Top 10 NFL free agents still on the board and their potential landing spots

The NFL regular season is right around the corner. This late into free agency, most top free agents have already been signed. However, there are still some surprisingly solid names on the market waiting to sign for a franchise. Here are the top 10 NFL free agents still on the market and where they could prove to be the best fit.

Top NFL free agents still on the market

#10 - Nickell Robey-Coleman (Atlanta Falcons)

Nickell Robey-Coleman's biggest selling point is that he has played in a Super Bowl. Additionally, as a depth piece, he could give mid-tier NFL receivers a run for their money.

The 2020 season was not kind to him; it was a season that landed him a 51.1 PFF grade. His stock was a little higher in 2019, when he earned a 74.5 PFF grade. If the Falcons can get him to play at his 2019 level, they will have found a feasible way to instantly upgrade their secondary.

#9 - Vic Beasley (New England Patriots)

Like Robey-Coleman, Vic Beasley's appeal is that he has featured in a Super Bowl and has a solid amount of playoff experience. At 29 years old, he is still younger than most of the NFL's free agents still unsigned.

Matt Judon said the chance to play for Bill Belichick, “one of the best to ever coach the game,” played a big role in his decision to sign with the #Patriots. https://t.co/W1zyEJcqGi
— Jim McBride (@globejimmcbride) June 13, 2021

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Last season, though, was a nightmare for Vic Beasley. He had only four total tackles and failed to earn a single sack. In 2019, Beasley had eight sacks, a number that holds a little more promise. If there is one coach who can fix what ails Vic Beasley, it's Bill Belichick.

#8 - Tyler Eifert (Minnesota Vikings)

For years, the leading tight end in Minnesota was Kyle Rudolph. With him gone, the Vikings need a reliable tight end to fill his boots. Tyler Eifert, while famous for being injury-prone, has stayed healthy the last two seasons. He's played in 31 out of 32 games since the beginning of 2019.

He will be 31 this season and doesn't have a lot of gas left in the tank, but he could be a band-aid option until the Vikings can use a top draft pick on a tight end in the next couple of years.

#7 - Alshon Jeffery (New York Giants)

Daniel Jones is set for a make-or-break year in 2021. He had a decent rookie season but had a disappointing sophomore performance when he threw for 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. If the New York Giants want their new NFL quarterback to succeed, they'll need to add as many weapons to the roster as possible.

Alshon Jeffery has played in a Super Bowl and has a decent amount of playoff experience. Jeffery averages 800 yards or more when starting at least 12 games a season. However, he has not been able to do that since 2018.

That said, the New York Giants are in such rough shape at the receiver position that even Alshon Jeffery would be a palatable solution.

The top NFL free agents yet to land a deal

#6 - Duke Johnson (Atlanta Falcons)

In the NFL, the loss of one player can blow the winds of change at a franchise. Those winds could be heading towards Atlanta, with the Falcons needing to bolster their offense after the exit of Julio Jones.

Duke Johnson is a rather feasible way of doing that. Johnson had a bit of a rough season in 2020, earning only 235 yards and one touchdown.

However, 2019 saw him earn a grade of 74.2, per PFF. He had a 4.9 yards-per-carry average that season. If the Atlanta Falcons can get Johnson back into 2019 shape, they could have a usable back for little money.

#5 - Todd Gurley (Detroit Lions)

It's clear that the Detroit Lions are trying to replicate the game plan the Los Angeles Rams used with Jared Goff during his run. To truly replicate it, why not pair the old quarterback with his old running back?

Jared Goff will still be working on team chemistry in Detroit; adding a familiar face could smoothen the transition.

#4 - KJ Wright (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

KJ Wright is not a spring chicken at 32 years old, but he is still playing well as an NFL-caliber linebacker. In 2019, KJ Wright posted a 62.1 PFF grade and had 91 tackles and three interceptions. In 2020, KJ Wright's play improved, according to PFF. He earned a grade of 75.3.

Looking at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have been using Devin White, the upgrade would be night-and-day. Devin White is coming off an NFL season where he earned a PFF grade of 43.4. That's quite a number, especially considering the Bucs are in win-now mode.

#3 - Mitchell Schwartz (Detroit Lions)

Jared Goff needs a solid run game and a clean pocket to be at his best. To do that, he needs a pristine offensive line. While the Detroit Lions are shaping up to be one of the NFL's top offensive lines on paper, Mitchell Schwartz could be the missing piece.

Chiefs are releasing veteran tackle Mitchell Schwartz and former No. 1 pick Eric Fisher, per @RapSheet pic.twitter.com/zTMlEIrJ8u
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) March 11, 2021

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Granted, he has been a tackle for his entire NFL career, but if he could transition to being an offensive guard, he could serve as an upgrade for one of the guard spots. Failing that, he would be one of the best swing tackles in the NFL.

#2 - Le'Veon Bell (Atlanta Falcons)

This feels like a slam dunk fit, assuming Le'Veon Bell is ready to put in the time, and settle down for a full season. A 29-year-old Le'Veon Bell paired with Kyle Pitts, Calvin Ridley and Matt Ryan could prove to be a nifty piece of business

While it would not be the same as having prime Julio Jones, Bell's addition would be a great quick pivot to minimize the loss. If Le'Veon Bell can return to even 75 percent of the player he was with the Pittsburgh Steelers when he was earning nearly 2000 all-purpose yards per season, the NFL may have to stand up and take notice of the Falcons.

#1 - Richard Sherman (Buffalo Bills)

Richard Sherman has extensive playoff experience in the NFL. While he won't take over for Tre'Davious White, he could shore up the depth at cornerback and help at safety. Adding Richard Sherman could be the last piece to put the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl contention in 2021.

This late in free agency, the Bills could make a move for Sherman without parting with too much cash.