There are still quality players available on the market that can make an impact right away. Some of these players may even hold off over the summer to see if any key injuries happen. With that being said let’s take a look at the top 2023 NFL free agents that are still available.

Kareem Hunt

The 27-year-old running back has yet to catch on with a team and may be waiting for the right fit. Hunt hasn’t been able to replicate his rookie form where he finished 2nd for Offensive Rookie of the Year. He is still young enough in running back years to make an impact. He will always excel as a change of pace back and on the right team could shine.

Ezekiel Elliott

It’s hard to believe Elliott hasn’t landed on a team yet. He still has some gas left in the tank and despite some chatter around the league, I don’t believe he is washed. Elliott may no longer be capable of being the lead back but he could succeed on a team needing a short-yardage running back. We recently covered some possible landing spots for Elliott as he gets closer to signing.

Jarvis Landry

At one point and time, Landry was one of the top receivers in the league. He has since taken a step back partly due to injuries. With that being said Landry can still be a dangerous weapon in the right system. There have been recent rumors of Landry being linked to Green Bay. The Packers need to address the WR position and Landry may be the answer.

Yannick Ngakoue

Ngakoue is another surprise on this list. He has 19.5 sacks over the last two seasons with two different teams. It’s likely Ngakoue is expecting a pretty big payday. That along with the fact that he can’t seem to catch on with a team for long is a bit of a concern. Keep an eye on the Chiefs here as he may be willing to take less to sign on with them.

Teddy Bridgewater

Teddy Bridgewater is not the flashiest name on this list but he can still play a key role. Bridgewater is an excellent backup QB option, which is still one of the most important positions. I would expect Bridgewater already has a couple of offers and is weighing his options.

The post Top 2023 NFL Free Agents Still Available appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Andy Davies

The Jacksonville Jaguars will go into the 2021 season with a new head coach. Urban Meyer is the new man to take charge, hoping to be the guy to change the fortunes of a franchise that has struggled for many years. After drafting the best quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck in Trevor Lawrence this year with the number one overall pick, the Jags fans have rarely gone into a season this excited. The Jags have twice gone into a season on the back of reaching an AFC Championship game but with the addition of Urban Meyer and Trevor Lawrence, there is a real buzz around the organization and in the city of Jacksonville. However, Urban Meyer has never coached in the NFL. He is one of the most successful college head coaches of his generation. Can he translate this to the pros?

His Journey As A Player

Meyer was a walk-on in college as a defensive back for the University of Cincinnati, despite initially being drafted by Major League Baseball’s Atlanta Braves in 1982. Injury would deny Meyer the chance to make it as a professional player, but he showed signs of his coaching credentials whilst in college. He would go back to college, heading to Ohio State University where he studied sports administration. He would get a degree at both colleges, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Cincinnati and sports administration at Ohio State, which will have no doubt helped him massively during his time as a football coach.

He may not have made it to the NFL as a player but he showed signs of his credentials as a coach during his time in college. Meyer would often spend additional time in practice, learning how to run them and handle substitutions. These all prepared him for life as a coach. As a player, he was part of a Cincinnati team that finished 2-9, with Meyer saying that it “wasn’t a great experience. We weren’t very good”. This will help him be prepared for a Jaguars team that won just one game in 2020. His former coach in Cincinnati David Currey spoke of his coaching abilities.

“He was not a great player but you could tell he would coach for a living. He was a student of the game, always trying to learn about things”.

The Start Of Meyer’s Coaching Career

He started his coaching career in 1985 as a defensive backs coach for St Xavier High School in Ohio before becoming a graduate assistant for two seasons with Ohio State. He spent two years with Illinois State as an outside linebackers coach in 1988 and a quarterback and wide receivers coach in 1989. He would then spend eleven years as a wide receivers coach, spending six with Colorado State and then five with Notre Dame before getting his first head coaching job in 2001 with Bowling Green.

The Early Stages Of His Time As A Head Coach In College

Meyer only spent two seasons with Bowling Green but would leave the team with a 17-6 record in charge. Highlights of his time there was the 56-21 win over rivals, the University of Toledo Rockets. Whilst with Bowling Green, he transformer their fortunes. He joined with the team having gone 2-9 in 2000 to then go 8-3 in 2001 and 9-3 in 2002, before leaving for the University of Utah.

Utah hired Meyer and was an instant success, going 10-2 and winning the Liberty Bowl in 2003. They would go 12-0 and win the Fiesta Bowl in 2004. Whilst with the university, he coached safety Eric Weddle and quarterback Alex Smith, who went on to be the number one overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. Smith would become an inspiration to everyone when he went on to win NFL Comeback Player of the Year during the 2020 season, returning the field after a life threatening injury in 2018.

Meyer openly claimed that he “made Utah competitive” during his time there. Morgan Scalley played as a defensive back under Meyer at Utah before going on to become a defensive coordinator with the college. He spoke of how Meyer changed everything.

“You could tell it would be different from the first session at the weight room. I never had butterflies going into a weight room and that had me going”.

Success With Florida and Ohio State

The Florida Gators then came calling in 2005, where Meyer would spend the next six seasons. He would coach notable players such as Cam Newton, Carlos Dunlap, Janoris Jenkins, Maurkice and Mike Pouncey, Tim Tebow and Trey Burton during his time in Florida as head coach. With an overall record 65-15 with the Gators, Meyer won Florida the Outback Bowl and the Sugar Bowl as well as winning two National Championships. He had a 5-1 record with Florida in Bowl games. Following a health scare, Meyer decided to leave the Gators after the 2010 seasons as he wanted to put focus on his family and “life away from the field”.

He soon returned to college football, becoming Ohio State head coach two seasons later. During his time with the team, he had an 83-9 record. He won one National Championship as well as a Sugar Bowl, Cotton Bowl and Fiesta Bowl. His time there sadly ended in controversy, before leaving in 2018 due to health reasons. He spent time as a television analyst before accepting the Jacksonville head coaching position in January 2021.

His Coaching Style & The Spread Offense

Meyer is seen as someone who is competitive, fiery and resolute. His “juice” is said to fire his teams up, with his infectious personality an integral part of his head coaching success. During his time as an analyst, he often went through a breakdown of offensive systems, with one component of his style of coaching being his Spread Offense.

This is a scheme which features four receivers, resulting in the opposition defense attempting to cover these players. This system allows the run game to excel, with RPO and read option plays often used under this style of offense. In a modern day NFL, we are seeing plenty of college schemes being brought into the league. Meyer will look to bring this style of coaching into the NFL that worked so well for him in college.

Can He Transform The Jaguars?

This is not going to be an easy task for Meyer but as he showed in Utah, he is capable of turning a team around. Jacksonville has the talent on their roster but have never seemed to fulfil their potential. One of their aforementioned trips to the AFC Championship was in the 2017 season. Their defense named ‘Sacksonville” played a big part in their journey, where they had a ten point lead and were nine minutes away from reaching the Super Bowl. They would end up losing 24-20 in agonizing fashion.

The components of Sacksonville would slowly fall apart. Jalen Ramsey, Malik Jackson and Yannick Ngakoue all left in 2019, with both A.J. Bouye and Calais Campbell leaving in 2020. Quarterback Blake Bortles was seen as the player holding back the team, being released in March 2019 as the Jaguars looked to Nick Foles, who won Super Bowl 52 MVP just a year earlier. He was seen as the missing piece in the jigsaw but only lasted one season in a disappointing spell with the franchise.

Head coach Doug Marrone guided Jacksonville to the AFC Championship and a 10-6 record in his first full season as head coach of the franchise. Despite this, he couldn’t guide them to more than six wins in any of the three seasons that followed before being fired in January 2021. Issues off the field started to develop, with the players arrested on their annual trip to London in 2018 after an unpaid £50,000 drinks bill. Meyer won’t stand for any negative behaviour with his aforementioned fiery, competitive and infectious personality is likely to keep the players in check.

And then of course, there is Lawrence. One of the best college prospects in many years, he brings a lot of expectation with Jags fans pinning their hopes on him being the man to bring the good times to this franchise. He had not lost a regular season game since high school and reached the National Championship in two of his three seasons with the Clemson Tigers, winning one of those two.

He played 40 games in college and threw for 758 out of his 1,138 throws, giving him a 66.6 completion percentage. Across his time with Clemson, he threw for 90 touchdowns and 10,098 yards. Jacksonville have a real talent on their hands and they need to do everything they can to ensure he fulfils his tremendous potential.

Along with Lawrence, they have reunited their number one overall pick with his Clemson team-mate in running back Travis Etienne, who recorded 70 rushing touchdowns and 4,952 rushing yards during his four seasons in the ACC. He will join a running back room alongside James Robinson, who impressed highly in 2020 during his rookie year with 1,070 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns. Etienne is said to also be working out as a receiver, which gives variety to the offensive side of the ball. Former Detroit Lions wideout Marvin Jones has joined the team via Free Agency to add depth to a wide receiver room already including DJ Chark Jr and Laviska Shenault Jr. Second-round pick Tyson Campbell gives depth to the Jaguars secondary, as will 65th overall pick Andre Cisco. 45th overall selection Walker Little will add protection to the Jags offensive line. Myles Jack is a survivor from the Sacksonville era and alongside fellow linebacker Josh Allen, they have the potential to cause problems for the opposition.

Jacksonville have a long rebuild ahead and fans should not expect an immediate transformation. Doubts remain over new Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz and whether he can get back to his 2017 form. The Tennessee Titans’ defense is seen as their Achilles heels and the Houston Texans are a mess. They will likely see their quarterback Deshaun Watson leave, which will result in years of struggles and mediocrity. This is not the toughest division in the NFL and the Jags will want to capitalise on this, but the improvement will likely be in either year 2, 3 or 4 of the Urban Meyer Jacksonville era.

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By: Ian Evans

The Buccaneers have had an outstanding season thus far as they have made it to the NFC Championship game. Their success does come off the brilliant play of Tom Brady, the adaptability of head coach Bruce Arians and offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich, as well as a stout defense. The Bucs have also signed free agents to one-year deals who have also contributed to the teams’ success as well.

In the offseason, the Buccaneers signed Rob Gronkowski, Leonard Fournette, and LeSean McCoy to one-year deals. They also signed Antonio Brown to a one-year deal during Week 8 of the regular season. With many players’ deals ending after the season concludes, it can be said that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have an extremely important offseason ahead of them.

First and foremost they have to prioritize resigning their unrestricted free agents Shaquill Barrett, Lavonte David, Rob Gronkowski, Steve McLendon, and Ndamukong Suh. Next, they have to decide which one-year free agents they are willing to let go and which ones are a critical asset to the teams’ future. And finally, Tampa Bay must adhere to their team’s needs on both sides of the ball.

One of the glaring weaknesses the Buccaneers bust attend to in the offseason is the offensive line as Tampa Bay is tied for fourth in sacks allowed with 48. On defense, the Buccaneers allowed 246.6 yards per game during the regular season which was 21^st in the league, so it’s safe to say that they could look at free agents that can help their pass defense.

The Buccaneers are one of the most complete teams in the league, but this offseason poses many challenges for them. Can they retain their unrestricted free agents while going after highly coveted free agents? Which free agents help them stay as lethal as they are? With all of this being said, here are five free-agent targets for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

1. Trent Williams

Trent Williams did not play a single snap in 2019. However, in his return in 2020, he has solidified himself as one of the best offensive linemen in the league. In his first year with a new team, Willaims has subtly regained his All-Pro form in San Francisco. Williams is one of those offensive tackles who can work in multiple schemes, adapt to different offenses, and bolster an offensive line in the rushing and passing attack.

The Buccaneers need to bolster their offensive line who has allowed far too many sacks on the 43-year-old quarterback Tom Brady. Williams can help in that department as he has only allowed only four sacks (T-19^th) and has been penalized ten times (4^th). How good is Trent Williams on the offensive front? At one point in his career, he only allowed one sack in 867 blocking attempts. That’s efficiency at its finest.

Next year Trent Williams will be 33 years old, but he is one of those tackles who has shown that he is capable of being the next outstanding left tackle who can play in well into their 30s at a high level. If the Buccaneers are serious about protecting Tom Brady and their future quarterbacks, they should strongly consider signing Trent Williams. The only problem with targeting Williams is that he will most likely resign with San Francisco. However, if the Buccaneers can match his contract, don’t be surprised if he takes his talents to Florida.

2. Yannick Ngakoue

If Shaq Barrett or Ndamukong Suh does decide to find another team to continue his career with, Tampa Bay would need to consider signing another defensive lineman stud to take his place. Suh, 34, could surely be replaced with younger and more athletic talent upfront. Enter Yannick Ngakoue. Ngakoue, 25, is one of those special edge rushers who can generate reliable pressure on the quarterback.

Ngakoue has had a solid season in 2020 as he played for the Minnesota Vikings and was later traded to the Baltimore Ravens. He garnered 23 solo tackles, four forced fumbles, eight sacks, and 11 quarterback hits. He only seven tackles for loss, but those numbers will increase as his career advances. As an unrestricted free agent, he could benefit from playing with linebackers and defensive tackles who can take the attention off of him in the pass rush and rush defense.

Tampa Bay is a team that can provide Ngakoue with that luxury. Imagine a defense with William Gholston, Lavonte David, Jason Pierre-Paul, and Devin White taking attention off of Yannick Ngakoue. That’s a scary sight for opposing offensive lines and quarterbacks. If the Buccaneers want to add someone who fits their scheme and has an abundance of potential, they should target Ngakoue as a top target. This signing would make sense for both parties involved.

3. Joe Thuney

If the Buccaneers can’t land a tackle like Trent Williams, why not go for a guard highly coveted guard who has played with Tom Brady? Joe Thuney has been a starter for the New England Patriots ever since he was drafted, and has yet to miss a game in his 5-year tenure. That’s not only extremely consistent but highly impressive.

He struggled early in his career but quickly found his footing as he now ranks in the 86^th percentile in overall pass-blocking grade according to PFF. He has only allowed two sacks and was penalized three times in 2020. He has also played 980 snaps in 2020 which is 21^st in the league. Thuney is a durable guard who can bolster an offensive line significantly.

Thuney has developed into one of the best guards in the NFL and will be a sought-after guard in free agency. And for a Tampa Bay team that had inconsistencies protecting Tom Brady this season, Joe Thuney could be a huge help in that regard. Reuniting him with his former teammate Tom Brady could benefit both parties and their respective futures.

4. Anthony Harris

The Buccaneers have allowed far too many yards through the air this year and could look to bolster their pass defense. A part of that is due to Tampa Bay’s safeties Antoine Winfield Jr., (22) and Jordan Whitehead (23), who are both young and have less than 4 seasons under their belt. Both are only going to get better playing with a veteran defense but can also benefit from veteran leadership as well.

Anthony Harris has been one of the best safeties in football and steadily seen his playing time increase with the Minnesota Vikings. Harris’ ability to read route concepts as well as quarterbacks at the same time is remarkable as he is able to position himself to make plays.

In 2020, Harris put up a career-high in solo tackles (58), combined tackles (108), and tackles for loss (2). In his six-year career, Harris has nine interceptions, six of them coming in 2019. Although he had no interceptions in 2020, that is mainly due to his lockdown defense as his specialty is playing coverages instead of man defenses.

Harris could not only mentor Winfield Jr., and Whitehead, but he could also help a team that struggles in coverage defense. If Tampa Bay wants to prioritize limiting offenses in the passing game, Harris is a safety that should be discussed in the front office this offseason.

5. William Jackson III

After getting selected in the first round of the 2016 draft, William Jackson III tore his pectoral for his rookie season even started. Ever since then, Cincinnati has seen his production increase year after year and rewarded him with more playing time year after year. In 2020, Jackson III has garnered 43 solo tackles, one interception, and has allowed 36 receptions. Jackson III had surrendered completions on just 51.4% of the passes thrown his way this year.

William Jackson III is nearing the end of his rookie deal with the Cincinnati Bengals and could be poised for a solid deal. The Bengals have already invested in Trae Waynes so Jackson III could be headed to a new squad that needs help in man coverage in 2021. Enter the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Adding Jackson III to a cornerback group that consists of Carlton Davis, Sean Murphy-Bunting, and Jamel Dean could help enhance their man coverage. Jackson III could also come a little cheaper than most All-Pro safeties and cornerbacks so targeting him won’t be as big of a hassle as other unrestricted free agents. Jackson III could be an absolute steal of a signing if Tampa Bay is willing to target this young cornerback.

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