The 20 Best NFL Free Agents
By Bobby Burack
Free agency starts next Wednesday, and you will start hearing names emerge in the days leading up to the official opening. Here is our assessment of the biggest names you will need to monitor.
1. Le’Veon Bell, RB
When last seen at the end of the 2017 season, Le'Veon Bell was one of the most effective players in the NFL. A running back that is an excellent pass catcher is immensely valuable to NFL teams in 2019. Some age and rust concerns come with Bell, but he should have no shortage of options.
2. Nick Foles, QB
No one player on the market can have the impact on a team that Nick Foles can. The former Super Bowl MVP is an above average starter on the right team with the right coach. All eyes point to Foles as the next quarterback of the Jaguars.
3. Landon Collins, S
At just 25-years-old, Landon Collins comes with major upside at the safety position. A team like the Packers could really benefit from adding Collins, who should have several bidders. The Giants may easily regret not using the franchise tag on Collins come midseason.
4. Trey Flowers, DE
It is always a risk bringing in a player that is used to Bill Belichick’s defense. With that said, Flowers has the skill set that projects to be a major upgrade on the edges for most of the teams in need.
5. Trent Brown, OT
The other top former Patriot on the market is Trent Brown. He also is the best free agent offensive lineman and better than what most teams have at the position. Any team in the process of rebuilding their offensive line will be an option for Brown.
6. Earl Thomas, S
With Earl Thomas, you are getting a terrifying injury history. But also a player not far removed from playing safety at one of the highest levels it had ever been played at. Thomas subjective risk/reward will determine his value on the market.
7. C.J. Mosley, LB
Mosley is a reliable linebacker who can be a steal if signed at the right value. He would provide a boost to the middle of any teams’ defense. The Ravens will take a hit if he does not return.
8. Kwon Alexander, LB
Coming off an ACL tear will likely hurt his value some. But it did happen in October so a return to form by midseason is in play as well as being ready to play by the start of the season. He wants to stay with the Bucs and doesn’t care if he has to transition to a 3-4 defense.
9. Tevin Coleman, RB
With Tevin Coleman, you are getting an explosive running back without much wear and tear. It remains to be seen what type of impact he could have running the ball with 200+ attempts, though. Tampa Bay makes the most sense.
10. Teddy Bridgewater, QB
His slender frame and knee injury that cost him multiple seasons is and has been an alarming concern. But Teddy Bridgewater is the second-best quarterback on the market and has value as a bridge quarterback for a team like the Redskins. When he played all 16 games in 2015, he was lackluster with just 14 touchdowns.
11. Ja’Wuan James, OT
One of the most underrated free agents in Ja’Wuan James. He is an above average right tackle which really is all he needs to sell teams on. There will be a market for James.
12. Anthony Barr, LB
Barr’s talent is undeniable and does a multitude of things well as a linebacker. He would be a fit anywhere and is one the safest free agent bets.
13. Dante Fowler Jr., DE
Fowler raised his stock with the Rams last season. Not a ton of potential comes with him at this point, but if a team is looking for a solid pass rusher, here is one here with Fowler.
14. Sheldon Richardson, DT
It was beginning to look like Richardson’s best years were behind him. He rebounded in 2018 and increased his stock. At 28-years-old, a fourth NFL team could be in his future.
15. Ezekiel Ansah, DE
Another player with a concerning injury history. Ansah’s interest will be intriguing next week because of just that. His speed should give him some options at a decent price.
16. Mitch Morse, C
Most won’t react when he gets signed and most won’t notice his impact. But the free agent center will be having an impact somewhere in 2019. As Pro Football Focus points out, the pass-protecting center does struggle with run blocking.
17. Tyrell Williams, WR
The long speedster is not a matchup teams get excited to defend. While he will never be a top-notch receiver, he is a big play waiting to happen. That is something there will never be too many of.
18. Eric Weddle, S
Weddle is still playing at a high level at age 34. A good locker room guy that would be beneficial to really any team. The ideal situation is with a team in title contention that is inexperienced in the secondary.
19. Devin Funchess, WR
Funchess did not have a great year but will still have options. He is a tall receiver that needs a fresh start from the up-and-down Cam Newton.
20. David Irving, DT
Irving has only played in 10 games the past two seasons. When he played in eight in 2017, he accumulated seven sacks. The potential is clearly there.