The NFL playoffs are right around the corner, and postseason-bound teams are looking over the state of their rosters for a January push.
The Baltimore Ravens bolstered their offense by signing running back Dalvin Cook to the practice squad on Thursday, hinting that more signings like it could be on the way for playoff football.
While some of the players on this list haven’t played all that much this season (if at all), they’re all proven veterans who could factor in for a couple of games to help a team compete for a Super Bowl.
Let’s run down five of these names and try to identify how they could help and which teams make the most sense at this point.
TE Zach Ertz
Ertz requested a release from the Arizona Cardinals at the end of November to possibly latch on with a playoff team, and that signing hasn’t come yet.
Having won a Super Bowl before, Ertz would know exactly how to factor into an offense just enough to make an impact down the stretch.
If your team needs a reliable veteran pass catcher for a playoff run, Ertz would be a great option in January.
Possible Fits: Ravens, 49ers, Chiefs, Eagles
OLB Justin Houston
Houston requested his release from the Carolina Panthers last month, and his 9.5 sacks in 2022 and steady veteran presence might entice a team that needs an extra pass rusher going into playoff football.
He’s yet to win a Super Bowl in his career, and it’d be an awesome story to follow him to February football if the team that signs him makes it that far.
Possible Fits: Dolphins, Ravens, Bills, Lions
DT Ndamukong Suh
Future Hall of Fame defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh met with the Miami Dolphins recently, hinting at a possible comeback just in time for playoff football.
If Miami has interest, it would make a lot of sense. However, this visit might also indicate that Suh would be willing to court other interest in the league. We bet Suh could still cause problems for opposing quarterbacks if signed.
Maybe he heads back to the Philadelphia Eagles for another run, or makes a full circle and signs with the Detroit Lions?
Possible Fits: Dolphins, Lions, Eagles, 49ers
WR Jarvis Landry
Landry has yet to play in the NFL this season, but he recently worked out for the Indianapolis Colts. Maybe he’s just been waiting for the right moment?
Your team could do a lot worse than signing a veteran receiver like Landry at this stage in the season. He’d likely factor in nicely to any number of offenses that are vying for a Lombardi.
Maybe, I dunno, the Kansas City Chiefs should give him a call.
Possible Fits: Chiefs, Cowboys, 49ers, Browns
DE Bruce Irvin
Irvin just got waived by the Lions after more than a month of being in Detroit, showing that the veteran rusher still has interest in playing.
Like Houston, Irvin would provide a good veteran presence on any defense and could even factor in as a designated pass rusher on certain plays.
It never hurts to have pass rushers around in January, and Irvin could help.
Watch out for a reunion with Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who coached Irvin with the Seattle Seahawks and Atlanta Falcons, if there’s interest for either side.
Possible Fits: Cowboys, Dolphins, Chiefs, Ravens
