RADIO
It’s always a frenzy once NFL free agency opens. Teams with cap space open their wallets to acquire athletes that can address glaring holes in their roster. Speculations arise during the legal tampering period, but nothing is certain until the league-mandated free agency commences. Likewise, the bidding war for the top free agents intensifies.
Sports networks and websites report the signings like dominoes falling one after the other. Die-hard fans of many teams celebrate the acquisitions by flooding social media with jovial videos and comments. Conversely, other fanbases show frustration with the inactivity from their team. Analysts and podcasters dissect the updates, especially how the additions help their cause.
Several players have either re-signed with their squads or agreed to join another team. With all the movements since free agency began on March 15, here are some noteworthy players who are not yet under contract as of this writing.
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Odell Beckham Jr., WR
The three-time Pro Bowler is still making his way back after tearing his ACL in Super Bowl LVI. He had a private workout to prove he is ready to play again, and 11 teams reportedly attended the session. Beckham dazzled those in attendance with his movement and his patented one-handed catches.
But while he seems to be in great shape, the two-time All-Pro will only accept a bargain if the offer comes from a contender that can help him win his second Super Bowl title. However, two ACL injuries in two years might adversely affect his earning potential.
Poona Ford, DT
Ford registered 3.0 sacks and 35 total tackles while playing in all 17 games for the Seahawks in 2022. Nevertheless, his playing style did not fit Seattle defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt’s system.
However, he is still an effective disruptor against the passing game and an able run-stopper. Ford can still play at a high level and be an asset to teams other than the Seattle Seahawks.
Leonard Floyd, LB
The Los Angeles Rams didn't release Floyd because of declining output. Instead, the team wanted to clear cap space, and his $22 million hit became a liability. It’s fascinating that he remains without a contract more than a week after free agency started.
Who wouldn’t want a player who tallied 29 sacks in three years, including 9.5 in the Rams' Super Bowl-winning season? While a knee injury hampered his performance, Floyd still played in all games for Los Angeles in 2022. The Georgia alumnus is a massive plus for NFL teams struggling to stop the run and who are having difficulty getting to opposing quarterbacks.
Frank Clark, DE
Clark’s four-year stint with the Kansas City Chiefs ended unceremoniously after both sides failed to rework a deal. He was still a productive cog in the team’s second Super Bowl-winning season during the Patrick Mahomes era, finishing with five sacks and 25 solo tackles.
However, his motor is in question, and he sometimes looks gassed after extensive playing time. Clark will still be a reliable presence on the defensive end for the team that will sign him. But using him for three downs might be too much.
Yannick Ngakoue, DE
Teams looking to bolster their pass rush can consider the defensive end from Maryland. After collecting 10 sacks in his lone season with the Las Vegas Raiders, he had 9.5 last year for the Indianapolis Colts despite missing two games.
But while an effective edge rusher, Ngakoue struggles to contain ball handlers during running plays. No wonder he has failed to become a fixture in his team’s long-term plans after finishing his rookie contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. His new team will be his fifth in four seasons.
Jadeveon Clowney, DE
Clowney’s stay with the Cleveland Browns ended on a whimper when he finished with two sacks in 12 games. He also voiced out his thoughts about what he perceived as limited usage. Aside from the declining production, his health is also an issue.
But given the right motivation, Clowney can still be a productive edge rusher. Unfortunately, he has no leverage to negotiate anything near the $11 million maximum value he had last season.
Rock Ya-Sin, CB
Ya-Sin was the Colts’ trading piece to land Yannick Ngakoue. The team getting him will benefit from his ability in man coverage. His physicality can help set the tone for an aggressive defense.
Marcus Peters, CB
Peters looked great after missing the 2021 season because of an ACL tear. The veteran from Washington had 35 solo tackles and a sack in 13 games. That bounce-back season should be a great vantage point for teams that want to upgrade their defensive backfield with a proven leader. They are getting a four-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler who once led the league in interceptions.
Richie James, WR
James played for the Giants in 2022 and compiled 569 yards and four touchdowns, both career highs. That’s a remarkable rebound from knee surgery a year earlier. He was impressive in his last two regular season games, where he had 90 yards against the Minnesota Vikings and 76 yards versus the Colts. Aside from contributing to the passing game, he can also be an asset in returning kicks and punts.
Dalton Risner, OG
The offensive lineman from Kansas State remaining unsigned is surprising. The Broncos could bring him back, but they cannot spend a fortune given their salary cap constraints.
The offseason movements for the Denver offensive line might indicate a run-heavy offense in 2023. Risner excels in run blocking, making him an excellent fit for Sean Payton’s system. If he doesn’t return, his next team will get a lineman that allowed only three sacks and incurred just one penalty all season.
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