At this point in the offseason, unless something crazy happens (like a team rescinding a franchise tag), NFL teams are unlikely to pick up productive starters on the open market. The name of the game in the NFL is depth, though, and there’s no question there are veterans floating around out there that could be of valuable service to a team. Many teams will likely get through mini camps to see what they have in undrafted rookies and young players before diving back into the free agency pool but it’s clear in some cases the players below will be better competition on NFL rosters in training camp than some players that currently occupy a roster spot. Here are the best players still looking for jobs:
Greg Hardy, DE: The reason he’s still available is obvious and it has nothing to do with his superior ability to rush the quarterback. The thing is, Hardy has made so much money sitting idle the last couple of years he probably doesn’t even need to play. At some point does a team get desperate enough for a pass rush that they consider tolerating the baggage that Hardy brings with him? Hardy can probably afford to sit tight and wait for a decent paycheck.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB: He’s been stubborn about his worth and that’s prevented him from landing somewhere. The most likely scenario appears to be that he’d return to the Jets. It will be interesting to see if his patience is rewarded or if it leads to him being jobless in 2016.
Anquan Boldin, WR: He’ll be 36 in October so that’s not appealing to many teams but he had 789 yards receiving last year despite a bad quarterback situation and he’s a year removed from back to back 1,000 yard seasons. He’s still capable of being productive in the right system.
Walter Thurmond, S/CB: His switch to safety was positive but the only reason he’s “looking” for work is that he’s rumored to be contemplating retirement. If the right offer comes along, though, I’m sure he’d consider playing.
Leon Hall, CB: At 31 he’s not the player he used to be but he’s still very capable.
Jason Jones, DE: A consistently decent sub pass rusher, it’s quite surprising he hasn’t landed somewhere. Perhaps his contract demands are not realistic. He’s the most likely on this list to find a job soon, though.
Arian Foster, RB: At one point he was one of the best if not the best back in the league. Does he have anything left to give, though? He’s 30 and he has a long injury history. Teams have contacted him so it’s possible he’ll find a job soon.
Henry Melton, DT: A very good player for the Bears and Cowboys, Melton had a miserable season with the Bucs last year. He’ll be 30 in October and his recent play might suggest he’s on the decline. You can’t rule out a return to health and production, though.
Dwight Freeney, DE: Even at 36 he can still rush the passer. He had 8 sacks last year and is 19th all time. He made it clear recently he is looking for work.
Jahri Evans, G: Injuries have caused the decline of this 6 time Pro Bowler. He’s 33 in August but he’s still a starter quality guard if he’s healthy.
