Slim pickings? Not yet for clubs still shopping

Talented free agents remain up for grabs, especially on defense.

There are still plenty of star-quality players available after a wild opening to the NFL’s free agency period. Danielle Hunter, Calvin Ridley, Tyron Smith, Stephon Gilmore and Kendall Fuller are among the talented players who hadn’t reached contract agreements as of late Monday.

Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson, Saquon Barkley and Brian Burns found new teams. So did Derrick Henry, Christian Wilkins, Gardner Minshew, Jacoby Brissett, Josh Jacobs, D’Andre Swift, Tony Pollard, Austin Ekeler, Devin Singletary, Dorance Armstrong, Tyler Biadasz, Chidobe Awuzie, Lloyd Cushenberry and Xavier McKinney.

The NFL’s league’s legal tampering period began Monday at noon. Players can’t sign with new teams until the league year officially begins at 4 p.m. today.

Here’s a list of the best remaining free agents:

■ Danielle Hunter, edge rusher, Minnesota Vikings:

The four-time Pro Bowl pick had a career-best 16½ sacks, his fifth season reaching double digits in eight years.

■ Tyron Smith, left tackle, Dallas Cowboys: After being limited to just 17 games over the previous three seasons, Smith started 13 and returned to his dominant form.

■ Calvin Ridley, wide receiver, Jacksonville Jaguars:

Put up solid numbers — 76/1,016/8 — in his first season back from a suspension and would be an excellent fit on a team that already has a star No. 1 receiver.

■ Kendall Fuller, cornerback, Washington Commanders: He’s a versatile defensive back with the ability to play outside, in the slot or at safety.

Former Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley had a solid year for the Jaguars (76 catches) after returning from a suspension.

■ Stephon Gilmore, cornerback, Dallas Cowboys: The 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year has played for four teams in the past four seasons but still is among the best at his position.

■ Marquise Brown, wide receiver, Arizona Cardinals:

Still waiting for that breakout year after his best season with Baltimore in 2021. Has game-changing deep speed that will interest many teams.

■ Patrick Queen, linebacker, Baltimore Ravens: He’s coming off his best season, earning Pro Bowl honors and second-team AP All-Pro. A former first-round pick, Queen is only 24.

■ Arik Armstead, defensive tackle, San Francisco 49ers:

One of the top interior linemen in the league, Armstead was released to save salary cap space. He’s had issues staying healthy, missing 13 games over the last two seasons.

■ Chase Young, edge rusher, San Francisco 49ers: The No. 2 overall pick by Washington in 2020, Young had just 2½ sacks in nine games with San Francisco after getting five in seven games for the Commanders.