The first day of the NFL’s legal tampering period was busy, with many big-name free agents making moves. While some players have found new teams, plenty of talented athletes are still on the market as we head into the second day.
Quarterbacks often steal the spotlight, so let’s see what happened on that front. Justin Fields, who decided to explore free agency, reportedly signed a two-year deal worth $40 million with the New York Jets, including $30 million guaranteed. Fields will have a chance to reclaim his starting role after finishing 2024 with a 4-2 record as the Steelers’ starter.
Not long after, the Seattle Seahawks reportedly signed Sam Darnold to a three-year, $100.5 million deal. This move came shortly after Geno Smith was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders. Darnold also has the opportunity to lead an offense after helping the Vikings achieve a 14-3 record last season.
While Fields and Darnold were highlights of the day, many other notable players remain unsigned, especially at quarterback. Here’s a look at some of the top players still available, considering both their talent and market demand.
1. **Aaron Rodgers**: Set to be released from the Jets, he’s a future Hall of Famer and the most sought-after player. The Steelers seem to be in the lead to land him after missing out on Fields, but the Giants could also be contenders. His next team may be revealed soon.
2. **Russell Wilson**: Another prominent name, Wilson recently made his 10th Pro Bowl. It looks like he will sign with whoever doesn’t get Rodgers, possibly returning to Pittsburgh.
3. **Tyrann Mathieu, Safety**: A key player for the Chiefs, Mathieu’s impact on defense is notable. He helped his team win back-to-back Super Bowls and is looking for a new team.
4. **Cam Robinson, Offensive Tackle**: At 29, he’s one of the best tackles left. Last season, he played nearly 1,000 snaps with only seven sacks allowed.
5. **Tony Pollard, Running Back**: After a solid season with Dallas, Pollard is still unsigned. His impressive performance makes him a valuable asset for many teams, despite the strong draft class of running backs this year.
6. **Mekhi Becton, Offensive Lineman**: Becton had a career rebound last year with the Eagles and showed significant improvement after shifting to interior line play. At just 26, he has a lot left in the tank.
7. **Teven Jenkins, Guard**: Jenkins hopes to turn things around after his time in Chicago. He has already shown promise since moving from tackle to guard and is just 27 years old.
8. **Creed Humphrey, Center**: Humphrey has been impressive in all his NFL games, with a solid record under his belt. He’s a likely candidate to return to his current team if no better offers come through.
9. **Rasul Douglas, Cornerback**: Douglas stands out among available cornerbacks. He’s experienced and has notable achievements, including a Super Bowl win.
10. **Kevin Zeitler, Guard**: At 35, Zeitler is still a reliable option for teams needing veteran support. His strong run-blocking and pass protection skills make him an attractive addition.
As the legal tampering period continues, teams will be on the lookout to fill key positions and strengthen their rosters. The next few days will surely bring more changes and excitement in the NFL landscape.