By the time NFL free agency in 2020 technically begans Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET with the start of the new league year, the majority of notable moves had already taken place. But there is still plenty of free agent talent left to be claimed on the open market.
The legal tampering period for soon-to-be free agents and the franchise tag window took many of our top 50 free agents off the market, including nine of the top 10 and 22 of the top 25. That obviously includes the biggest domino of 2020 NFL free agency, Tom Brady, who is leaving the Patriots and signing with the Buccaneers.
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The Brady decision directly impacted Jameis Winston, who is now the top quarterback on the market.
Below are the 10 best players still available in 2020 NFL free agency (contract value projections are courtesy of Spotrac).
NFL free agency tracker: 10 best available players
1. Jadeveon Clowney, EDGE
- Age: 27
- Projection: $20 million per year
The market for the best player still available in NFL free agency reportedly hasn't been what Clowney's camp expected, but he's still expected to receive a solid deal.
If a team doesn't step up with a big enough offer, don't rule out a return to Seattle for the defensive end.
2. Jameis Winston, QB
- Age: 26
- Projection: $26.8 million per year
At least we now know Winston won't return to Tampa Bay, where Tom Brady is set to take over as the starting quarterback. Despite his turnover issues, he's young enough to be the most intriguing quarterback on the market. The problem is most quarterback-needy teams have already made moves.
As for teams that could still covet Winston's services simply due to their current situations, the Chargers and Patriots are possibilities.
MORE: The 10 worst NFL free agency contracts of the last 10 years
3. Melvin Gordon, RB
- Age: 26
- Projection: $8.3 million per year
Gordon, 26, can still be a solid starting running back. But he's having a hard time finding a team willing to pay top-market money. According to NFL Media, his market might be down to the Falcons, Dolphins and Buccaneers.
4. Everson Griffen, DE
- Age: 32
- Projection: N/A
Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said last month he expected Griffen to re-sign with Minnesota in free agency. However, a team like the Cowboys, who lost Robert Quinn to the Bears, could try to spoil that plan.
5. Robby Anderson, WR
- Age: 26
- Projection: $12 million per year
Anderson literally dreams about playing with Tom Brady, but with the quarterback headed to Tampa Bay, the receiver likely won't see that become a reality.
The Jets would like to re-sign Anderson for the right price. The question is whether Anderson will settle for that.
6. Breshad Perriman, WR
- Age: 26
- Projection: $8.7 million per year
The Buccaneers reportedly were not expected to re-sign Perriman when free agency began, but we have to wonder whether Tampa Bay's Tom Brady signing changes the plan.
7. Emmanuel Sanders, WR
- Age: 32
- Projection: $10 million per year
At his age, Sanders can still over solid value for a team that needs wide receiver depth as long as he's signed to a relatively short-term deal.
8. Shelby Harris, DE
- Age: 28
- Projection: $12.3 million per year
Harris is a solid inside pass-rusher with scheme versatility who can be had for much less than a player like Jadeveon Clowney.
MORE: NFL free agency winners and losers
9. Vonn Bell, SS
- Age: 25
- Projection: $4.5 million per year
Bell would be a great signing for a team that needs run support from a starting safety.
10. Ndamukong Suh, DT
- Age: 33
- Projection: N/A
Yes, Suh is still an effective player at age 33, especially as a run defender. He helped the Bucs rank No. 1 in run defense last season.