10 best remaining NFL free agents
With the 2017 NFL Draft now only a few short weeks away, the flurry that is free agency has slowed down. Most teams have invested large amounts of money into areas of need and will now patiently await their next opportunity to improve.
That, of course, is not to say talented free agents don’t remain. In fact, quite a few extremely talented players — even future Hall of Famers — find themselves stuck in limbo for one reason or another.
Who are those players? Why are they currently unsigned? Let’s take a look at the top remaining NFL free agents.
10. Victor Cruz, wide receiver
This spot could have just as easily gone to wide receiver Anquan Boldin, defensive end Trent Cole or even quarterback Robert Griffin III. But instead, we’re going with Victor Cruz.
It’s not so much of a surprise that Cruz remains unsigned, but it’s unlikely his NFL career is over following a release by the New York Giants.
Cruz missed much of the 2014 season after suffering a ruptured Achilles’ tendon, and he did not play the entire 2015 season due to lingering calf issues that included blood clotting. But in 2016, Cruz returned to the field and played relatively well considering he was thrust into a completely new and unknown role.
With the addition of Sterling Shepard, the Giants moved Cruz outside and it was clear he lacked a level of comfort away from the slot. Despite that, he still hauled in 39 receptions for 586 yards and one touchdown.
Even at 30 years old, Cruz still has a little something to offer a team in need of an inside receiver.
9. DeAndre Levy, linebacker
There’s no secret as to why DeAndre Levy remains unsigned. The eight-year veteran, who has recorded over 600 tackles and been named an All-Pro, is recovering from surgery to repair a meniscus tear that cost him much of the 2016 season.
Levy has claimed his knee injury was much more significant than initially believed and that he never should have returned to the field a season ago. As a result, he’s undergone an additional procedure and teams may have legitimate questions about his health, especially considering he’s also missed time in recent years due to a hip injury.
For his part, Levy believes he’s on the right track and entirely capable of returning to form once he’s cleared to play. And if that’s truly the case, it makes him one of the best remaining 4-3 linebackers.
It may take Levy quite some time to find his next team, but it will come eventually. And if he’s healthy enough to start the 2017 regular season, someone is going to get themselves a bargain play-maker.
8. Brandon Flowers, cornerback
Brandon Flowers may be on the wrong side of 30, but after being released by the San Diego Chargers, he became one of the best veteran defensive backs available.
A former second-round pick and 2013 Pro Bowler, Flowers struggled with injury the previous two seasons, missing a combined 15 games, which explains his release. It also explains why teams are dragging their feet in signing him, as they are likely waiting until after the NFL Draft.
When that time inevitably comes, Flowers will undoubtedly draw the attention of several cornerback-hungry teams around the league. His experience and success, which is highlighted by 21 career interceptions, is invaluable in today’s game.
Even with his past injury issues, Flowers will be viewed as a potential high-reward signing.
7. Ryan Clady, offensive tackle
The offensive line market took an interesting turn once free agency began, with several marginal talents landing massive deals across the NFL.
Somewhat surprisingly, following his release from the New York Jets, Ryan Clady did not receive the same sort of interest as some players who are arguably less talented than he is. And although his one year with Gang Green did not exactly go according to plan, Clady is a solid all-around tackle who had some great seasons with the Denver Broncos.
With the stock trending downward for most offensive linemen in the 2017 NFL Draft, it’s entirely possible for Clady’s market to heat up a bit in early May. There are several teams around the league in need of a quality tackle, so why not try their luck with a four-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro?
Clady’s options will be more limited following the draft, but he’ll get his opportunity to rebound and prove he’s still got some gas left in the tank.
6. Gerald Hodges, linebacker
Gerald Hodges has received quite a bit of interest since the start of free agency, holding visits with the Kansas City Chiefs and Seattle Seahawks, but failing to land a new deal. He’s also expressed an interest in returning to his former team, the Minnesota Vikings.
Despite all that, Hodges remains a free agent looking for his next opportunity, and his situation could linger a little while.
It’s odd that a player as talented as Hodges remains unsigned, but it’s not going to be permanent. Eventually, Hodges is going to find a new home or return to an old one, and he’ll make an impact in 2017. For now, it’s just a matter of waiting for that opportunity to come along.
With Zach Brown signing with the Washington Redskins, Hodges is now the best remaining inside linebacker.
