There are some interesting NFL veteran free agents who are still without jobs after Week 1, which is a significant date on the league calendar.
Vested veterans—players who have four or more years of experience—who are on NFL rosters in Week 1 have their salaries fully guaranteed for the year. This is why many older guys past their prime end up signing with new teams after Week 1. Teams incur much less financial risk signing vested veterans in this way.
With that in mind, the following players could soon find themselves signing new contracts.
Christian Ponder, QB
Derek Carr suffered a hand injury in Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals, and it didn’t take long for the Oakland Raiders to reach out to Ponder just weeks after releasing him. Since that time, Oakland has received good news about Carr’s hand injury and don’t plan to bring Ponder aboard.
Of all the backups quarterbacks still unsigned, Ponder is the best of the rest. The Philadelphia Eagles were rumored to be interested in his services the day he was released by Oakland. Even if the Raiders or Eagles don’t sign him, there is a high probability he will end up holding a clipboard on a sideline near you in the near future.
Lance Briggs, OLB
Though Briggs recently landed a cushy TV gig covering his old team in Chicago, nobody should be surprised if he says “yes” to another opportunity to play the game of football. He vehemently denied any retirement talks after joining Comcast Sportsnet.
“Ahem! I have not filed any papers. I have NOT [sic] offically retired. However, I am excited to begin the next phase of my life, and will make an official decision in the coming weeks!!” wrote Briggs.
Briggs was actively seeking employment this offseason and was most notably being mentioned as a candidate to join the San Francisco 49ers, though nothing developed on that front. It remains to be seen if the veteran linebacker has much left to give after a couple of rough years with the Bears. But as injuries mount on linebacker-needy defenses, he’ll get some calls.
Wes Welker, WR
Every time any list of veteran free agents is compiled, Welker’s name is featured as someone who could play this season. He was forced out of the 2014 campaign after a few concussions in a short amount of time but was cleared by a leading concussion expert back in late-April.
It seems clear by the lack of interest to this point that teams are deterred from signing the veteran playmaker because of his history with concussions. That said, now that the financial risk is lessened after Week 1, it is quite possible Welker will receive an offer or two.
Barry Cofield, DT
Cofield’s game isn’t what it used to be, but the big defensive tackle still has the ability to clog up the middle as a rotational defensive lineman. He started three games last year for Washington after starting the season on the IR with a designation to return.
He had offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum back in May, but Cofield should be ready to play at this juncture. Given the fact he’ll be able to be purchased on the cheap, don’t be shocked if he’s one of the first vested free agents to find a new job.
Randy Moss, WR
Moss hasn’t been shy about making it known he wants to play again—or at the least, that he can still play at the highest level. He more than hinted at this desire during a pregame show on Fox, citing “the love of the game that I still have inside of me.”
Second-year receiver Brandin Cooks of the New Yrleans Saints recently offered his support of such a move, saying the future Hall of Famer could step onto the field on Sunday and “probably go for 100 yards” during an interview with Jime Rome.
With over 15,000 yards and 156 receiving touchdowns to his credit, and given his desire to add to these impressive totals, Moss could be a hot commodity in the weeks to come as teams without deep threats search for answers.
Dwight Freeney, EDGE
Aside from quarterbacks, pass-rushers have become the most valuable players in the league. Freeney has been known as one of the league’s best for many years, though it’s undeniable his effectiveness has waned in recent seasons.
However, like Moss, this pass-rusher still has the fire burning inside for another season on the gridiron. As a situational pass-rusher, Freeney could potentially make a couple of impact plays per game on a team in need of depth on the edge.
Ray Rice, RB
There are a few teams in desperate need of running back help heading into Week 2 and beyond. Rice is obviously fresh, having taken over a year off after his elevator incident, and many people are honestly sick and tired of the way he’s been denied a second chance.
Perhaps a team like the Cleveland Browns would finally be willing to take a flier on this guy and at least bring him in for a visit. Before his dismal 2013 campaign, which was mostly due to a bad hip, Rice was considered one or the league’s top running backs. Perhaps he can return to his 2012 form if given the right opportunity.
Da’Quan Bowers, DL
After letting Bowers go during cut day a couple weeks ago, Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Lovie Smith indicated he still thought the defensive lineman could make a positive impact in the NFL.
Bowers recently worked out with the Carolina Panthers and could potentially sign with them as a rotational lineman. He has the ability to play inside and out, though nobody would mistake him as a speed-rusher any more after a couple knee surgeries.
Pierre Thomas, RB
Raise your hand if you’re stunned Thomas is still a free agent.
With 40 combined touchdowns the past eight seasons—28 rushing and 12 receiving—he is a multi-dimensional back who can step in on third downs and make big plays.
Back in August, Thomas turned down a $870,000 deal to play with the Houston Texans, which badly needed help at the time (still might, to be fair). Given his track record, it’s easy to see why he would balk at such a contract, but at this point it isn’t likely Thomas will see more money to play in 2015.
Jake Long, OT
Offensive line play isn’t exactly entering a golden era right now around the league. There are porous front lines all over the NFL, and if Long is healthy he certainly could step in immediately and fill a void. Whether at right tackle or perhaps even at guard, this former first-round pick still has the talent to make a big impact.