The first waves of 2023 NFL free company could also be over. Most of the big-money offers could also be full. But that does not imply extra exercise is not on the way in which. All 32 groups will maintain their eyes on accessible veterans within the lead-up to April’s 2023 draft. And there are literally fairly just a few notable names nonetheless on the open market.
With that in thoughts, let’s play matchmaker for 10 of the highest remaining free brokers:
Yes, you learn that proper. Technically the Ravens personal the rights to their star quarterback, however the non-exclusive franchise tag nonetheless permits any crew to make a suggestion. And Detroit has signaled with its busy offseason that it is able to go from scrappy spoiler to spicy contender. After including mainly 5 veteran starters in free company, together with working again David Montgomery and security C.J. Gardner-Johnson, what higher means for Motown to additional demand the highlight than by juicing up the QB spot? Jared Goff is well-liked however simply expendable; a post-June 1 reduce would save virtually $21 million, and the Lions have already got roughly $26M in cap area. Better but, they have a number of first- and second-round draft picks this yr as ammo.
Austin Ekeler is infinitely extra worthwhile in at present’s NFL, however he is reportedly in search of a commerce amid a contract dispute. If he’s moved, Elliott may very well be a plug-and-play choice alongside Joshua Kelley. Remember, L.A.’s new offensive coordinator is Kellen Moore, Elliott’s outdated pal from Dallas, and 2022 fourth-rounder Isaiah Spiller took simply 18 carries as a rookie. Even if Ekeler sticks, Zeke might nonetheless have attraction as a extra conventional, rotational ball-carrier.
Aaron Rodgers may need Odell in New York as soon as he formally lands with the Jets, however a much bigger alternative might await OBJ again in Rodgers’ longtime division. After parting with Adam Thielen, Minnesota remains to be in want of a working mate for Justin Jefferson, whose superstar dynamism is much like that of a youthful Beckham. On a one- or two-year flyer, he makes a number of sense as a confirmed route-runner reverse Jefferson’s velocity, particularly with Kirk Cousins coming into a make-or-break yr.
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An enormous-bodied velocity risk when wholesome, Chark remains to be seeking to absolutely rebuild his worth 4 years after topping 1,000 yards with the Jaguars. He’s ripe for one more prove-it deal, and this time, why not do it again dwelling? A Louisiana native and LSU product, Chark might fill the Saints’ want for a WR2/3 at an inexpensive worth. Michael Thomas is again, in fact, however his availability is a persistent query mark, and this crew is clearly all in on profitable sooner quite than later after including Derek Carr below middle.
Hayden Hurst cashed in with the Panthers, that means Cincinnati remains to be with out a confirmed No. 1 at tight finish. Not that Joe Burrow essentially wants a big-money starter there, contemplating what he is bought out extensive. But Schultz is not almost as middling as his gradual market suggests. He can do every part pretty properly, identical to Hurst, and occurring 27, he’d theoretically nonetheless have room to develop as a part of the Bengals’ ascending passing corps. Cincy is in win-now mode, and it nonetheless has greater than $17M in cap area.
San Francisco has invested loads into the trenches, paying Trent Williams prime greenback and simply extending middle Jake Brendel. By nature of biking by means of so many QBs below Kyle Shanahan, nonetheless, they rely greater than most on the fortification of their entrance. Second-year man Aaron Banks is coming off a promising begin at left guard, however Risner is a well-versed veteran who might present each competitors and insurance coverage in entrance of whichever QB opens — and finishes — the 2023 season below middle.
The Lions have been already a feisty group earlier than their 2023 strikes, however including bodily defenders like Cameron Sutton and C.J. Gardner-Johnson makes them much more imposing. Clark is of the identical mould, thriving as a rough-and-tumble crunch-time performer in Kansas City. He might not be constructed to play each down like he as soon as was, however the former Pro Bowler might simply slot in as a split-starter with John Cominsky reverse Aidan Hutchinson. He additionally went to Michigan, confirming the world connection.
Arizona misplaced some pop up entrance when Zach Allen landed a profitable cope with the Broncos, and new coach Jonathan Gannon certainly needs the trenches beefed up after his Super Bowl bid guiding the Eagles’ loaded D-line. Ford will help do exactly that after 4 stable, if unspectacular, seasons as a Seahawks starter. He’s bought the dimensions to line up at nostril or often at 3-4 DE, and at 27, he is nonetheless younger sufficient to be a possible constructing block for a franchise in transition.
Going on 33, Wagner is solely a short-term choice at linebacker, however that is exactly what Buffalo might use after dropping the rangy Tremaine Edmunds on the coronary heart of their protection. Matt Milano remains to be in tow, however Wagner’s expertise and instincts would definitely be a welcome complement for an annual Super Bowl hopeful. A reunion with the Seahawks makes some sense, however that ship has most likely sailed, with Seattle taking a flyer on ex-Steelers starter Devin Bush.
After dropping C.J. Gardner-Johnson, the Eagles’ largest want of their post-Super Bowl secondary lies at security, the place starter Marcus Epps additionally departed in free company. Johnson did not reside as much as his big-money billing with the Browns, however he was on the Eagles’ radar again when he hit the market in 2021, and he is been a stable all-around middle fielder earlier than. At 27, he is a bit youthful than the crew’s inner investments within the defensive backfield this offseason, which can also be a plus.
