With the initial wave of free agency over and the draft now complete, teams will now look to the remaining free agents to fill any last minute holes for their roster. Of all the guys left out there, here are my five most intriguing players.
RB Le’Veon Bell
Just a few years ago, Bell was seen as a top 3 running back in the NFL but has really taken a step back since he left Pittsburgh. His seasons with the Jets and his short stint with the Chiefs were massive busts, but maybe with the right offensive situation Bell could be productive?
His sudden fall back hasn’t been due to injury, but he either had no line to block for him or he wasn’t utilized at all.
Fits: Miami, New Orleans, LA Rams
WR Larry Fitzgerald
Although Fitz is 38 years old, he has proven that he can still produce at a high level as a pure possession receiver. With the Cardinals last season, the longtime pass catcher took on a significantly smaller role as DeAndre Hopkins was their primary guy. However, the vet still hauled in 54 catches for 409 yards and 1 TD over 13 games.
With a contender that already has a few guys to do some more explosive playmaking, I think Fitzgerald could be a very reliable, serviceable target who has valuable post-season experience. At the very least, he could be an excellent locker room leader.
Fits: Arizona, Philadelphia, Retirement
EDGE Ryan Kerrigan
Kerrigan had been a longtime pass rusher for the Washington Football Team, starting every single game he played for them up until the 2020 season where he started only once.
However, he was still able to rack up 5.5 sacks, 17 tackles and 6 QB hits as a rotational edge rusher. As a very durable, experienced and consistent player, I think Kerrigan could be very productive on any defense that lacks pass rush or wants to bring in a veteran to help out a younger group.
Fits: Indianapolis, Minnesota, Dallas
LB K.J Wright
For nearly a decade, Wright has been one of the unsung heroes of the Seattle Seahawks defense, and in 2020 he started all 16 games, had 86 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, an interception, and two sacks. He’s proven he can still produce and be an efficient all around player for whoever gives him the opportunity.
Despite the premium put on edge rushers and corners, linebacker play is pivotal for a defense. A good LB can make a defense great, and a bad one can damage a defense. K.J has been productive and playing at a high level for a long time and can certainly make any team better.
Fits: Seattle, Kansas City, Denver
S Malik Hooker
Hooker has shown flashes of being a truly great playmaking, ball hawking safety. With the Colts, he’s made some elite and exciting plays, but has also been sidelined with major injuries a ton, which has forced Indianapolis to move on from the former first round selection.
Remember, Hooker gobs with potential and is still only 25. If he can stay healthy, I really think this guy could be a star in the league for the foreseeable future.