By Jordan Long
NFL teams are well into OTA’s (organized team activities). This allows them to have contact with the players and the athletes can workout at the teams’ facility. Workouts are voluntary. Even with this, there are still some decent players who are free agents. Here are just a few.
Wide receiver Eddie Royal is still available at his position. He is one of the fastest wide outs in the game. His speed allows him to separate from the defenders who are covering him. In Royal’s 9 years in the NFL he has 408 catches for 4,357 yards and 28 touchdowns with an average yards per catch of 10.7. Royal is also an excellent punt and kick returner. It is surprising that Royal is still out there. He can play the slot for any team and will be able to contribute on special teams.
Tight end Gary Barnidge was cut from the Browns on April 28th. Barnidge made the Pro Bowl once in his career back in 2015. He is a 6-year veteran who is able to get open. His size at 6 foot 6 inches creates miss-matches in the end zone. He is too fast to have a linebacker on him and Barnidge out jumps the cornerbacks in the back of the end zone for touchdowns. Barnidge is the type of tight end who every team desires.
DeAngelo Williams might be the best running back still unsigned. Williams can be the backup running back on a team. He is able to make cuts to dodge defenders with a total of 8,096 rushing yards. His average yard per rush is an impressive 4.7 yards. He would make an impact on any team. Williams is also able to make plays in the passing game with a total of 2,106 receiving yards.
Nick Mangold is a surprise free agent at center. When he hikes the football to the quarterback it is seldom ever a fumble. Mangold makes his money by protecting the quarterback and rarely permits the defensive tackle he is blocking to record a sack. Mangold has appeared in 7 Pro Bowls for his play. This is a center that would enhance an offensive line. He can also block to create holes for a running back.
These are just a few of the players who are still free agents. Hopefully they will have a new home before the OTA season is over. It might be well into training camp when teams need to add depth.
Who do you think is still a surprise free agent? Who would you like your team to sign?
Leave a Reply