Top NFL Free Agents Still Available

The NFL regular season is fast approaching, and as teams begin the bulk of their preparations for their journey through the schedule, there are a handful of players on the open market that are prime candidates to come in and either change the fortunes of a struggling franchise or help push a contender over the edge.

Finding value in free agency is the mark of a great franchise and is oftentimes the most important component in building a successful roster.

While many top-level players have been snapped up this offseason, these five players are still available and should be top priorities for teams around the league.

OL Mitchell Schwartz

A four-time All-Pro recently tenured with the Kansas City Chiefs, Schwartz is a free agent after he missed a majority of the 2020 season with a back injury that has left many wondering if he could retire this offseason.

Unfortunately for the veteran tackle, his contract took too great of a hit against the Chiefs’ cap, and with his looming injury, they were forced to cut bait. Schwartz is one of the best pass protectors and run blockers in football and would prove to be a valuable commodity wherever he lands, as long as he can return healthy and injury-free.

OL Russell Okung

Okung, another 32-year-old offensive lineman, is coming off of a lone season with the Carolina Panthers, during which he made only seven starts due to injury. Okung has made two Pro-Bowl teams and won Super Bowl XLVIII as a member of the Seattle Seahawks.

Given his age, Okung would fit best on a team in Championship-or-bust mode that needs an injection of experience and ability on the offensive line to protect their offensive talent.

DE Justin Houston

Houston played in all 16 games for the Indianapolis Colts the past two seasons, and although he only recorded 69 total tackles, 19 of them were sacks. The 10-year vet still has a nose for the ball and can put himself in the right positions, even if he does not have the speed that he once did in his early 20s.

The 32-year-old defensive end has consistently brought pressure throughout his career and has proven that he can feature on a championship defense, starring for the Kansas City Chiefs during their Super Bowl run two years ago.

LB K.J. Wright

A former member of the Legion of Boom, Wright, has proven to be one of the better linebackers throughout his career. Since entering the league in 2011, the career-Seahawk has averaged 102 tackles per season, excluding a 2018 campaign that was derailed by injury after five games.

Wright has forced 11 fumbles and caught six interceptions in his career, four of which came in the past two seasons; he is not much of a threat to get after the quarterback, but his elite instincts and tackling ability will help plug the gaps in any team’s linebacking corps.

S Tre Boston

Another Carolina Panther makes the list at number five, largely due to his ability to fly around the field from the safety position. Boston recorded 95 tackles, an interception, a forced fumble, and a sack in 2020, though he is now searching for a new home.

At 29-years old, Boston still has a few quality years to give in the NFL; he is not the greatest in solo coverage and can be exploited on long routes, but what he lacks in downfield protection is made up by his hustle and pursuit of the football. He can contribute as a starter to most teams in the league and is likely to be signed soon.