It comes as no surprise that most of the big-name free agents in the NFL are now plying their trade in new pastures. Teams want to sign the best players, and they want to sign them as soon as possible. But while the running back market has made the most headlines this summer, there remain some intriguing names, especially on defense, who could still wind up making a significant impact for any team they sign with over the next few months.
Yannick Ngakoue, EDGE
Of all the players on this list, the fact that Yannick Ngakoue is still a free agent feels the most surprising. He’s still just 28, plays a premium position, and has been pretty darn productive while doing so. And he’s done it for several teams in differing systems.
Edge defenders, and ones who have a solid resume when it comes to rushing the quarterback, will always be in high demand and Ngakoue could still be a useful player for an interested party. He’s good for at least 45-50 pressures and close to double-digit sacks on a year-to-year basis.
His run defense leaves much to be desired, and many teams want more versatile defenders on the roster, but anyone that has a specific need for pass-rushing – we’re looking at you Chicago, and Atlanta – should be lining up for his services.
John Johnson III, Safety
Before joining the Cleveland Browns in 2021, John Johnson was making a name for himself as one of the best Swiss army knife safeties in the NFL. He could sink down into the box and contribute as a run defender, excel as a deep half and occasional deep middle safety, and had some great ball skills as well, snagging 8 picks across four seasons with the Rams.
His time with the Browns wasn’t as fruitful as Joe Woods’ defense struggled to make an impact despite some talented names on the roster. Personnel can’t have been the issue, and the Browns front office reinforced that point by letting Woods go as defensive coordinator this offseason. However, the Browns also elected to move on from Johnson with one year remaining on his deal.
There’s still room for Johnson as a starting safety in the NFL. He’s only 28 years old and isn’t far removed from elite safety play – if he lands in the right circumstances it wouldn’t take a lot to believe that that’s possible again.
Matt Ioannidis, Defensive Tackle
Ioannidis won’t feel like a sexy choice compared to some of the names on the list, but he’s proven he can be just as impactful at times. Ioannidis spent the first six years of his career with the Washington Commanders before signing a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers in 2022.
He’s a 6-foot-3, 310lbs behemoth on the interior defensive line, capable of shooting gaps to rush the passer, handling double teams, and being an occasional force in the run game. It’s his pass-rush acumen that probably intrigues teams the most. Ioannidis had 35 pressures in 13 games for the Panthers last season and can add more when playing a full season. Therein lies the problem, though. Ioannidis has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career and has played a full season just once – all the way back in 2019.
Jadeveon Clowney. EDGE
The former 2014 No. 1 overall pick hasn’t quite lived up to the lofty expectations placed on him throughout his career, but Clowney has carved out a nice living for himself earning some life-changing money. After bouncing from team to team once he left Houston, Clowney spent the last two seasons with the Cleveland Browns as Myles Garrett’s partner on the edge.
His 2021 season was a timely reminder of how dominant he could be as an all-around edge defender. He pressured the quarterback 53 times – his best number since 2018 – and was his usual self as a run defender. That’s where Clowney’s bread has been buttered since day one. He’s one of the best edge-setters in the NFL and he’ll continue to exert that trend wherever he ends up in 2023.
The concern with Clowney, like others on this list and which is probably one of the main reasons he remains unsigned to this point, is staying on the field. He’s played in just 35 games over the last four seasons. He’d make any team better, but keeping him on the field is a tough task.
-Thomas Valentine
Twitter: @tvalentinesport
Photo: Jeffrey Beall. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.