Free agency in the NFL has several waves. We’ve dealt with two big ones, and now the waters are pretty much calm. But another sizable rush will come in once next week’s draft has been completed. In order for you to prepare for that development, here are the top 15 free agents still lingering on the market.
1. Jermichael Finley: Any time a guy is dealing with a “surgically fused spine,” there are risks. Finley isn’t healthy yet, but once we’ve seen the draft’s top tight ends land, certain teams will inevitably make pushes to bring the veteran tight end in.
2. Eric Winston: He’s only 30 and was a stud just two years ago. He’ll definitely find a job, but the draft will determine where that comes.
3. Richie Incognito: He’s only 30 and has starting-caliber skills, but there are obvious character concerns. Will a desperate team take a chance? Maybe Oakland?
4. Earl Bennett: He’s yet and skilled and could start in the slot on many NFL teams. Then again, this draft has a lot of good receivers.
5. Terrell Thomas: The injury risk is huge, but Thomas is a talented, versatile corner who showed glimpses last year in his return to the Giants.
6. Bryant McKinnie: The big guy is 34 now, but he started 15 games last year in Baltimore and Miami. He could wind up back with the Dolphins on a one-year deal.
7. Will Smith: He’s still only 32 and has 67.5 career sacks under his belt. Could be a good situational rusher somewhere.
8. Steve Gregory: The 31-year-old might have more tread on his tires than typical players his age, and he was a Pro Football Focus stud in 2013.
9. O’Brien Schofield: The former Seahawk has been drawing interest, but there are injury questions after a failed physical scrapped a deal with the Giants. Still, he’s only 27 and could have starter potential entering his prime.
10. Santonio Holmes: Injury and character issues linger, but the guy has a hell of a lot of talent and is only 30.
11. Miles Austin: A year younger than Holmes, but less talent and a bigger injury risk.
12. Davin Joseph: The guard is only 30 and is coming off a year in which he started all 16 games for the Buccaneers.
13. Drayton Florence: He’s 33, but after a surprisingly strong 2013 season in Carolina he shouldn’t be forgotten yet.
14. Kevin Williams: The 33-year-old rarely gets hurt and could be a solid rotational contributor somewhere.
15. Jabari Greer: Big injury questions with the 32-year-old, but he’d be a nice veteran addition for a team looking for corner depth later this summer.
