The deadline for all 32 teams to cut their rosters from 80 to 53 has left hundreds of players looking for work in the NFL.
It's a brutal rite of passage at the end of the preseason. But it's also a time for new opportunities.
Teams just spent the last few weeks identifying what areas on their rosters might need upgrades for the 2022 season, and there's a new influx of talent available on the market.
It won't take long for some to find a new place to ply their trade. Including players who were available before training camps. These are the best on the market right now based on their recent production, trajectory and talent.
10. TE O.J. Howard
Reportedly signed with Bengals
O.J. Howard can't be considered one of the best free agents available based on his recent production, but it's hard to completely give up on his potential.
From 2017 through 2019, Howard averaged 485 receiving yards per season. That includes his 2018 campaign in which he was on pace for a 900-yard season, but injuries limited him to 10 games.
The Alabama product possesses elite athleticism for a tight end. Coming out of college, he posted the 12th-best relative athletic score out of any tight end prospect since 1999, including a 4.51-second 40-yard dash.
However, Howard had only 14 receptions for 135 yards and a touchdown with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season, and the Buffalo Bills released him Tuesday as they trimmed the roster down to 53.
A team that's looking for depth at tight end should give Howard a look, as he could potentially become a weapon in the passing game.
Best Fits: Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Texans
9. DT Sheldon Richardson
Sheldon Richardson is 31 years old and has played on three different teams over the last five seasons. The veteran won't put up a flashy stat line, but he is a solid defensive tackle who can contribute as a rotating three-technique.
Richardson posted a respectable 62.1 Pro Football Focus grade with the Minnesota Vikings last season while notching 2.5 sacks and six tackles for loss.
As injuries begin piling up and young players struggle in bigger roles, Richardson profiles at least as a rotational player. He played 57 percent of the defensive snaps in Minnesota last season.
Some teams could put him into their defensive line rotation right now and see better results.
Best Fits: Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, Carolina Panthers