in bringing his team to Super Bowl LIV against the San Francisco 49ers and winning that amazing game.
Fuller could land three possible teams: Cincinnati Bengals, Tennessee Titans, and Houston Texans.
Arizona Cardinals WR Marquise Brown
Brown was the first draft pick from the Baltimore Ravens, but that didn’t work out as the team planned. In the past five years, injuries have been a constant problem for Brown, and he only had one season in which he justified the hype around him. However, he’s not yet 27, and even though he will probably never be a number one wide receiver, there’s still a lot Brown can open.
It’s not yet known where Brown could land, but it’s estimated that the contract will be worth between $12 million and $14 million.
Jacksonville Jaguars WR Calvin Ridley
Calvin Ridley was once the most elite receiver in the league. Some of that shine wore off during his time with the Atlanta Falcons, in which he only played five games. He was also suspended for a year in 2022, and his time with the Jaguars was hit or miss.
Ridley is still only 29, so there’s a chance for a new contract for him if there’s a team that could get him to leave the Jaguars. There are rumors that New England is trying to do just that, but we don’t yet know what the offer is.
Dallas Cowboys OT Tyron Smith
Many are disappointed by this turn of events, but it seems Tyron Smith and the Dallas Cowboys will part ways. When he’s actually available to play, Smith is a force to be reckoned with on the field. However, due to injuries, he hasn’t been on the field that long. He played in 13 games last season and hasn’t played the full season for the past five years.
It’s not yet known where Smith will go, but the predicted value of his contract is about $15 million, according to experts.
Denver Broncos S Justin Simmons
Simmons is a victim of the Russell Wilson trade. The Broncos had a huge dead cap for releasing Wilson, and they decided to cut Simmons to save $14.5 million on the salary cap. Simon has led his team to the Superbowl and was the top interceptor of the league in 2022.
Simmons finished last season with 70 tackles, three interceptions, eight passes defensed, and two forced fumbles. At this point, he’s 30 years old, and there’s still a lot of great performances in front of him. It’s not yet known who may bid for Simmons.
New England Patriots OT Trent Brown
Trent Brown is partying ways with the New England Patriots. He’s been a great left tackle for two seasons, and chances are that he will move to a team with problems on the offensive line. The last season didn’t go well for Brown, mostly due to injuries that kept him off the court. He only played 11 games.
Brown is 30 years old, and he returned to the Patriots in 2021 after a short time at the Oakland Riders, where he picked up a Pro Bowl nomination.
Miami Dolphins LB Jerome Baker
The Miami Dolphins released Baker from his contract earlier this offseason, clearing $9.8 million in cap space after the two sides failed to agree on a restructured contract. There are reports that Jerome Baker will meet with the Tennessee Titans and that he’s the second free agent to do so after Charles Young.
During the previous season, Baker had 13 appearances, mostly due to injuries. Baker recorded 78 tackles, three passes defensed, two interceptions, and 1.5 sacks throughout the 2023 campaign. Over his time with the Dolphins, he accumulated 587 tackles, 22.5 sacks, 21 pass breakups, and five interceptions.
Miami Dolphins CB Xavien Howard
When Howard signed a deal with the Dolphins in 2023, it was the best contract any cornerback has had. However, Howard didn’t have a good season, and the team decided to cut the relationship and go in a different way.
Cornerbacks are hard to find, and Howard will explore other options. Howard has spent his entire career in Miami, becoming one of the best man-coverage corners in the NFL, corralling 29 career interceptions, earning four Pro Bowl bids and first-team All-Pro honors in 2020.
Washington Commanders S Kamren Curl
Curl was a seventh draft for the Commanders, but he made it to the first lineup based on his talent alone. He’s 25 years old and has had five great seasons with the Washington Commanders, so it’s time for a long-term deal that will have him set with a team for years.
There are already talks about Commanders re-signing Curl, but there’s little chance that will happen. Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons can both be good fits, and so are the Baltimore Ravens.
Baltimore Ravens G Kevin Zeitler
Zeitler signed a five-year deal with the Cleveland Brown in 2017. It was a $60 million deal, making Zeitler the highest-paying guard in NFL history. Zeitler is 34 now, so there’s little chance he’ll be repeating that kind of deal. He still has a lot to offer in the years to come.
There is news coming out that Zeitler may stay with the Ravens after all, as there are talks about renewing the contract. That will be his 12th year in the league and third year in Baltimore. The Ravens will also have to make a decision on fellow guard John Simpson, who will enter free agency as well.
Andrus Peat, OT, Saints
Andrus Peat is a nine-year veteran with the Saints. He’s been incredibly useful to the team since he was left tackle from guard this past season. Peat allowed just two sacks on 476 snaps in pass protection, with all but 61 of them coming from the left tackle spot.
There are talks that the Saints might end up re-signing Peat after all, given his age (Peat is 30), which will cost them about $3 million.
