Five underrated potential free agents: Defense
After recently covering the underrated free agents on offense this offseason, we’re back to take a look at those available on the opposite side of the ball.
Barring any last-minute franchise tags, the following defensive players should be available from March 16 for your team to claim.
Honourable mentions: Calais Campbell, D.J. Jones, Akiem Hicks
Bryce Callahan, CB, Denver Broncos
The Broncos have a lot of depth in their secondary currently, so letting nickel corner Bryce Callahan leave seems likely.
The former Chicago Bears defensive back has been riddled by injuries during his time in Denver, including a quarter of 2021. But he’s always proved his worth as a valuable asset to the their roster when healthy.
Patrick Surtain II and Ronald Darby should remain as the starters for the Broncos in 2022. This means Callahan should see playing time limited if he stays where he is. No doubt he would be a good starter at cornerback for many teams.
Given his health issues, Callahan shouldn’t come with a long-term, premium price-tag. He represents a low-risk bargain with a potentially a high reward if he can stay fit.
He would be a great addition for somewhere like the Minnesota Vikings or the Arizona Cardinals.
Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Miami Dolphins
With news that the Dolphins are not expected to franchise tag edge rusher Emmanuel Ogbah, the door seems open for a team to swoop in for someone who should be a great-value defensive player.
Over the past couple of seasons, Ogbah has been an explosive playmaker on Miami’s defense.
Nine sacks in each of the past two years is a valuable return for a player on a cheap two-year, $15 million deal in Miami. He’s an explosive pass rusher who has a knack for disrupting quarterbacks and making plays.
Given the availability of veterans like Melvin Ingram III and Haason Reddick, Ogbah could slip off the radar for a lot of teams. But we believe the former second-rounder could be available at an extremely good value in 2022.
Expect the former Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs player to break out as a star for whoever gets him next.
Justin Reid, S, Houston Texans
There is a lot of quality in the safety class on offer in the 2022 free agency.
With the likes of top-tier talents available, like Marcus Williams and Tyrann Mathieu, as well as veteran playmakers such as Quandre Diggs, Marcus Maye and Xavier Woods, there could a lot of players in the secondary that goes under the radar.
At just 25, Houston’s Justin Reid still has time to forge a big future for himself.
Despite a rocky 2021, now is an ideal time for a team to take a shot on Reid. He could very well be a sleeper this offseason.
He’ll be cheap and low-risk. If he can break free from the Texans, they’ll be a team out there ready to work wonders on his raw potential.
We expect Reid to show how valuable a player he can be in 2022.
Randy Gregory, DE, Dallas Cowboys
This selection is taken with a little pinch of salt.
Randy Gregory’s NFL career has been rocky to say the least. The Cowboys have stuck by the edge rusher through multiple suspensions since he joined the league in 2015.
Yet, despite all the games that he’s missed, the former Nebraska standout is a consistent performer. He had arguably his best year in the league in 2021 with a career-best equalling six sacks from 11 starts.
Gregory seems unlikely to receive the franchise tag, given how many stars Dallas have out of contract this year. This makes it very likely he’ll be exiting the franchise.
His past could put a lot of teams off from taking him in free agency. But someone should take a chance on Gregory, so long as he doesn’t command a chunky price.
If he can stay out of trouble, there is no doubt Gregory can be a star defensive end for a lot of teams in 2022.
Folorunso Fatukasi, DT, New York Jets
The New York Jets’ Folorunso Fatukasi doesn’t get a lot of plaudits compared to his fellow interior line teammate Quinnen Williams. But he definitely deserves plaudits for his contributions to the team.
The four-year pro broke out last season, starting 15 games after having played in just eight over his first three years.
The former sixth-round pick has proved to be good value and a decent option for Robert Saleh’s defense.
If, as expected, the Jets do let Fatukasi leave, they’ll have a big hole to fill in their interior defensive line.
He might not be a dominant starter, but Fatukasi presents a solid, stopgap option for a lot of teams.
