Summer is coming, which means NFL minicamps are just around the corner. What free agents are still out there?
The 2019 NFL season is coming soon. Will any teams make any more moves before the start of training camps? Here are some of the top remaining free agents that might draw some attention.
Jay Ajayi, Running Back
Ajayi is coming off of a torn ACL that caused him to miss most of the 2018 season. Ajayi has a history of knee problems, dating back to his days at Boise State. Still, Ajayi is a tough runner and a talented pass catcher out of the backfield. Ajayi has a 4.5 yards-per-carry average in his career. Ajayi is also a Super Bowl champion, which means he has performed on the highest stage in sports. Last, Ajayi is only 26 years old, meaning he should have plenty of years left in the tank. With his injury history, Ajayi would likely be available for less money than a typical 26-year-old back. He would make a nice addition to any running back needy teams out there.
Dez Bryant, Wide Receiver
It took nearly the entire season for Bryant to sign last year, but New Orleans finally gave the former Dallas Cowboy receiver a chance to help the Saints make a playoff push. Sadly, Bryant ruptured his Achilles just a few practices into his stint in the Big Easy. Bryant is a seasoned veteran with nearly 7,500 receiving yards in his career. The injury will only drive the price down for Bryant, making him a possible late preseason addition. No receiver wants to go out on a down note, and Bryant is one of the better receivers to play the position. Some team will take a chance on him before the season begins.
Morris Claiborne, Defensive Back
Claiborne is the third veteran on this list coming off of a season-ending injury. At 29 years of age and injury prone, Claiborne looks to be the biggest risk of the remaining free agent pool. Teams that need some secondary depth may end up giving him a look, however. Claiborne was graded at a 62.7 according to Pro Football Focus, which lands him in the average rating. Keep an eye on the injury wire in the preseason, as Claiborne will likely be a target for teams that lose defenders in August.
Corey Liuget, Defensive Lineman
Liuget has had a long and successful NFL career. Finding the right fit for his skill set will be key to Liuget being successful again in the 2019 campaign. Teams such as the Philadelphia Eagles, who love to rotate defenders, or the Cleveland Browns, who missed out on Gerald McCoy, may be a nice landing place for Liuget. At 6-foot-2 and 300 pounds, Liuget will likely find a home before the season starts. Defensive line depth is trending in the NFL over the last few seasons, which plays in Liuget’s favor.
Glover Quin, Safety
Glover Quin has not found a landing place yet, which may be due to turning 33 this past season. There is still something left in the tank, though, as Quin rates above average according to PFF. Quin also started every game with the Lions from 2013 to 2018. This type of durability is hard to find in the league, so expect Quin to be on a team at the start of the 2019 season.
Expect all of these free agents to be on NFL rosters again in 2019. NFL teams love known quantities and all of these players bring that with them to the field. Even with injury concerns, these five free agents represent the best of what is out there for teams to peruse.
