The NFL free agency period officially beings tomorrow, but there was a flurry of activity over the weekend that took away from a lot of the suspense the start of free agency typically brings. A number of the biggest names set to hit to open market either re-signed with their respective teams (Randall Cobb, Devin McCourty, Jerry Hughes) or agreed in principle to huge contracts (Ndamukong Suh, Byron Maxwell, Jeremy Maclin) to play elsewhere in 2015. The onslaught of signings over the weekend doesn't even include the likes of Justin Houston, Dez Bryant, Demaryius Thomas and Jason Pierre-Paul, who were all given the franchise tag last Monday. Despite the fact that a majority of the loaded 2015 free agency class are already locked up, there's still a bevy of talent available that could drastically improve a roster for the upcoming season. Here are my picks for the 10 best free agents still available.
10.Nick Fairley, defensive tackle (Most Recent Team: Detroit Lions)
Nick Fairley may not have the consistency or pass-rushing ability that his former Lions teammate Ndamukong Suh has, but when he's on, he's one of the most dominant defensive tackles in the NFL. You're definitely taking a gamble if you sign Fairley, but it's a gamble that could pay serious dividends for a team in need of interior line help.
Possible Destinations: Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts, Oakland Raiders, Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots
9.Mike Iupati, guard (Most Recent Team: San Fransisco 49ers)
Mike Iupati is coming off a bit of a down year in 2014, but that shouldn't effect his ability to pick up a relatively hefty contract this offseason. He's one of the most consistently dominant run-blocking offensive lineman in the NFL and would be a huge help for any squad looking to establish a power-run game.
Possible Destinations: San Fransisco 49ers, Denver Broncos, Atlanta Falcons, Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, Seattle Seahawks, Carolina Panthers, New England Patriots
8.Michael Crabtree, wide receiver (Most Recent Team: San Fransisco 49ers)
With
Randall Cobb and Jeremy Maclin off the board, the value of Michael
Crabtree has skyrocketed in a so-so free agent wide receiver class.
Crabtree is coming off a subpar season with the 49ers and has a lengthy
injury history, but when he's healthy, he's one of the league's premier
possession receivers who could flourish if placed in the right system.
Possible Destinations: Oakland Raiders,Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Bears, St. Louis Rams, Tennessee Titans, Houston Texans
7.Rodney Hudson, center (Most Recent Team: Kansas City Chiefs)
If I were to pick a most underrated player in this free agent class, it would be Rodney Hudson by a long shot. Hudson has been a rock for The Chiefs over the past few seasons and while his desire to become the highest-paid center in the league will more than likely not be met, whoever ends up with him is getting an elite center who excels in both rush and pass blocking.
Possible Destinations: Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants, Oakland Raiders, Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins
6. Bryan Bulaga, tackle (Most Recent Team: Green Bay Packers)
The offensive line class is very thin this year-especially at tackle- which makes the value of veteran with starting experience on both sides of the line like Bryan Bulaga that much higher. Bulaga has been been productive for the Packers for four seasons and while he's not an elite tackle, he's a consistently reliable player that can come in and immediately bring stability to an o-line in need.
Possible Destinations: Green Bay Packers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Buffalo Bills, St. Louis Rams, New York Giants, Tennessee Titans
, Carolina Panthers
5.Terrance Knighton, defensive tackle (Most Recent Team: Denver Broncos)
With Ndmuakong Suh already off the board, Terrance "Pot Roast" Knighton is now an even
hotter commodity than before. Knighton is one of the disruptive run-stuffers in the league and has the versatility to play in either a 3-4 or 4-3. With a steep drop off in talent in this free agent defensive tackle class after him and Fairley, good ol' Pot Roast should become a very wealthy man within the next 48 hours.
Possible Destinations: Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, Detroit Lions, New York Giants, Washington Redskins
4.Torrey Smith, wide receiver (Most Recent Team: Baltimore Ravens)
Torrey Smith announced yesterday that he would not be returning to the Baltimore Ravens in 2015. This means that some other lucky team will be getting the services of (arguably) the most lethal deep threat in the NFL. Any team with available cap space that's in need for a speedy, vertical threat is probably going to make a serious run at Smith.
Possible Destinations: San Fransisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns, Oakland Raiders, Chicago Bears, Seattle Seahawks, Carolina Panthers, St.Louis Rams, Philadelphia Eagles
3.Greg Hardy, defensive end (Most Recent Team: Carolina Panthers)
Greg Hardy has made headlines for the all wrong reasons of late with his domestic abuse
case that got him placed on him commissioner's exempt list and forced him to miss all but one game in the 2014 season. Even with all of his baggage, Hardy should be a valuable asset to some team once he is reinstated to the league in the coming months. Prior to his suspension, Hardy was one of the most dominant pass-rushers in the NFL, picking up an astonishing 27 sacks in his last 33 games played. Any team willing to give the troubled Hardy a chance could be very handsomely rewarded.
Possible Destinations: Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago Bears, Oakland Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars, Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots
2.Julius Thomas, tight end (Most Recent Team: Denver Broncos)
Julius Thomas is not an elite multifaceted tight end a la Rob Gronkowksi or Greg Olsen. However, the man is a potent redzone threat that can catch the ball with the best of them and that will be more enough to get him paid in free agency. Of course, there are questions about whether or not he can produce away from a Peyton Manning-led offense, but I believe his nose for the end zone and the general lack of quality tight ends around the league makes him well worth the risk.
Possible Destinations: Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders,Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, Seattle Seahawks, Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals
1.DeMarco Murray, running back (Most Recent Team: Dallas Cowboys)
DeMarco Murray stunned football fans everywhere by staying healthy for 16 games and running for over 1,800 yards in 2014. While I doubt Murray will have another season like last year ever again, he is a reliably productive two-way back with great vision and an ability to shed tacklers with ease. His wildly productive 2014 campaign paired with an otherwise average group of running backs available on the open market means Murray should get a whole of lot suitors for his services prior to tomorrow's official start to free agency.
Possible Destinations: Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings (if they don't plan on retaining Adrian Peterson), Carolina Panthers, Oakland Raiders
Other Notable Free Agents
A.J. Hawk, inside linebacker (Most Recent Team: Green Bay Packers)
Adrian Clayborn, defensive end (Most Recent Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Ahmad Bradshaw, running back (Most Recent Team: Indianapolis Colts)
Akeem Ayers, outside/inside linebacker (Most Recent Team: New England Patriots)
Alan Ball, cornerback (Most Recent Team: Jacksonville Jaguars)
Andre Johnson, wide receiver (Most Recent Team: Houston Texans)
Anthony Spencer, defensive end (Most Recent Team: Dallas Cowboys)
Antonio Cromartie, cornerback (Most Recent Team: Arizona Cardinals)
Antrell Rolle, safety (Most Recent Team: New York Giants)
B.J. Raji, defensive tackle/end (Most Recent Team: Green Bay Packers)
Bernard Pollard, safety (Most Recent Team: Tennessee Titans)
Brandon Graham, outside linebacker/defensive end (Most Recent Team: Philadelphia Eagles)
Brandon Spikes, inside linebacker (Most Recent Team: Buffalo Bills)
Brian Hartline, wide receiver (Most Recent Team: Miami Dolphins)
Brian Orakpo, outside linebacker (Most Recent Team: Washington Redskins)
Brooks Reed, outside linebacker (Most Recent Team: Houston Texans)
Bruce Carter, outside linebacker (Most Recent Team: Dallas Cowboys)
Buster Skrine, cornerback (Most Recent Team: Cleveland Browns)
C.J. Spiller, running back (Most Recent Team: Buffalo Bills)
Cary Williams, cornerback (Most Recent Team: Philadelphia Eagles)
Cecil Shorts III, wide receiver (Most Recent Team: Jacksonville Jaguars)
Charles Clay, tight end (Most Recent Team: Miami Dolphins)
Charles Tillman, cornerback (Most Recent Team: Chicago Bears)
Chris Canty, defensive end (Most Recent Team: Baltimore Ravens)
Chris Culliver, cornerback (Most Recent Team: San Fransisco 49ers)
Chris Johnson, running back (Most Recent Team: New York Jets)
Chris Myers, center (Most Recent Team: Houston Texans)
Clint Boling, guard (Most Recent Team: Cincinnati Bengals)
Cortland Finnegan, cornerback (Most Recent Team: Miami Dolphins)
Cory Redding, defensive end (Most Recent Team: Indianapolis Colts)
Curtis Lofton, inside linebacker (Most Recent Team: New Orleans Saints)
Da'Norris Searcy, safety (Most Recent Team: Buffalo Bills)
Dan Connolly, guard (Most Recent Team: New England Patriots)
Dan Skuta, outside linebacker (Most Recent Team: San Fransisco 49ers)
Dan Williams, defensive tackle (Most Recent Team: Arizona Cardinals)
Darren McFadden, running back (Most Recent Team: Oakland Raiders)
Davon House, cornerback (Most Recent Team: Green Bay Packers)
Denarius Moore, wide receiver (Most Recent Team: Oakland Raiders)
Derrick Morgan, defensive end (Most Recent Team: Tennessee Titans)
Dominic Raiola, center (Most Recent Team: Detroit Lions)
Dwight Freeney, outside linebacker/defensive end (Most Recent Team: San Diego Chargers)
Hakeem Nicks, wide receiver (Most Recent Team: Indianapolis Colts)
Harry Douglas, wide receiver (Most Recent Team: Atlanta Falcons)
Henry Melton, defensive tackle (Most Recent Team: Dallas Cowboys)
Ike Taylor, cornerback (Most Recent Team: Pittsburgh Steelers)
J.D. Walton, center (Most Recent Team: New York Giants)
Jabaal Sheard, defensive end (Most Recent Team: Cleveland Browns)
Jake Locker, quarterback (Most Recent Team: Tennessee Titans)
James Carpenter, guard (Most Recent Team: Seattle Seahawks)
Jared Odrick, defensive end/tackle (Most Recent Team: Miami Dolphins)
Jason Worlids, outside linebacker (Most Recent Team: Pittsburgh Steelers)
Jermaine Gresham, tight end (Most Recent Team: Cincinnati Bengals)
Jimmy Wilson, safety/cornerback (Most Recent Team: Miami Dolphins)
Jordan Cameron, tight end (Most Recent Team: Cleveland Browns)
Justin Forsett, running back (Most Recent Team: Baltimore Ravens)
Justin Tucker, kicker (Most Recent Team: Baltimore Ravens)
Karl Klug, defensive end (Most Recent Team: Tennessee Titans)
Kendall Langford, defensive tackle (Most Recent Team: St. Louis Rams)
Kendrick Lewis, safety (Most Recent Team: Houston Texans)
Kenny Britt, wide receiver (Most Recent Team: St. Louis Rams)
Lance Briggs, outside linebacker (Most Recent Team: Chicago Bears)
Lance Moore, wide receiver (Most Recent Team: New Orleans Saints)
Louis Delmas, safety (Most Recent Team: Miami Dolphins)
Malcolm Smith, outside linebacker (Most Recent Team: Seattle Seahawks)
Mason Foster, inside linebacker (Most Recent Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Mathias Kiwanunka, defensive end/outside linebacker (Most Recent Team: New York Giants)
Matt Moore, quarterback (Most Recent Team: Miami Dolphins)
Michael Vick, quarterback (Most Recent Team: New York Jets)
Mike Adams, safety (Most Recent Team: Indianapolis Colts)
O'Brien Schofield, defensive end (Most Recent Team: Seattle Seahawks)
Owen Daniels, tight end (Most Recent Team: Baltimore Ravens)
Percy Harvin, wide receiver (Most Recent Team: New York Jets)
Pernell McPhee, outside linebacker (Most Recent Team: Baltimore Ravens)
Perrish Cox, cornerback (Most Recent Team: San Fransisco 49ers)
Pierre Thomas, running back (Most Recent Team: New Orleans Saints)
Rahim Moore, safety (Most Recent Team: Denver Broncos)
Ray Rice, running back (Most Recent Team: Baltimore Ravens)
Reggie Bush, running back (Most Recent Team: Detroit Lions)
Reggie Wayne, wide receiver (Most Recent Team: Indianapolis Colts)
Rolando McClain, inside linebacker (Most Recent Team: Dallas Cowboys)
Roy Helu Jr., running back (Most Recent Team: Washington Redskins)
Ryan Matthews, running back (Most Recent Team: San Diego Chargers)
Sean Weatherspoon, outside linebacker (Most Recent Team: Atlanta Falcons)
Shane Vereen, running back (Most Recent Team: New England Patriots)
Sharrece Wright, cornerback (Most Recent Team: San Diego Chargers)
Stefen Wisnewski, center (Most Recent Team: Oakland Raiders)
Stephen Paea, defensive tackle (Most Recent Team: Chicago Bears)
Stevan Ridley, running back (Most Recent Team: New England Patriots)
Steven Jackson, running back (Most Recent Team: Atlanta Falcons)
Stevie Brown, safety (Most Recent Team: New York Giants)
Tramon Williams, cornerback (Most Recent Team: Green Bay Packers)
Trent Cole, outside linebacker/defensive end (Most Recent Team: Philadelphia Eagles)
Tyvon Branch, safety (Most Recent Team: Oakland Raiders)
Vince Wilfork, defensive tackle (Most Recent Team: New England Patriots)
Walter Thurmond, cornerback (Most Recent Team: New York Giants)
Will Hill, safety (Most Recent Team: Baltimore Ravens)