The hunting season is open
NFL star with strange recruiting attempt from star quarterback
Johannes Vehren, Sebastian Mühlenhof
The new NFL season begins on March 15th. Then the contractless players can officially sign new working papers. SPORT1 looks at the 17 most sought-after free agents.
The hunt for the best unsigned players in the NFL begins.
As of today, the professionals with expiring contracts are allowed to negotiate their new working papers, which they will receive with the start of the new ones NFL-Season officially allowed to sign two days later.
There are numerous top players on the market, which should ensure great interest.
SPORTS1 presents the top 17 upcoming free agents.
Which team will strike at Lamar Jackson?
Lamar Jackson, Quarterback, Baltimore Ravens
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Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens have not been able to agree on a long-term contract.
The franchise took advantage of the just before the deadline Non-Exclusive Franchise Tag for their quarterback. He’s actually still under contract with the Ravens.
But there’s a catch, which is why the future is uncertain. Because the Ravens are using the non-exclusive tag, it gives other teams an opportunity to make their own contract offer to the former MVP.
In this case, the Ravens can either draw or reject. Should they let Jackson go, they would receive two first-round picks as compensation.
Wagner and Hargrave are high profile free agents
Bobby Wagner, Linebacker, Los Angeles Rams
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The second big superstar out there is Bobby Wagner. The Linebacker was released after a year with the Los Angeles Rams.
However, the reason for this was not his performance, but rather an economic nature. With his departure, the Rams relieve their bloated gaming budget at least somewhat.
Wagner was one of the best players on the underperforming Rams team last season with 140 tackles and six sacks. For Pro Football Focus (PFF) he was even the best linebacker of the past season.
That’s why the interest in the 32-year-old, who would like to win another title, should be great.
Javon Hargrave, Defensive Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles
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The defense player has become one of the best pass rushers in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Last season, the 30-year-old got the Super-Bowl-Competitor of 2023 eleven sacks, which was his career best.
Buccaneers are threatened with the departure of David and Dean
Lavonte David, Linebacker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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The 33-year-old was one of the few players to impress across the board in a disappointing Bucs side and had an outstanding season. After Wagner and Fred Warner, he received the third best grade from PFF.
The linebacker is a leader on the field and can fill various roles on the field.
Due to his advanced age, David will probably only get a short-term contract. Still, he will be an interesting player for many teams in the NFL.
Jamel Dean, Cornerback, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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David’s teammate Jamel Dean is seven years younger and also had a very good season.
He got two interceptions and 57 tackles. He is considered one of the best cornerbacks on the market.
Bradberry is going strong with the Eagles
James Bradberry, Cornerback, Philadelphia Eagles
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James Bradberry was also one of the best cornerbacks this year. His move to the Philadelphia Eagles turned out to be a stroke of luck, because he unfolded his full potential for the first time. As a reward, he stood for the first time Super Bowlwhich he however against the Kansas City Chiefs lost.
He got three interceptions and 44 tackles. He also scored a touchdown and only allowed a passer rating of 54.2 – a strong value.
Jessie Bates, Safety, Cincinnati Bengals
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Jessie Bates is one of the best safeties in the NFL and can be used flexibly on defense.
The 26-year-old had four interceptions and 71 tackles last season. He also improved in pass defense and thus underpinned his role as an anchor in defense.
Patriots star Meyers before departure?
Adam Thielen, Wide Receiver, Minnesota Vikings
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Adam Thielen played for the Vikings for ten years and became one of the best receivers in the league. Because talks about a restructuring of his contract failed, he was fired by his long-standing team at the beginning of March.
His best season came in 2018, when he rushed for more than 100 yards in eight games. While he hasn’t quite matched that performance since then, he remains a top pass recipient who, according to US media, may now want to sign with a contender to increase his chances of the title.
Jakobi Meyers, Wide Receiver, New England Patriots
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Not many good wide receivers are coming out this year. The best among them is Jacob Meyers.
Six touchdowns in 67 catches and a total of 804 yards speak for a good season in an otherwise weak offensive New England Patriots.
The Patriots brought him in as an undrafted free agent in 2019, and Meyers has since become a reliable reference station.
Jason Kelce, Center, Philadelphia Eagles
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It is still questionable whether Jason Kelce, brother of NFL star Travis Kelce, will continue for another season.
The 35-year-old would be entering his 13th season, having played all his career games with the Philadelphia Eagles. So it’s pretty much a safe bet that he’ll sign a new contract with the Eagles, if at all.
Jordan Poyer, Safety, Buffalo Bills
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Jordan Poyer has been one of the best safeties in the NFL for many years. In the past season he only played twelve games due to injury and could not quite build on his strong previous season.
Nevertheless, the 32-year-old is still a reliable option in pass defense and can help any defense with his experience.
Is Jimmy Garoppolo leaving the 49ers?
Orlando Brown, Offensiv Tackle, Kansas City Chiefs
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After the Kansas City Chiefs cleared Orlando Brown to free agency, he’s considered one of the most desirable offensive linemen out there.
He convinced after his move as left tackle, even if he is not one of the top players in his position. Nevertheless, he is a reliable constant in run and pass blocking.
Jimmy Garoppolo, Quarterback, San Francisco 49ers
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Where is Jimmy Garoppolo going?
The 31-year-old was initially relegated to the bench last season and young Tray Lance took over as starting quarterback. But when he got injured, Garoppolo came back and started ten games from the start.
He threw 16 touchdowns and four interceptions. However, “Jimmy G” got injured again, so he couldn’t finish the season.
His injury history may put some teams off, but given the quarterback shortage at many franchises, someone will strike.
Smith-Schuster facing big payday?
JuJu Smith-Schuster, Wide Receiver, Kansas City Chiefs
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The move from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Kansas City Chiefs has paid off for JuJu Smith-Schuster. With 933 yards, he was the second best receiver behind superstar Travis Kelce.
Now the 26-year-old should be eyeing a big payday, which he has well earned thanks to his performance in one of the best offensive lines in the league.
Odell Beckham Jr., Wide Receiver, Free Agent
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In February 2022, OBJ tore his cruciate ligament while serving with the Los Angeles Rams in the Super Bowl. The receiver has since been able to call himself an NFL champion, but needs a year to fully recover.
Now the passport recipient is fit again and wants to return to the best football league in the world. In order to secure a new team, he has already completed a private workout where representatives of the franchises were able to convince themselves of his skills and fitness level.
After all, twelve of the 32 teams were represented, including the 49ers, Bills, Giants and Jets. Where the top receiver ends up is completely open.
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Safety/Cornerback, Philadelphia Eagles
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The fourth Philadelphia Eagles pro on this list showed flexibility after his trade.
With his physique, he can play both as a safety and as a cornerback. He also showed his instincts and caught the most of any NFL player with six interceptions.
Frank Clark, Defensive End, Kansas City Chiefs
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The Chiefs have the strong one Pass rusher dismissedafter both sides could not agree on a restructuring of the contract.
Clark produced 7.5 sacks en route to his second Super Bowl ring and is one of the best quarterback chasers in playoff history. The interest in the defensive end should be correspondingly large.