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2017 NFL Free Agency: 5 Best Players Still Available at Each Position

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 1:33 p.m. ET

Fansided, Cody Williams/FanSided via NFL Spin Zone

There is still talent to be found in 2017 NFL free agency after the first big wave, but who are the five best players still available at each position?

Nearing a full week in free agency and essentially being at a week since the start of the legal tampering period, there's certainly been plenty of action on the open market. 2017 NFL free agency may not have been deep in terms of top-end star power, but the results have been fun and exciting nonetheless. The outlooks, of course, vary on a case-by-case basis.

For instance, the Chicago Bears are in an odd position after releasing Jay Cutler and then inking Mike Glennon to a big contract. It's hard to say if Glennon is the future at quarterback for them, but they're about to pay him like he is. That throws a monkey wrench in plans for the 2017 NFL Draft and perhaps going into the QB-rich 2018 draft.

On the flip-side, you have a team like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that undoubtedly made big improvements with marquee signings. Landing DeSean Jackson will open up their offense in a major way and Chris Baker on the defensive line will be huge for their depth and quality on that side of the ball.

While you've had teams like the Bears, Bucs and Jacksonville Jaguars spending, though, some teams still have moves to make and needs to fill. So what's left for those teams to look at on the open market? Let's take a look at the five best players at each position still available in 2017 NFL free agency.

Note: Kickers and punters are not included in this as, well, they shuffle so much during the season that it's almost not worth it.

Oct 31, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) looks to pass the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterbacks

1. Jay Cutler – Chicago Bears

When Jay Cutler is the best quarterback available on the open market, suffice it to say that the quarterback market in NFL free agency is lacking. With that said, Cutler is a veteran with a cannon for an arm and plenty of experience. Some team will take a chance on him.

2. Colin Kaepernick – San Francisco 49ers

Even at the No. 2 player remaining at quarterback, it's hard to truly project what's going to happen. Though Colin Kaepernick showed flashes of his talent when he finally took over for the San Francisco 49ers last season, he played poorly overall. However, there's still a trip to the Super Bowl on his resume and he could be a serviceable backup somewhere.

3. Robert Griffin III – Cleveland Browns

Predictably, the Robert Griffin III experiment with the Cleveland Browns ended with the former Rookie of the Year being injured for much of the season. He simply can't stay healthy, but I'd bet that he'll keep getting job offers in hopes that he can recapture some sort of magic.

4. Geno Smith – New York Jets

Geno Smith has been bad since entering the league and things haven't changed. However, he's still young and, just maybe, getting away from the dysfunction of the New York Jets would help him realize some of his potential.

5. Ryan Fitzpatrick – New York Jets

Smith's teammate in New York, Ryan Fitzpatrick was bad enough to get benched for Smith and Bryce Petty last season with the Jets. His days of being thought of as a starter are likely over. With that said, every team needs a backup and he's a veteran that could fill the role passably.

Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Running Backs

1. Adrian Peterson – Minnesota Vikings

There probably aren't many people that are lower on the prospects of Adrian Peterson than I am. With his recent injury history and the limited effectiveness he showed when healthy in the 2016 season, it's hard to be confident. Still, he's a future Hall-of-Famer and a massive name that a team could still add.

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2. Eddie Lacy – Green Bay Packers

Baggage is plentiful when it comes to Eddie Lacy, given his injury history and struggles with his weight. When on the field and in shape, though, Lacy has proven to be an effective runner in this league. Some team in need could do far worse than the former Packers back.

3. Latavius Murray – Oakland Raiders

Latavius Murray is a big back that led the way for the Raiders running game one year ago and did so effectively. He's not overly dynamic, but he's an effective rusher that can move the chains and offer balance to an offense. It's actually surprising that he isn't a bit more in demand than he is.

4. Isaiah Crowell (RFA) – Cleveland Browns

It's actually a bit shocking that the Cleveland Browns didn't or haven't yet tendered Isaiah Crowell as he was one of the best parts of a bad situation one year ago. Crowell has some minor off-field issues, but if Cleveland is willing to let him go, then someone should take them up on that. The fact that he's restricted ultimately lowers him a bit in these rankings.

5. Jamaal Charles – Kansas City Chiefs

Much like with Peterson, but to an even more undesirable degree, Jamaal Charles' effectiveness and health are undoubtedly an issue moving forward. With that said, it's hard not to think of how good he can be when he's at 100 percent. He's worth a flyer to see if he can recapture that, even if just in bursts.

Nov 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) against the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Cardinals 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Wide Receivers

1. Cordarrelle Patterson – Minnesota Vikings

No one can deny the fact that Cordarrelle Patterson was a massive disappointment with the Minnesota Vikings. This is a player with tremendous physical gifts that never put it together. However, in a new situation, things could ultimately change. At the very least, a team would be getting a lethal kick returner.

2. Kamar Aiken – Baltimore Ravens

Remember a couple of years ago when the Kamar Aiken hype train was getting rolling? You can say it was derailed by Steve Smith Sr. or whatever else, but he never realized his potential. There's still hope for him, though, as he's entering his prime years and a change of scenery could help him realize it.

3. Michael Floyd – New England Patriots

Everyone knows by now the off-field issues that Michael Floyd will bring following the DUI arrest and conviction that led to him getting released by the Arizona Cardinals. What's more, Floyd has been highly consistent throughout his career. Even still, the man has every box checked in terms of tools to be a playmaking receiver.

4. Anquan Boldin – Detroit Lions

Anquan Boldin has never been a player that relies on speed or any exceptional physical gifts to make plays. Yet he's remained an effective pass-catcher for many years at this point. For a reliable weapon that wins virtually ever 50-50 ball and that can provide leadership, there should be some market.

5. Victor Cruz – New York Giants

Because of his health and how he looked following his patellar tendon injury and subsequent recovery when he returned last season, no one fully knows what to expect from Victor Cruz moving forward. However, he's a Super Bowl winning pass-catcher that has potential to find his footing once again.

Jan 15, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; (Editors note: caption correction) Green Bay Packers tight end Jared Cook (89) makes a catch against Dallas Cowboys free safety Byron Jones (31) during the fourth quarter in the NFC Divisional playoff game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers/The Post-Crescant via USA TODAY NETWORK

Tight Ends

1. Jared Cook – Green Bay Packers

We all remember his remarkable catch at the end of the Packers' Divisional Round win over teh Dallas Cowboys. But after Green Bay landed Martellus Bennett (and Vance McDonald), he's looking for a new team. He's been the captain of the all-potential team for quite some time now, but the talent is still obvious.

2. Luke Willson – Seattle Seahawks

There have been flashes of Luke Willson throughout his time with the Seattle Seahawks, but Jimmy Graham came along and buried him on the depth chart. Some team would be wise to bet on his talent as he has starting tight end potential.

3. Mychal Rivera – Oakland Raiders

Another member of the all-potential team, Raiders fans seemed to be perpetually waiting for the Mychal Rivera breakout season. It never came and he was barely used in the 2016 season. With his physical tools and teams always looking for a weapon at the position, he'd be worth a cheap flyer.

4. Brandon Myers – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

He'll be 32 years old when the season starts, but Brandon Myers has still had moments in recent years where he's been usable. He's a solid run blocker and can catch passes reliably when called upon. No long-term deal is going to be coming his way, but he'd be worth a team in need of depth coming along and signing him.

5. Larry Donnell – New York Giants

Giants fans will probably cry foul here as Larry Donnell had one brief run as a star, but then saw it all fade and never fully realized his potential after that. That run, though, is more than many tight ends in the league will ever have, which could make him an interesting signing.

Sep 15, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets center Nick Mangold (74) against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Linemen

For the offensive linemen, we'll break down the three best players at each of the spots along the line, as opposed to just the five best overall linemen.

Centers

1. Nick Mangold – New York Jets

2. Matt Paradis – Denver Broncos

3. Joe Berger – Minnesota Vikings

Nick Mangold has long been one of the best centers in the NFL, but was cut by the Jets due to his age and injury concerns recently popping up. He could still be a veteran stud for some team. Matt Paradis would be No. 1 on this list, but he has lingering hip issues that might require serious surgery, thus hurting his value. Joe Berger was a bright spot for the Vikings line, but he's an aging veteran at this point and his future isn't long-term.

Guards

1. Evan Mathis – Arizona Cardinals

2. Mike Harris – Minnesota Vikings

3. Jahri Evans – New Orleans Saints

Evan Mathis will catch on somewhere as he's been one of the NFL's most effective guards for quite a while. He's older at this point, but can still be effective. After missing all of 2016, Mike Harris will hope to recapture his 2015 form where he was phenomenal for the Vikings. Much like Mathis, Jahri Evans isn't the player that he once was. Even still, he could be an upgrade on the interior for many teams.

Tackles

1. Ty Nsekhe (RFA) – Washington Redskins

2. Austin Pasztor – Cleveland Browns

3. Sebastian Vollmer – New England Patriots

Though he's restricted, Ty Nsekhe still hasn't been tendered by the Washington Redskins. He was phenomenal when filling in last season and is well worth being had if a team can sign him. Austin Pasztor was a bright spot on the Cleveland line last season opposite of Joe Thomas. He's not exceptional by any means, but he'll keep the quarterback upright. Sebastian Vollmer's health issues are by far his biggest concern moving forward. When he's been on the field lately, though, he's been as good as ever.

Dec 22, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Connor Barwin (98) against the New York Giants during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Edge Rushers

1. Connor Barwin – Philadelphia Eagles

It's been a bit shocking that it's taken teams this long to start going after Connor Barwin after he was released by the Eagles. No, he's not the player that he once was and he's coming off of a bad season. However, Barwin should certainly be able to catch on somewhere and contribute to the pass rush.

2. Datone Jones – Green Bay Packers

Datone Jones most certainly isn't a game-changing pass-rusher, but he is a player who has been consistent in recent years. He's not going to rack up 15 sacks by any stretch, but he'll create disruption and would be an asset for teams in dire need of help on the edge on defense.

3. Jarvis Jones – Pittsburgh Steelers

While Jarvis Jones hasn't enjoyed the potential that he showed coming out of college, he's developed into a quality overall linebacker. Pass rushing might somehow be his worst quality as a player right now. Even still, he's effective off of the edge when coming up against the run and can be a solid coverage player when called upon. While still young, he's an intriguing flyer.

4. DeMarcus Ware – Denver Broncos

If you're expecting the days of double-digit sacks for DeMarcus Ware, think again because he's in his mid-30s and is no longer that player anymore—by any stretch. However, for teams in desperate need of a pass rush, he can still be a situational player that's more than effective in that role

5. Chris Long – New England Patriots

Though he wasn't a game-changer when the Patriots signed him, Chris Long showed he still has something left in the tank. He wants to see more snaps than he did in New England, so there's no telling how that would ultimately go down. Even still, it's worth a shot as he clearly still has something left to offer teams.

Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Tackles

1. Johnathan Hankins – New York Giants

With the arrival of Damon Harrison in New York, Johnathan Hankins took a tremendous step back and had arguably the worst season of his career. That shouldn't mar what has been an otherwise stellar body of work. The big man is more than capable of being a versatile defender up the middle against the run or pass and still stands to see a big payday.

2. Dontari Poe – Kansas City Chiefs

Reports of the tepid market surrounding Dontari Poe are at least somewhat surprising. Though he's coming off a year where he wasn't wholly impressive, Poe's overall work suggest that he's a unique physical force capable of contributing in a number of regards. It'd be a shock to see him not land somewhere soon—and be effective.

3. Bennie Logan – Philadelphia Eagles

The theme of the remaining defensive tackles is that they are coming off of a bad season and Bennie Logan is not excluded from that. He was lackluster in every regard in the 2016 season, but he's been effective for most of his career as an overall player, stopping the run and creating pressure.

4. Jared Odrick – Jacksonville Jaguars

Injuries have undoubtedly derailed the career of Jared Odrick, but he's an intriguing player still. When healthy, he's one of the most versatile defenders in the league and can do it all from a few different positions. He's an interesting flyer that a team could take and see pay off big time.

5. Sen'Derrick Marks – Jacksonville Jaguars

After struggles early in his career, Sen'Derrick Marks really seemed to have found his groove. Unfortunately, he's been slowed down by lingering injuries and he'll be looking to recover from that again. Because of what he is at his best, he's worth seeing if he can get back there.

Oct 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower (54) celebrates after sacking Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) for a safety during the third quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

Linebackers

1. Dont'a Hightower – New England Patriots

By my estimation, Dont'a Hightower was the best available free agent overall entering 2017 NFL free agency (following franchise tagging, of course). Yet the versatile linebacker and leader remains unsigned as he tests the waters. It'll be interesting to see if it's all a slow-play of New England or if he actually departs at some point.

2. Zach Brown – Buffalo Bills

Zach Brown was an absolute monster for the Buffalo Bills one season ago after signing a one-year deal to play in Rex Ryan's defense. He was a tackling machine, stifling opponents as a run defender and when dropping back into coverage. Brown isn't the caliber of Hightower, but he could be a terrific signing for some team.

3. DeAndre Levy – Detroit Lions

If teams knew for certain that they would be getting a healthy DeAndre Levy if they were to sign him, the line would be out the door and wrapped around the building to talk to him. However, the linebacker has been unable to remain on the field the past two seasons, which makes him a big risk to sign following his release from Detroit.

4. Kevin Minter – Arizona Cardinals

2016 was a breakout season for Kevin Minter where he really showed what he's capable of. He's not an elite run defender or pass rusher at linebacker, but he is nearing that level when it comes to dropping back into coverage. He's a versatile and athletic playmaker on the back end of the front seven and some team needs to capitalize on that.

5. Gerald Hodges – San Francisco 49ers

Though he'd like to forget 2015, Gerald Hodges has been an absolute beast in two of the past three seasons, one of the few bright spots in the Bay Area. He can be a monster in stuffing the run, is above average in coverage, and is at least passable when asked to contribute in the pass rush. He's an asset, without question.

Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne (24) intercepts the ball during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Dallas Cowboys won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Cornerbacks

1. Morris Claiborne – Dallas Cowboys

When some people see Morris Claiborne, they think about him being a bust. However, it's worth noting that, in recent years, that's been because of his injury history. Yes, that's important, but Claiborne has been fantastic when he's on the field. Teams will have to weigh the risk of his injuries with the upside of getting a phenomenal player.

2. Deshawn Shead (RFA) – Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks apparently don't plan to tender Deshawn Shead, but it's interesting to see if any team will bite hard. He's a big-bodied corner that Seattle loves, but it remains to be seen if he'll suffer the same fate as others who left the Pacific Northwest before him.

3. Brandon Flowers – San Diego Chargers

Brandon Flowers isn't exceptional as a cover corner by any stretch, but he is at least slightly above average. With that, though, he excels as a run defender from the position. Unfortunately, he's not been excelling at much in recent years due to his injury history that has kept him sidelined. It's a gamble to sign him because of that.

4. Brandon Carr – Dallas Cowboys

In contrast to Flowers and his inconsistent health, perhaps Brandon Carr's best trait is his ability to stay on the field. He's an iron man that essentially never misses time. He's strictly a cover corner at this point in his career and, though not elite athletically, he's a reliable presence that rarely gets torched.

5. Sam Shields – Green Bay Packers

Frankly, the situation concerning Sam Shields is quite frightening. He missed basically all of 2016 with concussion issues and still hasn't been cleared. Even so, it's impossible to forget how good he can be when he is actually on the field. His injury will need monitoring and retiring might be the best move, but Shields is a quality option if healthy.

Dec 24, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams strong safety T.J. McDonald (25) walks off the field at the end of the Rams' 22-21 loss to the San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Safeties

1. T.J. McDonald – Los Angeles Rams

Since coming into the league, T.J. McDonald has been solid at worst and great at his best. Though he comes with some off-field baggage after a DUI arrest a year ago, he could be a playmaker in any secondary with room to grow a bit more as he enters his prime.

2. Bradley McDougald – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Bradley McDougald might not be a name many are familiar with, but he performed solidly opposite Chris Conte at safety in Tampa last season. He's still improving to become a complete player, but isn't a minus-player in any regard and would be a nice, safe pickup with some upside.

3. LaDarius Webb – Baltimore Ravens

At 32 years old, no team is going to sign the former cornerback as a long-term answer at safety. However, LaDarius Webb has handled the transition quite well since making it recently and would still be playing that role in Baltimore if not for the upgrade to Tony Jefferson.

4. Jarius Byrd – New Orleans Saints

We all know the tale of Jarius Byrd at this point, who seemed to rest on his laurels after getting paid by the Saints. Now he'll have to prove himself again, likely on a one-year deal. If his physical tools haven't completely left him, he's an intriguing risk to take.

5. Isa Abdul-Quddus – Miami Dolphins

Facing a nerve injury, there's no guarantee for right now when Abdul-Quddus gets back on the field. That being said, he's been an impressive player throughout his career when he's on the field. If a team is willing to gamble on his medicals with an incentive-heavy deal, he has boom potential.