Remaining Free Agent fits
We’re already halfway through the second week of free agency, but there are still some good players left on the market. Here are some of the best players still available and which teams could fit them:
LeGarrette Blount, RB: Raiders, Lions, Packers
For teams looking for a downhill power runner, Blount is the best remaining option. Blount had career highs for attempts (299) and yards (1161) and led the league with 18 rushing touchdowns last season. Blount is a safer and cheaper option than Marshawn Lynch or Adrian Peterson, has a similarly bruising style to Eddie Lacy, and could give Detroit the power runner it has sorely lacked in recent years.
Jonathan Hankins, DT: Redskins, Bengals, Lions
Hankins is the best run-stuffer remaining and is only 24. He can also bring pressure from the interior. Hankins would help Washington slow down Ezekiel Elliott. With the departure of Domata Peko, Cincinnati could use a new partner for Geno Atkins, while the Lions need to overhaul their defensive line as they rely too much on the ageing Haloti Ngata.
Erik Walden, LB: Saints, Lions, Cowboys
After a mostly disappointing run in Indianapolis, Walden led the Colts with 11 sacks last season. Walden excels as a pass rusher and could be a cheap option on a one year “prove-it” deal to assure that last year wasn’t an anomaly. Walden would be more durable than DeAndre Levy was in Detroit, while the Cowboys desperately need pass rushers.
Zach Brown, LB: Saints, Raiders, Steelers
Brown is a dependable all-rounder at linebacker. He had four sacks last season, but is also a reliable coverage linebacker. He had four passes defensed and one interception in 2016. Brown is also still young at 27 and would be an upgrade over Malcolm Smith for Oakland. The Saints need versatile players to rebuild their awful defense, while the Steelers need someone to replace the departed Lawrence Timmons.
Jay Cutler, QB: Broncos
Josh McCown signed a one year deal with the Jets, and the Texans are reportedly not an option. So where else could Cutler go? A reunion with the Denver Broncos could be on the cards. Cutler would immediately be an upgrade over either Trevor Siemian or Paxton Lynch, allowing both time to grow behind an experienced quarterback. Cutler had his only Pro Bowl selection as a Bronco, and would enjoy support from one of the league’s best defenses.
Colin Kaepernick, QB: Browns, 49ers
Regardless of whether his political stance is scaring general managers away, Kaepernick has so far garnered little interest on the open market. Although he struggles as a pocket passer, it would be interesting to see what Hue Jackson or Kyle Shanahan could do with Kaepernick’s skill-set. But with two quarterbacks already replacing Kaepernick in San Francisco and a Republican owner Jimmy Haslam running things in Cleveland, there’s always a move to tight end…
Michael Floyd, WR: Titans, Rams, Vikings, Ravens
Despite his DUI charges, Floyd could still be a great pick-up for a team in need of quality receivers. A big-bodied receiver with borderline number one skills, Floyd could be a great fit for the Titans, Rams, Vikings or Ravens. Floyd will also likely be a cheap option with extremely high reward as he seeks to redeem himself.
Jamaal Charles, RB: Eagles, Giants
Kansas City’s all-time leading rusher hits the market for the first time. Unfortunately, interest is low. Charles is 30 and has suffered multiple recent injuries, but could still have upside in a reduced role. Former coordinator Doug Pederson is Philadelphia’s head coach, and could see Charles as an upgrade over Ryan Mathews. The Giants also need a running back, but would struggle to utilise a power runner like Adrian Peterson in Ben McAdoo’s system, whereas Charles could be a good fit.
Adrian Peterson, RB: Raiders, Packers, Lions
Peterson wants to play for a contender, but is 31 and coming off an injury. Oakland and Green Bay are the only contenders who need a power runner, but the Raiders are looking at Marshawn Lynch and Ted Thompson will employ his “draft and develop” philosophy in a deep Draft for running backs. Peterson may have to settle for a team like Detroit, who could certainly use the AP who rushed for 1485 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2015.
Darrelle Revis, CB: Packers, Steelers
Cleared of criminal charges that led to his release in New York, Revis seems hungry to play another season. He will earn $6 million from the Jets, but Revis will be eyeing a contender. His home-town Steelers could use a veteran corner, whilst the Packers are also thin in the secondary and have taken chances on veterans before. Can he squeeze one more decent season out of Revis Island on a one-year deal?
