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2022 NFL Free Agency: The top 100 unrestricted NFL free agents for 2022. Fullbacks, kickers and punters are excluded. Star rating is out of five. Age listing as of Sept. 1, 2022.
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
Note that there are not 100 players yet, but there will be additions as cuts begin.
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Davante Adams, WR, Packers. Age: 29. 
Franchised by Packers
Davante Adams is arguably the best receiver in the NFL. He’s been insanely productive over the years, even when playing without Aaron Rodgers. He’s the top overall free agent in the 2022 class.
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J.C. Jackson, CB, Patriots. Age: 26. 
Signed with Chargers (5 years, $82.5 million)
J.C. Jackson evolved into one of the top shutdown cornerbacks in the NFL this past season. He’s only 26, so he could get even better in the near future.
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Orlando Brown, OT, Chiefs. Age: 26.
Franchised by Chiefs
Orlando Brown Jr. has the potential to be one of the best left tackles in the NFL. He’s an excellent blocker right now, but at 26, he has time to reach the top tier.
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Marcus Williams, S, Saints. Age: 26.
Signed with Ravens (5 years, $70 million)
Marcus Williams has emerged as one of the best safeties in the NFL, and yet he’s still in his mid-20s. He’ll continue to dominate in the secondary for the next five-plus years.
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Za’Darius Smith, DE/OLB, Packers. Age: 29.
Signed with Vikings (3 years, $42 million)
Za’Darius Smith is one of the top edge rushers in the NFL when healthy. He missed all of 2021, but he should be back this upcoming season. He recorded 25 sacks in the two years prior to 2021, but was cut because of his massive cap figure.
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La’el Collins, OT, Cowboys. Age: 29.
Signed with Bengals (3 years)
La’el Collins is one of the top right tackles in the NFL. It’s unclear why the Cowboys cut him.
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Von Miller, DE/OLB, Rams. Age: 33.
Signed with Bills (6 years, $120 million)
Von Miller is still one of the elite edge rushers in the NFL, despite his age. He turns 33 this offseason, however, so there’s a chance for regression in the near future.
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Fletcher Cox, DT, Eagles. Age: 31.
Re-signed with Eagles (1 year, $14 million)
Fletcher Cox is one of the top defensive tackles in the NFL. He was released for financial reasons, but the Eagles will try to re-sign him.
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Jason Kelce, C, Eagles. Age: 34.
Re-signed with Eagles (1 year, $14 million)
Jason Kelce is one of the best center in the NFL and a future Hall of Famer. He hasn’t missed a game since 2014. The only downside is the age; Kelce turns 35 right before Halloween. However, centers tend to play well into their late 30s.
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Jessie Bates, S, Bengals. Age: 25.
Franchised by Bengals
Jessie Bates is one of the best young safeties in the NFL. He’s coming off a bit of a down year, but he should be able to rebound in 2022. He’s only 25, so his future is very bright.
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Terron Armstead, OT, Saints. Age: 31.
Signed with Dolphins (5 years, $75 million)
Terron Armstead is one of the best tackles in the NFL when healthy, but he gets injured every year. He missed nine games in 2021.
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Calais Campbell, DE/DT, Ravens. Age: 36.
Re-signed with Ravens (2 years, $12.5 million)
Despite his age, Calais Campbell somehow continues to be one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL. He turns 36 on Sept. 1, so regression is bound to hit at some point.
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D.J. Reed, CB, Seahawks. Age: 25.
Signed with Jets (3 years, $33 million)
D.J. Reed has developed greatly in recent years, and he’s now a legitimate No. 1 cornerback in the NFL. He’s only 25, so he should keep improving.
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Stephon Gilmore, CB, Panthers. Age: 31.
Signed with Colts (2 years, $23 million)
Stephon Gilmore is no longer the best cornerback in the NFL, but he’s still a shutdown cornerback. He has slowed down a bit now that he’s in his 30s.
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Chandler Jones, DE/OLB, Cardinals. Age: 32.
Signed with Raiders
Chandler Jones returned from an injury-plagued 2020 campaign to log 10.5 sacks last year. He’s still a top pass rusher, but at 32, he could be in decline soon.
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Quandre Diggs, S, Seahawks. Age: 29.
Re-signed with Seahawks (3 years, $40 million)
Quandre Diggs is one of the better safeties in the NFL. He’s a well-rounded player, and he still has another year remaining in his 20s.
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James Daniels, G, Bears. Age: 24.
Signed with Steelers (3 years, $26.5 million)
James Daniels has been a rare, steady presence on the Bears’ offensive line. He’s both stellar at run blocking and pass protection. It’s crazy that he’s still only 24.
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J.C. Tretter, C, Browns. Age: 31.
It’s unclear why the Browns released J.C. Tretter. He’s still one of the better centers in the NFL. Tretter just turned 31, but centers can play at a high level well into their mid-30s.
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Justin Reid, S, Texans. Age: 25.
Signed with Chiefs (3 years, $31.5 million)
Justin Reid tends to be one of the top safeties in the NFL, though he’s coming off an unusual down year. He’ll certainly rebound, and he’s only 25 to boot.
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Mike Williams, WR, Chargers. Age: 27.
Re-signed with Chargers
Mike Williams endured some struggles heading into 2021, but exploded with a huge season. This was a byproduct of Justin Herbert gaining experience and having more time in the pocket.
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Marcus Maye, S, Jets. Age: 28.
Signed with Saints (3 years, $28.5 million)
Marcus Maye was an exceptional safety in 2020, but took a step backward last year before tearing his Achilles. The injury occurred during the middle of the season, so there’s a good chance Maye will be back on the field for the 2022 opener.
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Jordan Whitehead, S/CB, Buccaneers. Age: 25.
Signed with Jets (2 years, $14.5 million)
Jordan Whitehead has evolved greatly since being chosen in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He’s been a stellar defensive back for the Buccaneers, capable of playing safety and cornerback (mostly in the slot). He wasn’t even 25 when he closed out his 2021 season.
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Bobby Wagner, LB, Seahawks. Age: 32.
Signed with Rams (5 years, $50 million)
Bobby Wagner may have lost a step at the age of 32 (as of June), but he’s still one of the better linebackers in the NFL. He was released because he counted nearly $17 million against the cap for 2022.
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Josey Jewell, LB, Broncos. Age: 27.
Re-signed with Broncos (2 years, $11 million)
Josey Jewell was making huge strides every season, so it was a shame to see him get knocked out for the season with a torn pectoral in Week 2. He should be 100 percent for 2022.
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Alexander Johnson, LB, Broncos. Age: 30.
Denver’s defense sorely missed Alexander Johnson last year when he went down in Week 6 with a torn pectoral. He’s an excellent linebacker, though he could lose a step soon now that he’s in his 30s.
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De’Vondre Campbell, LB, Packers. Age: 29.
Re-signed with Packers (5 years, $50 million)
The Falcons and Cardinals had to be shocked by what De’Vondre Campbell did in 2021. Campbell had been mediocre at best for them, yet he emerged as one of the better linebackers in the NFL for Green Bay. It’s unclear if this was a fluke, so we’ll have to see if Campbell can replicate his great play in 2022.
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Duane Brown, OT, Seahawks. Age: 37.
Signed with Jets
Duane Brown isn’t quite the dominant left tackle he was back in the day, now that he’s 37. However, he’s still an excellent blind-side protector.
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Haason Reddick, DE/OLB, Panthers. Age: 27.
Signed with Eagles (3 years, $45 million)
Haason Reddick has notched 23.5 sacks over the past couple of seasons (11 in 2021). He’s also a plus run defender.
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D.J. Chark, WR, Jaguars. Age: 25.
Signed with Lions (1 year, $10 million)
D.J. Chark is an explosive receiver, but played just three full games in 2021 because he broke his ankle in Week 4. Just 25, Chark should continue to improve in the coming years.
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Brandon Scherff, G/OT, Redskins. Age: 30.
Signed with Jaguars
Brandon Scherff would have a higher rating than four stars if he were a reliable player. Scherff is a tremendous guard, but he can’t stay healthy.
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Dalton Schultz, TE, Cowboys. Age: 26.
Franchised by Cowboys
Dalton Schultz wasn’t even projected to be Dallas’ top tight end heading into 2021, yet he was spectacular. Just 26, the future is extremely bright for Schultz.
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Chris Godwin, WR, Buccaneers. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Buccaneers (3 years, $60 million)
Chris Godwin would have an even higher rating than four stars – he’s a young, extremely talented receiver – but he tore his ACL late in the season and will likely struggle in 2022 as a result.
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Rob Gronkowski, TE, Buccaneers. Age: 33.
Remember when Rob Gronkowski was considered just a blocker early during the 2020 season? Gronkowski was huge during the Super Bowl run that year and then enjoyed a terrific 2021 campaign. He is somehow getting better despite entering his mid-30s.
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Devin McCourty, S, Patriots. Age: 35.
Re-signed with Patriots (1 year, $9 million)
Devin McCourty has been one of the top safeties in the NFL. However, he’s now 35, so major regression will happen at some point in the near future.
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Carlton Davis, CB, Buccaneers. Age: 25.
Re-signed with Buccaneers (3 years, $45 million)
Carlton Davis has been the Buccaneers’ best cornerback in recent seasons. He’s still somehow only 25, so he could continue to improve.
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Charvarius Ward, CB, Chiefs. Age: 26.
Signed with 49ers (3 years, $42 million)
Despite being an undrafted free agent back in 2018, Charvarius Ward worked hard and became an important part of Kansas City’s secondary. He missed some action last year, but the Chiefs’ defense improved when he returned to the field.
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Trent Brown, OT, Patriots. Age: 29.
Re-signed with Patriots (2 years)
Trent Brown is a stellar, monstrous right tackle, but he’s had trouble staying healthy. Brown has missed 24 games in the past three seasons.
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Odell Beckham Jr., WR, Rams. Age: 29.
Odell Beckham Jr. is obviously a talented receiver, but there’s way more to it than that. Beckham frequently causes disruptions in the locker room, and he’ll turn 30 just prior to Thanksgiving, so there could be regression soon.
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Leonard Fournette, RB, Buccaneers. Age: 27.
Re-signed with Buccaneers (3 years, $21 million)
It was unclear if Leonard Fournette or Ronald Jones would handle the majority of the workload for the Buccaneers this year. Fournette won the job easily and finally lived up to his first-round expectations. Not only did he dominate as a runner; he became a huge part of the passing game, catching 69 balls.
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Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Dolphins. Age: 28.
Re-signed with Dolphins (4 years, $65 million; $32 million guaranteed)
Emmanuel Ogbah has made strides in his development in recent years. He has recorded 18 total sacks in the past two seasons.
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Jayron Kearse, S, Cowboys. Age: 28.
Re-signed with Cowboys (2 years, $10 million)
Jayron Kearse was a surprise performer in 2021. He was a stellar force in the secondary in all regards, particularly in coverage.
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Akiem Hicks, DE/DT, Bears. Age: 32.
Signed with Buccaneers (1 year)
There’s a lengthy history of the Bears being far worse against the run when Akiem Hicks is out of the lineup. Hicks is a force up front, though age (32) is becoming an issue.
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Brian Allen, C, Rams. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Rams (3 years, $24 million)
Brian Allen has made the most of his career, considering he was chosen in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Allen is a terrific center, especially when it comes to run blocking.
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Tyrann Mathieu, S, Chiefs. Age: 30.
Signed with Saints
Tyrann Mathieu is not the same dynamic safety from years ago, but he’s still strong in coverage. He tends to miss many tackles, however, and he turns 30 this offseason.
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Rashaad Penny, RB, Seahawks. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Seahawks (1 year, $5.75 million)
Rashaad Penny was considered a colossal first-round bust until late in 2021 when he had a dominant series of games. Penny credited Adrian Peterson for helping develop him, so this was likely not a fluke.
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Bradley Bozeman, C, Ravens. Age: 27.
Signed with Panthers
Bradley Bozeman has made great strides throughout his young career thus far. He was an excellent center in 2021 in both pass protection and run blocking.
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Harold Landry, DE/OLB, Titans. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Titans (5 years, $87.5 million)
Harold Landry is coming off his best season as a pro; he collected 12 sacks in 2021. He turns 26 this summer, so he should continue to improve.
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Casey Hayward, CB, Raiders. Age: 33.
Signed Casey Hayward
Casey Hayward just had a terrific 2021 campaign as the Raiders’ top cornerback, but he’ll turn 33 in mid-September, so he could regress soon.
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K’Waun Williams, CB, 49ers. Age: 31.
Signed with Broncos (2 years, $7 million)
K’Waun Williams is an excellent slot cornerback. The only concern is his age (31 in October), but he has shown no signs of slowing down.
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Mike Gesicki, TE, Dolphins. Age: 26.
Franchised by Dolphins
Mike Gesicki notched career-best figures in receptions and yards this past season. He’s only 26, so he’ll continue to grow.
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Ben Jones, C, Titans. Age: 33.
Ben Jones has been one of the better centers in the NFL in recent years, but he may slow down soon now that he’s entering his mid-30s.
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Connor Williams, G, Cowboys. Age: 25.
Signed with Dolphins (2 years, $14 million)
Connor Williams is coming off his best season, as he proved to be a major strength at guard for once. He’s only 25, so he’ll continue to improve.
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Alex Cappa, G, Buccaneers. Age: 27.
Signed with Bengals (4 years, $40 million)
Alex Cappa has developed very well since being chosen in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He’s a solid blocker who has no weaknesses in his game.
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Melvin Gordon, RB, Broncos. Age: 29.
Re-signed with Broncos
Javonte Williams’ fantasy owners will argue that Melvin Gordon just got in the way, but Gordon was an explosive runner for the Broncos this past season.
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Laken Tomlinson, G, 49ers. Age: 30.
Signed with Jets (3 years, $40 million)
Laken Tomlinson is a stout guard with no weaknesses. He turns 30 this offseason, but guards can perform on a high level into their 30s.
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Andrew Norwell, G, Jaguars. Age: 30.
Signed with Redskins
Andrew Norwell has been a solid guard for quite some time, but he’ll turn 31 during the 2022 season, so he could be headed for regression soon.
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Anthony Barr, OLB, Vikings. Age: 30.
Signed with Cowboys
Anthony Barr is a well-rounded linebacker who excels at stopping the run. He turns 30 this offseason.
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Mark Glowinski, G, Colts. Age: 30.
Signed with Giants (3 years, $20 million)
Mark Glowinski has been a rock-solid guard for the Colts over the years. He turns 30 this offseason, but guards can play well into their mid-30s.
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Jason Peters, OT, Bears. Age: 40.
Despite his age, Jason Peters still performed on a Pro Bowl level last year. At 40, however, a sharp decline is coming soon for the future Hall of Famer.
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Bryce Callahan, CB, Broncos. Age: 30.
Signed with Chargers (1 year)
If Bryce Callahan were younger and healthier, he would be ranked much higher than this because he’s an excellent slot cornerback. However, he’s an injury-prone 30-year-old now.
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Kyle Fuller, CB, Broncos. Age: 30.
Signed with Ravens (1 year)
Kyle Fuller was a terrific cornerback for the Bears, but he regressed considerably in Denver last year, which was odd because he was coached by Vic Fangio again. Perhaps he’ll rebound next year.
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Austin Corbett, G, Rams. Age: 26.
Signed with Panthers
Austin Corbett was chosen by the Browns atop the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He struggled in Cleveland, but has made some huge improvements with the Rams.
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DeShon Elliott, S, Ravens. Age: 25.
Signed with Lions
DeShon Elliott played just five games in 2021. The Ravens missed him, as he’s a young, well-rounded safety.
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Morgan Moses, OT, Jets. Age: 31.
Signed with Ravens (3 years, $15 million)
Durability has always been Morgan Moses’ primary issue, but he managed to stay on the field the entire 2021 season. Moses is now 31, but he’ll be able to play on a high level for 2-3 more years as long as he remains healthy.
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Christian Kirk, WR, Cardinals. Age: 25.
Signed with Jaguars
Christian Kirk just posted the best number of his career; he caught 77 passes for 982 yards in 2021. He’s an explosive deep threat, and he’s only 25.
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Riley Reiff, OT/G, Bengals. Age: 33.
Riley Reiff played well when healthy for the Bengals, but he missed the final quarter of the year with an ankle injury. Now 33, Reiff could decline in the near future.
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Jadeveon Clowney, DE, Browns. Age: 29.
Re-signed with Browns (1 year, $11 million)
Jadeveon Clowney rebounded from a down 2020 campaign, logging nine sacks in 2021. He also stopped the run well. Clowney tends to be very inconsistent.
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Randy Gregory, DE, Cowboys. Age: 29.
Signed with Broncos (5 years, $70 million)
Randy Gregory is an amazing force when on the field, but it’s been proven that it’s extremely difficult to count on him remaining out of trouble.
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Ryan Jensen, C, Buccaneers. Age: 31.
Re-signed with Buccaneers (3 years, $39 million)
Ryan Jensen is the weakest member of the offensive line, but only by default. His pass protection could be better, but the run blocking is excellent.
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Tracy Walker, S, Lions. Age: 27.
Re-signed with Lions (3 years, $25 million)
Tracy Walker was Detroit’s best defensive back in 2021, though that’s not really saying much. Still, he’s a solid safety who has several years remaining in his prime.
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Allen Robinson, WR, Bears. Age: 29.
Signed with Rams (3 years, $46.5 million)
What happened to Allen Robinson last year? He looked like a shell of his former self, yet he’s not even 30 yet. There’s a good chance Robinson will rebound in 2022.
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Trey Flowers, DE, Lions. Age: 29.
Trey Flowers was signed to a $90 million contract three years ago, but did very little in Detroit. He recorded 10.5 total sacks in those three seasons. Part of the reason for this has been poor durability, as Flowers has missed 17 games in the past two years. He could potentially rebound in 2022.
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James Conner, RB, Cardinals. Age: 27.
Re-signed with Cardinals
James Conner proved that his struggles in Pittsburgh had to do with the poor offensive line. He did well in his first season in Arizona, rushing for 752 yards and scoring 15 touchdowns.
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Chase Edmonds, RB, Cardinals. Age: 26.
Signed with Dolphins
Chase Edmonds is an excellent receiver out of the backfield who can handle a substantial workload. He averaged 5.1 yards per carry last yar and caught 43 passes despite missing five games.
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Rasul Douglas, CB, Packers. Age: 27.
Re-signed with Packers (3 years, $21 million)
Rasul Douglas was seen as a mediocre journeyman cornerback, but he played very well for the Packers. It remains to be seen if this was a fluke.
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Zach Ertz, TE, Cardinals. Age: 31.
Re-signed with Cardinals (3 years)
Zach Ertz had a great rapport with Kyler Murray right away, catching 56 passes for 574 yards in 11 games. He’s 31, so a decline is coming soon.
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Bobby McCain, S/CB, Redskins. Age: 29.
Re-signed with Redskins (2 years, $11 million)
Bobby McCain is a solid starting defensive back who can play anywhere in the secondary, including safety, outside cornerback and slot corner.
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Ted Karras, G, Patriots. Age: 29.
Signed with Bengals (3 years, $18 million)
Ted Karras stepped into the starting lineup in October and never looked back. He was an excellent starting guard on New England’s stellar offensive line.
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Sony Michel, RB, Rams. Age: 27.
Signed with Dolphins
Sony Michel finally met first-round expectations last year, usurping the job from Darrell Henderson before Cam Akers returned. Michel dashed for 845 yards and caught 21 passes.
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Cordarrelle Patterson, RB/WR, Falcons. Age: 31.
Re-signed with Falcons
Cordarrelle Patterson has made the full transition to running back. He did very well this past season, making some big plays. His age (31) is a concern, however, and it’s worth noting that he did less as the 2021 season progressed.
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Jarvis Landry, WR, Browns. Age: 29.
Signed with Saints (1 year, $6 million)
Jarvis Landry is a bit overrated for how big of a name he is. Still, he’s a talented slot receiver who can serve as a capable second option. The one downside is that Landry turns 30 during the 2022 season.
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Xavier Rhodes, CB, Colts. Age: 32.
Xavier Rhodes has done a great job of rebounding off his dreadful final season in Minnesota, but he turns 32 this offseason, so there could be some permanent regression coming.
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Braxton Berrios, WR/KR, Jets. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Jets (2 years, $12 million)
Braxton Berrios was a productive slot receiver in the second half of the year, showing great chemistry with Zach Wilson. He was also a dynamic return specialist.
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David Quessenberry, OT, Titans. Age: 32.
Signed with Bills (1 year)
If you didn’t read Jacob Camenker’s feature on David Quessenberry, check it out. Quessenberry overcame cancer to become a solid starting lineman in the NFL.
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Desmond King, CB/S, Texans. Age: 27.
Re-signed with Texans (2 years, $7 million)
Desmond King is a quality defensive back capable of playing outside or in the slot, and he can also play safety.
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Xavier Woods, S, Vikings. Age: 27.
Signed with Panthers (3 years, $15.75 million)
Xavier Woods isn’t great in coverage, but he’s a great tackler and run-supporting safety.
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Sebastian Joseph-Day, DE/DT, Rams. Age: 27.
Signed with Chargers (3 years, $24 million)
Sebastian Joseph-Day got off to a hot start in his 2021 campaign, logging three sacks in seven games, but missed the rest of the season with a torn pectoral.
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Raheem Mostert, RB, 49ers. Age: 30.
Signed with Dolphins
Raheem Mostert would have a much better ranking if he could stay healthy. Unfortunately, Mostert is always hurt. He has missed 31 games in the past four years. Now 30, Mostert is unlikely to have improved luck in this regard.
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Levi Wallace, CB, Bills. Age: 27.
Signed with Steelers (2 years, $8 million)
The Bills don’t like Levi Wallace very much, but he’s a quality starting cornerback and still happens to be fairly young.
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Charles Harris, DE, Lions. Age: 27.
Re-signed with Lions (2 years, $14 million)
Dolphins fans know Charles Harris as a former first-round bust. However, Lions fans recognize him as a quality pass rusher who logged 7.5 sacks in 2021. Harris appears to be a late bloomer.
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D.J. Jones, DT, 49ers. Age: 27.
Signed with Broncos (3 years, $30 million)
D.J. Jones is a quality run stuffer who can get after the quarterback on occasion. He has done well for himself, considering he was a former sixth-round pick.
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Landon Collins, S, Redskins. Age: 28.
Landon Collins was terrible in coverage this past season, but that may have been because he wasn’t 100 percent coming off a torn Achilles. He could rebound in 2022.
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Jaquiski Tartt, S, 49ers. Age: 30.
Signed with Eagles
The “lesser” of the two 49er safeties, Jaquiski Tartt is a big help in run support. He turns 30 this offseason.
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Trai Turner, G, Steelers. Age: 29.
Signed with Redskins (1 year)
Trai Turner was one of the better offensive linemen on the Steelers’ roster last year, but that’s not saying much.
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Eric Fisher, OT, Colts. Age: 30.
Eric Fisher is a mediocre starting left tackle. He filled in adequately for Anthony Castonzo, but the Colts will be looking for a better long-term answer.
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Jason Verrett, CB, 49ers. Age: 31.
Re-signed with 49ers (1 year)
Jason Verrett is a shutdown cornerback when healthy, but he’s not on the field very often. He has played just 20 of 97 possible games over the past six seasons.
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Isaiah Oliver, CB, Falcons. Age: 25.
Isaiah Oliver was having a great start out of the slot to the 2021 season before he suffered a season-ending knee injury.
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Sidney Jones, CB, Seahawks. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Seahawks (1 year, $3.6 million)
Sidney Jones struggled early in his career because of his devastating pre-draft injury, but he has improved in recent seasons. He was a capable cornerback this past year. He’s only 26, so he should continue to get better.
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Lorenzo Carter, DE/OLB, Giants. Age: 26.
Signed with Falcons
Lorenzo Carter logged five sacks in his return from a torn Achilles. He should be healthier next year, and he’s only 26.
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Harrison Phillips, DT, Bills. Age: 26.
Signed with Vikings (3 years, $19.5 million)
Harrison Phillips has just 1.5 career sacks, but he’s a stout run defender. He’s also 26 and a couple of years removed from an ACL tear, so perhaps he’ll improve next season.
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Kareem Jackson, S, Broncos. Age: 34.
Re-signed with Broncos (1 year)
Kareem Jackson has been one of the better safeties in the NFL for years, but he finally showed his age a bit last year. He’s now 34, so there could be more regression in the near future.
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Quinton Spain, G, Bengals. Age: 31.
Quinton Spain was a quality guard for the Bengals last year, especially when it came to run blocking. Pass protection was a bit of an issue, but not a glaring one.
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Kyzir White, LB, Chargers. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Eagles (1 year, $5 million)
Kyzir White isn’t a great player by any means, but he’s a young, well-rounded, three-down linebacker. He can also play some safety.
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Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Cowboys. Age: 25.
Re-signed with Cowboys (1 year)
It appears as though the one team that removed Leighton Vander Esch off their draft board was correct in doing so. Vander Esch has struggled through injuries thus far in his career.
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Jayon Brown, LB, Titans. Age: 27.
Signed with Raiders
The normally solid Jayon Brown struggled in 2021, likely because of a lingering injury. He should be able to bounce back in 2022.
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JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, Steelers. Age: 25.
Signed with Chiefs
JuJu Smith-Schuster has somehow gotten worse each year. He’s still young and talented, so perhaps he’ll improve on another team.
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Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, Chiefs. Age: 33.
Signed with Dolphins
Melvin Ingram was a nice addition to Kansas City’s roster. He recorded only one sack, but was a force against the run.
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Chris Harris Jr., CB, Chargers. Age: 33.
Chris Harris Jr. is coming off a down season, perhaps because of age or injury. He’s 33, so he could continue to regress. However, he could bounce back and have one or two more great years.
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Russell Gage, WR, Falcons. Age: 26.
Signed with Buccaneers
Russell Gage became the Falcons’ No. 1 receiver when Calvin Ridley left the team. Gage did a solid job in the slot.
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Darious Williams, CB, Rams. Age: 29.
Signed with Jaguars (3 years, $30 million)
Darious Williams is coming off a bit of a down year, but was still effective as a starting cornerback for the Rams.
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Billy Turner, OT/G, Packers. Age: 30.
Signed with Broncos
The Packers overpaid Billy Turner a few years ago. Financials prompted this release, but Billy Turner is a solid offensive lineman who can play both right tackle and guard.
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Brandon Shell, OT, Seahawks. Age: 30.
Brandon Shell has improved in recent years and was a decent right tackle this past season.
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Anthony Walker, LB, Browns. Age: 27.
Re-signed with Browns (1 year, $5 million)
Anthony Walker can do a better job of tackling, but he is pretty solid in coverage.
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Dante Fowler, DE/OLB, Falcons. Age: 27.
Signed with Cowboys
Dante Fowler’s 11.5-sack season in 2019 is looking like a major fluke. Fowler has notched a total of 7.5 sacks in the two years since.
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Patrick Peterson, CB, Vikings. Age: 32.
Patrick Peterson rebounded from a dreadful 2020 campaign with Arizona and did fairly well this past season. However, he’s not close to the same player he used to be.
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Jason McCourty, S/CB, Dolphins. Age: 35.
Announced retirement
The usually reliable Jason McCourty struggled through a foot injury last year before being placed on injured reserve. He turns 35 just prior to the 2022 season.
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Joe Haden, CB, Steelers. Age: 33.
As a 33-year-old, Joe Haden is not nearly the same cornerback he once was. There’s a chance he could rebound next year if he remains healthy.
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Jamison Crowder, WR, Jets. Age: 29.
Signed with Bills (1 year, $4 million)
Jamison Crowder is a capable slot receiver, but he’s had trouble staying healthy in recent years, missing 16 games in the past four seasons.
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Will Fuller, WR, Dolphins. Age: 28.
Will Fuller is an explosive receiver, but has severe issues staying healthy. He has missed 40 games in the past five years!
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James White, RB, Patriots. Age: 30.
Re-signed with Patriots (2 years, $5 million)
James White is one of the top pass-catching backs in the NFL, but he barely played last year. He also turns 30 this offseason.
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Sheldon Richardson, DT, Vikings. Age: 31.
Sheldon Richardson is a quality defensive tackle with no weaknesses, but he is not the same interior force he once was.
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J.D. McKissic, RB, Redskins. Age: 29.
Signed with Redskins (2 years, $7 million)
J.D. McKissic is an excellent pass-catching, third-down back, but cannot handle a full workload of any sort.
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Myles Jack, LB, Jaguars. Age: 26.
Signed with Steelers (2 years, $16 million)
Myles Jack had a great start to his career, but he has progressively gotten worse over the years. He’s still only 26, so he could rebound.
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Dont’a Hightower, LB, Patriots. Age: 32.
Dont’a Hightower was an excellent linebacker over the years, but struggled in 2021. Perhaps age was a factor, but Hightower was banged up as well.
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Isaiah McKenzie, WR/KR, Bills. Age: 27.
Re-signed with Bills (2 years, $8 million)
Isaiah McKenzie sometimes gets a chance to be a part of the offense in addition to handling his return duties. He always seems to thrive when used as a receiver.
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Janoris Jenkins, CB, Titans. Age: 33.
Janoris Jenkins was a surprise performer last year for the Titans, but he could easily regress now that he’s in his mid-30s.
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Jakeem Grant, WR/KR, Bears. Age: 29.
Signed with Browns (3 years, $13.8 million)
Jakeem Grant doesn’t do much as a receiver, but he’s a dynamic kick returner.
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C.J. Uzomah, TE, Bengals. Age: 29.
Signed with Jets (3 years, $24 million)
C.J. Uzomah is coming off the best season of his career. He was able to exploit great matchups very easily, catching 49 passes for 493 yards and five touchdowns.
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Richie Incognito, G, Raiders. Age: 39.
Richie Incognito hasn’t played much in the past two years. He was great the last time he took the field, but that was a while ago.
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Kyle Van Noy, OLB, Patriots. Age: 32.
Signed with Chargers
Kyle Van Noy turns 32 this offseason, but he’s still a capable linebacker in coverage.
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Jerick McKinnon, RB, Chiefs. Age: 30.
Re-signed with Chiefs
I didn’t think I’d be ranking Jerick McKinnon this high after the regular season, but he was amazing in the playoff win against Pittsburgh. He was great as both a runner and a receiver, and his pass-protection ability is superb.
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Kevin King, CB, Packers. Age: 27.
Kevin King has gotten lots of flak for his horrendous performance in the NFC Championship against the Buccaneers, but he was playing hurt. King has some talent, and he’s still relatively young.
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Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers. Age: 40.
Ben Roethlisberger took a team to the playoffs despite having a miserable offensive line and a horrible run defense. He can still be an effective game manager if he decides to play one more year.
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Jameis Winston, QB, Saints. Age: 28.
Re-signed with Saints (2 years, $28 million)
Jameis Winston failed to complete 60 percent of his passes in 2021, but he was surprisingly careful with the football. He threw 14 touchdowns and only three interceptions.
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Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Broncos. Age: 29.
Signed with Dolphins (1 year)
Teddy Bridgewater is a capable starting quarterback, capable of taking a team to the playoffs if everything around him is right. Bridgewater becomes a liability if things fall apart around him, however.
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