The 2023 NFL draft has come and gone. Teams have filled out their rosters with undrafted free agents and are close to finalizing the squads that they'll carry into training camp. However, several quality veterans are still sitting on the free-agent market waiting for a new home.
Some of these free agents make so much sense for specific teams that we're surprised they haven't been signed yet. But, just like the best unsigned veterans, we're still waiting.
Whether it's because of proven production, team needs, scheme fit or relevant recent buzz, these potential pairings almost feel inevitable. We'll dive into the players and the team fits below.
Players are listed in alphabetical order.
RB Ezekiel Elliott to the Dallas Cowboys
Shortly after the Dallas Cowboys released him in a cap-saving move, running back Ezekiel Elliott had narrowed his wish list down to the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets and Cincinnati Bengals, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
However, a return to Dallas has always felt like the best move for the two-time rushing champ. Elliott may have lost his burst, but he's still a good power back—he ran for 12 touchdowns in 2022—and a complement to the more explosive Tony Pollard.
Some Cowboys players, including quarterback Dak Prescott, would be thrilled to see Elliott return.
"I know myself, and I can tell you there's a lot of people not only on the team but the organization that would love that," Prescott said during an appearance on The Adam Schefter Podcast (h/t Adam Schultz of Cowboys Country).
It would make a lot of sense if Elliott was open to signing a team-friendly deal. Pollard is coming off of leg surgery, and the Cowboys didn't draft a running back until they took 5'5", 179-pound change-of-pace candidate Deuce Vaughn in the sixth round.
The Cowboys have $16.7 million in cap space remaining. No one should be shocked if Dallas eventually announces that Elliott is coming back.
LB Leonard Floyd to the Philadelphia Eagles
Although pass-rusher Leonard Floyd is approaching 31 years old, he still has plenty in the proverbial tank. Despite playing on the lackluster Los Angeles Rams in 2022, he managed to record nine sacks and 31 quarterback pressures.
The Rams released Floyd in a cap-saving move earlier this offseason. The Philadelphia Eagles would be a great landing spot for him.
The Eagles don't necessarily need another pass-rusher after logging 70 sacks last season and drafting Georgia sack artist Nolan Smith in the first round, but this feels exactly like the sort of addition general manager Howie Roseman would make.
While Los Angeles loaded up for a Super Bowl run by acquiring pricey veterans like Von Miller and Matthew Stafford, Roseman has looked for valuable bargains where he can find them. He added cornerback James Bradberry on a modest one-year, $7.3 million deal last offseason and acquired safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (and a seventh-round pick) via trade for fifth- and sixth-round selections.
Floyd is still owed $19 million in dead money from the Rams and may be amenable to a team-friendly deal with a contender. Philadelphia has $14.3 million in cap space and could make it happen.
Too many pass-rushers? That isn't a thing.