Potential Last-Minute NFL Signings That Just Make Sense
With the hopes of a perfect fit, every NFL off-season sees certain veterans wait until training camp gets closer to choose their new home.
There’s currently a lot of talent left in the free agency pool, including a few players who could make a big difference in the right spot.
Michael Thomas → Steelers
Although he’s struggled to stay healthy recently, Michael Thomas could make a big difference in that receiver room in Pittsburgh, as George Pickens is going to need a new sidekick with Diontae Johnson out of town.
A 31-year-old Thomas is searching for a fresh start in the NFL after spending his whole career with the Saints, including three Pro Bowl appearances and two selections to First Team All-Pro. He led the NFL in receptions in 2018 and 2019 and also led the NFL in receiving yards in 2019. Thomas is currently sitting in 19th place among all active players in receptions and could be a big help for the Steelers.
Hunter Renfrow → Eagles
It’s a head-scratcher that nobody in the NFL currently employs Hunter Renfrow. Sure, he’s not among the Justin Jeffersons and Jamarr Chases of the world, but he would be a great third receiver for almost any team in the league, including the Philadelphia Eagles, who seem to be in on every player that has ever been available.
Renfrow is currently 28 years old and searching for a new home after spending five seasons as a Raider. In his time as a Radier, he only went over 1,000 yards once in 2021, the same season that he made the Pro Bowl. That season was by far the best of his career, seeing him catch 103 passes for 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 61.1 yards per game on a middling Raiders team. He’d be a great third option behind AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith.
Jamal Adams → Jaguars
Jamal Adams has had an odd career, spending three seasons with the Jets and four with the Seahawks. Now he searches for a new landing spot in the NFL. It’s always felt like the safety has been better equipt to play middle linebacker, but he makes it work.
The 29-year-old Adams was the sixth overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, putting together a stout career from that point on. Adams has played in 80 games, intercepting four passes and defending 36 of them. He has one pick-six to go with seven forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries, one of which he returned for a touchdown. He has 21.5 sacks and 494 total tackles with 362 solos to go with his 50 tackles for loss. He could be a great veteran presence for an unproven Jaguars secondary.
Justin Simmons → Bills
It’s unbelievable that Justin Simmons hasn’t found a team yet. The 30-year-old has spent his entire eight-year career with the Broncos but now needs a new helmet to wear. Simmons is a two-time Pro Bowler and has made three appearances on the Second Team All-Pro and sits at seventh among active players in interceptions with 30.
Over his career, Simmons has played in 118 games, intercepting 30 passes with one pick-six on 64 passes defended. He also has five forced fumbles and three fumbles recovered, 4.5 sacks, 604 total tackles, and 443 solos along with 19 tackles for loss. Coming off a Pro Bowl season, Simmons could fill a big hole in the Bills secondary left by the departure of Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer.
Stephon Gilmore → Packers
Stephon Gilmore has bounced around on one-year contracts with the Colts and Cowboys the past two seasons and now looks for another new home. Although he is about to turn 34 years old in September, Gilmore could still bring a lot to the table for a contending team. The five-time Pro Bowler and two-time First Team All-Pro still has some gas left in the tank.
Gilmore won the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award in 2019 when he was a member of the Patriots, the place he’s found the most success in his 12-year NFL career. During that career, Gilmore has posted 31 interceptions, good for sixth among active players. He’s played in 165 games at the NFL level and could be a big piece for the cornerback room in Green Bay with Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes.
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