5 underrated NFL free agents in 2023
Free agency is fast approaching on March 15, and means will be lining up their key targets in the coming weeks.
We’ve heard a lot about the likes of Saquon Barkley, Lamar Jackson and Geno Smith as potential free agents. All three are probably on course to be re-signed or franchise-tagged before free agency, but there will be many players available to find new teams.
Here are five underrated free agents who could slip under the radar in 2023:
Samson Ebukam
EDGE, San Francisco 49ers
Samson Ebukan has been a central part for some fairly decent defensive teams over the years, from the Los Angeles Rams to his currently team, the San Francisco 49ers. He is coming off back-to-back seasons with 45 quarterback pressures, and is not just a pure pass-rusher, totalling 51 defensive stops over the last two seasons.
Ebukam is still only 27, with a lot more to give in the league. He would be a great pick up for a lot of teams in need of an edge rusher this offseason.
Javon Hargrave
OL, Philadelphia Eagles
The likes of Fletcher Cox of Brandon Graham have been the most recognisable names on the Eagles defensive front for a while now. But Javon Hargrave has emerged as the dominant force behind the Eagles’ record breaking defensive line. An elite interior pass rusher, Hargrave had 11 sacks and 37 tackles this season. His 17.2% pass rush win rate when he was lined up on the interior ranked third in the NFL.
He’ll be expensive in free agency and ageing, but Hargrave would be one of the better defensive lineman pick ups in 2023.
Kaleb McGary
OT, Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons had one of the best offensive lines in the NFL in 2022. While Chris Lindstrom may be the superstar name of the unit, a large part of their dominance has been the emergence of offensive tackle Kaleb McGary.
Atlanta chose not to pick up McGary‘s fifth-year option last offseason, which could come back to hurt them massively. He allowed just three QB hits all season and graded out as one of the league’s best run blockers (91.6). McGary is going to get a big payday this spring.
Jakobi Meyers
WR, New England Patriots
2022 was a poor year for the New England offense, but Meyers was without doubt one of the few positives to come out of the year. 67 catches for 804 yards and a career-high six touchdowns, despite missing a handful of games and with inconsistent quarterback play.
A change of scenery would really help Meyers take his game to the next level. His route-running and ability to line up in different spots would prove an asset for a lot sides. I’d expect the undrafted receiver to continue his upwards trajectory, wherever he ends in 2023.
Tony Pollard
RB, Dallas Cowboys
Pollard is certainly well known for his ability, but I still think he’s undervalued as a running back. He’s been the premier runner in Dallas for some time, and 2022 proved to be his best season in the NFL.
Coming off of a career year in which he recorded 1,378 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns, whilst earning his first Pro Bowl bid, Pollard should be one of the more attractive names in free agency. But with Saquon dominating the headlines, his name continues to slip. He would be an excellent offensive addition for any team, and should command a decent fee for his services.
