Image Credit (Jayne Kamin-Oncea/CBS Sports)
Written by: Nicholas Mullick LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-mullick-354076184/
NFL training camp is fast approaching and I can’t wait for the NFL to return. Even though the beginning of Training Camp is almost here, there are still plenty of free agents that are not signed to another team on this date. I thought to myself who is the best player available in each position, so I decided why not look into it and see who I feel is the best available free agent.
Offense Free Agents
QB - Cam Newton
There are not many free agent QBs that are available, but if I could choose one to sign on my roster I would bring in Cam Newton. Injuries have derailed Newton and he is not the same player he was years ago. Just look at his arm strength when he throws the football and all I got to say is Yikes. What he does have though, is starting experience. He would be a capable backup for any team and that is great value in itself.
RB - Justin Jackson
Out of all the free agents' running backs available, I am shocked Justin Jackson is still a free agent as he was solid as a rotational backup behind Austin Ekeler. Plus Jackson is only 26 years old and has plenty more years of football in him than a majority of other running backs are above the age of 30. It would not shock me if a team signs him to be a rotational backup either as a pass-catching option or another running option. Heck even on Special teams Jackson could be extremely useful.
WR - Odell Beckham Jr.
Despite all my criticisms against OBJ for ring chasing last year with the Rams. There is no denying how talented he is when healthy. I am pretty sure he would be signed at this point and be the Super Bowl MVP if he did not suffer a torn ACL. I don’t think this is the last we will see of OBJ in the league and it will be interesting to see where he signs. Or if he decides to ring chase like he did last year.
TE - Rob Gronkowski
I honestly contemplated not putting Gronk #1 because I don’t know what to call him at this point. Who knows if he plays or not as there is no word yet on Gronk’s decision. Even if he plays I ask, Do you think he will play any team not called the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? I don’t see him signing with anybody else as long as Brady is still the QB in Tampa. I hope not because Gronk and Brady are best friends and it would not feel right if Gronk had another QB throwing the ball to him. Plus I want those Tommy and Gronky videos to keep going on the Buccaneer's YouTube channel as those videos are just super funny.
OT - Darryl Williams
This one was a tough one to grade as many talented offensive tackles are currently free agents. I decided to choose Darryl Williams as he was a very strong tackle during his time with the Bills and currently he is 29 years old. He has player versatility and was durable throughout his time in Buffalo. I wonder what is driving teams away from signing Williams to another deal, because he would be a guy I would want on my roster. OG - Ereck Flowers
If this was 4 years ago many would say I am insane as Flowers was terrible throughout his time with the New York Giants. Once he left and joined Washington he had a career resurgence when he changed to the guard position. He is 28 years old and has plenty more years of football in him. OC - JC Tretter
I am perplexed how Tretter is still a free agent right now as he was a strong part of the Browns season last year. He only got cut so the Browns can give Deshaun Watson a gigantic extension. I would sign Tretter tomorrow if I am a team that has a desperate need at center. Probably San Francisco now that Alex Mack announced his retirement from the NFL.
Defensive Free Agent DT - Larry Ogunjobi
If it was not for a medical issue as of now Ogunjobi would be a Chicago Bear Right now. I think he is the best defensive tackle on the board and he is only 28 years old. Once he gets healthier, teams should re-sign Ogunjobi to another contract to help boost their run defense.
DE/EDGE - Justin Houston
You can make a case to any of the top EDGE rushers available, but I am going with Justin Houston. Yes, he may be past his prime, but he has had a big impact as both a run stopper and as a pass rusher. He has been a leader in any of the defenses he has been a part of. It surprises me he has been unsigned as of now, but maybe once minicamp is done he will sign a new deal with a team.
LB - Dont’a Hightower
While doing my research for current free agents, I completely forgot that Dont'a Hightower was still a free agent at this point. He was a solid part of the Patriots defense last season. Excluding him opting out due to the pandemic and serious knee injury in 2017 he had been pretty durable throughout his career. It would not shock me if Bill decided to bring him back once training camp is over. CB - Xavier Rhodes
Out of the cornerback crew on the Colts last season the only player at secondary that played consistently was Xavier Rhodes. I was shocked that the Indianapolis Colts decided to part ways with Rhoades. So far he has surprisingly been unsigned. If the secondary gets beaten up I would give Xavier Rhodes a call as he was consistent in coverage.
S - Tashaun Gipson
Yes, Landon Collins and Jaquiski Tartt are still free agents, but injuries have completely derailed them. Jason McCourty is a free agent, but he is turning 35 in August. Gipson would be the next available option, as while Gipson did not do that great in Chicago, he was not terrible. He also has a lot of experience that would help a lot of teams.
Special Teams
K - Michael Badgley
Honestly, you can put any kicker’s name on this list and would not get any complaints. I would sign Badgley next if a kicker struggles due to his experience in the league and last season he was not terrible as he made 18 of 21 of his kicks for field goals and was perfect in kicking extra points.
P - Michael Palardy
Again I could probably name anybody here and would get no complaints at all. But out of the whole bunch, I would probably name Palardy as the best available. Yes I know he is a journeyman punter but for the time he spent last season in Miami he had a strong year and even was special teams player of the week at one point of the season. I am surprised that Parlardy is not signed yet.