The NFL 2022 offseason will begin at high speed on March 14, when free agents can officially begin negotiations with other teams before the league’s new year on March 16. And there are many big names that could be available, from Pro Bowl’s broad successor Chris Godwin against former No. 1 overall pick James Winston against Super Bowl winner Rocher Von Miller. But which players deserve more attention as they approach the open market? Glad you asked.
Here are 10 of the most underrated free agents for the 2022 off-season, with estimated annual averages for each:
You can find change-pace runs almost anywhere, anytime, but the 25-year-old Edmunds is a top-class player with experience in running the route and minimal wear. Injuries limited him to 12 games in 2021, but he still exceeded 40 catches and 800 yards per fight for two consecutive seasons. Pair it with another backfield ball carrier in the top 10.
Designed AAV: $ 3 million- $ 6 million
The big story in Atlanta’s host corps in 2021 was the absence of Calvin Ridley, but Gage proved a steady hand for Matt Ryan, recording 70 percent of the catch and posting 65+ catches for 770+ yards and four results for the second year in a row. At just 26, it has the qualities of a solid, upturning receiver.
Designed AAV: $ 5-10 million
Like Russell Gage, he is not Alan Robinson or Odell Beckham Jr. – a big name with the power to play role number 1. He is best suited for role № 2 or № 3. Unlike Gage, however, his game is not so Collect targets as much as stretching the field. MVS averaged 17.5 yards of catch for his career as a deep man for Aaron Rodgers. You can’t teach speed.
Designed AAV: $ 6 million- $ 10 million
The longtime Eagles star doesn’t scare anyone with his speed these days, but he also won’t command nearly as much as his younger colleagues Dalton Schultz and Mike Gesiki. Moreover, Ertz remains super reliable in the middle and in the red zone. You are still talking about the top 10 holders of an important position for catching passes.
Designed AAV: $ 7 million- $ 10 million
You’d rather pay for boards than for an insider, but the 29-year-old Glovinski has been a solid right guard on the Colts’ acclaimed O-Line for three years in a row. He doesn’t recognize the name of Quenton Nelson or even Eric Fisher, but he was vital to Indie’s dominance in the 2021 running game and could easily get the job done.
Designed AAV: $ 7 million- $ 10 million
He is 33 and the numbers of his dismissals have not been intrusive for years (he has not reached double digits since 2014, when he was still new to the Accounts). But champions can age gracefully, and he’s a great example, settling in as a top part of Buffalo’s playoff rotation. As a short-term incumbent or top reserve, you can do much worse.
Designed AAV: $ 2 million- $ 6 million
The big names – Nick Boza, Arik Armstead, Fred Warner – received love in the defense of San Francisco, but the 27-year-old Jones quietly improved each year on the 49ers front, recording 10 loss games in the year of his contract. It is the kind of rising interior starter that could attract a larger market than expected, but there is a good reason for its rise.
Designed AAV: $ 6 million- $ 10 million
Seattle’s defense has been poor for years, but in the last season and a half, the 25-year-old Reed proved to be a legitimate cover, recording 17 assists and four 2020 elections. Cruel in size, it has shown enough glimpses in San Francisco and Seattle to secure the eyes of teams eager for a long-term rise to an incredible position, although bigger names like JC Jackson and Stephon Gilmore could shape the market.
Designed AAV: $ 9 million- $ 14 million
The former 49ers starter never stayed full-time in San Francisco and made just three starts for the Steelers in 2021, but he brought some stability to Pittsburgh’s side with three picks and nine break-ups. Witherspoon is still young (26), with a good size (6 feet-2) and experience, which makes him a good bet for outdoor work.
Designed AAV: 5-8 million dollars
At 31, with a history of injuries, McLeod’s best days are behind him. But it will be difficult for you to find a better universal veteran at probably a bargain price. He is smart and tough with solid ball skills and a natural presence in the locker room. He would be a perfect safety number 2/3 for a wrestling team with other figures in the secondary.
Designed AAV: $ 1 million- $ 3 million