Most of the top free agents are already off the market. As we enter day 4 of free agency, let’s take a look at 5 players who remain unsigned. These guys are all difference makers and will truly make an impact wherever they sign.
Jadeveon Clowney
The most obvious big name left on the market. Clowney is a true game changer. Arguably, the best run defender on the edge; though not a top tier pass rusher, he still makes a difference and gets tons of pressure. Clowney’s injury history and low sack total have kept his market down. Though he may not be worth $20+ million a year, he truly is a difference maker and will get paid.
Team Fits
Seahawks, Giants, Jets
Projected Contract
3 year, $58 million ($35 million guaranteed) to Seattle. Seattle gets their difference maker back for under $20 million. Injury history plus sack totals keep this to a 3-year contract. Win-win here as Seattle can get out after 2 years and Clowney gets an opportunity for another pay day at age 30.
Jameis Winston
Inconsistent play and high turnover totals make NFL teams uneasy. Any other year, I believe that Winston would have landed a contract with a good opportunity to start on a QB-needy team. 2020 was an oddity in the number of high profile QB’s available. There’s no doubt that Winston can make all the throws and be a successful starter in the NFL. A change of scenery might make the difference.
Team Fits
Chargers, Patriots, Jaguars
Projected Contract
1 year, $13 million contract (incentive laden) to the New England Patriots. The Patriots add a veteran presence to the young QB room. Boom or bust pickup and a prove it deal for Winston.
Robby Anderson
A speedy receiver who has produced when given the opportunity. Anderson is a true playmaker but hasn’t been consistent enough to be considered a true, number one target. Off field issues and inconsistency has given teams hesitation.
Team Fits
Raiders, Steelers, Jets
Projected Contract
3 year, $42 million ($20 million guaranteed) to Jets. The Jets get Darnold a familiar target back and give themselves an easy out after year 1 if Anderson doesn’t live up to his potential.
Melvin Gordon
The holdout backfired on Gordon. He underperformed on his return and ceded more and more snaps to Ekeler. It’s tough to be a running back in today’s NFL. Gordon remains an all purpose back and red zone threat. I don’t expect a Bell or Gurley type deal.
Team Fits
Buccaneers, Redskins, Bills
Projected Contract
1 year, $7.5 million to Buffalo. Gordon settles for a prove it deal and the Bills form a committee with Gordon and the promising, Singletary. Gordon gets another shot at a contract next year.
Nickel Robey-Coleman
One of the premiere nickel corners in the NFL. Coleman was a cap casualty of a cap-strapped Rams team. Coleman is a playmaker and nickel has become a valuable position in today’s NFL. He should garner plenty of interest as an underrated performer.
Team Fits
Giants, Chiefs, Packers
Predicted Contract
3 year, $26.5 million to the Chiefs. Kansas City upgrades their secondary and continues to build towards a return trip to the Super Bowl.
