NFL free agency will begin on March 10. At that point, teams will be lining up to sign the best available talent in the game, hoping to plug a litany of holes before the NFL Draft starts on April 30 in Chicago.
2015 NFL free agents: Antrel Rolle, Mike Adams top safeties available
Safeties have become increasingly valuable given the rise in pass-dominated offensive systems. Here are the best ones available this offseason.
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One of the deeper positions to watch is safety. While there are not a ton of big names, there are solid players to be had at relatively cheap prices. The market took a major hit late in the process when Devin McCourty agreed to return to New England. McCourty would have been the top safety on the market.
In this day and age with teams throwing more than ever, along with the regularity of three-receiver sets, safeties are increasingly more import. They also need to cover man-to-man now, taking on uber-talented tight ends like Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski.
Below is a list of available free agent safeties:
Rolle is an interesting case. The 32-year-old is probably looking at his last serious contract with age beginning to catch up. New York has some money available but has a higher priority in trying to keep Jason Pierre-Paul. If Rolle hits the open market, suitors will be there hoping to snatch up the ballhawk. Throughout his 10-year career, Rolle has 26 interceptions and a Super Bowl ring. Rolle also stays healthy, missing just one game over the past nine seasons.
Update: Rolle signed a three-year deal worth $11.25 million with the Bears.
2. Mike Adams (Indianapolis Colts)
Josh Wilson of Stampede Blue, how do you feel about Adams?
He will be 34-years old by the start of next season and is coming off of the best season in his career, so it's not likely for him to duplicate his performance and impact from this past season. But he provided an incredibly reliable safety at a position that the Colts really needed it at and he played a big role in the defense. Right now, the Colts likely don't have either of their starting safeties for 2015 under contract, and while they will still have to address the position, re-signing Mike Adams after his great 2014 season seems like an easy decision for the team.
Adams made his only Pro Bowl last year, and the Colts have ample cap space. Tough to see him leaving.
Update: Adams re-signed with the Colts for two years.
Parker finally made his mark in the NFL after bouncing around between four teams before his 27th birthday. In 2014, Parker became a starter after Eric Berry’s injured ankle and subsequent cancer diagnosis. The veteran made 94 tackles and generally played excellent in a centerfield role. Parker can also play corner, although he’s a liability there. Terez Paylor of the Kansas City Star wrote that Parker is hoping for $6 million per year, a high figure for a man with one good year. Still, Parker is a nice starting piece for a contending team.
4. Rahim Moore (Denver Broncos)
Moore has put together a solid career, but he might not be a starter on a good team. Denver could bring Moore back, but it would not be stunning if he is allowed to hit the market. At 25 years old, Moore has good hands and is a big hitter, but can be susceptible to giving up the big play. Moore might be a nice option for a team hoping to get a player relatively cheap with some upside.
Update: Moore signed with the Texans.
5. Tyvon Branch
Branch is an interesting player. He was once on his way to becoming one of the best safeties in the NFL. Injuries derailed his career and he was limited to just five games during the last two seasons. He broke his foot last year and played in only three games. The Oakland Raiders released him earlier this offseason. He'll be 28 at the start of next season and could be a good bargain if he's able to return to form.
Update: Branch signed a one-year deal worth $2 million with the Chiefs.
Other notable names
Conte is not a premier player by any stretch, but can come in and create competition. At 25 years old, Conte has been an enigmatic performer throughout his first four NFL seasons.
Allen has gotten ample playing time throughout his five seasons with Philadelphia, but has not shown improvement. At 27 years old, he’s a buy-low option.
Update: Allen signed with the Raiders.
After signing with Houston on a one-year deal, Lewis played reasonably well after an atrocious 2013 campaign with the Chiefs. Lewis is a nice find for a Cover 2 defense, but he can’t play centerfield.
Landry has been a solid contributor for a number of years, posting at least 97 tackles in five straight seasons. He spent the last two seasons with the Jets after a pair of seasons in Jacksonville. He’s 32 years old and possibly beyond his time as a starter, but at worst he’s a solid addition to a depth chart.
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