There are several high profile free agents still looking for work. With OTA’s and mini camps wrapping up in the coming weeks and training camp around the corner, let’s take a look at what the future might hold for these players.
DeMarco Murray, RB: Murray’s market has been cold since his release from the Titans. Given the wear and tear on his body and the obvious decline in his performance, Murray may have to wait until the end of August before landing a job. At best, he ends up in a time share situation.
Adrian Peterson, RB: Peterson will sign. It’s just a matter of whether or not a team out there thinks the best back in this generation has something left in the tank. Peterson had a couple of good games last season for the Cardinals and provided he stays healthy, he has enough left that he be effective in a time share.
Dez Bryant, WR: Bryant gambled on himself after the Cowboys released him and lost. He turned down an offer from the Baltimore Ravens. That could prove to be a catastrophic decision for Bryant because his market has been cold to say the least. Bryant could still sign somewhere but he is probably not going to be as picky as he wants to be.
Jeremy Maclin, WR: Maclin will struggle to find work. He is no longer an explosive slot receiver who can make big plays and take the top off of coverage. Couple that his injury history and one has to wonder if Maclin’s career is over. At this point, a former assistant at one of his previous stops would have to bang the table for him.
Eric Decker, WR: Decker is a big target but he is slow and has been injury riddled the past three seasons. He looked out of place in Tennessee last season and his inability to separate vertically made him a non factor in the Titans offense. At this point, a team looking for veteran depth might Decker’s best shot at getting an opportunity.
Connor Barwin, OLB: Barwin will get an opportunity somewhere as a situational pass rusher. He is ideally suited to play outside linebacker in the 3-4 defense so that does limit him in terms of some of the teams he could sign with.
Navarro Bowman, ILB: Bowman is going to have a tough time finding a job considering his knee injury history and his ineffective play in recent years. He is another player that needs to find the right fit schematically. Preferably a 3-4 base that can protect him a little.
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie CB: DRC will find work. Veteran corners with length that have experience playing inside and outside do not stay unemployed very long.
Bashaud Breeland, CB: Breeland will also find work. He is at his best as a press man to man cover corner who can carry routes vertically. He does lack size however which could be an issue.
Kenny Vaccaro, FS: I am a little surprised that Vaccaro is still on the board. He has underperformed thus far in his career and was benched in New Orleans but he is a good coverage safety. The NFL is a pass first league however and teams are always shopping for cover first safeties and corners. Vaccaro will find work.