The first week of NFL free agency has been quite the doozy. Fans have watched players hop over to a division rival and witnessed perennial Pro Bowlers get traded.
Still, some franchises have enough salary cap space to bring in more free agents. Now that the market is clearing up, here’s a closer look at who remains out there and which teams represent the best fit for each.
NFL Free Agency Best Fits
Where do names like Justin Simmons, Michael Gallup, Stephon Gilmore, and numerous others best fit? Which teams should consider pursuing these still available talents, especially with 15 different teams remaining above $30 million in cap space?
Justin Simmons
Best fits: Eagles, Jets, Cowboys
The two-time Pro Bowl safety shockingly was passed over by safety-needy teams like the Los Angeles Rams and Green Bay Packers. They chose Kamren Curl and Xavier McKinney, respectively, over the veteran.
Could it be that Simmons is too old as a 31-year-old defender?
There are still teams that could use his past ball-hawking skills and savvy tackling. The Philadelphia Eagles come to mind as one option — even though the team brought back familiar face C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Gardner-Johnson’s injury history still makes Simmons a contender here.
But let’s not rule out the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys either. The former could form a stout tandem with Sauce Gardner and the latter is still in dire need of safety help and a big free-agent splash.
Michael Gallup
Best fits: Chargers, Eagles, Patriots
The former 1,000-yard wide receiver from 2019 officially hit the market on Friday as the Cowboys released him.
The Los Angeles Chargers are worth monitoring given their recent departure with six-time Pro Bowler Keenan Allen, who was traded to the Chicago Bears on Thursday. The Chargers are left with a WR room filled with inexperience and injury history.
The Eagles, meanwhile, could pair Gallup with his old offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. The New England Patriots, though, have Alex Van Pelt now as their OC. He knows something about turning around former Dallas receivers — à la Amari Cooper who became a consecutive 1,000-yard WR with him in Cleveland.
Stephon Gilmore
Best fits: Lions, Vikings, Raiders
While the Detroit Lions traded for a Super Bowl-winning CB from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carlton Davis III, cornerback still remains a pressing need for the NFC runner-ups.
If the Lions pivot to veteran help, Gilmore is the best remaining option. Plus, he can add his expertise in how to win a Vince Lombardi Trophy from his Patriot days.
Elsewhere, Gilmore can look appealing to a Minnesota Vikings team still needing a CB upgrade. But, Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce may become enticed to add a strong veteran presence in a remaining position of need.
Calais Campbell
Best fits: Rams, Seahawks, Cardinals
Most teams may not be in a rush to add a 37-year-old. However, Campbell has held his own while dealing with Father Time, hitting 6.5 sacks last season as an Atlanta Falcon.
The Rams now need a veteran voice in the trenches with Aaron Donald retiring. Campbell could also welcome more 1-on-1 opportunities with Kobie Turner and Byron Young breaking out last season.
For what it’s worth, a return to the NFC West looks strong for Campbell. Seattle would reunite him with his former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald. His old employer, the Arizona Cardinals, looks even more appealing with Jonathan Gannon in charge of the culture there.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire
Best fits: Raiders, Cowboys, Rams
While running backs have dropped in value, names like Tony Pollard, Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, and Derrick Henry all cashed in big contracts this offseason.
That leaves Edwards-Helaire as one of the last best RB options.
The Raiders still need to find a stout replacement for Jacobs, and Edwards-Helaire has the running and catching skillset that could win over Pierce. Dallas, meanwhile, muffed on an opportunity to pursue Henry or even Jacobs and Austin Ekeler. Perhaps Edwards-Helaire can make up for it. The Rams, meanwhile, have an offense perfectly made for Edwards-Helaire’s style as a versatile runner and receiver.
Michael Thomas
Best fits: Dolphins, Broncos, Jets
Already, Dolphins star Tyreek Hill delivered a viral sales pitch for his team to pursue the former record-breaking wideout. That would give Miami three dynamic threats in Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Thomas — if he signed.
However, the Denver Broncos have a head coach who oversaw Thomas’ best NFL seasons, and they need WR help after trading away Jerry Jeudy to the Cleveland Browns.
Then there’s the Jets, where help is needed outside of Garrett Wilson. There’s a chance for Aaron Rodgers to have a former Pro Bowler to throw to.
Hunter Renfrow
Best fits: Saints, Falcons, Jaguars
By heading to the Saints, Renfrow does more than help replace Thomas. He would re-team up with the quarterback, Derek Carr, who turned him into a Pro Bowl WR. Head coach Dennis Allen also shares a past Raider connection.
Atlanta, though, has a WR-friendly attack that helped elevate Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. Perhaps Renfrow can be enticed to join Drake London and new QB Kirk Cousins.
Then there’s the Jacksonville Jaguars, who not only lost Calvin Ridley to the rival Tennessee Titans but have a player Renfrow thrived with before, fellow Clemson Tiger great Trevor Lawrence.
KEEP READING: NFL Post-Free Agency Power Rankings
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