NFL teams doled out a lot of cash in the first official week of free agency, making several players very rich men in signing with new teams. But even after the spectacular start to free agency and many players switching teams, there is still plenty of talent still out there.
Who are the top players still available on the first full week of the NFL’s 2017 free agent season? If you are feeling lucky, check sports betting lines at Skybook. Here is a breakdown of the best names on the market.
1. QB Jay Cutler: Remember, he was actually pretty good in 2015 and we don’t have a lot to go off of from 2016. At 33, Cutler is still one of the top 32 quarterbacks in a 32-team league. The Jets have been floated as a potential destination, but he may have to wait for Tony Romo now that Josh McCown has signed there. He could also retire.
2. S Bradley McDougald: The 26-year-old had two picks and 79 tackles in 16 starts with the Bucs last season. He has reportedly visited the Browns.
3. S T.J. McDonald: The 26-year-old had two picks and 49 tackles in 16 starts with the Rams last season. Oddly, it’s been radio silence.
4. LB Zach Brown: The 27-year-old also broke out in Buffalo with a 97-tackle, Pro Bowl season in 2016. He’s doesn’t rush the passer like Alexander, but he’s a lot younger. The Dolphins are a possibility.
5. DT Johnathan Hankins: A high-end 24-year-old starter with a seven-sack season from the inside under his belt. I’m shocked he hasn’t been wrapped up. Don’t be surprised if he returns to the Giants.
6. LB Gerald Hodges: The 26-year-old had three sacks, two picks and 52 tackles in a breakout season with the 49ers in 2016. Word is he could return to the Vikings.
7. LB DeAndre Levy: Still on the right side of 30, Levy was one of the best all-around linebackers in the game in 2013 and 2014, but he hasn’t been able to stay healthy since. Might a new setting get him back to Pro Bowl form?
8. WR Anquan Boldin: I know he’s, like, really old or whatever, but the always reliable 36-year-old caught 70.5 percent of the passes thrown his way as a regular starter in 2016
9. RB LeGarrette Blount: Blount might be on the wrong side of 30 now, but he’s coming off an 1,161-yard, 18-touchdown season with the Super Bowl champs.
10. RB Adrian Peterson: Including him mainly so that I can communicate why he shouldn’t be signed, and I suppose because he’s defied the odds a few times before. But the key is that in Peterson’s last nine starts, he’s averaging only 2.9 yards per carry. He’s old and there are injury and character concerns. Forget this guy. Marshawn Lynch might be a better option.
Honorable mentions: WR Michael Floyd, OL Austin Pasztor, C Nick Mangold, DE Jared Odrick, CB Nickell Robey-Coleman
