Fun fact: The NFL’s negotiation window might begin on Monday, with most free-agent players locked in immediately. But the new league year doesn’t actually start until today!
It’s wild to think about after seeing all these underrated trades and handsome contracts fly around, right? (Also, it’s funny knowing most of these moves aren’t 100 percent official and can technically fall through at any time.)
However, despite most of the free agent field being combed through this year, many franchise players and stars remain available. To be quite honest with you: I don’t know why. But I’ve never professed to know precisely how an NFL GM thinks.
As Day 3 of free agency rolls on, here’s an overview of the 20 top unsigned players left. (Note: I’ve said before they’ll likely not last much longer on the open market. But nothing seems assured anymore.)
1
LT Orlando Brown Jr.
Oh my goodness. Would someone just sign this man for the money he wants? There aren’t many that many good offensive linemen in football!
2
S C.J. Gardner-Johnson
We’re talking about the same deal as Brown Jr. above.
Gardner-Johnson’s an elite safety with terrific ball skills. I am shocked he remains on the board.
3
LB Bobby Wagner
Wagner has undoubtedly earned the right to bide his time before he picks another team. But it’s funny that the best off-ball linebacker available and a Future Hall of Famer won’t have signed on the dotted line until Day 3.
Well, maybe more unexpected than anything.
4
LB Lavonte David
A good player but a decidedly inferior one to Wagner, David probably can’t sign anywhere until Wagner resets the market for older linebacking veterans. A shame, really.
5
OG Isaac Seumalo
Once again.
A versatile interior offensive lineman … who is not even 30 years old. Someone snatch this man up!
6
S Jordan Poyer
I did not expect Poyer to be someone who was waiting for a new deal by Wednesday. Whoever does take the plunge is getting a true defensive field general and a ballhawk.
7
DT Fletcher Cox
Cox is only 32 and can still incinerate offensive game plans from the inside out.
8
TE Dalton Schultz
You’re not getting a No. 1 tight end in Schultz, but you are getting a balanced player and a capable pass target.
9
RB Miles Sanders
Sanders won’t be returning to Philadelphia but should still find a new home elsewhere with ease. He’s a quality utility back who knows how to get the edge on carries.
10
WR Odell Beckham Jr.
I wouldn’t expect Beckham Jr. ever to offer WR1 production again. But if he’s healthy now, he’d be a vital cog in any contender’s offense.
11
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
A solid possession receiver who can likely be had for a bargain, even after a clutch performance in Super Bowl 57.
12
EDGE Yannick Ngakoue
A pass-rushing terror in every sense of the term, Ngakoue can play his hand at whatever pace he pleases at this point.
13
S Juan Thornhill
Thornhill can’t be the centerpiece of your defense, but he will act as perfect ancillary support with a penchant for takeaways.
14
EDGE Frank Clark
Does anyone want the NFL’s third-ranked all-time leader in sacks? Yes? No? You could use him if you want a title!
15
CB Rock Ya-Sin
Dependable. Reliable. Physical. Smart.
I’d want nothing more from a cornerback.
16
TE Hayden Hurst
Swiss Army Knife tight ends don’t just grow on trees, nor do they come for free. You still have to pay them. But guys like Hurst are worth the trouble.
17
TE Mike Gesicki
Gesicki won’t stuff the stat sheet, but he will be your favorite quarterback’s safety value. You could find much harder players to implement into offenses. But don’t ask this receiver-in-a-tight-end’s-body to block.
18
RB Damien Harris
A powerful short-yardage back who should slide right into a team’s back-by-committee.
19
EDGE Melvin Ingram
Ingram doesn’t have much in the tank anymore as a full-time starter. But as a No. 3 swing pass rusher? Hoo boy, buckle up for his bull rush.
20
WR Mecole Hardman
You can’t run an offense through Hardman, and you certainly can’t expect much consistency from him. But this is one of the few track stars in the league that can turn six inches of daylight into a long touchdown.
