2015 NFL Free Agency: Top Free Agents Still Available |

2015 NFL Free Agency: Top Free Agents Still Available

The first wave of the 2015 NFL free agency period was gone in a flash. Now we’re technically several waves in, and yet numerous suitable NFL players don’t have jobs. While some want to hype up the likes of Michael Sam and Tim Tebow, there are actually some very good players that should still be able to make a roster in 2015 and might even be able to make a big impact in the right setting. Well, let’s not put too much emphasis on big. Regardless, we’ve taken a look at the guys still out on the open market and compiled a top-10 list.

We’re going to stick to the offensive side of the ball for this article, so let’s take a look at a few big names that should probably have been picked up by now:

Michael Vick, QB, New York Jets

Vick is 35 and nearing the end, but when there are no quality passers around, he certainly tends to stand out. He won’t be back with the Jets and he didn’t look particularly good in 2014, but he’s still a mobile passer with experience and a big arm. He doesn’t project as a starter right away, but if he better prepares himself going into next season, he could end up seeing time on the field in the right situation.

Stevan Ridley, RB, New England Patriots

Ridley is fresh off of a torn ACL, but other than the injury concern is probably the guy to target in this free agent pool. He has always had an issue with ball control and isn’t the best receiving back, but he is a great early down rusher who has a nose for the end-zone. He can still be a feature back in the right offense and will simply have to agree to a cheap deal so he can prove he’s not an injury risk.

Chris Johnson, RB, New York Jets

Johnson looked like a shell of his former self last year and due to not being an overly effective blocker or inside runner, just might be on his last leg when it comes to chances in the NFL. That being said, he does still have some break away speed and at worst could help someone out as a situational back. The big question may be whether or not anyone wants to deal with his personality.

Pierre Thomas, RB, New Orleans Saints

Thomas was a cap casualty in New Orleans, who replaced him with C.J. Spiller and really have been ditching bodies left and right. He wasn’t cut due to a lack of ability, as he was once again a key cog in both their running game and passing game in 2014. He’s got some juice left in his legs, so anyone looking for a proven, versatile running back should come knocking.

Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, Indianapolis Colts

Bradshaw has actually looked quite good over the past few seasons, but he just hasn’t been able to shed the injury bug. He’s constantly banged up and even has added a sketchy off field issue this spring. If he can sort that out and prove he can return at full strength, he’ll have a home somewhere. He’s not expected to be back with the Colts, however, as they’ve moved on with Frank Gore and should look to add younger help via the draft.

Michael Crabtree, WR, San Francisco 49ers

Crabtree is the only guy left on the open market that is anything close to a true #1 receiver, but he might not even be that. Never a burner or necessarily the most explosive player, Crabtree’s play-making calling card doesn’t look as impressive these days. That being said, he’s really only one full year removed from a torn Achilles and is still young enough to progress further from that injury. He’s a solid possession guy that probably needs to be snatched up rather quickly.

Greg Jennings, WR, Minnesota Vikings

Jennings might look done to some due to a couple of down years in Minnesota, but his issues stem from inconsistent at the quarterback position. He also was in a run-balanced system with the Vikings and it remains open for argument whether or not he still has the speed to make plays down the field. Even if he doesn’t, he remains a stout possession guy who runs good routes and has reliable hands. He may want a bigger contract than teams are willing to offer, but the talent is still there for him to help someone as a number two or three receiver.

Reggie Wayne, WR, Indianapolis Colts

Wayne’s career is clearly winding down and he seemed to regress quite a bit in 2014, but he’s a true veteran who still runs great routes and catches the ball well. His speed and explosiveness are gone and he’s not an elite touchdown scorer, but if a winning team wants a third guy that can help their wide receiving corps, he’s not a bad guy to add to the mix.

Jermaine Gresham, TE, Cincinnati Bengals

Gresham has some health issues keeping team from plucking him off the open market right now, otherwise he may have been gone by now. He’s easily the most balanced tight end left in free agency, as he is a dominant run blocker and a pretty reliable pass-catcher. He has the size and athleticism to be a mismatch issues, but we really haven’t seen it work out at a high level consistently. Perhaps at his next stop we’ll see Gresham’s full potential.

Jake Long, OT, St. Louis Rams

Long isn’t necessarily the top offensive lineman still out there, but he’s the best pure talent and the biggest name. He was once a stud left tackle but he’s had his health and athleticism sapped by numerous injuries. If someone wants to kick the tires and see if he can stay up on his feet for a full year, he could end up being a massive steal.