Saturday 2 July 2016 19:21, UK
With the European transfer window opening on July 1, free agency in the NFL still has a fair amount of talent available. Alex Ferguson gives Sky Sports his top free agents still around…
1. Eugene Monroe (OT)
Everyone needs a good offensive linesman, and Monroe is one of the very best in this free agent class. It is known the New York Giants are already in the market and Monroe has said he is not taking the first offer. There will be others.
2. Ryan Fitzpatrick (QB)
After a season in which he threw for nearly 4,000 yards and 31 TDs, it seemed like a shoo-in that the Jets quarterback would be given another contract. Fitzpatrick has already said he would rather not play football than accept the Jets' $8m-per-year offer… which is rather good for a journeyman QB. Would he get that at a lot of other places?
3. Arian Foster (RB)
The only reason Foster is not No.1 on our list is the injury concern. The running back played in only four games last year and has not played a full season since 2012, but when healthy Foster is a fantastic weapon. The New England Patriots are said to be gently courting him. Wow. Dream about that, Tom Brady…
4. Anquan Boldin (WR)
You probably think I am mad putting up a 36-year old wide receiver this high on the list, but this veteran had a fantastic regular season, with 789 yards receiving and four TDs on a San Francisco team that lacked any offense whatsoever. Boldin is saying he wants to play for a contender and supposedly the Patriots are interested in his services, but this could be agent chat.
5. Donte Whitner (S)
The Cleveland Browns released Whitner in April, alongside defensive teammate Karlos Dansby. While Dansby has found a home in Cincinnati, Whitner has not, despite the 10-year veteran recording 81 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble last year. He is apparently in talks with the Los Angeles Rams, but no deal as yet.
6. Walter Thurmond (S)
After six years in the league, Thurmond had his breakout season last year with 71 total tackles, three interceptions and a forced fumble. Despite a successful campaign with the Eagles, and reports of offers in excess of $4million, the safety announced his retirement. Nothing is certain in the NFL, however, so do not be surprised if a big contract lures him back to the pads.
7. Dwight Freeney (DE)
Freeney's looking for a 15th season and why wouldn't anyone sign him? Of course, the naysayers would use words like "too old" but to be frank, they are missing a massive opportunity. He proved he can contribute with eight sacks for the Arizona Cardinals last season and he is also going to pass a lot of his wisdom and experience to the younger players. That is a hell of a teacher.
8. Chris Culliver (LB)
Three things have recently happened in Culliver's career: the good, the bad, and the stupid. The good was the four-year, $42million contract he signed with Washington in March. The bad was the ACL/MCL tear which ended his Washington season early. And the stupid was being suspended for breaking the NFL's personal conduct policy, which gave the Redskins all the reason they needed to cut him.
The problem for Culliver is he comes with a lot of baggage. But if he can keep his mouth shut and prove himself a team player, he may prove to be a bargain for a franchise willing to take the risk.
9. Joique Bell (RB)
I like Bell for the fact he's under-the-radar. Yes, 2015 was not a great year for him. He had 311 yards in 90 attempts, no 100-yard games, and just four touchdowns. But he also had 286 yards receiving on just 22 throws. And although all were career lows, we can see him getting picked up. He can be a very useful weapon for teams to have.
10. Roddy White (WR)
Remember the days when everyone loved the Matt Ryan-to-Roddy White connection? Well, White was cut after a disappointing season on a disappointing team and now his affair in the big ATL is over.
White still has a lot to offer, despite his 10-year career, and you know he'll get picked up. The Buccaneers were reported to be interested early on, and with promising QB Jameis Winston under centre, the pairing may help the franchise to challenge for a playoff spot.
