Everyone knows the big names like Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas, Mike Iupati, Justin Houston, Jason Worilds, Byron Maxwell, etc, etc, etc. And while a splurge for the right guy has to be in play with all this cap room, a savvy GM will undoubtedly look at guys who are, for any number of reasons, seemingly under-the-radar and come cheaper, but who can nevertheless project as starters or key contributors. I put together a list of some such possibilities here, but would encourage people to come up with some other possibilities too. - TE, Virgil Green, Denver (2014 salary $660K): Probably a blocker first, but also has receving ability, Green seems like an ideal #2 TE due to his skill set and could probably be had for less money than Cumberland while being a better player. However, Denver will probably resign him if Julius Thomas leaves via free agency - WR, Cecil Shorts, Jacksonville (2014: 1.5M): He’s had some great moments in Jacksonville and has put together three relatively productive seasons, but has missed a bunch of games over the past couple seasons due to injuries and has likely suffered on bad teams. If healthy and on a slightly better team, Shorts could probably be a very good starting WR and could be had for cheap partially due to his injury woes. Maccagran’s Texans have played against him twice a year since he’s been in the league, so he’s likely to have an opinion on him. - Stefen Wisniewski, C/OG, Oakland (2014 salary: 1.3M): I hadn’t even considered Wisniewski until another poster brought him up in another thread. He opened his career as an LG and that would, obviously, be his position in NY rather than C, where he started the last three in Oakland. Still, he offers versatility, youth, four years of starting experience, and apparently a low price tag: rotoworld reported that he’s seeking about 3M/yr and for whatever reasons, Oakland doesn’t seem all-in on giving him that. If this regime still believes he projects well to LG, Wisniewski could be a bargain, especially with more talent around him. - OLB, Sam Acho, Arizona (2014 salary: 1.5M): Played in Bowles 3-4 in Arizona, Acho was the Cards’ most productive pass-rusher in 2014 according to PFF, when he played a little under half of the defensive snaps. Acho could likely be had for a similar price to his 2014 salary and would offer depth, youth and familiarity with the new coach. If Bowles liked him in Arizona, then he’s probably a decent bet to be brought over. - OLB, O’Brien Schofield, Seattle (2014 salary: 730K): Another Cardinal LB though he played with Seattle the past two. An undersized player, Schofield is likely more of a pass-rushing specialist, but can probably be had on the cheap as he is a career part-time player. - OLB/ILB, Arthur Moats, Pittsburgh (2014 salary: $795,000/1yr): Has played inside and outside in a 3-4 and most recently had four sacks in spot duty with Pittsburgh. A versatile, still young (27) player with good experience could function all over, maybe as a starter at ILB, and probably be had for around 1M/yr. - OLB, Brian Orakpo, Washington (2014 salary: 11.5M/franchise player): Has usually been a beat as a 3-4 OLB when healthy, but once again missed the majority of the season due to injury and Washington is unlikely to resign him. If he check out medically and a team feels he can still be a force, Orakpo could probably be had on the cheap (similar to LaRon Landry a few seasons ago?) due to his injury history. - ILB, Bruce Carter, Dallas (2014 salary: 1.5M): Carter has apparently been miscast as 4-3 OLB and had his best time as a pro as a 3-4 ILB next to Sean Lee a couple seasons ago. Carter is young and very speedy and due to his being a bit of a disappointment as a former 2nd round pick, having a down year as a 4-3 OLB, and having some injury woes, could be a cheap acquisition. Depends what kind of ILB Bowles would like next to DeMario Davis - CB, Perrish Cox, San Francisco (2014 salary: 695K): Was a full-time starter in 2014 for the first time in his career and performed well. His teammate, Chris Culliver, is also a free agent and it would seem likely that he’s the priority given his resume. Cox would probably be 1 of 2 CB acquisitions, but would be very quality depth at the least. - S, Nate Allen, Philadelphia (2014 salary: 3M): Although he had a decent 2014, Allen has been a huge disappointment since being a 2nd round pick in 2010, but Allen had some of his best times in the NFL with Bowles on board. If Bowles values Allen, he could probably be had cheap. Who are some of your under-the-radar free agents that you could see being quality acquisitions for this team?
G Clint Boling - Cincinnati Bengals. He's been a staple in my mock offseason and will continue to be. 6-5 310. Turns 26 yrs old in May 2015. He will come much cheaper than older Mike Iupati. They even moved him to RT for a couple of games when Andre Smith was hurt. OLB Jabaal Sheard - Cleveland Browns. Another staple in my mock offseason. 6-3 264. Also turns 26 in May 2015. Stout vs the run and can be an improved pass rusher compared to what we currently have and again ---- will not break the bank.
Great list. Virgil Green is high on my list. If he shakes free, cut Cumberland and sign this guy for 2.5mm for 4 years. He was a huge part of CJ Anderson's revival of the running game. Also, I would add Rashean Mathis and Chris Culliver at cornerback.
Agree on Boling, but with Cincy not having many key free agents and a decent amount of cap space, I expect him to be resigned. And I'm not so sure about Sheard in terms of the money. If his tag was 6-7M+ then I wonder if he'd be worth it
I'd hope Green would come even cheaper than 2.5M/yr, but having a true blocking TE who can also catch would be great. Mathis is an interesting name; I couldn't believe the guy was still in the league yet alone starting and grading out as a top CB! If the Lions didn't resign him, he could be an ideal 1yr stopgap while the Jets draft another CB. Culliver is slightly under the radar in my book. He's been a very CB in this league, but missed 2013 I believe. If we're talking 5-6M/yr, I'd probably sign up for him
Brandon Graham. Hes an upgrade over Pace, shouldnt cost too much, and would still allow us to potentially take a OLB at 6
I thought the same thing about Nate Allen but everything I've read about him and heard from my friends that are Eagles fans is that he's atrocious in coverage.
If he really is that deficient there then he's not worth it. But look at Philly's other 2nd round safety who actually performed very well in coverage here this year. It depends what Bowles feels he can do with him. That's the only factor that makes him a possibility IMO
Good thread. I've mentioned Acho and Boling as possible FAs in other threads. I'd also add the following players to the list. I'll list them first by position in what I see as a rough basic order of need, and then break them out further. OG James Carpenter FS Rahim Moore Louis Delmas Kendrick Lewis Chris Conte OLB Pernell McPhee Brooks Reed CB Chris Culliver ILB Rolando McClain Jamari Lattimore Kelvin Sheppard TE Ed Dixon Rob Housler WR Denarius Moore Rob Housler (26), TE, Cardinals - 6'5", 250 I don't know how good of a blocker Housler is or whether he's better than Cumby, but Bowles would know of Housler's ability level. Brooks Reed (27), OLB, Texans - 6'3", 254 Kendrick Lewis (26), FS, Texans - 6'0", 198 Reed would bring at least some speed and pass rushing ability to the OLB position. He's only had 14.5 sacks in his 4-year career, and 6 of those were in his rookie season, but he has the potential. With the Jets DL and Bowles coaching, he could possibly produce consistent pressure. We don't have a true FS on the roster. Most of Lewis' career has been with the Chiefs. In 5 seasons, he only has 9 interceptions, but has 28 passes defensed, 5 forced fumbles, and 256 tackles. This past season with the Texans he had his best season in terms of tackles and forced fumbles (84 and 3 respectively), and his 3rd best for passes defensed and interceptions (6 and 2). Evidently, he was signed to a one-year show me deal with the Texans. He's no Ed Reed, but think would help solidify the secondary and at least give the Jets a true FS. Another Texan that could be a surprise is Derek Newton. He's the Texans' starting RT. The Jets could possibly put him at RT and move Giacomini inside, but I doubt it. Newton would probably be somewhat pricey. Louis Delmas (27), FS, Dolphins - 5'11", 210 Again, no Ed Reed, but a true FS, and should be reasonably cheap. In his six-year career, his numbers are as follows: 289 tackles, 103 assists, 6 sacks, 1 safety, 27 passes defensed, 7 interceptions, 2 TDs and 2 forced fumbles. Kelvin Sheppard (27), ILB, Dolphins - 6'2", 252 Would be a depth-type signing. In his 4-year career, he has played 2 seasons with the Bills, 1 with the Colts and last season with the Dolphins. He's started 32 out of the 64 games in which he has appeared, with 15 of those coming in 2012 with the Bills. He's had 139 tackles, 81 assists, 3 sacks, 3 passes defensed and 1 forced fumble. Ed Dixon (27), TE, Panthers - 6'4", 255 He would be a definite upgrade over Cumby. He played 4 seasons with the Ravens before signing with the Panthers last off season. He has started 54 out of 76 games in his NFL career. He averages 11.34 ypc, 24.2 receptions, and has scored 8 TDs in his career. James Carpenter (25), OG, Seahawks - 6'5", 321 Carpenter was their starting LG and Wilson frequently had all day to pass, and huge holes were opened for beastmode. Carpenter should be at least partially responsible for that. Carpenter played at Alabama, and interestingly, NFL.com lists him as a T, so he may have some versatility as well. Again, he should be cheaper than Iupati. Jamari Lattimore (26), ILB, Packers - 6'2", 229 a depth-type signing Pernell McPhee (26), OLB Ravens - 6'3", 280 In four seasons, he has only started 6 games for the Ravens, and appears to have been a pass rushing specialist having put up 17 sacks in part time play. 7.5 of those sacks came this past season. He also defensed 4 passes and forced 1 fumble this past season. Could he be ready for a start role? If nothing else he might be an improvement over Babin and could help weaken the Ravens a little. Chris Culliver (26), CB, Niners - 6'0", 199 Last year was his first as a starter and he had 14 passes defensed, 4 interceptions and 1 forced fumble. He appears to have missed the 2013 season, but I'm not sure why. He was a backup his first two seasons in the NFL. Rolando McClain (25), ILB, Cowboys - 6'4", 259 In his four-year career (3 with the Raiders and last season with the Cowpokes), he has 238 tackles, 89 assists, 7.5 sacks, 1 safety, 23 passes defensed (14 in one season), 3 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles. Denarius Moore (26), WR, Raiders - 6'0", 190 Career numbers - 142 receptions, 2,169 yards, 17 TDs, 14.475 ypc Chris Conte (25), FS, Bears - 6'2", 203 Career totals 180 tackles, 51 assists, 21 passes defensed, 9 interceptions & 1 forced fumble Rahim Moore (24), FS, Broncos - 6'1", 195 Career numbers - 169 tackles, 27 assists, 1 sack, 20 passes defensed, 8 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles
Good list. I wonder how good Carpenter is... I'd like to read more PFF numbers on him. Interesting names at safety. Conte had at least 2 concussions last year and I'm just not sure how good he is in coverage. He and Lewis would be guys who would probably compete with Jarrett rather than start over him immediately You think Reed is an OLB or ILB though? And I'm very intrigued by McPhee if we're talking about 5-6M/year or so, but not a giant deal. I've thought about Housler too. From what I see, he seems like a comparable player to Cumberland, but would probably come at half the price. He was a bit of a flop in Arizona, but maybe a new scene could help Shephard and Lattimore would probably be good depth players if the Jets opted for a rookie ILB in the first 3 rounds. I think Lattimore is a better coverage LB. McClain is interesting. If you trust him, he's obviously a very talented player. Culliver would be fine by me too. I'd be fine with Denarius Moore on a cheap deal if a high pick was used on a WR
Has Houston been playing Reed at ILB? He was an OLB in college, that's what he was projected for in the NFL, and I've only seen him referenced as an OLB. Unless I'm mistaken, the Jets' depth at all the LB positions is pretty thin. Bellore is a good STs player, but doesn't really have the speed or talent to play for long stretches imo, but I could be wrong. That's why I mentioned Shephard and Lattimore. I don't really know anything about McClain, other than he was a disappointment in Oakland and did better with the Cowboys last season, is young, and likely to be pretty cheap. Denarius Moore has some speed and could make a good #3 or #4 WR, but probably nothing more. He's probably better than Evans, and the rest of young bums the Jets have at the position, however. I don't think McPhee will command a big contract since he wasn't a starter, but rather a role player, but could be mistaken. The only thing I disagree with is your bolded sentence. I don't think Jarrett is a true FS. For one thing, he doesn't have the speed to be a true centerfielder. Both Conte and Lewis have a lot more experience starting than Jarrett, and unless they're slower than Jarrett, I think just about anyone the Jets signed at the position would have little trouble beating Jarrett out for the starting spot. I didn't know that Conte had 2 concussions last season, so they probably should stay away from him. Again, I don't really follow other teams in the NFL that closely. I just scanned the FA lists for younger players at positions of need and googled them to see what I could find, but didn't spend a huge amount of time researching them.
I think Michael Crabtree could be an under the radar guy. Wasn't getting the ball much in San Fran. Not much noise in regards to him.
What ever happened to Rolando McClain? What a fuck up. I loved him when he was at Alabama and I thought he was going to be a stud for years. Basically quit on the Raiders, "retired" from the Ravens and then one year with the Boys. All intertwined with a bunch of arrests. Now he likely burned his house down? Was just determined his house he has been trying to sell was the victim of arson? Stay far far away. I do like Acho. I'm think Bowles will know how to use him, would be a nice pickup. _
After this past season he amazingly could be considered an under the radar guy. He was a guy I would've expected to have a huge contract year and then get a massive one on the open market, but that was far from the case. I'd be open to him if we're talking like 4-5M/yr, but I'd be wary of giving him a lot of money
WOW! Didn't know that about McClain, obviously. I concur. We don't need any headcases. The circus has left. Let it stay gone.
