Best free agents still available – Offense
What a busy few weeks it has been in the NFL.
From blockbuster trades to unpredictable free agent signings, the offseason has already delivered its share of outrageous headlines.
The first wave of free agency may have ended, but there are still many quality players still unsigned.
Here, we’ve ranked the best available offensive players left as free agents, all of whom will be attracting considerable attention in the coming months.
Honourable mentions: Jarvis Landry, Duane Brown, Melvin Gordon
Odell Beckham Jr.
After a few quiet years, Odell Beckham looks to be getting back to his best.
A hugely successful end to the 2022 with the LA Rams was a far cry from the torrid time in Cleveland for the former All-Pro.
With five touchdowns in seven starts for the Rams, the former first rounder proved his worth after being released by the Browns midseason in 2022.
But having suffered a torn ACL in Super Bowl LVI, it seems he might not be as sought after as first thought.
And with the Rams throwing money at Allen Robinson this offseason, it looks like they’ve already found his replacement.
Beckham will be looking for a long-term deal, so I’d expect him to wait until the summer before making a decision.
Odell won’t want to be part of a rebuild, so expect him to land at another contender.
Prediction: Odell Beckham stays in LA and signs for the Chargers
J.C. Tretter
J.C. Tretter is probably the best offensive lineman left available in the free agent market.
After being cut by the Cleveland Browns to save cap space in March (thanks to Deshaun Watson), he eight-year veteran is expected to attract a lot of attention before the NFL Draft.
A solid pass protector and a strong run blocker, Tretter was an integral part of a Browns offensive line which became one of the best in the NFL.
Good centers are hard to come by and Tretter has established himself as one of the elite players in his position.
It’s only a matter of time before the 30-year-old is snapped up for 2022.
Prediction: J.C. Tretter signs for the Minnesota Vikings
Eric Fisher
A former first overall pick should theoretically attract a lot of attention as a free agent.
But Eric Fisher, No.1 overall from 2013, finds himself without a team and without a clear future in the NFL.
A torn Achilles in the 2021-21 playoffs impacted his form for the Colts last season. And with seven sacks allowed and being responsible for eight penalties in 2022, Fisher isn’t as sought as he once was.
At 31, Fisher has plenty to give. Despite the poor play, the former Chiefs lineman started 15 games last year and played 89 percent of offensive snaps.
He’s a year on from a major injury and should improve considerably this season.
Can he return as a Pro Bowl left tackle? Only time will tell, but signing Fisher as a stopgap option for a team needing offensive line insurance in 2022 presents decent value.
Prediction: Eric Fisher signs for the Seattle Seahawks
Rob Gronkowski
Rob Gronkowski’s future in the NFL is uncertain. A free agent who could sign with any team, but he’s also flirted with the idea of retirement in recent months.
He was still amongst the more productive tight ends from across the league in 2021 and we’re sure he has plenty more to give.
His 802 receiving yards through last season ranked seventh amongst those across his position and he continues to prove his worth as an excellent blocker.
After Tom Brady’s retirement reversal, it’s more likely than not that Gronk will also return to the Buccaneers.
But with many teams in need of an elite tight end, he could be in for a decent pay-day elsewhere.
Prediction: Rob Gronkowski resigns for the Buccaneers for another year
Julio Jones
There’s no doubt that Julio Jones is a future Hall-of-Famer. But without a team for the first time, his career in the NFL is currently incredibly uncertain.
It’s been a disappointing couple of years for the seven time Pro Bowler, with just four touchdowns over the past two seasons.
It was an underwhelming year in Tennessee for the 33-year-old, who showed signs of waning production levels and other struggles on the field.
Injury concerns probably means that teams will only want to over Jones a one-year deal in 2022.
But make no mistake, if he can stay healthy, the former first-rounder could see his production rise in the right system.
He’s a big name that’ll still appeal to a lot of franchises.
Prediction: Julio Jones signs for the Cowboys