The 2023 NFL Free Agency season is off to a fast start, with players signing pretty quickly. There are still a few standout players that might help several teams, and they will be monitored closely in the coming days.
While the likes of Jordan Poyer, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Derek Carr, and Jimmy Garoppolo are no longer available, here is a list of the top five free agents as of day three of the NFL Free Agency.
NFL Free Agency; players still available: #1. Lamar Jackson
While Lamar Jackson is not the typical free agent on the market, he can still be worked with and negotiated into a deal. If the Baltimore Ravens don’t match the qualifying offer, any team can have the former MVP in exchange for just two first-round picks.
While initially, teams have backed away from showing interest in Jackson, it won’t be a surprise if any team comes in and scoops up Jackson for a deal that suits all parties involved. Despite his injury issues, Jackson is still one of the best quarterbacks in the league and can immediately make a team Super Bowl contender.
#2. Orlando Brown Jr.
Orlando Brown Jr. is coming off a Super Bowl-winning campaign with the Kansas City Chiefs, but the team has yet to reach an agreement with the coveted left tackle. He’s only 26 years old, but the league considers him a right tackle rather than a left tackle, which is why he hasn’t been able to sign a new contract until now.
Furthermore, the Chiefs have already signed former Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor to a four-year, $80 million contract, which might complicate things for Brown Jr. If he is to return to the Chiefs, he must sign a contract far below his expected value, or he may find himself in a far worse scenario.
#3. Darius Slay
Star cornerback Darius Slay wasn’t expected to be a part of this year’s free agent class, but after getting released by the Philadelphia Eagles, he is available on the market.
Slay will be pursued by many teams in the coming days as he is still an elite corner who can make a difference for many teams. Last season, Slay had 40 solo tackles, 15 assists, and three interceptions in 17 games. He played a crucial role in the Eagles’ run to the Super Bowl and will be a player to keep an eye on in the ongoing NFL Free Agency.
#4. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson
Another player who was on the Philadelphia Eagles team last season and is still available on the market in NFL Free Agency is Chauncey Gardner-Johnson.
The 25-year-old star safety is in the tabs of multiple teams, but he is expected to re-sign with the Eagles. Slay’s departure might help the franchise in signing Johnson, who could become a franchise cornerstone for years to come. Last season, he had 61 solo tackles, six assists, one sack, and six interceptions in 13 games.
#5. Dalton Schultz
Dalton Schultz is a guy who could have numerous suitors in the upcoming days of the 2023 NFL Free Agency. He is only 26 years old and has already demonstrated the ability to become one of the best players in his position.
Schultz has been an integral part of the Dallas Cowboys offense for many years, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up. Last season, he had 57 catches for 577 yards and scored 5 touchdowns in 15 games.