The NFL season is finally here! Well, at least the start of training camp has arrived. Of course, while training camps are full of players trying to make the next cut and earn their way onto a roster, there are still some unclaimed free agents who have a chance to make a difference in 2021. As injuries pop up and needs change, these players are bound to be snatched up. But for now, let’s look at some of the top NFL free agents who are still available at the start of training camp.
Russell Okung
Okung is out there and reportedly waiting for an offer that’s on par with his track record. While he’s perhaps not the Pro Bowler he was in 2017, Okung is still a solid left tackle. Injuries limited him to seven games last year, but if he’s healthy, Okung could start for a lot of teams.
Justin Houston
Several teams are reportedly showing interest in Houston, but he’s yet to sign. While his eight sacks in 2020 were one of the lowest outputs of his career, there should be no doubt that Houston is still a quality pass rusher. He’ll sign at some point, but he’s still available at the start of training camp.
K.J. Wright
The Rams are perhaps pushing to sign Wright, who still remains available. Granted, he’s got a lot of mileage on him, but the 32-year-old is far from finished. Even if his production was down a little last year, 86 tackles and two sacks are nothing to scoff at for a veteran who brings experience and a winning mentality.
Le’Veon Bell
It wasn’t long ago that Bell was considered the best running back in the game. Granted, he’s not been the same since his hold-out season in 2018. Going to the Jets a couple of years ago certainly didn’t help matters. But he’s 29 and has barely played over the last three years, so one has to think he has something left in the tank.
Tre Boston
For any team with a need in the secondary, Boston would be an ideal fit. The Panthers released him one year into a three-year deal, but that doesn’t mean he can’t play. At 29, Boston has been a steady and durable safety for a lot of years and should still be able to contribute to an NFL team.
Olivier Vernon
It’s puzzling that a guy with nine sacks last year could still be on the open market. Those nine sacks were the second-highest total of Vernon’s career, and he didn’t even play a full 16 games. Someone is bound to snatch him up at some point and give their pass rush a huge boost.
Geno Atkins
Just a week ago, Atkins was cleared to play coming off shoulder surgery. Of course, the 33-year-old doesn’t have a team for the first time in his career, spending all 11 seasons of his career in Cincinnati. He’ll likely have to settle for a one-year deal after barely playing in 2020. But with his track record, Atkins will be more than the risk.