The NFL's mini free agency: Where will these unsigned veterans land?

Jason Fitzgerald

The NFL's mini free agency: Where will these unsigned veterans land? image

The NFL awards compensatory draft picks each year to teams that lose more players than they gain during free agency. Every player signed will cancel out a player lost which has led to certain teams “gaming the system” by refusing to sign free agents that may cause a loss of the compensatory picks during the offseason.

However, the rules regarding the treatment of such players against the compensatory pick formula changes on May 13, as players signed will no longer count against a player lost in free agency. And so begins the NFL’s mini free agency…

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The team in the past that has best utilized this mini free agency, which typically begins on June 2 but was moved to May in 2015, has been the Ravens. They avoid the March frenzy and focus instead on signing “street free agents” (players released from their contract) who don’t count in the comp pick formula and the draft.

When the draft is over, the Ravens identify remaining needs and often sign veterans who slipped through the cracks in March. The Ravens are currently projected to earn three additional draft picks in 2016, two fourth rounders and a sixth rounder, which they may not have earned had they been active in free agency.

Other teams that project to have valuable picks include the Patriots, Seahawks, Broncos, 49ers, Browns, Cowboys and Lions. These are the teams that should consider making a move on some of the veteran players still out there.

Let’s look at some of the bigger-name players available.

Michael Vick, Quarterback

Vick looked bad last year when called into action with the Jets, but there is something that always seems to attract teams to Vick. He is now comfortable playing a backup role and has said he would enjoy mentoring a young quarterback.

Seattle, San Francisco and Cleveland all have players that could fit that bill. I would not be surprised if Vick reaches out to the Patriots in light of Tom Brady’s suspension. He signed last year for $4 million and would likely be worth around $2 million now.

Chris Johnson, Running Back

Johnson is going to bring some locker room discord wherever he goes since he is very vocal about getting the football, which makes him a fit on a team with a very open running back situation. Dallas added Darren McFadden this offseason, but Johnson is a better player than McFadden and capable of an occasional big play. 

If he comes for under $2 million, that would not be a bad match.

Wes Welker and Reggie Wayne, Wide Receiver

Welker was recently cleared to play, and while his numbers have fallen since he left New England two years ago, teams that can use help at receiver should be interested in him on a low-cost, one-year contract. Wayne was more effective than Welker, but his numbers seem highly correlated with Andrew Luck. That could scare some teams off.

Seattle would make some sense for Welker, who can aid in the slot while newly added tight end Jimmy Graham exploits routes down the field. The 49ers got great returns on Anquan Boldin, and with little depth at the position could consider either player. The Browns could also be a reasonable fit for the veteran players.

Jermaine Gresham, Tight End

Gresham faded the last two years with the Bengals, but he has talent and is a former Pro Bowler. He would be a good fit for a team with established receivers where he is just a piece of the offense. Denver and Arizona should both look at the former second-round pick.

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Joe Barksdale, Guard/Tackle

Barksdale started 31 games over the last two seasons for St. Louis and has upside. He can play inside or kick outside and is effective in the run game. He may have priced himself out of free agency, and if nobody calls would likely go back to the Rams. Teams with a void on the line may get a quality player for pennies on the dollar.

Osi Umenyiora, Defensive End

The two years in Atlanta were more or less a disaster for Umenyiora, but if he is willing to sign an incentive-laden, low-cost contract, there should be teams interested in a situational pass rusher. With Greg Hardy suspended there is no reason why the Cowboys should not give him a call, and the Lions could always use a body opposite Ansah on the line.

Lance Briggs, Outside Linebacker

The 35-year-old linebacker has struggled with injuries the last two seasons, but he is still effective when healthy. For a team in desperate need for help at the position, like the 49ers, he makes sense on a deal close to the minimum.

Brandon Spikes, Inside Linebacker

Spikes has talent and is just 28 years old. He can start on most teams or be a valuable rotational player on others. New England, where he played from 2010 to 2013, might look to bring him back on a one-year contract. San Francisco will likely get a call from him as well.

Tarell Brown, Cornerback

Brown was injured late last year but had played well with Oakland prior to that. It has been surprising that he has gone unsigned (perhaps a combination of asking price and injury). The Patriots have lost their three starting corners this offseason, so Brown could be in the cards for New England. Baltimore may also have an opening.

Jason Fitzgerald

Jason Fitzgerald is an NFL salary expert and contributor for Sporting News. Read more of his writing at OverTheCap.com and follow him on Twitter: @Jason_OTC.