Any NFL Free Agents Left?

Filed in archive NFL on April 15, 2008

© Tracy O

As usual, NFL free agency started with the most sought-after players getting their deals quickly and everyone else falling into line afterwards. The thing is, some players are still in line. And while most players who are still available obviously aren't game changers, there are a few left who could offer a team some productivity.

RB Kevin Jones: Jones is still rehabbing his torn ACL, but he says he'll be ready by July. If so, some team can get a talented though injury-prone back who has had some success in his career. Jones has only rushed for 1,000 yards and over 4 yards-per-carry once, in his rookie season, but he's never scored less than 5 TD's and he's a capable receiver, as shown by his 61 catches in 2006.

DT Rod Coleman: At 31 years old, it's not too much to believe that Coleman has something left in the tank. He is coming off an injury-plagued season in Atlanta, but his history says he could be a useful player when healthy. Coleman had 2 sacks in 5 games for the Falcons last season, but from 2002-2006, he had 44.5 sacks, including three seasons of at least 10.5 sacks.

CB Ty Law: While he can probably no longer be considered a starter, Law could be a valuable player in nickel and dime situations. An added benefit of having Law around is his leadership and ability to mentor young defensive backs. Last season for the Chiefs, Law had two picks and accounted for 13 passes defended.

QB Daunte Culpepper: Though it seems like Culpepper has been around forever, he is still just 31 years old. Playing for the Oakland Raiders last season, he completed under 60% of his passes, and had 5 TD throws compared to 5 interceptions in 7 games played. Considering some of the recent wretched QB play around the league, it's hard to believe some team won't bring him in, if not to compete for the starting job, then at least as a back-up.

OT L.J. Shelton: 32-year-old Lonnie Jewel (yes, that's his real name) got cut by the miami dolphins two seasons after signing with them for $15 million, so that probably raised some red flags, especially considering the personnel the Fins have on the offensive line. Still, the 6'6", 345 lb. Shelton should at least be a useful back-up somewhere on the O-line.