We’re only (technically) beginning the free-agency frenzy that engulfs the NFL every March.
And yet, with the legal tampering period now over, so are most of the bidding wars for players. Yes, the contracts still must be signed and processed, and the physicals must be passed. But, on the whole, the talent pool is considerably weaker than it was 72 hours ago.
Using our original top-50 free agents list as a guide, here are the 10 best-available players with the new league year upon us.
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10. Edge Jadeveon Clowney
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A 10-year veteran who has played with five different teams, Clowney is once again looking for another contract.
However, despite having a career-best 9.5 sacks in 2023 for the Baltimore Ravens, the 31-year-old isn’t likely to get more than a one-year deal considering his age and injury history.
9. CB Kristian Fulton
Fulton is an intriguing corner. After spending his first four seasons with the Tennessee Titans, the LSU product hits free agency for the first time.
While Fulton has talent, he’s never been much of a game changer. He has only four career interceptions along with one forced fumble. Over the past two years, he’s notched 10 passes defensed. Essentially, solid but unremarkable.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Fulton gets a short-term deal, as he hopes to reestablish his worth at just 25 years old.
8. WR Mike Williams
After being released Wednesday by the Los Angeles Chargers, Williams is free to sign immediately.
Williams, 30, is a talented receiver who has endured injuries throughout his star-crossed career. And while he’s amassed a pair of 1,000-yard seasons, he’s also coming off a torn ACL suffered in Week 3 against the Minnesota Vikings.
The expectation here is Williams signs a one-year, incentive-laden contract in hopes of resetting his market for one more payday.
7. LT Tyron Smith
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Smith is going to the Hall of Fame one day. He’s a member of the 2010s All-Decade Team after starring for 12 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys.
However, Dallas appears to be moving on from the 33-year-old, who has struggled to stay on the field. Over the past eight seasons, Smith has never played more than 13 games in a season.
Still, his talent is undeniable, making him a nice, short-term fix for a contender.
6. CB Stephon Gilmore
Gilmore might be embarking on his age-34 season, but he’s still playing at a high level.
The 2019 Defensive Player of the Year is likely leaving the Cowboys, which means finding his fifth team in as many years. And while there’s no question Gilmore will receive a one-year deal based on age, he’s also someone who could fetch a decent rate due to ability and name.
5. DB Kendall Fuller
Fuller is quietly one of the best players on the market and has been since the legal tampering period began.
Fuller, 29, won a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019, splitting time between corner and safety. In the four years since with the Washington Commanders, Fuller has largely been a corner, missing only five games.
Between his relative youth, versatility and knack for playing the ball (16 interceptions in his career), Fuller could get a multiyear deal.
4. WR Marquise Brown
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Brown is a fascinating player. He spent three years with the Ravens after being a 2019 first-round pick and finally cracked 1,000 yards for the first time in ’21.
After his breakout year, he was traded to the Arizona Cardinals for a first-rounder. Since then, he has 1,283 yards across two seasons.
Brown, 26, is a terrific deep threat who hasn’t fully tapped into his vast potential. We’ll see if he can do that at his next stop.
3. G Kevin Zeitler
Zeitler should be thrilled. Based on the guard money being thrown around this offseason, the 34-year-old could get a hefty check, even if it’s a short-term pact.
After coming into the league with the Cincinnati Bengals, Zeitler played two years each with the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants before playing out a three-year deal with the Ravens.
Now, with Baltimore tight against the cap, Zeitler may be relocating once more, trying to win an elusive ring. Zeitler has also been very durable, playing at least 15 games each of the past nine seasons.
2. Edge Chase Young
Young is one of those players who is somewhat living off draft position and name. The second pick in 2020, Young has only 16.5 sacks across his time with the Washington Commanders and San Francisco 49ers.
However, he’s still a powerful player who should be fully healthy after tearing his ACL in 2021. And considering how impactful edge rushers are in today’s pass-happy NFL, Young has a chance to cash in at only 24 years old.
While a huge deal is unlikely, he could command a good rate on a multiyear pact.
1. WR Calvin Ridley
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Update: Ridley has reportedly agreed to sign a four-year deal with the Titans.
Ridley seems to have a narrowed his focus this offseason, with the most likely outcome being his return to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
However, should Ridley decide to explore the market further, it wouldn’t be surprising if he gets near $20 million annually on a multiyear deal.
Last season, Ridley came back from a year-long, gambling-related suspension to produce 76 catches for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns.
