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Simply put, I am a football fanatic. I'm well-informed on the game- its players, statistics, history, rules, etc. I love the sport and I enjoy sharing my point of view.

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Best Available Free Agents

There have been several veteran free agent signings recently -- Arian Foster signed with the Dolphins; Anquan Boldin with the Lions; Andre Johnson with the Titans; and Reggie Bush is expected to sign a deal with the Bills. Those players definitely still have gas left their respective tanks, and can contribute to the aforementioned teams in many ways. Here are some of the top remaining free agents.

Mike Neal -- If not for Neal's name being listed among those who allegedly bought/used human growth hormones, odds are he'd be at a team's training camp right now. For Green Bay he displayed versatility, lining up at defensive end and outside linebacker. He's only 29-years old, and would fit nicely in a 3-4 defense that needs help at outside linebacker. Should he be cleared from the HGH allegations, he could find a team within the first couple weeks of the regular season. Potential fits: San Diego, San Fransisco, Detroit, New York Jets, New Orleans, Washington, Buffalo, Denver

Joique Bell -- Bell proved ineffective last year with Detroit, but he's shown in the past that he has the ability to contribute as a three-down back. A team with little depth could give the 30-year old ball carrier a look. Potential destinations: New England, Washington, Pittsburgh, Oakland, Green Bay

Donte Whitner -- Hue Jackson didn't see a place for Whitner, so the new Head Coach cut bait with the hard-hitting safety. Whitner has never been a very reliable option in pass-coverage, but he can still contribute as an in-the-box defender who plays near the line of scrimmage. His physicality remains his greatest strength. Potential destinations: Los Angeles, Cincinnati, San Diego, Detroit

Stephen Tulloch -- At this point, Tulloch is best suited as two-down inside linebacker. Without the ability to play outside or be a factor on passing downs, there's not many options for 31-year old. Potential destinations: Philadelphia, Dallas, New Orleans

Brandon Spikes -- After spending 2015 out of football, Spikes' name resurfaced after having worked out for the Miami Dolphins. He left without a contract, but it shows the former second-round pick is looking to return to the field. Still just 28 years old, Spikes is no more than a two-down run-stopper -- a premium one, at that. Any team looking to boost their run defense should consider him; he'll likely field a one-year deal at the veteran minimum. Potential destinations: Miami, Houston, Tennessee, New York Jets, Washington

Jahri Evans -- At 32-years old, Evans isn't the same player he once was, but he can still serve as quality depth and bring veteran leadership. A six-time Pro Bowler and four-time First Team All-Pro, Evans was cut by the Saints after refusing to take another pay-cut. It could take an injury for a team to give him a call, but one way or the other I expect Evans to find a new team prior to the regular season. Potential fits: Chicago, New York Giants, Cleveland, Tampa Bay, Detroit

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