The first wave of free agency has come and gone in a predictable frenzy, but that doesn’t necessarily mean things will quiet down entirely in its aftermath.
While the second and third waves of free agency barely scratch the surface of the intensity wave one brings, championship teams are built by finding the gems that often remain.
In 2014, cornerback Antonio Cromartie was late to sign with the Arizona Cardinals, but that clearly worked out in their favor. However, there may be no better example of a late-stage free agent signing than Charles Woodson, who didn’t join the Green Bay Packers until late April of 2006.
With that sort of value in mind, here’s a look at the 11 best remaining free agents here in 2019.
11. Jordy Nelson, wide receiver
Jordy Nelson didn’t quite have the bounce-back season he had hoped in 2018, but one could argue that was through no fault of his own. Now back on the market, the former All-Pro and Comeback Player of the Year (2016) could be an ideal fit for a team like the New England Patriots or possibly even the Kansas City Chiefs. And in the right offense, there’s little doubt Nelson has at least one 1,000-yard season left in him.
10. Darqueze Dennard, cornerback
The 27-year-old Darqueze Dennard isn’t likely to sign on as a team’s No. 1 cornerback, but he is the best nickle option remaining on the open market. He has shown tremendous strides over the past two seasons, culminating with an above average Pro Football Focus grade of 68.2 in 2018. For any team looking for that final piece to their secondary, Dennard is as reliable as they come.
9. T.J. Yeldon, running back
A dual-threat running back, T.J. Yeldon filled in admirably for Leonard Fournette for much of last season, averaging slightly over 4.0 yards per carry while also proving to be a solid threat out of the backfield. Yeldon may not be a No. 1 running back, but he’s a quality change-of-pace guy with experience and the capability of stepping in and managing a large number of carries if need be.
8. Muhammad Wilkerson, defensive end
Muhammad Wilkerson was given a substantial one-year deal by the Packers a season ago, but it yielded little in term of results as the defensive end went down for the year with a knee injury after just three games. However, at 29 years of age, there should still be some gas left in Wilkerson’s tank despite the likelihood of a full-time role now being a thing of the past. Still, for any team in need of a quality pass rusher, there is one to be had.
7. Spencer Ware, running back
Spencer Ware failed to capitalize on Kareem Hunt’s departure in Kansas City last year, losing the bell-cow role to Damien Williams. Still, it’s hard to over-look the Swiss Army Knife that is Ware, who averages just under 5.0 yards per carry and is a more than capable threat out of the backfield. All it’s going to take is the right fit for Ware to realize all of his potential.
6. Justin Houston, linebacker
Justin Houston is five years removed from his remarkable 22-sack performance in 2014, but he’s flirted with double-digit sacks over the previous two seasons. Now, having been released by the Chiefs, he’s on the hunt for a new home and could be a blessing for any team running a 3-4 defense in need of a pure pass rusher.
5. Jay Ajayi, running back
After a dominant year for the Miami Dolphins in 2016, Jay Ajayi was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles midway through 2017 and things went downhill from there. He wasn’t a great fit in Philly and saw things come to a premature end after suffering a torn ACL in Week 5 of last year. Because of his injury, Ajayi may be slow off the board, but he’ll still pack plenty of punch when he’s back and healthy.
4. Tre Boston, safety
At 26 years old, there’s a lot of meat left on the bone of Tre Boston’s NFL career. But where, exactly, does he fit? A season ago, Boston served as a quality third safety for Arizona, playing high, in the box, at nickle and even some linebacker. His lack of a defined position may be why he’s still on the market, but some team is going to recognize the versatility and scoop him up.
3. Eric Berry, safety
Eric Berry has overcome more than most can even fathom in recent years, but it caught up to him a bit recently. After missing 29 of Kansas City’s last 32 regular season games, the Chiefs thought it would be best to part ways. But if the 30-year-old Berry can prove to a safety-starved team that he’s over his Achilles issues, he provides a solid veteran option.
2. Ziggy Ansah, defensive end
Ezekiel Ansah is one of the better all-around pass rushers in the league when he’s healthy, but durability has long been a concern. Ansah has not played a full 16-game slate since 2015, but when he’s on the field, he’s worth every penny. Some team will sign him hoping they can milk double-digit sacks out of him over 10-12 games. Anything more than that is gravy.
1. Ndamukong Suh, defensive tackle
At 32 years old, Ndamukong Suh is no Spring chicken, but he showed there’s still plenty left in the tank last season while playing out a one-year deal in Los Angeles. He’s still more than capable of clogging up the interior, while also adding to his value with a quality pass rush. So long as he keeps his head on straight, there’s a place for him somewhere.
