There are some big names still out there in the NFL’s free-agent market as we head into training camps.
We’re not just talking about some have-beens, either. Some of them are former All-Pros who are still sitting at home waiting for a phone call, but they won’t be waiting much longer.
Injuries are inevitable in the sport of football. As teams start throwing players into the fiery furnace of padded practices, knees, ankles and other body parts end up buckling under the strain of battle. These unfortunate instances open up opportunities for others, however, including the men on this list.
Evan Mathis, Offensive Guard
Released by the Philadelphia Eagles to cut costs, Mathis is still a dynamo inside. He was the No. 2-ranked offensive guard in the entire league, per Pro Football Focus (paid subscription) and isn’t just a one-trick pony. Athletic enough to protect the passer but with enough power to drive defensive tackles backwards, Mathis will certainly be picked up soon.
Though not in any serious negotiations with any team yet, Mathis expects talks to “ramp up” in the weeks to come as injuries pile up.
Wes Welker, Wide Receiver
Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post
Welker may not be as dynamic as he once was in his younger years, but there’s no doubt he’s still nimble and quick enough to shake most defensive backs out of their shoes. His biggest concern at this time is the concussions that knocked him out of action last year, but doctors have cleared him for football.
Any team in need of a skilled slot receiver as the season approaches should give Welker a tryout to see what the veteran still has left.
Jermaine Gresham, Tight End
After all the time Gresham spent in Cincinnati, it’s hard to believe he’s still just 27 years old. The tight end isn’t going to ever resemble Rob Gronkowski or Jimmy Graham in the passing game, but he is a versatile player who can downright dominate in the run game.
Therefore it’s not surprising the Arizona Cardinals—a team intent on running the ball more—is hosting Gresham for a visit on July 21, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, who reports the Oakland Raiders and New Orleans Saints are also interested.
Reggie Wayne, Wide Receiver
Wayne’s name has been creeping back into the national media now that camps are close to opening. He’s coming back from a knee scope and the triceps injury that knocked him out of last season but is eager to get back into action.
There have been four teams rumored to have interest in Wayne, according to WRTV-6 in Indianapolis—the Patriots, Ravens, Texans and Packers—though Houston and Baltimore have denied those rumors. Rumors aside, Wayne has been prolific throughout his career and would provide a big boost to a team in need of veteran leadership on and off the field.
Chris Johnson, Running Back
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Long gone are the days of CJ2K, but Johnson is still quite capable of adding a dimension of speed and production to a running game in need of those qualities.
His time in New York was a disaster, and neither he nor the Jets came away with a good taste in their mouths from the ordeal. Then there was the drive-by shooting that rocked his world, but Johnson has been working fervently to put the past behind him and move on to something fruitful.
He’s been linked to the Dallas Cowboys, both by his own desire to play for “America’s Team” and by Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, who recently wrote, “call it a hunch, but I wouldn’t be shocked if it ends up being Dallas, whether at some point during training camp or the regular season.”
James Jones, Wide Receiver
Many were surprised this offseason when the Raiders released Jones, given the team’s need for depth and speed at the receiver position. His departure will benefit another team this season, however, as the former Packers star is still capable of stretching the field.
While a bit long in the tooth, at the age of 31, Jones has reportedly been receiving plenty of interest. Backing up reports that linked him to three teams, he recently listed four teams (the Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Seattle Seahawks) that fit him.
Zach Miller, Tight End
Miller isn’t flashy, and he might not even be considered a starter, but he’s certainly valuable. He can block defensive ends into the turf, play special teams with gusto and occasionally gets behind unsuspecting linebackers for six points.
The savvy veteran is still under 30 and has plenty of gas left in the tank. It won’t be long before he receives a call this summer, and once he joins his new team it won’t be long until Miller is making a positive impact.
Jake Long, Offensive Tackle
Injuries have certainly taken a toll on Long, who was once an elite left tackle. The four-time Pro Bowler may not have the quickness to handle the league’s top pass-rushers any more, but he could still be a solid right tackle.
Not long ago Jordan Raanan of NJ.com reported Long as being on the Giants radar. New York’s offensive line is certainly in need of depth, so this could be a great fit for both parties.
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