Alright, let's talk real football. Training camps are creeping closer, but the market hasn't dried up completely. Honestly, it surprises me how many legit difference-makers are still sitting out there unsigned. If you're scouring the web searching for the best NFL free agents still available, you landed in the right spot. Forget the fluffy lists – we're digging deep into who's left, why they're unsigned, where they might fit, and what kind of deal they're realistically looking at. We're talking about the absolute best remaining NFL free agents teams are probably kicking tires on right now.
You know how it is. The splashy signings in March grab headlines, but championship teams are often built by finding value in the summer scraps. Finding the best remaining free agents NFL teams have somehow overlooked can be the difference between a playoff run and watching from home. Think Stephon Gilmore landing with Dallas late in August a few years back – that kind of impact. Let's be real, some teams whiffed early, got desperate after the draft, or are just waiting for prices to drop. Smart GMs are circling like sharks right now.
I remember watching Justin Simmons last season – guy was still a ballhawk. How is he not locked down? Makes you wonder about positional value versus age sometimes. Teams get scared off by a number. But let's get concrete.
Here’s the crucial thing about the best remaining free agents NFL teams are eyeing: it’s not just about raw talent. It’s about scheme fit, injury histories (ugh, Connor Williams), contract demands, and frankly, why they haven’t been snapped up already. We'll break it all down position by position.
Who Actually Tops the List? The Elite Talent Still Available
Okay, let's cut straight to the chase. These aren't just roster fillers; these are potential starters, even Pro Bowl talents, still looking for a home. Finding the best remaining NFL free agents means identifying guys who can actually move the needle in 2024.
| Player | Position | Last Team | Age | Key Stats (2023) | Potential Landing Spots | Est. Market Value (Per Year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Simmons | Safety | Denver Broncos | 31 | 70 Tackles, 3 INTs, 8 PD | Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, Pittsburgh Steelers | $10-12M (Surprised? Age is the only knock) |
| Stephon Gilmore | Cornerback | Dallas Cowboys | 33 | 13 PD, 2 INTs, 68 Tackles | Carolina Panthers (reunion?), Las Vegas Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs | $8-10M (Still lockdown on the outside) |
| Connor Williams | Center | Miami Dolphins | 27 | Started 9 games (ACL) | Miami Dolphins (re-sign?), Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle Seahawks | $7-9M (Health is major factor) |
| Jadeveon Clowney | EDGE | Baltimore Ravens | 31 | 9.5 Sacks, 19 QB Hits | Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions, New York Jets | $8-11M (Had a resurgent year) |
| Donovan Smith | Offensive Tackle | Kansas City Chiefs | 31 | Started 12 games (Super Bowl) | Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, Chicago Bears | $5-7M (Solid vet LT option) |
Justin Simmons, man. He's arguably the single best remaining NFL free agent full stop. A leader, incredibly smart, still plays at a super high level. Why is he available? Honestly, baffling. Probably just GMs overthinking the age thing. Stephon Gilmore? He can absolutely still shut down a side. Saw him make life miserable for A.J. Brown last year. Connor Williams is the tricky one. When healthy, he's a top-10 center. But that ACL tear late in the season... risky. Teams are scared of medicals. Clowney had his best season in years with Baltimore. Pure power rusher still. Donovan Smith protected Mahomes' blindside in the Super Bowl run. He's a known commodity – solid, not spectacular.
You look at this list of the best remaining NFL free agents, and it's clear teams are hesitant on age or injuries. But the talent? Undeniable.
Position by Position Breakdown: Where Teams Can Still Find Help
Beyond the headliners, there's depth to be found. Let's dig into each position group for the best remaining NFL free agents. Teams have specific needs – maybe they missed out on a safety early, or their O-line depth looks shaky after injuries. This is where savvy GM moves happen.
The trenches always matter. Finding reliable blockers among the best remaining NFL free agents is crucial, especially for teams with young QBs. Injuries pile up fast here.
Andrus Peat (G/T): Versatile veteran, played both guard and tackle for Saints. Up and down play, but solid depth. Could start for a needy team. Fit: Arizona Cardinals, Washington Commanders. Value: $3-5M.
Dalton Risner (G): Started all 14 games he played for Vikings in '23. Solid, dependable interior presence. Bit surprised he's still out there. Should help a team like Baltimore Ravens or Dallas Cowboys. Value: $5-7M.
Halapoulivaati Vaitai (G): "Big V". Powerful run blocker when healthy. Injuries limited him in Detroit. If cleared medically, a good add for a run-heavy team (Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns). Value: $2-4M.
You can never have too many guys who can get after the quarterback. Some interesting names lurk among the best remaining NFL free agents DL group.
Calais Campbell (DE): The ageless wonder (will be 38). Still effective as a rotational run stuffer and leader. Played 17 games for Falcons. Brings massive locker room presence. Buffalo Bills? Detroit Lions? Value: $3-5M.
Yannick Ngakoue (EDGE): Up and down career, but has double-digit sack potential. Coming off a fractured ankle with Bears. Pure speed rusher, liability against run. Fit: Contender needing situational rusher (Kansas City Chiefs?). Value: $5-7M.
Emmanuel Ogbah (DE): Fell out of favor in Miami. Had 9 sacks in 2022 before limited role in '23. Could be a sneaky good value pickup. New York Giants, Houston Texans. Value: $4-6M.
Shelby Harris (DT): Solid, veteran interior presence. Disruptive against both run and pass. Consistent performer. Could help Dallas Cowboys or Los Angeles Chargers. Value: $4-6M.
Beyond Simmons and Gilmore, there are secondary pieces that can solidify a defense. Finding capable DBs late is tough, but the best remaining NFL free agents pool has options.
| Player | Position | Last Team | Age | Strengths | Potential Concern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quandre Diggs | Safety | Seattle Seahawks | 31 | Experience, Play Recognition, Leadership | Some decline in coverage speed |
| Adoree' Jackson | Cornerback | New York Giants | 28 | Athleticism, Man Coverage Ability | Consistency, Tackling |
| Xavien Howard | Cornerback | Miami Dolphins | 31 | Ball Skills (29 career INTs), Press | Recent injuries, Salary demands? |
| Micah Hyde | Safety | Buffalo Bills | 33 | Football IQ, Versatility, Zone Coverage | Age, Neck injury history |
Diggs was a Pro Bowler not long ago. Still solid. Jackson has the physical tools but frustrates GMs with inconsistency. Howard is the big name – elite when healthy and motivated, but is he? Saw him get burned badly a few times last year. Hyde is pure veteran savvy – great for a contender needing a smart back-end voice (Buffalo Bills reunion? San Francisco 49ers?).
Skill positions are thinner, but there are contributors. Not many game-breakers left among the best remaining NFL free agents WRs/RBs, but role players exist.
Hunter Renfrow (WR): Slot machine. After a huge 2021 (103 rec), usage plummeted in McDaniels' system. Reliable hands, great route runner. Perfect for Carolina Panthers or New Orleans Saints. Value: $4-6M.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling (WR): Deep threat specialist. Won two rings with Chiefs but drops plagued him. Someone will want that speed. Los Angeles Chargers? Kansas City Chiefs (again?)? Value: $3-5M.
D'Onta Foreman (RB): Powerful downhill runner. Filled in well when starters were hurt (CHI '23). Perfect #2 back. Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Chargers. Value: $2-3M.
Logan Thomas (TE): Veteran presence. Solid blocker, decent receiver. Reliable TE2 option. Cincinnati Bengals, Seattle Seahawks. Value: $3-5M.
Honestly, the WR cupboard is pretty bare. Teams looking for significant help here probably missed the boat. Renfrow is the most intriguing name left at receiver among the best remaining NFL free agents. Feels like a guy who just needs a fresh start.
Why Are These Top Players Still Available?
It's the million-dollar question. How do legit starters like Simmons or Gilmore not have jobs yet? Looking at the landscape of the best remaining NFL free agents, a few patterns emerge:
- Age Discrimination (Real or Perceived): The NFL is obsessed with youth. GMs see 30+ and get nervous, ignoring proven production. Gilmore (33), Simmons (31), Campbell (38), Hyde (33) – all victims. Sometimes it's justified long-term, but for contenders? Short-sighted.
- Medical Red Flags: Connor Williams (ACL), David Bakhtiari (chronic knee), Ngakoue (ankle). Teams are terrified of investing and getting nothing. Physicals are paramount for these guys. This is often the main blocker for several top-tier best remaining NFL free agents.
- Contract Stalemates: Veterans know their worth. Agents like big deals. Teams want bargains. Guys like Xavien Howard might be holding out for more than the market is currently offering post-draft. Who blinks first?
- Scheme Specificity: Some players only fit certain systems. A pure 3-4 OLB like Clowney isn't plug-and-play for a 4-3 team. Limits options.
- "What's Wrong With Him?": Unspoken but real. If a good player is unsigned this late, GMs get suspicious. Injury? Attitude? Sometimes it's just bad timing or a slow market at their position.
Frankly, I think teams overvalue draft picks sometimes and undervalue proven pros. Simmons shouldn't be waiting. It feels like front offices get paralyzed by analytics sometimes and forget the film.
Teams Most Likely to Dive Into the Best Remaining NFL Free Agents Pool
Who actually has the need, the cap space (or cap creativity), and the motivation to sign one of these best remaining NFL free agents? Keep an eye on these squads:
Contenders Needing Final Pieces
- Kansas City Chiefs: Always lurking. O-line depth (Donovan Smith reunion?), maybe a veteran CB like Gilmore for insurance? They make smart late adds.
- San Francisco 49ers: Safety is a question mark behind Hufanga (coming off ACL) and Brown. Justin Simmons makes a TON of sense here. They have cap gymnastics down to a science.
- Buffalo Bills: Lost Hyde and Poyer. Safety is a concern. Micah Hyde reunion? Or take a swing on Simmons? Also, depth pass rusher.
- Philadelphia Eagles: Secondary was a mess late last year. Adding Gilmore or a safety like Diggs could solidify them. Howie Roseman loves a bargain.
- Detroit Lions: Close last year. Could use another veteran pass rusher (Clowney?) or CB help (Gilmore? Howard?) to push them over the top.
Rebuilding/Retooling Teams Needing Veteran Leadership
- Chicago Bears: Building around Caleb Williams. Protecting him is job one. O-line depth (Risner? Peat?) or a savvy WR like Renfrow makes sense.
- Washington Commanders: New regime, tons of cap space. Could use help at safety (Diggs?) or O-line (Peat?).
- New England Patriots: Thin at OT. Donovan Smith would be a massive upgrade protecting Brissett/Maye.
- Carolina Panthers: Need weapons for Bryce Young. Renfrow feels like a Panther. Gilmore reunion possible.
I wouldn't sleep on Dallas either. Jerry Jones loves a splash, and they have needs at O-line and RB. Feels like they'll sign someone soon.
Potential Late Bargains & Depth Signings
Beyond the bigger names, teams hunting for the best remaining NFL free agents are also looking for rotational pieces and special teamers who can contribute cheaply. Who could outperform their contract?
- Edge Rusher: Carl Lawson (NYJ), Derek Barnett (HOU) – Both coming off quiet years but have shown pass rush juice before. Low-risk flyers.
- Cornerback: Ahkello Witherspoon (LAR), Fabian Moreau (DEN) – Vet depth for nickel/dime packages. Solid tacklers.
- Linebacker: Zach Cunningham (PHI), Shaquille Leonard (PHI) – Run-stuffing specialists. Leonard's injuries are a huge concern, but if healthy?
- Safety: Eddie Jackson (CHI), Jamal Adams (SEA) – Big names, big falls. Jackson still has range, Adams needs the right role (in the box only). Boom-or-bust.
- Running Back: Kareem Hunt (CLE), Clyde Edwards-Helaire (KC) – Hunt still punches in TDs. CEH needs a change of scenery. Veteran RB2 types.
Jamal Adams is fascinating. Dude was a force, but injuries and... let's say... diminishing coverage skills have cratered his value. Someone will sign him hoping to capture the old magic, but I'm skeptical he can be a full-time star again. This tier is where teams really find value among the best remaining NFL free agents.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Remaining NFL Free Agents
A: Hands down, it's Justin Simmons. Elite safety play, leadership, durability (played 16+ games 5 of last 6 years). His age (31) is the only logical reason he's still unsigned. He's the top target on many lists of the best remaining NFL free agents.
A: No, he's absolutely not washed. Watch his tape from last year in Dallas – he was still very effective. It likely comes down to contract demands and term. A contender needing a reliable CB2 (or even CB1 for a short stretch) will sign him. He's picky, wants to win.
A: His ACL tear (Week 14) is a significant concern. The timeline is tight for Week 1. However, when fully healthy, he's a top-tier center. A team with stable O-line depth (or one willing to stash him on PUP early) should take a calculated risk. He's arguably the highest-upside O-lineman among the best remaining NFL free agents if healthy.
A: Cap space fluctuates constantly with restructures. As of late May, teams traditionally with flexibility/wiggle room include Washington Commanders, Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans, and Arizona Cardinals. Contenders like the Chiefs, Eagles, and 49ers are masters at creating space.
A: Key windows: 1) After the draft when teams assess needs (we're here now), 2) After June 1st (when cap hits from released players accelerate, freeing up more space), 3) During training camp when injuries strike (late July/August), and 4) Just before Week 1 as rosters finalize. Many top names wait until June or July.
A: Potentially. Teams reassess after OTAs and minicamp. Watch veterans with high salaries who might lose camp battles, especially at positions like WR, CB, or EDGE. It's less common now than pre-June 1st, but surprises happen.
Navigating the Waiting Game for Top Free Agents
So, what's next for these best remaining NFL free agents and the teams watching them? It's a high-stakes game of chicken.
The Players: Veterans like Gilmore or Simmons likely hold firm on their value for now. They believe their film speaks for itself and a contender will cave post-June 1st when more cap space materializes or after a key injury. Guys coming off injuries (Williams, Bakhtiari) are likely waiting for full medical clearance to maximize offers. Others may just be waiting for the best fit.
The Teams: Smart GMs are doing homework. They're reviewing medicals (crucial for Williams, Bakhtiari, Ngakoue), talking to former coaches/teammates about fit and locker room presence, and crunching numbers. They're hoping prices drop as we get closer to camp. Some are truly just waiting for an injury to create a desperate need elsewhere to avoid a bidding war.
The market for the best remaining NFL free agents is inherently volatile. One significant injury during OTAs or minicamp can drastically change a player's value and landing spot overnight.
My gut feeling? Simmons signs with the 49ers or Bills by mid-June. Gilmore lands with the Chiefs or maybe even returns to Carolina. Connor Williams... that's a true wildcard. Miami might circle back if he's healthy, or a team like Pittsburgh takes the plunge. Clowney probably stays put in Baltimore. Buckle up – the late free agent frenzy is just getting started.
The hunt for the best remaining NFL free agents is never really over until Week 1 kicks off. Keep checking back – this list will change fast!
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