Notable Free Agents Still Available

A new wave of free agency signings are expected to begin again starting today. May 12th is the official date that free agent signings are no longer calculated into the compensatory picks equation for next year. Teams expecting comp picks do not need to worry about losing those picks if they want to sign any available free agents from this point on. The big names have already signed on the dotted line with their respective teams but there are still some notable ones looking for a new contract. Most of those available are getting up there in age and should only expect to sign on short-term deals.

With the NFL Draft all set and done, teams can now address those positions that they still need help in or want to add depth. The majority of available free agents are approaching (or already past) the pivotal age of 30. Teams will be looking to sign veteran players for cheap and the players will be looking essentially for their last big paycheck. Contractual disputes are a big reason why some of the players still don’t have a place that they can call home. Let’s take a look at some of the more notable players still available that could hear their phones ring as early as today.

Note: None of the players mentioned below were cut by their respective teams and are strictly unrestricted free agents. Free agents that were essentially cut before becoming a free agent do not factor into the compensatory equation at any time.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB

Fitzpatrick has been linked to his former team, the Jets, since the start of free agency. Fitzpatrick believes that if he is going to be the starter in New York then he should be paid roughly $15 million/annually. The Jets, on the other hand, don’t believe that Fitzpatrick is worth that much and are only offering him in the $8-9 million range. Neither side has budged from their numbers and the longer it goes, the less likely it seems that Fitzpatrick will be a Jet come next season.

Former Jets player Bart Scott recently ripped Fitzpatrick for being quote “selfish.” Scott’s argument stems from Fitzpatrick’s days in Buffalo where he cashed in heavily. Fitzpatrick had a great season last year in New York but the Jets are, understandably, not willing to give the 33-year old an eight figure salary. The problem for Fitzpatrick is that it will be hard for him to find any team willing to pay him what he feels he deserves. Most of the teams that were in need of a quarterback signed one already in the off-season or drafted one. There’s just not a growing demand for aging quarterbacks that have never been more than mediocre.

Greg Hardy, DE

The off-field issues have definitely hurt Greg Hardy’s stock in free agency. Hardy is still a great talent with elite ability but his past with domestic violence accusations have caused teams to look away from the defensive end. ESPN’s John Clayton has Hardy ranked as the number one free agent still available and could help any team looking for a pass rusher tremendously. Unfortunately, Hardy has done nothing to help his cause. He still claims that he never put his hands on any woman in the past but he won’t go as far as to say he’s innocent in the domestic violence claims. Huhhhh?? Hardy reportedly informed teams that he is undergoing extensive counseling (Bleacher Report).

Dallas owner Jerry Jones has already declared that the Cowboys will not re-sign Hardy. The Cowboys gave Hardy a chance last season after a lengthy suspension by the NFL but he was a headache for the team and it had nothing to do with domestic violence. I’m sure there’s a team out there that will take their Advil and sign the 27-year old to a short-term deal.

Leon Hall, CB

Leon Hall has spent his entire career in Cincinnati after the Bengals selected him in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He was a great asset for the Bengals secondary but he’s had injury problems in the second half of his career. He tore both his Achilles in 2011 and 2013, respectively. Since his second tear it seems that Hall has lost a step. On the wrong side of 30, the Bengals are not expected to re-sign their former first round pick.

Hall has been linked to various teams, including the Falcons and the Dolphins. The Falcons recently brought Hall in for a visit but elected not to offer him a contract until their medical team clears him. The Dolphins hired former Bengals defensive backs coach Vance Joseph as their defensive coordinator and there have been reports of mutual interest. Miami traded for Byron Maxwell and drafted two cornerbacks, including Baylor star Xavien Howard. However, they could use the added depth and Hall’s experience working with Joseph.

Anquan Boldin, WR

At age 35, Boldin’s career is coming to a close soon but the hard-working veteran is not done yet. His fantasy value is all but nonexistent at this point but the former Pro-Bowler would be a nice addition for a team looking for a receiver. His total yards last season were the lowest in his career since 2004 but San Francisco had nobody to throw to him and he was still considered the top option on the team despite his age.

The Niners are not expected to re-sign Boldin and he has been in no rush to sign with any team. Given his age, Boldin probably wants to go somewhere he believes the team can make a Super Bowl run. He’s already met with the Redskins and the Patriots had reported interest as well but they instead signed veterans Chris Hogan and Nate Washington. Boldin has the right attitude, work ethic, and in a lot of ways still the player he was when he entered the league. He could be a steal for whichever team he agrees to.

Jason Jones, DE

If a team is still searching for a defensive end and don’t want the baggage that comes with Greg Hardy, they could look no further than Jason Jones. Jones spent the last three seasons with the Lions, with last year by far his best (funny how that turns out). He started 31 games for the Lions the past two seasons and recorded 9.5 sacks in that span. Jones could very well put up the same kind of sack numbers on a team with starting caliber or as part of the rotation.

Jones visited the Dolphins back in mid-April and could sign with the team for roughly $3 million a year. Miami did not select a defensive end in the draft so interest is likely still there on their end. Before visiting the Dolphins, Jones visited the Cowboys and they could still be an option if Dallas feels they can get him for cheap. A return to Detroit is not out of the question either. It’s expected that Jones will be off the market very shortly.

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