Free Agency is the time of year, where General Managers make insane decisions while spending someone else’s money. Over twenty different players got contracts of over $30 million, and almost seventy got contracts of at least $10 million. Free Agency is a time a GM makes or breaks his reputation, but post-free agency may be more more important than ever.
With injuries to key players like, Kiko Alonso and Sean Lee so early in the offseason their replacements have to come from somewhere. Finding a solid player this late in free agency, and signing him to a team-friendly contract can keep a General Manager’s job. So who are the players without a deal that will be signed, sealed and delivered before the season starts?
Honorable Mentions
Terrell Thomas, Cornerback
Michael Bush, Running Back
Danario Alexander, Wide Receiver
Ed Reed, Safety
Drayton Florence, Cornerback
5. Asante Samuel, Cornerback
After 11 years in the league, and turning 33 before the season starts, Samuel does have mileage. But, one thing that Samuel offers all 32 teams, is the ability to step in and play immediately. His knowledge of the game is terrific, and although he is a shell of his former self, he can still be a terrific player. Corners are always in demand, especially with the NFL rapidly transforming in a pass-heavy league. At his age, he still played in 11 games last season, and 30 games total in his three seasons since turning 30 years old. He may miss a game here and there, but the veteran presence is something every team likes.
Potential Landing Spots: Cowboys, Broncos, Panthers
4. Josh Freeman, Quarterback:
What in the name of the good lord happened to Josh Freeman? He was still a terrific signal caller just two years ago. In 2012 with the Buccs, he completed over 300 passes, accumulating over 4,000 yards, with a 27:17 Touchdown/Interception ratio.
So, what happened? He landed in Greg Schiano’s doghouse for some reason, and since then he hasn’t earned any respect with stops in Minnesota, and New York. Gil Brandt of NFL has reported that Jon Gruden and Quarterback Guru Terry Shea will mentor Freeman who will try and get his career back on track. Freeman is lucky that he plays the position in the most demand, and he is clearly the best free agent on the market.
Potential Landing Spots: Rams, Bears, Steelers
3. Santonio Holmes, Wide Reciever
Holmes is the best wide out on the market, but he is 30 years old now. As good as one thought Holmes was, he’s only went over 1,000 yards once in his career, and only went over 700 yards once as a Jet. However, there is always injuries that will pile up. With the right team, one that doesn’t have Geno Smith or Mark Sanchez at the helm, he can be a versatile piece. He does have off the field baggage, but his route running and touchdown ability should out-weigh that for a team in need.
Potential Landing Spots- Panthers, Steelers, Raiders
2. Jason Babin, Defensive End
You totally forgot that Babin even played in the league, didn’t you? Don’t feel bad, he was on the Jacksonville Jaguars for the past couple seasons. Even on such a bad team, he still put up respectable numbers. Over the past five seasons ( 3 with Eagles, 2 with Jags) he’s gotten to the quarterback 35 times. At age 33, only 5 other players have had a season with 7.5 sacks, 31 tackles, and 3 forced fumbles, including Bruce Smith and Jason Taylor. Like quarterbacks and wide receivers, pass rushers are always in demand. An incentive-ladled one-year contract could be just what the doctor ordered.
Potential Landing Spots- Bills, Vikings, Browns
1. Jermichael Finley, Tight End
We all know Finley’s story by now, he’s made of glass. In his last healthy season, in 2012 where he started 14 games, he caught 61 passes for 667 yards. The year before that, he had 8 touchdowns and over 700 yards receiving. The guy can play. Tight End is such a fastly growing position with the new offensive schemes and sets, that a player of Finley’s caliber (when healthy) has to be on a roster somewhere. Just looking at his twitter page, you can tell that he wants to, and will come back-
Potential Landing Spots- Patriots, Giants, Bills, Packers