Top 75 | QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K/P | FA Grades | FA Rumors
2015 NFL Free Agency: The top 75 unrestricted NFL free agents for 2015. Fullbacks, kickers and punters are excluded. Star rating is out of five. Age listing as of Sept. 1, 2015.
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Darrelle Revis, CB, Patriots. Age: 30. 
Signed with Jets
New England declined to pick up Darrelle Revis’ $20 million option, making him a free agent. Revis now becomes the top player available, though it sounds like he’s deciding only between the Patriots, Jets and Bills. Revis was absolutely dominant in 2014, rebounding from a relatively down season in Tampa in which he was asked to play a scheme that didn’t suit his skills. He turns 30 in July, but he’s still capable of shutting down any receiver he goes up against.
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Justin Houston, DE/OLB, Chiefs. Age: 26.
Franchised by Chiefs
One of the top defensive players in the NFL, Justin Houston recorded 22 sacks in his fourth NFL season, falling one short of breaking Michael Strahan’s record. The scary thing is that there’s still plenty of growth with Houston, who is only 26.
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Dez Bryant, WR, Cowboys. Age: 26. 
Franchised by Cowboys
Dez Bryant is one of the top 3-5 wide receivers in the NFL. He has been unstoppable, accumulating 1,200-plus yards and at least 12 touchdowns in each of his previous three seasons. The only issue with him is his attitude, which has backfired in some games. Still, the Cowboys must re-sign him.
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Ndamukong Suh, DT, Lions. Age: 28.
Signed with Dolphins (6 years, $114 million; $60 million guaranteed)
Ndamukong Suh is capable of dominating games in the trenches, as he is a major force as both a run-stopper and a pass-rusher. He’s arguably the top 4-3 defensive tackle in the NFL, but his on-the-field antics have to be at least a slight concern for some teams. More body stomping means more suspensions, after all.
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Demaryius Thomas, WR, Broncos. Age: 27.
Franchised by Broncos
Demaryius Thomas showed flashes even before Peyton Manning arrived in Denver, but Manning’s presence allowed Thomas to play on an otherworldly level. He just had his best season, catching 111 passes for 1,619 yards and 11 touchdowns.
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Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, Giants. Age: 26.
Franchised by Giants
Jason Pierre-Paul has been inconsistent throughout his career, but when he’s on, he’s nearly unstoppable. He registered 12.5 sacks in 2014, and he was playing some of his best football down the stretch. He’s only 26, so there’s time for him to get better and more consistent.
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Devin McCourty, S/CB, Patriots. Age: 28.
Re-signed with Patriots
Formerly a cornerback, Devin McCourty has been one of the top safeties in the NFL over the past few years. He has no weaknesses in his game, and he deserves a huge contract.
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Randall Cobb, WR, Packers. Age: 25.
Re-signed with Packers (4 years, $40 million)
Aaron Rodgers has begged Ted Thompson to re-sign Randall Cobb. Rodgers, of course, knows how great and versatile Cobb is. Cobb didn’t get a chance to do much in 2013 because injuries limited him to just six games. He exploded this past season, catching 91 balls for 1,287 yards and 12 touchdowns. He’s just 25, so there’s still plenty of room for growth.
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DeMarco Murray, RB, Cowboys. Age: 27.
Signed with Eagles (5 years, $42 million; $21 million guaranteed
DeMarco Murray rushed for a league-leading 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2014. He also caught 57 passes for 416 receiving yards. The Cowboys should be careful with giving him a big contract, however, given the workload he handled this past season and his prior durability issues. It’s unlikely Murray will have another year like this again, so the team that signs him will be paying on past production.
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Brandon Flowers, CB, Chargers. Age: 29.
Re-signed with Chargers (4 years, $36 million)
I have no idea what the Chiefs were thinking by putting Brandon Flowers into a scheme that didn’t fit his strengths. He used to be a Pro Bowl-caliber cornerback for them, and he regained that status this past season in San Diego.
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Orlando Franklin, G/OT, Broncos. Age: 27.
Signed with Chargers (5 years, $36.5 million; $20 million guaranteed)
Orlando Franklin’s transition from right tackle to left guard was a successful one; though he was heavily penalized, he surrendered just one sack and blasted open huge running lanes for C.J. Anderson. Franklin’s versatility will help him on the open market.
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Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB, Bills. Age: 27.
Re-signed with Bills (5 years, $45 million; $22 million guaranteed)
There was some question about whether Jerry Hughes would work in the 4-3 defense Buffalo was installing this season. Hughes silenced the critics, matching his sack total (9.5) from 2013 and also playing well against the run. Hughes is far from the draft bust he looked like when he was with the Colts.
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Julius Thomas, TE, Broncos. Age: 27.
Signed with Jaguars
Julius Thomas does not function well as a blocker, but he’s one of the most athletic tight ends in the NFL. He has caught 24 touchdowns in the past two years, which isn’t a surprise considering who his quarterback has been. An ankle injury slowed Thomas down at the end of the 2014 campaign.
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Mike Iupati, G, 49ers. Age: 28.
Signed with Cardinals (5 years, $40 million)
Mike Iupati has never been great in pass protection, but he has been one of the league’s top run-blockers over the past several seasons.
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Terrance Knighton, NT, Broncos. Age: 29.
Signed with Redskins (1 year, $4 million)
Terrance “Pot Roast” Knighton is one of the top run-stuffers in the NFL. Unlike most nose tackles, however, Knighton can put a decent amount of pressure on the quarterback; including the playoffs, he had five sacks in 2013, which is a big number for a 330-pounder.
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Stefen Wisniewski, C, Raiders. Age: 26.
Signed with Jaguars (1 year)
Stefen Wisniewski has been a key cog in Oakland’s line front for four years now. One of the top, young centers in the NFL, he’ll be just 26 in March.
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Antonio Cromartie, CB, Cardinals. Age: 31.
Signed with Jets
Antonio Cromartie was banged up in 2013, so he had to take a 1-year “prove it” deal with the Cardinals. He definitely showcased how good he was, playing as one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL until a late-season ankle injury slowed him down.
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Kareem Jackson, CB, Texans. Age: 27.
Re-signed with Texans (4 years, $34 million)
Kareem Jackson showed up to training camp overweight in 2013 and struggled as a consequence. He lost those pounds this past season and thrived as a consequence. He played well this year, though he missed a few games with a knee injury.
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Jeremy Maclin, WR, Eagles. Age: 27.
Signed with Chiefs
Jeremy Maclin just had the best season of his career. He went over 1,000 yards for the first time, accumulating 85 catches, 1,318 yards and 10 touchdowns. The one concern with Maclin is his previous injury history. He was healthy this past season, but that may not happen again.
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Rodney Hudson, C, Chiefs. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Raiders (5 years, $44.5 million)
Rodney Hudson was just above average in 2013, but he was coming off a leg injury. He had to fend off competition to become the starting center, but held the job. He took a big step in 2014, playing as one of the top centers in the NFL. Just 26 in July, Hudson should continue to improve.
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Bryan Bulaga, OT, Packers. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Packers (5 years, $35 million)
Bryan Bulaga is one of the top right tackles in the NFL. He was missed last year when he tore his ACL, but he rebounded in 2014, as it appeared as though he was never injured in the first place.
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Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Redskins. Age: 28.
Signed with Titans (4 years, $27 million)
Brian Orakpo is one of the most talented pass-rushers in the NFL. The problem is that he’s injury-prone, having missed 24 games over the past three seasons. He tore his pectoral in October.
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Brandon Graham, DE, Eagles. Age: 27.
Re-signed with Eagles (4 years, $26 million; $14 million guaranteed)
Despite being miscast as a 3-4 outside linebacker, Brandon Graham put lots of pressure on the quarterback and held up well against the run in 2014. He’ll be even better in a more natural 4-3 scheme.
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Nick Fairley, DT, Lions. Age: 27.
Signed with Rams (1 year, $5 million)
If Nick Fairley is trying his hardest, he can be one of the best interior defensive linemen in the NFL. Unfortunately, Fairley has a history of lethargy and character issues that make him a big risk.
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Jason Worilds, DE/OLB, Steelers. Age: 27.
Announced retirement
Jason Worilds doesn’t have much starting experience, but he was Pittsburgh’s top pass-rusher this season. He had 7.5 sacks, giving him 15.5 over the past two years. He wasn’t great in run support, but he was one of the few Steelers to put constant pressure on the quarterback.
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Greg Hardy, DE, Panthers. Age: 27.
Signed with Cowboys (1 year, $11.3 million)
It’s difficult to rank Greg Hardy. He’d have a 4.5-star rating under normal circumstances, given that he’s one of the top pass-rushers in the NFL. His domestic-abuse issue looms large, however. I’ll bump him down a star.
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Jared Odrick, DE/DT, Dolphins. Age: 27.
Signed with Jaguars
Jared Odrick had a terrific 2014 campaign, as he got to the quarterback frequently and also was sound against the run until a late-season injury limited him a bit. Odrick, who won’t be 28 until December, can fit into any scheme, which will help him on the open market.
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Torrey Smith, WR, Ravens. Age: 26.
Signed with 49ers (5 years, $40M; $22M guaranteed)
Torrey Smith caught 11 touchdowns in 2014, but saw his yardage drop from 1,128 to 767. Smith was just a decoy in several games this year because of a lingering knee issue.
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Pernell McPhee, DE/OLB, Ravens. Age: 26.
Signed with Bears (5 years, $40 million)
Playing behind Elvis Dumervil and Terrell Suggs, Pernell McPhee put great pressure on the quarterback, racking up 7.5 sacks despite being on the field for limited snaps. He also handled the run well.
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Byron Maxwell, CB, Seahawks. Age: 27.
Signed with Eagles (6 years, $63 million)
Byron Maxwell stepped into the starting lineup in the middle of last season and never looked back. Another tall corner (6-1), Maxwell continued to play well in 2014.
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Rolando McClain, ILB, Cowboys. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Cowboys (1 year, $3 million)
Rolando McClain came out of nowhere last year. He failed in Baltimore and was out of the league for a season. Dallas gave him a chance, and it paid off; McClain was tremendous against both the run and the pass, serving as the leader of the defense. There’s a chance he could regress, but perhaps he has truly turned his life around.
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Trent Cole, DE/OLB, Eagles. Age: 32.
Signed with Colts
Trent Cole can still generate a strong pass rush, and he’s also solid in run support. The problem is that he’ll turn 33 in October, but he’s still a quality starting edge rusher who can play in either the 4-3 or 3-4.
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Jordan Cameron, TE, Browns. Age: 27.
Signed with Dolphins
Jordan Cameron caught 80 passes in 2013, but was an obvious candidate for regression when Rob Chudzinski left. Still, Cameron is a very athletic tight end who is capable of posting big numbers. The main issue is his health; he has an extensive concussion history.
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Charles Clay, TE, Dolphins. Age: 26.
Signed with Bills (5 years, $38 million)
Charles Clay saw a drop in production this past season because of a lingering knee injury. Clay, just 26 in February, is an athletic H-back who provides mismatches for most teams. He should be able to rebound in 2015, as long as he’s healthy.
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Doug Free, OT, Cowboys. Age: 31.
Re-signed with Cowboys (3 years, $15 million)
Doug Free was so awful during the 2012 season that there was speculation that he would be released. The Cowboys kept him, and it paid off, as he has been a very solid right tackle over the past two years, especially in run blocking.
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Tramon Williams, CB, Packers. Age: 32.
Signed with Browns (3 years, $21 million)
Tramon Williams played on a high level throughout his career. He continued to thrive in 2014, but he’s 32 as of March, so he could slow down soon.
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Jabaal Sheard, DE/OLB, Browns. Age: 26.
Signed with Patriots (2 years, $11 million)
An adequate pass-rusher who is very forceful in run support, Jabaal Sheard played well last year until a foot injury, which was believed to be season-ending, hindered him in late November and December. Sheard should be better next year once his foot is repaired. He’ll be just 26 in May.
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Chris Culliver, CB, 49ers. Age: 27.
Signed with Redskins (4 years, $32 million)
Chris Culliver missed all of 2013 with an ACL tear, but managed to play well this past season, surrendering a 50.7 completion percentage to opposing receivers.
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Derrick Morgan, DE/OLB, Titans. Age: 26.
Signed with Titans (4 years, $30 million)
Derrick Morgan is weak in run support, but he happens to be a consistent pass-rusher. He also proved that he can play in the 3-4, so all teams that need an edge rusher should be interested in him. He won’t be 27 until after the 2015 season.
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Perrish Cox, CB, 49ers. Age: 28.
Signed with Titans (3 years, $15 million)
Perrish Cox barely played from 2011 to 2013, as he was mired in off-the-field issues. He finally took the field for the majority of the snaps in 2014 and was successful, save for a poor stretch in the middle of the season. Cox is a starting-caliber cornerback, but I wouldn’t trust him to stay clean off the field.
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Justin Blalock, G, Falcons. Age: 31.
Justin Blalock played very well last year in all regards, but he was released because he was deemed a poor fit in the new blocking scheme. Blalock turned 31 in December, but he can still be a solid starter for a couple more seasons.
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Tarell Brown, CB, Raiders. Age: 30.
Tarell Brown was an excellent cornerback for the 49ers over several seasons. He took a 1-year deal to play for the Raiders, and was just slightly sub par, as he didn’t get much help from his pass rush. Brown is 30, and his best days are behind him, but he’s still a good starter.
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Cory Redding, DE/DT, Colts. Age: 34.
Signed with Cardinals (2 years, $6 million)
Cory Redding was Indianapolis’ most-consistent pass-rusher in 2014. Unfortunately, he could see a decline in his play soon, given that he’ll turn 35 in November.
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Stephen Paea, DT, Bears. Age: 27.
Signed with Redskins (4 years, $21 million)
Stephen Paea is a major liability in run support, but he’s excellent in terms of generating an interior pass rush.
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Dan Williams, NT, Cardinals. Age: 28.
Signed with Raiders
Dan Williams is limited as a pass-rusher, but he’s been one of the better run-stuffing nose tackles in the NFL over the past several seasons.
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Chris Myers, C, Texans. Age: 33.
Chris Myers had been with the Texans since 2008, but he was released because of salary reasons. Counting $8 million against the cap, Myers just had to be let go. He’ll turn 34 in September, but he still played very well last year, particularly in terms of run blocking. Myers is just an average pass protector, and he’ll regress soon, but he should be a viable starter over the next two seasons.
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Justin Forsett, RB, Ravens. Age: 29.
Re-signed with Ravens (3 years, $9 million)
A long-time journeyman, Justin Forsett finally found a home in Baltimore, where he rushed for 1,266 yards and eight touchdowns to go along with 44 catches for 263 receiving yards. Forsett averaged 5.4 yards per carry, but it’s fair to wonder how he would’ve done if he didn’t have the benefit of playing in Gary Kubiak’s blocking scheme.
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Shane Vereen, RB, Patriots. Age: 26.
Signed with Giants
Shane Vereen has been a disappointment as a runner, but he has been a Kevin Faulk-type pass-catcher out of the backfield for Tom Brady. He caught 52 balls in 2014 after logging 47 receptions the year before.
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Rahim Moore, S, Broncos. Age: 25.
Signed with Texans (3 years, $12 million)
Rahim Moore nearly lost his leg a year ago because of lateral compartment syndrome and didn’t look like the same player in 2014. However, he’s still young (25 on Feb. 11), so perhaps he can get back to where he was. Moore didn’t play poorly this past season, but he wasn’t nearly as effective.
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Percy Harvin, WR, Jets. Age: 27.
Signed with Bills (1 year)
Percy Harvin has loads of talent, but it’s no coincidence that when he signs with someone, he’ll be on four teams since 2012. Harvin is not a team player, as he often causes major problems in the locker room. On the bright side, he’s just 27 (in May), so perhaps he’ll be able to mature and become a better teammate soon.
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Randy Starks, DT, Dolphins. Age: 31.
Signed with Browns (2 years)
Randy Starks had a terrific 2013 campaign, but didn’t play as well last season, perhaps because of a back injury he dealt with in the middle of the season. Starks, who is still capable of being a disruptive pass-rusher, turns 32 in December.
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Red Bryant, DE/DT, Jaguars. Age: 31.
Signed with Bills
So much for that 4-year, $19 million deal Red Bryant signed last offseason. Whatever pass-rushing ability Bryant once possessed is now gone, but he’s still an elite run-stuffer, and should continue to be one for the next 2-3 seasons.
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Vince Wilfork, NT, Patriots. Age: 33.
Signed with Texans
Vince Wilfork is now a free agent because the Patriots declined to pick up his 2015 option. New England didn’t effectively cut him because he played poorly last year; the team simply needed cap space to retain Darrelle Revis. Wilfork can still play well as a run-stuffing nose tackle, though his age (34 in November) is definitely a concern.
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Ryan Mathews, RB, Chargers. Age: 27.
Signed with Eagles (3 years, $12 million)
Ryan Mathews is good when he’s actually on the field, but he’s constantly injured. That could always change – Fred Taylor went from being known as “Fragile Fred” to being reliable late in his career – but until proven otherwise, Mathews is considered to be made of glass.
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Frank Gore, RB, 49ers. Age: 32.
Signed with Colts (3 years, $12 million)
Frank Gore just had his fourth-consecutive season of 1,100 rushing yards or more, and he averaged 4.3 yards per carry in 2014. Unfortunately, he’ll turn 32 in May, so his days are numbered, especially considering that he now has close to 2,500 carries in his career.
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Clint Boling, G, Bengals. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Bengals (5 years, $26 million)
Clint Boling showed no signs of the torn ACL he sustained last year. He had a strong 2014 campaign, especially as a run-blocker, blasting open huge holes for Jeremy Hill.
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Brandon Browner, CB, Patriots. Age: 31.
Signed with Saints
Brandon Browner’s first season outside of Seattle wasn’t a successful one, at least not on a personal level. Browner was inconsistent in coverage, but more notably was whistled for a ridiculous 19 penalties, including the playoffs, despite missing the first six games of the season. He turns 31 in August.
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Michael Johnson, DE, Buccaneers. Age: 28.
Signed with Bengals (4 years, $24 million)
Michael Johnson recorded 11.5 sacks in 2012. He saw a dip in that number the following season, but still played well. He ended up signing a 5-year, $45 million deal on the first day of free agency last March, but was absolutely dreadful, much like most free agents who take the money and run to inferior situations. Johnson, who just turned 28, might be able to rebound.
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Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Falcons. Age: 27.
Signed with Cardinals (1 year, $4 million)
It’s quite difficult to rank Sean Weatherspoon. He’s a very talented linebacker, but has an extensive injury history. He tore his Achilles in June and was already battling knee issues that caused him to miss nine games in 2013. It’s possible he may never be the same player again.
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Barry Cofield, NT, Redskins. Age: 31.
The Redskins cut Barry Cofield for cap reasons – the move saved them $4 million – but he can still play. Cofield missed most of 2014 with an ankle sprain and didn’t look healthy when he returned to the lineup. However, he played well in 2013, and give that he’s just 31 (in March), he’ll generate some interest as a starter, especially considering how versatile he is.
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Michael Crabtree, WR, 49ers. Age: 27.
Signed with Raiders (1 year)
Michael Crabtree had a disappointing season, as he never recovered from the Achilles tear he suffered in 2013. Perhaps he’ll regain some explosion next year, but that won’t fix his negative attitude.
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Da’Norris Searcy, S, Bills. Age: 27.
Signed with Titans (4 years, $24 million)
Da’Norris Searcy did a good job in his first full season as a starter, replacing the New Orleans-bound Jairus Byrd. Searcy played well in all regards.
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Andre Johnson, WR, Texans. Age: 34.
Signed with Colts (3 years, $21 million)
Andre Johnson gave the Texans so many great years of service, but he was dumped for financial reasons, as he was due $21.5 million over the next two seasons. Johnson, 34 in July, can still play, though obviously not as well as he was capable of in the past. He caught 85 passes for 936 yards and three touchdowns in 2014, just one year after accumulating 1,407 receiving yards. Johnson might have one or two more solid years left in the tank, though he’s definitely not a No. 1 receiver anymore.
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Justin Durant, OLB, Cowboys. Age: 29.
Signed with Falcons
Justin Durant had been playing well for the Cowboys as an every-down strongside linebacker before tearing his bicep in late October.
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Louis Delmas, S, Dolphins. Age: 28.
Re-signed with Dolphins (1 year, $3.5 million)
Louis Delmas would be ranked much higher than this if he could stay healthy. Delmas is constantly banged up, however, and his latest injury, a torn ACL he suffered in early December, could hinder his 2015 campaign.
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Kroy Biermann, DE/OLB, Falcons. Age: 29.
Re-signed with Falcons
Kroy Biermann registered six sacks this past season, but that number is a bit misleading, given that half of them came in one game against the incompetent Buccaneers. Biermann was inconsistent in terms of getting to the quarterback, but he held up well against the run. He’ll turn 30 in the middle of September.
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Mike Adams, S, Colts. Age: 34.
Re-signed with Colts (2 years)
Apparently a late bloomer, Mike Adams had an exceptional 2014 campaign after two mediocre years in Denver. Adams is a nice story, but he’s 34 as of March, so he could see a decline next season.
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King Dunlap, OT, Chargers. Age: 29.
Re-signed with Chargers (4 years, $28 million)
King Dunlap shocked the world by playing extremely well in 2013. He took a step backward this past season, but was still a solid blind-side protector, especially down the stretch.
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Henry Melton, DT, Cowboys. Age: 28.
Signed with Buccaneers (1 year)
Henry Melton had a couple of awful seasons to close out his tenure in Chicago, but thrived in his first year with the Cowboys. He was a liability in run support, but put a tremendous amount of pressure on the quarterback. Unfortunately, Melton’s durability was once again prevalent when he was knocked out of the playoffs with a knee injury.
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Joseph Barksdale, OT, Rams. Age: 27.
Signed with Chargers
Joseph Barksdale is a decent right tackle. He blew open big running lanes for Tre Mason this past season, but struggled a bit in pass protection, surrendering seven sacks.
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Jermey Parnell, OT, Cowboys. Age: 29.
Signed with Jaguars (5 years, $32 million)
The Cowboys didn’t have a drop-off in blocking when Doug Free got hurt late in the year. That’s because Jermey Parnell played well when asked to start. Jerry Jones expressed confidence in Parnell in the past, telling the media that the former Ole Miss product is ready to “take the next step.”
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Lyle Sendlein, C, Cardinals. Age: 31.
Lyle Sendlein was downright awful in 2014, but that could be attributed to a calf injury that he sustained in training camp and just wouldn’t go away. Sendlein had a decent 2013 season, and had played well before that. Some team could get a nice buy-low option at center.
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Dwight Lowery, S, Falcons. Age: 29.
Signed with Colts
Dwight Lowery is a solid, but unspectacular safety whose one weakness has nothing to do with his ability. Lowery has an extensive concussion history. He managed to play all 16 games in 2014, but he missed 20 games in the two prior seasons.
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C.J. Spiller, RB, Bills. Age: 28.
Signed with Saints
Some fantasy sites have accused the Bills of misusing C.J. Spiller, but the former first-rounder just can’t handle a big workload because of his build. Spiller is an explosive play-maker, but he’s also unreliable because he’s constantly banged up.
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Mark Ingram, RB, Saints. Age: 25.
Re-signed with Saints (4 years, $16 million)
Mark Ingram ran well at times in 2014, including a stretch in which he had three consecutive 100-yard games. He’s only 25, so perhaps he’ll be able to live up to expectations soon. Then again, maybe he was just trying hard for the first time because he was in his contract year.
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Rashean Mathis, CB, Lions. Age: 35.
Re-signed with Lions (2 years, $3.5 million)
Rashean Mathis somehow continues to play at an extremely high level despite his age. Mathis was exceptional in 2014, but turns 35 in August, how much longer can he keep it up?
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Darian Stewart, S, Ravens. Age: 27.
Signed with Broncos (2 years)
Darian Stewart has dealt with numerous lingering injuries throughout his tenure in St. Louis, but his first year in Baltimore was a healthy and successful one. Stewart is an adequate starter when 100 percent.
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Stevie Brown, S, Giants. Age: 28.
Signed with Texans
Stevie Brown was benched early in the season, but he played well once he regained the starting job late in the year. Brown may not have been 100 percent coming off his knee injury.
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David Harris, ILB, Jets. Age: 31.
Though David Harris is now 31, he’s still a capable starting inside linebacker who thrives in run support. He tends to have issues in coverage, so he would be best used as a two-down specialist.
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Dawan Landry, S, Jets. Age: 32.
Dawan Landry struggled for years with the Jaguars and Jets, yet he was able to put together a strong 2014 campaign. Unfortunately for Landry, he just turned 32, so he could begin to regress soon.
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Antrel Rolle, S, Giants. Age: 32.
Signed with Bears (3 years, $11.25 million; $5 million guaranteed)
Antrel Rolle played extremely well in 2013, but there was a noticeable decline this past season. He was a major liability in run support, which isn’t a surprise, given that he’ll be 33 at some point during the 2015 campaign. He can still start, but not for much longer.
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Kendrick Lewis, S, Texans. Age: 27.
Signed with Ravens (3 years)
Kendrick Lewis got off to a strong start to his career in Kansas City, but managed to regress each season. The Chiefs eventually gave up on him, but he rebounded with a decent season in Houston.
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Knowshon Moreno, RB, Dolphins. Age: 28.
Knowshon Moreno looked great during the early stages of the season, but tore his ACL in October. Injuries have always been an issue for Moreno, but when he’s healthy, he’s a very strong, all-around back.
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Tommy Kelly, DE/DT, Cardinals. Age: 34.
Tommy Kelly will be 35 late during the 2015 season, but he still provides a solid pass rush while being pretty decent in terms of stopping the run.
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C.J. Mosley, DT, Lions. Age: 32.
Nick Fairley going down with an injury would’ve been a big deal for the Lions, except that C.J. Mosley handled the starting job well. He was solid, both in terms of stuffing the run and putting pressure on the quarterback. The downside is that he’ll be 32 in August.
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Ahtyba Rubin, NT, Browns. Age: 29.
Signed with Seahawks (1 year)
Ahtyba Rubin was a big reason (literally) why the Browns struggled against the run in 2014. He had a shockingly dreadful season despite always being a great run-stuffer. Perhaps an ankle injury that he sustained in early October was the culprit.
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B.J. Raji, NT, Packers. Age: 29.
Re-signed with Packers (1 year)
B.J. Raji was a dominant force in 2010 and 2011, but has since severely declined – and that was before a torn bicep sidelined him this past season. Still though, the Packers thought enough of him that they offered him a contract that would pay him an average of $8 million per year prior to the 2014 offseason. The motivation just doesn’t seem to be there with Raji though, and it’s fair to wonder how he’ll rebound from his injury.
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Brandon Spikes, ILB, Bills. Age: 27.
Brandon Spikes played well on a 1-year “prove it” deal, serving as a stout, two-down run-defender.
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Cecil Shorts, WR, Jaguars. Age: 27.
Signed with Texans
Cecil Shorts, the King of Garbage Time Receiving Yardage, would be rated higher on this list, but he just can’t stay healthy. If he were more reliable, he’d be a decent No. 2 option.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
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