By Marvin Moore – June 20, 2023
With training camp fast approaching, some talented NFL free agents are still available on the market. Teams can also sign players without losing their compensatory picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. An array of productive NFL free agents that can help teams contend for playoff spots in 2023 should be off the market in the coming weeks. Below are the top remaining players currently available.
1. Dalvin Cook, Running Back
The 41st pick in the 2017 Draft, Cook is a high-level starter with plenty of gas left in the tank. The Minnesota Vikings released him in a cost-cutting salary cap move after posting 1,173 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns last season despite playing through a shoulder injury. The 27-year-old also caught 39 balls for 295 yards and two scores.
2. DeAndre Hopkins, Wide Receiver
The former first-rounder is the top receiver on the market and is reportedly mulling offers from the New England Patriots and one other team. Despite playing in nine games, the 31-year-old finished 2022 with 64 receptions for 717 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns. Although Nuk is no longer a top-five receiver, he remains a potent playmaker.
3. Yannick Ngakoue, Edge
A 2016 third-round pick, Ngakoue will suit up for his sixth team in four years in 2023 despite tallying 19.5 sacks over the past two seasons. A pass-rush specialist who struggles against opposing rushing attacks, the 28-year-old registered 29 tackles, a forced fumble, and a team-leading 9.5 sacks for the Colts last year despite missing the season’s final two games.
4. Jadeveon Clowney, Edge
The top overall pick in the 2014 Draft, Clowney tallied just four quarterback hits and two sacks last season after recording nine sacks in 2021. The 30-year-old has played in just 34 games over the past three seasons and should be able to contribute to teams with a significant need out on the edge.
5. Marcus Peters, Cornerback
The former first-rounder missed the entire 2021 season due to ACL surgery but returned last season to post 47 tackles, one sack, and one interception in 13 games. The three-time Pro Bowler has tallied 31 career picks and six touchdowns and should get offers from multiple teams this summer despite yielding a 113.7 quarterback rating last season.
6. Ezekiel Elliott, Running Back
The fourth overall selection in the 2016 Draft, Elliott is a three-time Pro Bowler who rushed for 876 yards and 12 touchdowns in his final season with the Dallas Cowboys. The soon-to-be 28-year-old has transformed into a short-yardage specialist and still has plenty of gas left in the tank to contribute to a backfield that utilizes a two-back system.
7. Jarvis Landry, Wide Receiver
The former second-rounder is a five-time Pro Bowl selection who posted a career-low 25 receptions for 272 yards and one touchdown in nine games with the New Orleans Saints last season. Before 2022, the 30-year-old averaged 86 catches and 950 receiving yards in his first eight NFL campaigns. Landry is a productive slot receiver when healthy and will not be on the market for long.
8. John Johnson, Safety
The former third-round pick is a talented ball hawk who should be a hot commodity this summer. The 27-year-old has not yielded a quarterback rating higher than 82.8 since entering the league six years ago and has tallied 12 career interceptions.
9. Dalton Risner, Guard
The 41st overall selection in the 2019 Draft, the soon-to-be 28-year-old earned the starting left guard job as a rookie and missed only four games over the next four seasons. The former collegiate All-American is a talented and durable offensive lineman who will have many suitors as training camp approaches.
10. Melvin Ingram, Edge
The 18th overall pick in the 2012 Draft, Ingram managed six sacks despite logging just three starting assignments. The 34-year-old has suited up for three teams over the past two seasons and remains a solid rotational piece for teams looking for pass-rushing help
