|
The 2022 NFL offseason has already delivered more than enough splashy headlines. But there are still dozens of notable names available in free agency. Many of them could stick around on the market until after the draft, and some may still cash in with big-money deals as 2022 starters, but almost all of them offer enough experience to warrant some kind of look in the coming months.
With that in mind, here’s one look at where 15 of the top remaining free agents could end up:
S Tyrann Mathieu — Steelers
The market for “Honey Badger” has been unusually slow, which only makes Pittsburgh a better option considering the lack of overpriced bids. The Steelers are still leaning on their defense to win now, and Mathieu next to Minkah Fitzpatrick would give them one of the league’s rangiest safety pairings.
WR Odell Beckham Jr. — Chargers
OBJ would prefer to stick with the Rams, but they’ve already paid up to secure his replacement in Allen Robinson. If you’re Odell, why not stay in L.A. while saddling up with another title contender? Imagine Justin Herbert having Beckham to join Keenan Allen and Mike Williams down the stretch.
CB Stephon Gilmore — Bills
Buffalo could use a starting corner opposite Tre’Davious White with Levi Wallace gone, and Gilmore has been there, done that in the city. Call it a win-win reunion, with Gilmore getting another shot at a title on an ascending Bills defense.
OT Duane Brown — Colts
Yes, he’s aging and clearly a short-term fill-in at left tackle, but that’s exactly what Indianapolis needs after making Matt Ryan its latest quick fix at quarterback. Call it the Eric Fisher solution, except with a higher floor and ceiling.
DE Jadeveon Clowney — Browns
Both parties would benefit from sticking together. Clowney finally saw his sack numbers jump working opposite Myles Garrett in 2021, and the Browns are clearly in the business of winning sooner rather than later after their busy offseason.