USA TODAY International Edition
Free agent wild card: Peterson
With franchise tags handed out and several key stars resigned, NFL free agency is taking shape.
And while several stars are off the board ahead of the market opening Thursday, there’s considerable talent available. Several teams — including the Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers — have the salary cap space to make significant splashes with potential spending sprees. The top 10 impending unrestricted free agents.
10. ADRIAN PETERSON, RB, MINNESOTA VIKINGS Peterson is difficult to gauge, as his eventual value could be significantly higher or lower. The four- time all- pro turns 32 this month and is coming off a torn meniscus, but he has frequently proved to be an exception to many of the standards for running backs. Still, Peterson averaged 1.9 yards per carry in 2016 and might not fit with several shotgun- heavy offenses. A deep draft class at the position could limit his value.
9. TERRELLE PRYOR, WR, CLEVELAND BROWNS With 1,007 receiving yards last season, Pryor emerged as a bright spot in an otherwise dark year for the Browns. The former quarterback has limited experience at wide receiver, and he could have room to improve as he refines his routes. Several teams with sizable cap space have a need at wide receiver, and the 6- 4, 223pound target could be in high demand.
8. MARTELLUS BENNETT, TE, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS Bennett battled injuries to record 55 catches, 701 yards and seven TDs and stands to cash in. As the best tight end available, his diverse skill set should merit attention. The Patriots tend to abstain from bidding wars.
7. BRANDON WILLIAMS, DT, BALTIMORE RAVENS Williams has anchored one of the NFL’s top run defenses. His value in rushing the passer is limited, but he fits plenty of teams’ needs as a 3- 4 nose tackle.
6. TONY JEFFERSON, S, ARIZONA CARDINALS With Eric Berry off the market, Jefferson becomes the premier option at one of football’s most demanding positions. Undrafted out of Oklahoma, he has a diverse skill set and thrives in coverage and against the run. At 25, Jefferson should command significant interest as a difference- maker.
5. KEVIN ZEITLER, G, CINCINNATI BENGALS As an established young standout at guard, Zeitler could have an impact similar to that of the Oakland Raiders’ Kelechi Osemele in immediately bolstering an interior line. Teammate Andrew Whitworth is the top option available at left tackle, but his age ( 35) limits his value.
4. CALAIS CAMPBELL, DE, CARDINALS The 6- 8, 300- pound run stuffer has been one of the NFL’s most reliable defenders. It will be tough for the cash- strapped Cardinals to keep him, especially with other impending losses on the defense. He should command significant interest from established contenders with 3- 4 defenses.
3. DONT’A HIGHTOWER, LB, PATRIOTS The big- hitting, versatile linebacker could deliver a serious blow to New England’s defense if he leaves. Hightower delivered a number of key plays, including a strip- sack that helped spark the Super Bowl LI comeback. His potential departure would be especially painful for the Patriots after they dealt Jamie Collins and Chandler Jones in the last year.
2. A. J. BOUYE, CB, HOUSTON TEXANS A breakout season in which Bouye went from the No. 4 cornerback on his team to a top- line starter makes his value tough to gauge. Turning 26 in August, Bouye stands as the top cornerback available in a free agency class also featuring Stephon Gilmore and Logan Ryan. With Bouye having just 19 starts in four seasons, teams must trust that last season’s ascension wasn’t a fluke.
1. ALSHON JEFFERY, WR, CHICAGO BEARS Injuries and a four- game suspension impaired Jeffery’s last two seasons, but wide receivers of his caliber seldom hit the open market. He has shown he can produce as a No. 1 option, though he might be better suited for a 1A role. Jeffery has said he hopes to join a contender, and he should have no shortage of options.