The initial flurry of NFL free-agent action has come and gone. Most of the premier players on the market have agreed to deals. But difference-makers remain available.
Some of these players may be coming off injury, or they may be older by NFL standards. As a result, these players will find handsome, multiyear contracts challenging to secure. Concessions will have to be made — thus, why these players are still on the streets.
But that doesn’t mean a team can’t bolster its roster or find a difference-maker or two among the remaining free agents. In turn, some of these teams do offer veterans an opportunity to further their careers and quests for a Super Bowl.
Here’s a rundown of 10 top players left on the market and possibilities for their next destinations.
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Randy Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 30
The 6-2, 222-pound Dugger can hit like a linebacker and cover like a safety, and his versatility positioned him for a career-high 109 tackles plus two interceptions for the Patriots in 2023. Unlike a lot of players still looking for work, Dugger, 27, is on the right side of 30. The Patriots placed the transition tag on him to reserve their right to match any offer he receives.
Potential team fits: Commanders, Patriots
Justin Simmons was cut by the Broncos because of a massive dead-cap hit on the Russell Wilson deal. (Denny Medley / USA Today)
Randy Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 22
Cut by the Broncos to help with their cap situation, Simmons is an impact player with a blend of size and speed, strong tackling and coverage skills. Coming off his second Pro Bowl season, Simmons recorded 70 tackles, three interceptions, eight pass breakups and two forced fumbles in 2023.
Potential team fits: Packers, Colts, Bengals
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Randy Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 26
A solid secondary receiver, Reynolds is polished and consistent as a route-runner. He also plays with physicality. Reynolds, 28, is coming off a 40-catch, 608-yard, five-touchdown season with the Lions.
Potential team fits: Ravens, Patriots
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Randy Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 27
After a string of injury-hampered seasons, Clowney signed with Baltimore in 2023 on a prove-it deal and wound up tying his career high in sacks (9 1/2) while suiting up for every game. He’s hoping that success leads to a multiyear deal somewhere, but his wait continues.
Potential team fits: Ravens, Panthers, Jets
Randy Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 42
The 30-year-old Peat has the ability to play guard or tackle. He made the Pro Bowl as a guard three straight seasons (2018-2020), then started at left tackle in 2023 for the Saints. So the 6-foot-7, 316-pounder’s versatility should be attractive to teams with multiple holes on their line, but desperately needing veteran talent.
Potential team fits: Commanders, Ravens, Chiefs
Mekhi Becton could be a huge presence for a team — if he can stay healthy. (Vincent Carchietta / USA Today)
Randy Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: 83
The 11th pick of the 2020 draft, Becton has battled injuries during his young career, playing in just one game in 2021 and missing the entire 2022 season as well. That injury history is the main reason why he remains unsigned. He did appear in 16 games in 2023, however, and he still has great promise because of his size (6-7, 363) and strength. His techniques need some refining, but more consistent health could help lead to that.
Potential team fits: Commanders, Chiefs, Bengals
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Randy Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 48
The longtime Steeler, now 30, has bounced around the last two years (Tennessee in 2021 and 2022, Atlanta 2023), but remains productive in the right role. He recorded 6 1/2 sacks and eight tackles for a loss along with 39 tackles and two forced fumbles with the Falcons.
Potential team fits: Steelers, Jaguars
Randy Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 66
The 33-year-old former Super Bowl champ and two-time All-Pro selection turned in a solid season in Dallas with two interceptions, 13 pass breakups and 68 tackles. Given his age, he will not be able to command top dollar, but he’s still a solid piece to the puzzle for a secondary in need of veteran talent at the No. 2 or 3 corner spot.
Potential team fits: Vikings, Panthers, Raiders
Randy Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 37
It definitely wasn’t his most prolific season, but Beckham was above average after spending all of 2022 rehabbing from ACL surgery. He recorded 35 catches for 565 yards (averaging 16.1 yards per reception) and three touchdowns for the Ravens last season. At this point, Beckham borders on a solid No. 2/No. 3 wideout, but certainly can help a team.
Potential team fits: Chargers, Chiefs
Randy Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 54
Although 32, Van Noy turned in one of the most productive seasons of his career with nine sacks (career high), 30 tackles, four pass breakups and two forced fumbles in 14 games (three starts) for Baltimore. He certainly can help a defense as a rotational player, just as he did for the Ravens.
Potential team fits: Ravens, Jets
(Top photos of Odell Beckham Jr. and Kyle Dugger: Winslow Townson and Patrick Smith / Getty Images)
