The Best of the Rest: Ranking the Top Remaining Free Agents

Mar 27

Almost three weeks into free agency many top-notch players have put pen to paper on a new contract, but there are still plenty of starting-caliber players left on the market. Here are the best remaining free agents.

1) Justin Simmons - Safety

Simmons has found himself standing in an interesting situation. After eight years in Denver, the Broncos released Simmons. It was not due to play but for financial reasons. The move saved the Broncos $14.5 million in cap space. Simmons is coming off a year in which he earned his second pro-bowl honor and a spot on the second-team all-pro for the fourth time. At 30 years old, Simmons still has plenty of good play in his future. It’s surprising that he still hasn’t found a new home and it's easy to assume he will sign a new deal shortly.

2) Stephon Gilmore - Cornerback

The former Defensive Player of the Year is coming off a solid season in Dallas. Although he is not the elite corner he once was, Gilmore proved that he can still perform at a high level. At 33, he will not get a long-term deal this time around in free agency, but should still be able to find a good deal in monetary value.

3) Quandre Diggs - Safety

Just like Justin Simmons, Diggs was a salary cap casual this offseason. He signed a 3-year $40 million contract extension just two years ago. Another player on this list that can still perform at a high level, Diggs should not have trouble finding a new home when the time is right.

4) Tyler Boyd - Wide Receiver

After back-to-back years of having 1,000 receiving yards in 2018 and 2019, Boyd has been living in the shadows of fellow Cincinnati wide receivers Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase. Boyd did, however, still manage to produce at a great level. After assigning the franchise tag to Higgins, it is tough to see the Bengals in the market to re-sign Boyd. He, just like the players above him on this list, shouldn’t have a tough time finding a new home.

5) Xavien Howard - Cornerback

Howard is the first player on this list who showed it was evident that his age was impacting his performance on the field. He has made a living having a knack for the ball, leading the league in interceptions in 2018 and 2020. He is also a four-time pro bowler and two-time all-pro player. While he didn’t perform poorly in 2023, it was apparent that his athleticism was not what it used to be. Howard is still able to excel in a zone scheme defense but is no longer a consistent lockdown corner in man-to-man coverage.

6) Shaquille Leonard - Linebacker

Just a couple of years ago, Leonard was considered by many to be the best inside linebacker in the NFL. After dealing with nerve damage in his back and suffering a concussion this past season, he requested his release from the Indianapolis Colts because of a lack of playing time. It took Leonard no time to find a new home in Philadelphia. While he did not produce at a pro-bowl-caliber level, Leonard was an adequate player for the Eagles. At 28 years old, Leonard is young enough to prove he can resurrect his career with a new team.

7) Conor Williams - Center

Williams is probably the least flashy name on this list, but do not let that distract you from the fact that he can still be a more-than-serviceable anchor to the offensive line. Williams started his career with the Cowboys as a left guard before making the move to center with the Miami Dolphins in 2022. Although he rarely allows the quarterback to get pressured, he struggled with penalties. Throughout his time in Miami, Williams refined his game and lowered the amount of penalties he drew. Unfortunately, Williams tore his ACL in Week 14 last season so it is a toss-up when exactly he will be back to play. Whenever that may be, Williams will be a plus player for his new team.

8) Mekhi Becton - Offensive Tackle

After being selected 11th overall in the 2020 draft, Becton struggled to stay on the field for the New York Jets. He was limited to just one game in 2021 and sat out the whole 2022 season due to suffering an avulsion fracture in his kneecap. Finally coming back to action this past season, Becton was able to start 16 games. He showed flashes of being a first-round talent albeit he drew 18 penalties and allowed 12 sacks. In the correct environment, Becton can turn his career around and prove to be a good starter.

9) Odell Beckham Jr. - Wide Receiver

Not the man he once was on the New York Giants, Beckham Jr. proved he still has gas left in the tank with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023. He took the 2022 season off to recover from the torn ACL he suffered in Super Bowl 56. In 2023, he recorded 35 receptions for 565 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Not worthy of being a top receiver, Beckham Jr. can be a formidable option for a quarterback.

10) David Bhaktiari - Offensive tackle

Since tearing his ACL in 2020. Bhaktiari has only participated in 13 games. Although he is a five-time all-pro player, time is not on Bhaktiari’s side registering 32 trips around the Sun. Fair enough, he is not set on retirement but it is highly unlikely he returns to the player he once was. Bhaktiari can serve as a sufficient starter but will most likely find himself in a reserve role on a short deal.

Paul Vozzella