The NFL saw an influx of over 1,000 players added to the free agent market over the weekend as team’s trimmed their rosters to 53 players. The results was a late surge of signings — the very last wave of free agency, if you will.
While a feeding frenzy has whittled that number down substantially, there are still some talented players available. Here’s a look at the top five best remaining free agents.
5. OL Stefen Wisniewski
A second-round pick of the Raiders in 2011, Wisniewski had a strong rookie season before eventually falling out of favor in Oakland. He spent a year with the Jacksonville Jaguars before moving onto the Philadelphia Eagles, where he saw time at both guard and center, including an impressive Super Bowl LII performance. However, after struggling in training camp and grading out as one of the worst centers in football this preseason, the Eagles decided to go in a different direction and cut the 30-year-old loose. A move back to guard would benefit Wisniewski and anyone who chooses to sign him.
4. RB Jacquizz Rodgers
After three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Rodgers caught on with the New Orleans Saints earlier this offseason and was thought to be another piece to their running back puzzle. That’s not how things shook out however, as Rodgers found himself among some surprise cutdown-day transactions. While Rodgers has averaged fewer than 4.0 yards per carry in his career, he represents an experienced veteran running back capable of both carrying the load and making an impact out of the backfield. For any team looking for experienced depth, Rodgers could be a gem.
3. LB Shane Ray
When the Baltimore Ravens signed Shane Ray this offseason, it appeared as if they had a long-term plan for him at linebacker. However, it became quickly apparent that the two sides simply weren’t a fit. When cutdown came, Ray went. A former first-round pick, Ray still possesses all the talent necessary to make an impact in the NFL, particularly as a pass rusher, but injuries have been the story throughout his career. Only once has Ray appeared in all 16 games (2016) and that has hindered what could have otherwise been a solid professional career. Still, when healthy, Ray represents a solid option for a team in search of an edge rusher.
2. WR Laquon Treadwell
This spot could have just as easily gone for former 1,000-yard receiver Michael Floyd, but given that his career is in a steady decline, Treadwell gets the honor. A first-round pick in 2016, the 24-year-old Treadwell became a bit of a bust for the Minnesota Vikings, failing to eclipse 350 yards in each of this three seasons, while reaching the endzone just once. Still, there have been signs of improvement over the previous two seasons, and while it didn’t workout in Minnesota, that doesn’t mean a fresh start would not greatly benefit the college star. In the right offense, Treadwell still has tremendous upside.
1. LB Brandon Marshall
One of the single most surprising releases on cutdown day came via linebacker Brandon Marshall, who was sent packing by the Raiders. The immediate assumption was that Marshall must have been injured, but that was not the case. Rather, Oakland simply decided to go in another direction — one of many questionable personnel decisions — leaving a very talented linebacker to hit the open market. In 74 career games, the 29-year-old Marshall has recorded more than 415 tackles with 25 passes defensed and two interceptions. While he’s already worked out for the Houston Texans, he shockingly remains a free agent (paging the New York Giants).
