NFL free agency 2023: 10 top players still available and teams they could help

We’re almost a full week into NFL free agency, and after a flurry of action during the negotiating window, the pace has slowed. But plenty of talented players remain unsigned.

Recognizable names remain in search of the right fit and financial arrangement that will allow them to continue the next leg of their footballing journeys. Some could find these situations every day now. Others may have to wait longer as the market settles.

Here’s a look at 10 of the best players still on the market.

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Rank, AthleticsTop 150 Free Agents: number 1.

Baltimore franchise-tagged the Ravens star, so he’s not technically a free agent who can sign with any team of his choosing. But it is believed that Baltimore would entertain offers for the 2019 unanimous NFL MVP. So far it has been quiet on this front. But if a team really wants to change its fortunes and land a game-changing face on the franchise, it should pick up the phone and really take Jackson off the market.

Teams that may have a need: Falke, Commanders.

LB Bobby Wagner

Rank, AthleticsTop 150 Free Agents: No. 5.

Father Time has nothing on the longtime Seattle Seahawks linebacker, who last year as a member of the LA Rams had his 11th consecutive 100-plus tackle season at the ripe old age of 32. Wagner (140 tackles and 10 for a loss) also added a career -high six sacks plus two interceptions and five pass breakups.

Teams that may have a need: Bills, lions.

DB CJ Gardner-Johnson

Rank, AthleticsTop 150 Free Agents: No. 11.

Any team looking for a turnover machine should seriously consider adding the fast-growing Gardner-Johnson to its secondary. After making the transition to safety, Gardner-Johnson tied for the NFL lead with six interceptions while also tallying 67 tackles for the Eagles.

Teams that may have a need: Eagles, Bengals.

BY Frank Clark

Rank, AthleticsTop 150 Free Agents: No. 23.

The three-time Pro Bowl defensive end has seen his sack production drop, but he remains an active and impactful pass rusher. He had five sacks and 13 quarterback hits last season for the Chiefs and turns 30. But in the right situation, he could make a difference.

Teams that may have a need: Chiefs, Browns.

WR Adam Thielen

Rank, AthleticsTop 150 Free Agents: No. 28.

The nine-year Vikings veteran turns 33 this year, and his 113-catch season in 2018 is behind him. However, he remains a reliable and consistent contributor with 70 receptions for 716 yards and six touchdowns in 2022.

Teams that may have a need: Cowboys, Bills.

WR Odell Beckham Jr.

Rank, AthleticsTop 150 Free Agents: No. 29.

His recovery from a torn ACL took longer than he would have liked, but he is reportedly healthy and eager to help another team chase a Super Bowl. Despite still working his way back into football shape, Beckham looked pretty good in the practice he held for teams last week, according to several talent evaluators, who spoke on condition of anonymity so as not to telegraph their team’s plans. Beckham’s dominant days are behind him. But he could still serve as a reliable No. 2 option.

Teams that may have a need: Cowboys, Chiefs.

TE Dalton Schultz

Rank, AthleticsTop 150 Free Agents: No. 30.

Talented tight ends aren’t always easy to come by, so teams shouldn’t wait too long to sign Schultz, who has averaged 10 yards per carry. catch in each of the last two seasons for the Cowboys. After a 2021 season in which he recorded 78 catches for 808 yards and eight touchdowns, Schultz had 57 receptions for 577 yards and five touchdowns on 89 targets last year. A change of scenery would probably do Schultz some good.

Teams that may have a need: Packers, Commanders.

Rank, AthleticsTop 150 Free Agents: No. 35.

He’s not considered an elite pass rusher, but Ngakoue is very good and very consistent, averaging 9.3 sacks per year over his seven seasons in the league. Last season, the 27-year-old recorded 9 1/2 sacks and eight tackles for a loss in 15 games for Indianapolis.

Teams that may have a need: 49ers, Dolphins.

RB Kareem Hunt

Rank, AthleticsTop 150 Free Agents: No. 136.

After splitting time with Nick Chubb the past four seasons in Cleveland, Hunt is eager for an opportunity to be a feature back, and he’s fresher than some of the other veterans on the market. It’s a deep running back draft class, but if a team decides it prefers to sign a veteran, Hunt could be the best bet.

Teams that may have a need: Bills, chargers.

RB Ezekiel Elliott

Rank, AthleticsTop 150 Free Agents: NO.

The Cowboys this week released Elliott and designated him as a post-1. June cut. He no longer boasts the juice he once did, but there is room for him in the NFL, especially on a team that has a two-headed rushing attack. Elliott is still highly effective in close-range situations where he can use his strength. Despite averaging a career low 3.8 yards per carry. carry last season, Elliott was one of only eight NFL backs with more than 10 rushing touchdowns (12).

Teams that may have a need: Bills, bears.

(Top photo of Odell Beckham Jr.: Harry How/Getty Images)