NFL free agents:
We rank our top 10, then take an in-depth look at each position.
With franchise tags handed out and several key stars re-signed, NFL free agency has taken shape. And while several stars are off the board, there’s still considerable talent available. Several teams — including the Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers — have the cap space to make significant splashes with potential spending sprees.
Here’s a look at the top 10 impending unrestricted free agents:
1. Alshon Jeffery, WR, Chicago Bears
Injuries and a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances have impaired Jeffery’s last two seasons in Chicago, 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 sign with a contender, and he should have no shortage of options.
2. A.J. Bouye, CB, Houston Texans
A breakout season in which Bouye went from the No. 4 corner- back on his own team to a top-line starter makes his value difficult to gauge. Turning 26 in August, he stands as the top cornerback available in a free agency class that also features Stephon Gilmore and Logan Ryan. With Bouye having just 19 starts in four seasons, teams will have to trust that last year’s ascension wasn’t a fluke.
3. Dont’a Hightower, LB, New England Patriots
The big-hitting, versatile linebacker could deliver a serious blow to New England’s defense if he signs elsewhere. Hightower has 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 the team traded Jamie Collins and Chandler Jones in the last year.
4. Calais Campbell, DE, Arizona Cardinals
The 6-8, 300-pound run stuffer has been one of the NFL’s mostreliable defenders in recent years. The cash-strapped Cardinals could have a difficult time keeping Campbell, especially with other impending losses on the defense. He should command significant interest from established contenders running 3-4 defenses.
5. Kevin Zeitler, G, Cincinnati Bengals
As an established young standout at guard, Zeitler could have a similar impact to the Oakland Raiders’ Kelechi Osemele in immediately bolstering a team’s interior line. Teammate Andrew Whitworth is the top option available at left tackle, but his age (35) limits his value.
6. Tony Jefferson, S, Cardinals
With Eric Berry off the market, Jefferson becomes the top option at one of the most demanding positions in football. The former undrafted free agent has a diverse skill set and thrives in coverage and against the run. At 25, Jefferson should command significant interest as a difference-making defender.
7. Brandon Williams, DT, Baltimore Ravens
Williams has been the anchor of one of the league’s best run defenses. His value in rushing the passer is limited, but he fits plenty of teams’ needs as a 3-4 nose tackle.
8. Martellus Bennett, TE, Patriots
Bennett fought through injuries to record 55 catches for 701 yards and seven touchdowns last season, and now he stands to cash in. As the best tight end available, his diverse skill set should earn him considerable attention on the market. New England tends to abstain from bidding wars, so he could be moving on.
9. Terrelle Pryor, WR, Cleveland Browns
With 1,007 receiving yards in a breakout 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 needs at wide receiver, and the 6-4, 223-pound target could be in high demand.
10. Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings
Peterson is difficult to place on this list, as his eventual value to a team could be significantly higher or lower than this placement. The four-time all-pro turns 32 in March and is coming off a torn meniscus, but he has frequently proved himself to be the exception to many of the standards for running backs. Still, Peterson averaged just 1.9 yards per carry last season and might not fit with several shotgunheavy offenses. A deep draft class at the position also could limit his value.