Free agency is typically a fast start and a slow finish. With most of the big names off the market, the “second phase” of talent gets to lock up their deals. Most of the positions have seen large reductions in available talent, so agents are hoping that teams get a bit more desperate when it comes to adding to their rosters. However, there are still plenty of potential starters that could have to settle for one-year deals if they want to eventually cash in on their talent.
2014 NFL free agent rankings: Top remaining free agents at each position
With a majority of the big names off the board, free agency “second phase” is underway with several talented player still looking for homes.
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Here’s a look at the latest free agency rankings for each position:
Quarterback
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Michael Vick continues to be the crown jewel of the quarterback market in free agency. He has yet to make a decision but the same can be said for Josh Freeman. The rest of the class features journeymen, veteran backups.
Running Back
The running back class still has plenty of talent left on the market. Knowshon Moreno is the best option after his breakthrough season in Denver. Maurice Jones-Drew and LeGarrette Blount are also quality rotational backs that would thrive in a ground-and-pound offense.
Wide Receiver
1. Sidney Rice, Seattle Seahawks
3. Jerricho Cotchery, Pittsburgh Steelers
The remaining wide receivers in free agency all have question marks. Miles Austin, Sidney Rice and Kenny Britt all have injury concerns, while Jerricho Cotchery and Lance Moore are getting up their in age. Most, if not all, will settle for short-term deals.
Tight End
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1. Jimmy Graham, New Orleans -- Franchise tag
2. Jermichael Finley, Green Bay Packers
Tight end may be the deepest available market in free agency. Jermichael Finley and Owen Daniels are very capable starters, who can still make a team better. It will be interesting to see how the franchise tag battle will end between Jimmy Graham and the Saints.
Offensive Line
1. Alex Mack, Cleveland Browns -- Transition tag
3. Brian De La Puente, New Orleans Saints
4. Charles Brown, New Orleans Saints
The offensive line market has cooled a bit as most of the remaining talent features aging veterans and borderline starters. Brian De La Puente is easily the top center remaining on the market.
Defensive Tackle
1. Kevin Williams, Minnesota Vikings
4. Ryan Pickett, Green Bay Packers
5. Terrence Cody, Baltimore Ravens
There are several teams that need a nose tackle or a three-technique. The good news is there are quality players still available. While they may all not be starters on this list, they can at least be used in a rotation with a draft pick.
Defensive End
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1. Jared Allen, Minnesota Vikings
2. Corey Wootton, Chicago Bears
3. Robert Ayers, Denver Broncos
4. Anthony Spencer, Dallas Cowboys
5. Will Smith, New Orleans Saints
The pass rushing department is full of aging veterans and underwhelming former starters. Jared Allen is easily the top remaining player in free agency, but he does not seem to be getting the type of offers that he was looking for this offseason. Robert Ayers and Corey Wootton are likely to get one-year deals as their market has been seemingly rough.
Linebackers
1. Brian Orakpo, OLB, Washington Redskins -- Franchise tag
2. Shaun Phillips, OLB, Denver Broncos
3. Erin Henderson, OLB, Minnesota Vikings
4. Arthur Moats, MLB, Buffalo Bills
5. O'Brien Schofield, OLB, Seattle Seahawks
Redskins linebacker Brian Orakpo is still figuratively available but the franchise tag is not likely to be contested. Shaun Phillips is the best remaining linebacker that has no strings attached. The rest of the linebackers are rotational players but have lower-end starter potential if necessary.
Cornerbacks
1. Antonio Cromartie, New York Jets
2. Champ Bailey, Denver Broncos
3. Terrell Thomas, New York Giants
4. Carlos Rogers, San Francisco 49ers
5. Josh Wilson, Washington Redskins
Antonio Cromartie and Champ Bailey were cut by their individual teams and still remain out on the market, likely due to high demands and age. Still, there are plenty of starting-caliber No. 2 cornerbacks available for teams that want to add insurance before the unknowns of the draft.
Safety
1. Chris Clemons, Miami Dolphins
2. Major Wright, Chicago Bears
3. Charles Woodson, Oakland Raiders
4. James Ihedigbo, Baltimore Ravens
5. Ryan Clark, Pittsburgh Steelers
Chris Clemons was once considered one of the better safeties available in free agency, but clearly teams are not feeling him as much as we were. Major Wright is coming off a bad year on a day defense, but could do well in a change of scenery. The remaining cast of safeties features veterans that can start or at worst be solid depth.
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