The trade deadline has already passed, so the only way to improve the roster now before the playoffs is by signing free agents. Here are the five best available.
5 Best available NFL free agents
#5 - LB Jaylon Smith
Jaylon Smith is one of the most intriguing NFL free agents because he is still only 26 years old and is an excellent athlete. He could help a defense right now and potentially even be a building block for the future with a few tweaks to his game.
The highly rated prospect out of Notre Dame was projected to be a top ten draft pick before being injured late in his final college season.
Jaylon Smith was somewhat surprisingly released by the Dallas Cowboys earlier this season. He previously served as the centerpiece in the defense and was even a playcaller and defensive captain.
He was then signed by the Green Bay Packers before being cut and added back into the pool of free agents. His talents can be very useful in the right situation.
#4 - RB Todd Gurley
Todd Gurley is by far one of the best available running backs in all NFL free agency. He is past his prime years at this point but is still capable of contributing solid production.
He is still just 27 years old, so he should still have plenty of gas left in the tank.
Todd Gurley played for the Atlanta Falcons last season and started 15 games at running back. He recorded 842 total yards and nine touchdowns.
He will have fresh legs for the second half of the season and can help a team looking for a dual threat out of the backfield.
5 Best available NFL free agents
#3 - OL Mitchell Schwartz
There are several free agents who could help out on the offensive line, but Mitchell Schwartz is among the best of the bunch. He is currently recovering from back surgery but is reportedly close to full health again.
He would perhaps already be signed if it weren’t for the injury.
Mitchell Schwartz has always been an excellent blocker. He played on the offensive line for both the Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs, demonstrated versatility and durability.
If he is fully recovered from injury, he shouldn’t be on the list of free agents much longer.
#2 - QB Cam Newton
Cam Newton was one of the most surprising cuts prior to the start of the 2021 NFL season. The New England Patriots named rookie Mac Jones their starting quarterback and decided to release Cam Newton rather than keep him on their roster and he remains one of the top available free agents.
Cam Newton is past his peak years but is still an effective player. His arm leaves more to be desired at this point in his career, but he is still a dominant rusher from the quarterback position.
A team with injuries at quarterback, or one that wants to create special offensive packages for his talents should seriously consider signing Newton.
#1 - WR Odell Beckham Jr.
One of the best of all available free agents is also one of the most recently added to the list. Odell Beckham Jr. was recently released by the Cleveland Browns after the former star wide receiver was unable to provide any consistent production.
His relationship with Baker Mayfield appears to have suffered a bit as time went on.
Odell Beckham Jr. is still a talented wide receiver with deep threat abilities. In the right situation, he can still be a serious weapon for an offense.
Playoff contenders searching through free agents for an offensive edge could consider signing Beckham for the stretch run.
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