Top 10 NFL free agents after roster cuts

There's always a ton of free agents available for NFL teams to fix their roster holes, but after the 53-man roster cuts, decent players become available for a small price with the season just a few weeks away.

Every year there are some surprise veteran cuts because of a disappointing training camp, or maybe a cheap rookie who has leapfrogged them after a stellar pre-season. Whatever the reason, the free-agent pool gets deeper by the end of August. With that in mind, here's a list of the 10 best free agents available after the roster cuts.

Top 10 free agents on the market after roster cuts

#10 - Desmond Trufant, CB

While Trufant's speed and athleticism make him a good candidate for a roster spot on a lot of teams, he failed to put it all together on the field because of his long injury history.

A former first-round pick for the Atlanta Falcons, he made a great start to his career but has managed just one complete season since 2015. His quality is undeniable, but availability has been a major issue.

Trufant getting cut from the Chicago Bears was somewhat surprising after the moves the Bears made in their secondary. Nevertheless, the free agent will probably find his way back onto a roster soon, as NFL teams love to sign veterans with proven quality during the season.

Philadelphia Eagles v New York Jets

Top 10 free agents on the market after roster cuts

#9 - Travis Fulgham, WR

Fulgham was suddenly on the verge of becoming a superstar during the 2020 season when he led the NFL in receiving yards during a four-week span. His production dropped sharply, though, and a bad camp saw him released by the Philadelphia Eagles.

The free-agent receiver is good enough to be on a roster, but don't expect him to present the same production that made him famous with the Eagles in 2020.

#8 - Pernell McPhee, DE

McPhee's cut came as a surprise since the Baltimore Ravens don't have a lot of depth in their pass rush. Nevertheless, the veteran can still be a useful option as a third-down rusher, but there's not enough juice for him to be on the field in all three-downs anymore.

In 2020, the free agent had 15 quarterback hits and three sacks having started 13 games. It's not a lot of production, but indicates he can still be helpful in the right role.

#7 - Mitchell Schwartz, OT

Every time you see a list of the top free agents, Schwartz's name will be on it until he gets signed somewhere. He's one of the best right tackles in the NFL with four straight All-Pro selections from 2016 to 2019. His quality as a pass blocker is undeniable, and he's great moving defenders over in the run game as well.

At 32 years of age, the free agent may be looking for the right opportunity to rejoin a roster following his back surgery in February. However, it's undeniable that his addition would be awesome for any team that signs him.

Miami Dolphins Training Camp

Top 10 free agents on the market after roster cuts

#6 - David DeCastro, G

Speaking of great offensive linemen available, how is DeCastro still a free agent? The former Pittsburgh Steelers guard has been a model of consistency over the last decade, starting at least 13 games every season since 2013.

At the age of 31, DeCastro is no long-term solution, but his quality as a pass blocker can be really useful for contenders and teams with a rookie quarterback who needs to be protected.

#5 - Rick Wagner, OT

Yes, you guessed it, another veteran offensive lineman who's still a free agent, God knows why.

Wagner is a solid player who's coming off an above-average season with the Green Bay Packers, and he was only released for cap purposes. Any team with a rookie quarterback should look at him, even if it's just a short-term fix.

#4 - Benardrick McKinney, LB

The Miami Dolphins traded for McKinney at the start of the offseason and then released him during the final cuts. It doesn't make a lot of sense, but at the end of the day, a quality veteran is available on the market for what would be a small price.

McKinney was selected to the All-Pro (2016) and the Pro Bowl (2018) during his time with the Houston Texans. He's coming off a shoulder injury that kept him out for most of the 2020 season, but the free agent should have no problem returning to those levels.

New England Patriots v New York Giants

Top 10 free agents on the market after roster cuts

#3 - John Brown, WR

Brown's release was weird during roster cuts. He was slated to play a big role in the Las Vegas Raiders offense, but he requested a release from the team and Gruden acquiesced.

Whatever the reason, Brown was useful as a deep threat to Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills over the last two years and his speed doesn't seem to have vanished. He could be signed for cheap and provide a threat for opposing defenses.

#2 - K. J. Wright, LB

Every year, there's one player who makes us think all offseason about how he's still unsigned. This year, it's K. J. Wright.

This is the kind of thing K.J. Wright was doing last season. And why the linebacker is a fit for any kind of defense. Pay the man! https://t.co/3SibGak3Cl

— Matty F. Brown (@mattyfbrown) August 30, 2021

One of the smartest players in the NFL, Wright is a top-tier linebacker whose intelligence makes up for his lack of athleticism, and his impact on the Seattle Seahawks defense will be missed when the season starts. Every contender should take a look at Wright, as he can fit right into a defense once he's signed.

#1 - Cam Newton, QB

Newton's release from the New England Patriots was a huge shock, as it seemed like he was the favorite to win the quarterback battle against Mac Jones.

The 2015 NFL MVP would probably be the best backup in the NFL for whatever team signs him, as he's still capable of being a starting quarterback in the league, and not all of his athleticism is lost as the preseason made it clear.