Although the conclusion of the NFL draft quite often serves to put certain veterans on notice, for others, new opportunities can arise once the fallout has settled − some teams invariably looking to flesh out portions of their depth chart that weren’t sufficiently patched with incoming rookies.
The post-draft “wave” of free agency can be a lazy tide for some, particularly players who might prefer an extended vacation to the drudgery of OTAs and minicamps. For others, it could be their best chance to latch onto a career-extending opportunity or reel in one more decent payday that may or may not be forthcoming once training camps are in full swing. Regardless, clubs are already turning back to the open market, the Chiefs re-signing RB Jerick McKinnon, while the Bills have added RB Latavius Murray and DT Poona Ford in recent days. WR Randall Cobb just agreed to reunite with Jets “savior” Aaron Rodgers.
Here are 16 other free agents, listed alphabetically, who could be in demand in the draft’s aftermath:
He’s started 122 games over eight seasons but would provide nice value even if he’s a super sub in nickel and dime packages. Amos rarely flashes, but that’s fine given what a steady tackler he is.
He’ll be 30 this year and wasn’t particularly productive in recent regular seasons for the Kansas City Chiefs, although he consistently ate up plenty of snaps. However, Clark has been clutch in the playoffs, averaging close to a sack per game in 12 postseason appearances for KC.
Also 30 and coming off one of his least-impactful seasons (28 tackles, 2 sacks, 4 QB hits, 4 tackles for loss), the former No. 1 overall pick may no longer be someone who can be counted on for heavy playing time. But he might be a nice addition for a defense that has the luxury of using him strategically in a defined role, perhaps as a third-down pass rusher − or maybe just as a base end given Clowney’s effectiveness against the run.
He’s been an ordinary back the past three seasons, his output (60.8 rushing yards per game over that span, career-low 3.8 yards per carry in 2022) hardly commensurate with his compensation. However Elliott has been durable, especially given his heavy workload, and knows how to put the ball in the paint. His next deal will surely be more in line with the payoff in 2023 – and it definitely seems that Zeke and the Dallas Cowboys could still use each other. “The ship hasn’t sailed there. We haven’t made a decision at all,” owner Jerry Jones, who cut Elliott in March, said after the draft. “I haven’t ruled out Zeke.” Regardless, somebody is likely to enjoy a nice ROI from Elliott, even if he’s the change-of-pace guy.
He has to be in the proper headspace given his days as a lead back are almost certainly done. And that’s fine − if you hadn’t noticed, “Playoff Lenny,” still only 28, has become a pretty effective third-down back with 142 receptions over the past two seasons. Even if the explosive plays are no longer there, he’s still a load not many defenders want to take on in the fourth quarter.
Continuing with the theme of 30-year-old edge rushers, he might have the most robust market − especially among teams that prefer odd fronts − coming off a three-year hitch with the Los Angeles Rams in which he racked up 29 sacks and 59 quarterback hits.
The San Francisco 49ers drafted former Lou Groza Award winner Jake Moody of Michigan in the third round, leaving almost zero doubt Gould will be kicking elsewhere in 2023. He doesn’t have a massive leg, but playoff contenders should take note that he’s never missed in the postseason (29-for-29 on field-goal attempts and perfect on all 39 of his extra points).
He’s not a takeaway machine and was never worth the CB1 money the Jacksonville Jaguars awarded him two years ago. But you can never have enough corners, and Griffin can be a high-end performer … as long as he’s not the guy asked to shut down top receivers on a consistent basis.
Yeah, he’s 34, but the 6-3, 270-pounder is still a beast − and transitioned to the pass-rush specialist role in 2022, when he had 9½ sacks for the Baltimore Ravens while coming off the bench for the first time in his 12-year career.
Dependable, tough, gritty and effective – just ask Tennessee’s Mike Vrabel, Jones’ former coach – over the course of 11 seasons, should only be a matter of time before he finds a new home.
He’s a one-trick pony, but it’s a pretty good trick − the nomadic pass rusher averaging 9.3 sacks per year during his seven-year career while never registering fewer than eight in a season. Ideal for sub packages.
He’s 30, too, and didn’t have his usual impact in 2022, his first season back from the torn ACL that cost Peters the entire 2021 campaign. But unlike Griffin, he’s historically an elite ballhawk, with 32 interceptions (a half-dozen of those pick-sixes) in 104 NFL games. Peters can still make a difference, although he’s also probably most effectively deployed as a Robin corner at this stage opposite a teammate who can be Batman.
Denver’s starting left guard the past four seasons − and potentially a Walter Payton Man of the Year in waiting − a bit hard to believe he hasn’t landed somewhere, especially given his prowess as a pass protector.
QB Matt Ryan
You wouldn’t bring the former league MVP in with any expectation that he’s going to approach his previous glory, especially after last season. But if Ryan, 37, wants to play, there might not be a better option than a high-end backup who can help weather an emergency and serve as a mentor or sounding board while upping the professionalism quotient in any locker room.
When it comes to left tackles, the eight-year vet isn’t exactly elite and commits a few too many penalties. That said, he’s sturdy and has almost always been reliable as a pass protector.
(Editor’s note: Smith signed with the Kansas City Chiefs on May 3, per reports.)
OL Isaiah Wynn
His final season in New England wasn’t great, although some of Wynn’s struggles can be attributed to playing right tackle for the first time in his NFL career. But the 2018 first-rounder, 27, has been a steady left tackle and can also kick inside. Valuable, at least, as a sixth offensive lineman, Wynn’s upside goes well beyond that.
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Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis on Twitter @ByNateDavis.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 16 NFL free agents (Ezekiel Elliott, anyone?) to watch with the draft over