Five free agents still available this offseason
It’s been a busy offseason so far to say the least.
Blockbuster trades and wild free agency signings have dominated the headlines, as sides continue to make improvements ahead of the new year.
With the 2022 NFL Draft now over, teams from across the league will know exactly what areas they need to address before the new season.
All the focus is on the rookie selections, yet there be better options for 2022 available elsewhere.
The majority of the elite free agents have already been taken. But there are still many quality players on the market.
Here are our top five players available:
Odell Beckham Jr.
Despite having suffered a torn ACL earlier in the year, Odell Beckham Jr. looks to be getting back to his best.
After scoring five touchdowns in seven starts on the way to a Lombardi Trophy victory with the Los Angeles Rams, it was a hugely successful end to the 2021 season for the former All-Pro.
However, with the Rams signing Allen Robinson on a big money deal this offseason, a return to LA seems unlikely.
Beckham will be looking to tie down his long-term future in the league. Expect him to wait until the closer to the season start before making a decision on where he’ll play in 2022.
Odell won’t want to be part of a rebuild, so expect him to join a team ready to win now.
Prediction: Odell Beckham signs for the Green Bay Packers
Jadeveon Clowney
Having started the last two offseasons as a free agent, this is not new territory for Jadeveon Clowney.
The No.1 overall pick from 2014 has signed one-year deals in his last two contracts with the Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns respectively. Clowney will be desperate to secure his long-term future as an NFL player.
Injuries have hindered his production over the past few years. But at 29, Clowney still has a lot to give.
In fact, 2021 was a stellar year. Nine sacks in 14 games was a very good return for Clowney last year.
He would be an excellent supplement to a team with a number one edge rusher already in place.
Clowney is a terrific player who will undoubtedly have plenty of interest from across the league. But the appeal and security of staying in Cleveland could prove to be the favored option.
Prediction: Jadeveon Clowney re-joins the Cleveland Browns
Rob Gronkowski
Will he retire, or will he stay on? Gronk’s future in the NFL remains uncertain.
But that isn’t to say he can’t still offer a lot in the league.
Gronk’s 802 receiving yards last season ranked him alongside the more productive tight ends from across the league (7th).
Infact, 2021 was his most productive year since 2017. And there doesn’t seem to be sign of him slowing down just yet.
There is no doubt he’ll be attracting interest from across the league.
But following Tom Brady’s retirement reversal, the temptation to run it back for another year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers might be too good for Gronk to turn down.
Prediction: Rob Gronkowski re-joins the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
J.C. Tretter
J.C. Tretter is probably the best offensive lineman left available in the free agency.
The eight-year veteran is a strong run blocker and played a key role as part of the Browns’ dominant offensive line from the past few years.
Tretter has established himself as on the NFL’s elite centers in recent seasons, so it is only a matter of time before the 31-year-old is snapped up.
There are plenty of teams in need of improving their offensive line options. Adding a leader like Tretter would do just that.
With the Dolphins not going offensive line during the 2022 NFL Draft, we think signing Tretter should be a top priority for Miami.
Prediction: J.C. Tretter signs for the Miami Dolphins
Julio Jones
Another big name with an uncertain future. Seven-time Pro Bowler Julio Jones finds himself without a team for the first time in his career.
Despite a poor couple of years due to injury, Jones is an undoubted future Hall of Famer.
He’s still a well-regarded player across the league and will surely be an attractive option. If he can stay healthy, the former first-rounder could see his production rise in the right system.
He’s unlikely to be a WR1 or even a WR2 wherever he goes. But as a deep ball, third choice option, Jones would be a great addition for many teams.
Prediction: Julio Jones joins the Los Angeles Chargers
