Top 10 NFL free agents still on the board and their potential landing spots

Modified Nov 08, 2022 11:49 GMT

The top NFL free agents yet to land a deal

#6 - Duke Johnson (Atlanta Falcons)

In the NFL, the loss of one player can blow the winds of change at a franchise. Those winds could be heading towards Atlanta, with the Falcons needing to bolster their offense after the exit of Julio Jones.

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Duke Johnson is a rather feasible way of doing that. Johnson had a bit of a rough season in 2020, earning only 235 yards and one touchdown.

However, 2019 saw him earn a grade of 74.2, per PFF. He had a 4.9 yards-per-carry average that season. If the Atlanta Falcons can get Johnson back into 2019 shape, they could have a usable back for little money.

#5 - Todd Gurley (Detroit Lions)

It's clear that the Detroit Lions are trying to replicate the game plan the Los Angeles Rams used with Jared Goff during his run. To truly replicate it, why not pair the old quarterback with his old running back?

Jared Goff will still be working on team chemistry in Detroit; adding a familiar face could smoothen the transition.

#4 - KJ Wright (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

KJ Wright is not a spring chicken at 32 years old, but he is still playing well as an NFL-caliber linebacker. In 2019, KJ Wright posted a 62.1 PFF grade and had 91 tackles and three interceptions. In 2020, KJ Wright's play improved, according to PFF. He earned a grade of 75.3.

Looking at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have been using Devin White, the upgrade would be night-and-day. Devin White is coming off an NFL season where he earned a PFF grade of 43.4. That's quite a number, especially considering the Bucs are in win-now mode.

#3 - Mitchell Schwartz (Detroit Lions)

Jared Goff needs a solid run game and a clean pocket to be at his best. To do that, he needs a pristine offensive line. While the Detroit Lions are shaping up to be one of the NFL's top offensive lines on paper, Mitchell Schwartz could be the missing piece.

Chiefs are releasing veteran tackle Mitchell Schwartz and former No. 1 pick Eric Fisher, per @RapSheet pic.twitter.com/zTMlEIrJ8u
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Granted, he has been a tackle for his entire NFL career, but if he could transition to being an offensive guard, he could serve as an upgrade for one of the guard spots. Failing that, he would be one of the best swing tackles in the NFL.

#2 - Le'Veon Bell (Atlanta Falcons)

This feels like a slam dunk fit, assuming Le'Veon Bell is ready to put in the time, and settle down for a full season. A 29-year-old Le'Veon Bell paired with Kyle Pitts, Calvin Ridley and Matt Ryan could prove to be a nifty piece of business

While it would not be the same as having prime Julio Jones, Bell's addition would be a great quick pivot to minimize the loss. If Le'Veon Bell can return to even 75 percent of the player he was with the Pittsburgh Steelers when he was earning nearly 2000 all-purpose yards per season, the NFL may have to stand up and take notice of the Falcons.

#1 - Richard Sherman (Buffalo Bills)

Richard Sherman has extensive playoff experience in the NFL. While he won't take over for Tre'Davious White, he could shore up the depth at cornerback and help at safety. Adding Richard Sherman could be the last piece to put the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl contention in 2021.

This late in free agency, the Bills could make a move for Sherman without parting with too much cash.