By Marvin Moore August 18, 2023
The NFL regular season will kick off in less than a month, and a bevy of big-name free agents remain on the market. Although most teams are finalizing their 53-man rosters, injuries and position depth will have general managers adding veteran talent before Week 1. Except for a few players, the free agents still available are mostly insurance plans for teams looking to fill out their rosters. Below are the top 10 free agents still available with the regular season fast approaching:
1. Jadeveon Clowney, EDGE
Clowney finds himself still unemployed for the second straight year in the summer months. The 30-year-old posted just two sacks and four quarterback hits last season after finishing with nine sacks and 19 quarterback hits two years ago. The two-time Pro Bowler has garnered interest from the Baltimore Ravens and Jacksonville Jaguars this month and should receive a contract offer any day now.
2. Jarvis Landry, Wide Receiver
Landry, 30, is coming off a disappointing 2022 season in which he caught a career-low 25 passes in nine games. The slot receiver is a five-time Pro Bowler who has been highly productive when healthy. The sure-handed veteran caught seven passes for 114 yards in Week 1 last season and would be a valuable addition to a playoff-caliber team.
3. Ben Jones, Center
Jones was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his 11-year career last season before the Titans released him in March. The 34-year-old has started 151 NFL games and allowed one sack, 10 total pressures, and two quarterback hits last year. Despite battling recurring concussions, Pro Football Focus awarded Jones with grades of 68.4 in pass protection and 74.5 as a run blocker in 2022.
4. Taylor Lewan, Offensive Tackle
Lewan has missed 26 games due to injuries over the past three seasons and has stated that he might retire after nine seasons and three Pro Bowl appearances. The 31-year-old is one of the most decorated Titans in recent years and could offer a team with issues at right tackle a veteran presence who can provide valuable pass protection.
5. Casey Hayward, Cornerback
Hayward, who missed 11 games last season after signing a two-year, $11 million contract with the Falcons, was released in April with a failed physical designation. The 33-year-old has started 118 NFL games and surrendered a respectable 80.7 Quarterback Rating last year. Hayward would be a perfect fit for a squad seeking veteran depth at the slot cornerback position.
6. Kareem Hunt, Running Back
Hunt tallied 468 rushing yards and three touchdowns last season and added 35 receptions for 210 receiving yards and a score in his final season with the Browns. The 28-year-old has a lot of gas left in the tank and would be an excellent addition to a team looking for a pass-catcher out of the backfield. Reports suggest the Miami Dolphins might be interested in Hunt after Dalvimn Cook chose to sign with the New York Jets.
7. Anthony Barr, Linebacker
Barr remains a solid linebacker and posted 35 solo tackles and one sack last season for a loaded Cowboys’ defense with a surplus of talented young linebackers. The 31-year-old started 10 games for Dallas before going down with a hamstring injury. Barr is a player who can provide veteran leadership for a defensive unit seeking linebacker depth.
8. Leonard Fournette, Running Back
Fournette ran for 668 yards and caught 73 balls for a career-high 523 yards in 2022. However, the 28-year-old averaged a brutal 3.5 yards per carry. A dual threat with over 140 receptions over the past two seasons, it’s a good bet that Fournette will get a contract offer before the regular season begins.
9. Akiem Hicks, Defensive Tackle
Hicks has missed 14 games over the past two seasons and has recorded a mere 4.5 sacks and 13 quarterback hits since 2021. The 33-year-old is a former Pro Bowler who still can be a consistent force on the interior of the defensive line.
10. Carson Wentz, Quarterback
Wentz has accepted that his only role in the league will be as a backup quarterback. The 30-year-old has thrown 54 touchdowns and 31 interceptions over the past three seasons but still could help a team seeking a veteran backup signal-caller while a younger quarterback gains experience.
