NFL training camps are here in under two weeks, and before you know it the preseason is bleeding into the 2015 NFL regular season. The countdown has begun for some of the top free agents still on the open market to find the right team to continue their careers with.
The first big question is who is left out there that could actually have something positive to give to an NFL team. The second thought is which teams could they sign with? The days of waiting on a name as big as Brett Favre are gone, but there are still some solid veterans out there that could possibly help a team. Let’s break down the top eight and gauge where they might land (if anywhere) before the new NFL season begins:
Michael Vick (Quarterback) Last team: New York Jets
Vick admitted he wasn’t “prepared” to take over as a starter last year and he’s definitely showing signs of decline at age 35, but he also is still incredibly mobile and has a cannon. Vick’s injury and efficiency woes have never gone away, but he’d make for a quality backup and a decent stop-gap starter for a team playing for a future franchise passer. A team like the Buffalo Bills that has not even one decent passer, would make a good amount of sense.
Ahmad Bradshaw (Running Back) Last team: Indianapolis Colts
Bradshaw beats out Chris Johnson as the top free agent rusher available, simply because he’s been a more stable back over the past two years. He’s not as healthy, though, which is why he’s still a free agent, while Bradshaw also was handed a one-game ban due to marijuana possession. Bradshaw has been an injury risk for most of his career, but he’s been medically cleared already for 2015 and despite being 29 years old, has fresher legs than one would think. He was fantastic with the Colts last year and in an ideal specialist role, could have a lot left to offer. He could be a perfect fit as New England’s passing down back, while numerous teams should show interest in the coming weeks. Running back-needy teams like the
Reggie Wayne (Wide Receiver) Last team: Indianapolis Colts
Wayne looked to be on his way to retirement after last season, as the Colts let him walk and replaced him with Andre Johnson and a rookie. He won’t be back in Indy and no longer has the speed to make plays on the outside, but he is still a great hands guy who runs solid routes. That could give him value in the right situation, provided he’s okay with being the second, third or even the fourth guy in an offense. No clear suitors have yet emerged, but Wayne has made it known that he wants to play and apparently some teams have expressed interest.
Wes Welker (Wide Receiver) Last team: Denver Broncos
It’s certainly open for debate if the shifty slot machine is done. He’s 34 years old and has a history with concussions, while his role and numbers saw a steep drop in 2014. Of course, the Broncos did seem to be moving on from him before 2014 even began, however, and it’s still possible he could be plenty effective out of the slot in the right system. Where that might end up being, though, is anyone’s guess. The Dolphins are still the only team that has brought him in for a visit and they appear completely set at the wide receiver position.
Jermaine Gresham (Tight End) Last team: Cincinnati Bengals
Gresham is pretty much a “what you see is what you get” player, but he’s a stout run-blocker and a very effective possession receiver. He has the size and athleticism to be a terror in the red-zone, too, but his touchdown potential was never stretched out in the pros. A bad back has kept him from signing with anyone and it may stay that way, but he’s still in his prime and is a solid two-way player. Anyone needing tight end help will give him a call before the preseason is up – if he’s even answering calls, that is.
Fred Davis (Tight End) Last team: New England Patriots
Davis flamed out with the Patriots and Redskins in recent years due to various injuries, but at 29 years old he could still give the NFL one more go. Foot issues have hampered him considerably, but he used to be a nice size/athleticism guy who had a ton of upside. If he has his health back, teams with tight end needs like the Browns, Packers and Falcons could show interest.
Jake Long (Left Tackle) Last team: St. Louis Rams
Long’s best days and good health may be well behind him, but he was once a strong starting left tackle and at just 26 years old, his career may not be over just yet. Health has been his main obstacle, and Long is reportedly “taking his time” while rehabbing a second shredded knee. He seems ready to stage a comeback, though, and his top suitors might be the Giants and Broncos. Denver has some serious issues on their line with Ryan Clady going down, so they could end up being the front-runner before it’s all said and done.
Evan Mathis (Guard) Last team: Philadelphia Eagles
A former All-Pro offensive guard, Mathis was a beast with the Eagles for years but he and Philly cut ties earlier this summer. Now a free agent, Mathis is clearly going to take his time to both find the perfect suitor and also to likely keep himself out of training camp for as long as possible to rest his 33-year old body. He’s aging, but he’s still highly effective and will probably want to join someone who will both pay him and can give him a shot at competing for a title. The Miami Dolphins have loosely been tied to Mathis, while the Falcons, Rams and Patriots could all probably make good use of him, as well.
Think another NFL free agent belongs on our list? Let us hear who it is in the comments below!
