NFL free agents 2022: Best players still available at each position, including Stephon Gilmore, Tyrann Mathieu & Odell Beckham Jr.

Vinnie Iyer

NFL free agents 2022: Best players still available at each position, including Stephon Gilmore, Tyrann Mathieu & Odell Beckham Jr. image

NFL free agency in 2022 arrived in fast and furious fashion as usual. In fewer than five days, most of the coveted available players are off the market, having either re-signed with their current teams or finding different homes with new teams.

But from the top tier of potential starters to the bargain basement of backups, there are several notable names and solid contributors still left unsigned in '22. Here's looking at the top remaining free agents by position, including a glut at the offensive skill spots:

NFL FREE AGENCY 2022: Tracking the top 50 signings by position

NFL free agents 2022: The best players still available at each position

Quarterbacks

  • Ryan Fitzpatrick, Commanders
  • Andy Dalton, Bears
  • Cam Newton, Panthers

Winston keeps waiting for his third chance as high first-round picks. Newton, after not working out with the Panthers, might be at the end of the line.

Running backs

  • Sony Michel, Rams
  • Melvin Gordon, Broncos
  • Darrel Williams, Chiefs
  • Ronald Jones II, Buccaneers
  • Devonta Freeman, Ravens
  • Latavius Murray, Ravens
  • Justin Jackson, Chargers
  • Devontae Booker, Giants
  • David Johnson, Texans
  • Jeff Wilson Jr., 49ers
  • Phillip Lindsay, Dolphins
  • Alex Collins, Seahawks

There is the usual surplus of faded or aging committee veterans here with the exception of Fournette, who could still return to play with Tom Brady on a bargain deal.

Wide receivers

  • Odell Beckham Jr., Rams
  • Jarvis Landry, Browns
  • Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Packers
  • TY. Hilton, Colts
  • Sammy Watkins, Ravens
  • Will Fuller, Dolphins
  • Keelan Cole, Jets
  • A.J. Green, Cardinals
  • Emmanuel Sanders, Bills
  • Tre'Quan Smith, Saints
  • Cole Beasley, Bills

Beckham will likely return to the Rams as the market is wary of him coming off another major knee injury, but Thursday's Davante Adams trade means the Packers are now on the lookout for remaining free-agent wide receivers.

Tight ends

  • Rob Gronkowski, Buccaneers

Gronkowski also hinted he will be returning to Tampa Bay soon.

Offensive tackles

  • Duane Brown, Seahawks
  • Eric Fisher, Colts
  • David Quessenberry, Titans
  • Riley Reiff, Bengals
  • Brandon Shell, Seahawks
  • Daryl Williams, Bills
  • Bobby Massie, Broncos
  • Zach Banner, Steelers

Armstead can still break the bank as he's being patient, knowing he has no competition on the market in terms of pass protecting prime with Cam Robinson and Orlando Brown Jr. franchise tag. The rest are hurt by. a strong tackle class in the draft.

Guards/centers

  • Germain Ifedi, Bears
  • Quinton Spain, Bengals
  • Ereck Flowers, Commanders

Believe it or not, the interior offensive line market has been lit since the early negotiations, leaving little viable here. There were a wealth of solid starters and it also helps the position still comes at a reasonable price in relation to others.

Edge rushers

  • Jadeveon Clowney, Browns
  • Melvin Ingram, Chiefs
  • Derek Barnett, Eagles
  • Justin Houston, Ravens
  • Jerry Hughes, Bills
  • Trey Flowers, Lions
  • Jason Pierre-Paul, Buccaneers
  • Carl Nassib, Raiders

The guys who can get to the quarterback were in consistent demand, with Von Miller (Bills), Chandler Jones (Raiders) and Randy Gregory (Broncos) among those finding interesting new homes.

Defensive tackles

  • Akiem Hicks, Bears
  • Calais Campbell, Ravens
  • Larry Ogunjobi, Bengals
  • Eddie Goldman, Bears
  • Linval Joseph, Chargers
  • Sheldon Richardson, Vikings
  • Star Lotulelei, Bills

Hicks and Campbell will likely sign later as older former absolute studs. The rest will be hampered by good depth at defensive tack.

Linebackers

  • Dont'a Hightower, Patriots
  • Bobby Wagner, Seahawks
  • Alexander Johnson, Broncos
  • Anthony Barr, Vikings
  • Kyzir White, Chargers
  • Danny Trevathan, Bears

Hightower and Wagner were once playmaking centerpieces but age has worn them down to just above-average players.

Cornerbacks

  • Stephon Gilmore, Panthers
  • Tyrann Mathieu, Chiefs
  • Jackrabbit Jenkins, Titans
  • Steven Nelson, Steelers
  • Patrick Peterson, Vikings
  • Bryce Callahan, Broncos
  • Joe Haden, Steelers
  • Robert Alford, Cardinals
  • A.J. Bouye, Panthers

Gilmore still has plenty left as a solid outside cover man. Mathieu's versatility has a lot of appeal now that it's apparent he's not returning to Kansas City. The Panthers and Steelers are seeing wholesale changes here.

Safeties

  • Kareem Jackson, Broncos
  • Landon Collins, Commanders
  • DeShazor Everett, Commanders

The safety market has mirrored what's happened guard because of a combination of quality, value and scarcity.

Kickers 

  • Michael Badgley, Colts
  • Greg Zuerlein, Cowboys
  • Joey Slay, Commanders
  • Greg Joseph, Vikings

Most of the top kickers were kept by their teams. The Gregs were released as their team looks for upgrades.

Punters

  • Kevin Huber, Bengals
  • Michael Palardy, Dolphins
  • Corey Bojorquez, Packers
  • Thomas Morstead, Falcons

The typical veteran carousel at this position will rev up in training camp with several left out.

Vinnie Iyer

Vinnie Iyer Photo

Vinnie Iyer, has been with TSN since 1999, not long after graduating from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. He has produced NFL content for more than 20 years, turning his attention to full-time writing in 2007. A native of St. Louis, Mo. but now a long-time resident of Charlotte, N.C. Vinnie’s top two professional sports teams are Cardinals and Blues, but he also carries purple pride for all things Northwestern Wildcats. He covers every aspect of the NFL for TSN including player evaluations, gambling and fantasy football, where he is a key contributor. Vinnie represents TSN as host of the “Locked On Fantasy Football” podcast on the Locked On network. Over his many years at TSN, he’s also written about MLB, NBA, NASCAR, college football, tennis, horse racing, film and television. His can’t-miss program remains “Jeopardy!”, where he was once a three-day champion and he is still avid about crossword puzzles and trivia games. When not watching sports or his favorite game show, Vinnie is probably watching a DC, Marvel or Star Wars-related TV or movie.