When it comes to NFL free agency, it isn't always the biggest names who make the biggest impact.

For instance, Haason Reddick wasn't considered among the elite targets in the class, but he ignited a Philadelphia Eagles pass rush that racked up 70 sacks this year.

This year, names like Saquon Barkley, Orlando Brown and Josh Jacobs are going to dominate the headlines if they actually hit the market. But the best teams will hit on veterans with a little less hype for better value.

The following veterans should be high on the priority list for teams looking to improve with their cap dollars.

S Vonn Bell

A lot of the focus on Cincinnati Bengals defensive free agents will go toward Jessie Bates III, but there's a strong case to be made that Vonn Bell would be the better addition if he hits the market.

Bates was a second-team All-Pro defender in 2020, but Bell has been a steady presence in the Bengals defensive backfield for the last three seasons and is coming off his most productive season yet at 28 years old.

He racked up four interceptions with eight passes defended and two forced fumbles in 2022.

Bell has always been a good run defender and a relatively sure tackler, and he missed just 7.2 percent of his tackles this season. However, his increased pass coverage production should have teams moving him up their free-agent target list. Bell gave up no touchdowns in coverage this year, which is always a big plus from the safety position.

Even if Bell's pass coverage slides back to the mean in 2023—he gave up 14 touchdowns in coverage in his last four NFL seasons entering 2022—he is a strong run defender with 12 career playoff starts between the New Orleans Saints and Cincinnati Bengals.

Anyone looking to add an enforcer and leader in the secondary should be taking a good look at Bell.

TE Mike Gesicki

If teams look too closely at Mike Gesicki's 2022 season, they are going to miss out on a weapon who could help elevate their offense.

Gesicki was never going to fit into Mike McDaniel's offense in Miami. McDaniel's background and moves with the Dolphins showed two things: He values speed in his receiving weapons and tight ends who can block.

They paid the price to pair Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle together, and Durham Smythe played more snaps than any other Dolphins tight end.

Gesicki is essentially a jumbo slot receiver, and that's just not a skill set that has a role in the Dolphins offense.

Several NFL teams could use it, though. Gesicki is reminiscent of Evan Engram last season.

Engram—who could be on the market again—was coming off a disappointing campaign for the New York Giants, but Doug Pederson and the Jacksonville Jaguars helped him post his most productive season six years into his career at 28 years old.

In turn, Engram helped Trevor Lawrence take the next step, hauling in 73 passes for 766 yards and four touchdowns.

Gesicki put up a similar stat line in 2021 (73 receptions, 780 yards and two touchdowns). It's just going to take a team that plays to his strength to get back to that level.