We tend to think of free agency as a “March thing,” but high-quality players continue to linger on the free-agent market as June arrives. Here are 10 who could make an impact somewhere this season…
1. QB Colin Kaepernick: We’ve been over this.
2. WR Dez Bryant: The three-time Pro Bowler was released by the Cowboys in April at the age of 29. At the very least, he can be a top-end No. 2 target. Look for him to catch on somewhere as an injury replacement in August.
3. LB Mychal Kendricks: A highly-paid odd man out with Jordan Hicks back from injury and Nigel Bradham back under contract, Kendricks is only 27 and is coming off a year in which he was a top-10 linebacker at Pro Football Focus. Look for the recently-released Kendricks to sign somewhere very soon.
4. S Tre Boston: As you’ll see, it’s not a good year to be a free-agent safety. The 25-year-old Boston is coming off a five-interception season with the Chargers, but he’s essentially been replaced there.
5. LB NaVorro Bowman: A long-term deal might be too risky, but the four-time All-Pro made a huge difference with the Raiders last season. He’s yet to turn 30, somehow.
6. DT Johnathan Hankins: No longer a fit in Indianapolis, the 26-year-old has been a solid starter in each of the last four seasons (three with the Giants, one with the Colts).
7. S Kenny Vaccaro: The 2013 first-round pick is coming off a three-interception season in New Orleans, despite playing just 12 games. He’s made it through just one complete season out of five but is a solid starter when healthy. It looks like he took several meetings in May.
8. S Eric Reid: The 2013 first-round pick has 10 interceptions in 70 career games. The 26-year-old is strong in coverage, but injury and protest-related concerns could be getting in the way.
9. CB Bashaud Breeland: The 26-year-old intercepted eight passes and recorded 59 passes defensed during the first four seasons of his career in Washington. He’s still recovering from a foot injury, and when that happens he just might wind up in Indianapolis.
10. DE Robert Ayers: He’ll be 33 before he plays another game, but Ayers has the ability to contribute somewhere as an effective situational pass-rusher. He’s a couple years removed from a nine-sack season, and despite being hampered by an ankle injury he graded out well at PFF in 2017.
