NFL Free Agency 2022: Ranking the Top 10 Remaining Players

The NFL legal tampering period opened March 14th, and a flurry of offseason moves ensued.

Over the last week, we have seen the entire NFL landscape change with star players exchanging teams, and a shift of power to the AFC West as the league’s new power division.

The most notable moves have been the exodus of talent from the NFC to the AFC, where an arms race is developing. Davante Adams has left Green Bay to join his former college teammate Derek Carr. Von Miller has joined the superteam in Buffalo, and safety Marcus Williams has now joined the Ravens flock in Baltimore.

It has been an intriguing shift in talent, with many names remaining still on the free agency board. This is where we dive into today — a highlight of the top-ten remaining free agents available. Where will they land? Will they join your team? Let’s take a look and see who’s available and potential fits across the league.

NFL Free Agency 2022: Top-Ten Remaining Free Agents

1. Terron Armstead, OT, Saints (Age 30)

Drafted by New Orleans in 2013, the stout left tackle has been a cornerstone of the Saints offensive line for the better part of the decade. Renowned as one of the best pass-blockers in the league, Armstead has posted a pass-blocking score of 80 or above for the past seven years, according to PFF.  

Armstead is rumored to stay in NOLA, but is patiently waiting for the Saints to rectify their QB dilemma. The word is if Jameis Winston returns, so will the tackle. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the tackle return home.

2. Bobby Wagner, MLB, Seahawks (Age 31)

Bobby Wagner has been one of the league’s best linebackers since he walked onto the field in 2012. The former Seahawk posted nearly 170 tackles in 2021, and is still performing at a high level. In fact, he was a Pro Bowler this year, despite the disappointing season for Pete Carroll’s squad.

For the first time in his career, the eight-time Pro Bowler, and six-time All-Pro is available and is expected to be highly sought after.

Early rumors are that the Broncos are interested in his services. I’m sure the careful prodding of quarterback Russell Wilson has helped.

3. J.C. Tretter, C, Browns (Age 31)

Interior offensive-lineman are often overlooked in the NFL landscape, but Tretter has been a rock for Cleveland. After being drafted by the Packers in 2014, the Cornell product joined the Browns in 2017 and became an immediate starter.

Since his arrival in Ohio, the center has averaged over 1,000 snaps per season and has been an elite pass blocker. He has averaged a PFF pass blocking grade of 80+ over the last five seasons. He has also anchored the attack of the vaunted Cleveland run game featuring Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt.

He would be a solid addition to any team who needs center help.

4. Tyrann Mathieu, S, Chiefs (Age 29)

The “Honey Badger” has been a polarizing prospect going back to his playing days at LSU. Known for being undersized (5’9″ and 185lbs), Mathieu has been a versatile chess piece in the NFL.

Last year, he played 438 snaps in the box, 280 snaps as a free safety, 206 snaps as a slot corner and 23 as a boundary corner. He also plays with a passion and is known to be a locker room leader.

Many have argued that Mathieu’s name precedes him, but he would be an intriguing piece to add to a championship contender. He was connected to the Washington Commanders and the Baltimore Ravens earlier in the week, but talks may have cooled due to corresponding moves.

5. Odell Beckham Jr, WR, Rams (Age 29)

We see another LSU Tiger on this list. Beckham Jr. resurrected his career after leaving Cleveland midway through the season.

He joined the Rams week 10 with no touchdown catches. Yet, ideal circumstances allowed him to thrive in LA. Almost immediately when he arrived, Rams wide receiver Robert Woods tore his ACL and opened the door for Beckham’s opportunity. He scored five touchdowns in seven regular season games for the Rams.

He also added two more touchdowns in the playoffs, including a first half TD in the Super Bowl.

Beckham has some juice left, and can contribute as an ancillary piece to a strong passing attack. There have been rumors to a return to LA, but we’ll see how things transpire. The Rams have been spending in abundance.

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6. Jadeveon Clowney, Edge, Browns (Age 28)

It’s unbelievable that Jadeveon is only 28 years old. It seems like a generation ago when he was drafted 1st overall in 2014.

Clowney has bounced around since being drafted by the Texans, but he seemed to find a home in northeast Ohio.

Clowney played well in Cleveland last season as he complimented Myles Garrett. The pair combined for 25 sacks for the Browns last season, with Clowney chipping in nine. Clowney may not be the dominant pass-rusher he was when he first entered the league, but he still provides a stout run defense.

7. Stephon Gilmore, CB, Panthers (Age 31)

Stephon Gilmore has been one of the league’s best lockdown corners over the last five years. Originally drafted by Buffalo, the former South Carolina Gamecock truly hit his stride in New England under the tutelage of Coach Bill Belichick, one of the league’s innovators of defense.

In his time in New England, he thrived as a true CB1 and reached his peak in 2018, where he had a pass coverage grade of 90.9 according to PFF. The two-time All-Pro and former Defensive Player of the Year has performed at a high level in this league. The question is… what does he have left?

He played admirably in Carolina last season, with two interceptions after returning from injury. He even made the Pro Bowl.

8. Jarvis Landry, WR, Browns (age: 29)

“Juice” Landry has been one of the most reliable pass catchers in the league since being drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 2014.

Known as a high-volume receiver, Landry is primarily a slot receiver who plays 67% of his snaps inside. Not known for exorbitant touchdown rates, Landry is more of a complimentary piece at this point in his career. He will contribute and move the chains, but he is more of a WR 2-3. He would be best served to join an offensive-minded team who is willing to air it out.

9. La’el Collins, T, Cowboys (Age 28)

La’el Collins is solid player at a highly sought after position in the NFL. The standout tackle played 667 snaps at the Right Tackle position last season and has done well. He only allowed two sacks and 17 pressures throughout the season.

Even though his pass-blocking is appreciated, he is truly a better run-blocker as evidenced by his 89.8 run blocking score in PFF.

However, Collins has been plagued with injuries and character concerns throughout his career. But his age and position is appealing.

10. Jameis Winston, QB, Saints (Age 28)

Jameis Winston‘s career has truly been a roller coaster ride. In 2015, he was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to be their franchise savior with the number one overall selection.

He provided a lot of ups (88 touchdowns) and downs (71 interceptions) for the Bucs, and the volatility of his play forced head coach Bruce Arians to let him go.

Fast forward to New Orleans, and Winston began to correct his mistakes. Prior to his injury in week seven, Winston had learned to protect the ball, to a tune of 14 touchdowns and three interceptions. Unfortunately he tore his ACL and his season ended abruptly. I’d expect a reunion in New Orleans as Winston tries to revive his career. However, at this moment he can be awarded to the highest bidder.