A whirlwind of deals came in when the NFL free agency rush began back in March, giving fans just enough football fever to tide them over for the spring. The signings don’t come in at such a fast pace now, but there are still plenty of talented free agents on the market. With training camp approaching, teams will start filling gaps in their roster and many hopeful, available players are preparing for those opportunities to come.
Listed below are the top 10 available free agents and their potential landing spots:
1. Eric Berry, Safety
When he lined up for the Kansas City Chiefs’ defense in previous years, Berry had the ability to frustrate an offense. He could step up and cover Rob Gronkowski, Julio Jones, or any of the NFL’s premier pass-catchers, and the Chiefs could count on him to succeed. Modern-day NFL teams need players they can count on defensively, just like Eric Berry, especially with the explosion of offensive talent in recent years.
Potential Landing Spot: Cleveland Browns
In order to acquire Odell Beckham in the offseason, Cleveland had to send safety Jabrill Peppers to New York. Without Peppers, a former first-round draft pick, there is a massive hole in the Browns’ secondary. Veteran strong safety Morgan Burnett currently sits at the top of the position’s depth chart, but Berry could fit in well alongside free safety Damarious Randall and cornerbacks Denzel Ward and Terrance Mitchell.
2. Jay Ajayi, Running Back
Before being traded to Philadelphia, Ajayi made a huge impact as the starting running back for the Miami Dolphins. At 26-years-old, the Boise State-product is only entering the prime of his career. This means he still has the ability to get back to the level he was playing in his 2016 Pro Bowl campaign. Several teams could use Ajayi in a system where running backs can split time.
Potential Landing Spot: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
As previously mentioned, Ajayi would fit best in a rotational system where he has a “partner-in-crime”. Rising star Ronald Jones is that player for Ajayi, as the two of them could split starting time with some incorporation of Peyton Barber. Under new head coach Bruce Arians, Tampa Bay could be in for some additions and changes to their backfield.
3. Michael Crabtree, Wide Receiver
It is safe to say that Michael Crabtree’s best years are behind him. The 31-year-old veteran seemed to be most productive in San Francisco when he hauled in passes from Colin Kaepernick. With brief stints in Oakland and Baltimore also behind him, Crabtree should be looking to sign with a team that involves him as the second or third receiving option in their offense.
Potential Landing Spot: Indianapolis Colts
Crabtree fell short in Super Bowl XLVII with the 49ers and likely wants to be in a winning situation in this stage of his career. Indianapolis has found a way to stack their team with several young, developing players. With Andrew Luck healthy, the Colts are destined for a deep playoff run. Pairing Crabtree with veteran T.Y. Hilton would give Luck another target and ultimately benefit the offense.
4. Kelvin Benjamin, Wide Receiver
The injury-prone Benjamin had a stellar connection with Cam Newton on the Panthers but never stood out with the Bills or Chiefs. His next team would really have to be a good fit. With the right team, Benjamin could reach his potential.
Potential Landing Spot: Carolina Panthers
Why not a Panthers/Kelvin Benjamin reunion? The team was so excited about his potential leading up to the trade to Buffalo. Chris Hogan and DJ Moore currently headline Carolina’s receiving corps but having the big and powerful Benjamin couldn’t hurt.
5. Nick Perry, Linebacker
Although he has suffered through injuries in recent years, Perry had been a reliable defender for the Packers prior to his release. There are plenty of teams who could add the 29-year-old Perry, either as a starter or for depth at the linebacker position. He fits best with a team that mostly runs a 3-4 defensive scheme.
Potential Landing Spot: Oakland Raiders
The Raiders currently have a decent lineup at linebacker, with Vontaze Burfict, Brandon Marshall, and Tahir Whitehead starting. However, all three players could be injury risks so Oakland needs to add talented depth players. Perry is perfect in that role and would likely have more playing time near the end of the season.
Honorable Mentions: Tre Boston, Dez Bryant, Pierre Garcon, Dion Jordan, Marshawn Lynch, Ryan Schraeder
