2015 NFL Free Agency: Best Remaining Bargains to Fill out Your Rosters By Alessandro Miglio , Featured Columnist Apr 10, 2015 Rich Schultz/Getty Images All the big names are gone, but there are a host of players still looking for work in NFL free agency.Some of these free agents are not like the others, liable to become big bargains for those lucky teams that finally pull the trigger. After all, some impact free agents come from the bargain bin.These guys are still on the market for a variety of reasons—injuries, ineffectiveness, unrealistic expectations—but they still have plenty to give. Some still have youthful upside to their advantage while others can rest laurels on veteran savvy. Whatever the case may be, these guys are the best remaining bargains available on the market.Michael Crabtree
Brian Bahr/Getty Images He might be a shell of his former self, but Michael Crabtree could prove to be one of the best values in free agency by this time next year.That's because his market has cratered. Who could blame NFL teams? Crabtree's Achilles exploded two years ago, and he hasn't looked the same ever since. He has averaged 11.3 yards per catch since coming back from the injury. He was one of the worst receivers in the league last season, according to Pro Football Focus.None of this is making him sound terribly palatable. But it only serves to lower his price.Crabtree is just 27, after all, and there is no motivation quite like getting snubbed the way he has been since free agency began. Whoever lands him will get an inspired receiver who could be great as a third option.Joe Barksdale
Jeff Haynes/Associated Press Considering several teams could use upgrades along the offensive line, it's a wonder that Joe Barksdale hasn't gotten more attention on the open market.The big offensive tackle hasn't played on an elite level or anything, but he has been a solid starter for the St. Louis Rams since taking over for an injured Rodger Saffold in 2013. He has been able to hold off Saffold and all other comers for the starting gig.His old team seemed to be the only one interested until recently—the Tennessee Titans are finally hosting Barksdale, per Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.If they land him, they will have taken a big step toward repairing a broken offensive line.Chris Myers
Tim Sharp/Associated Press He is getting a bit long in the tooth at age 33, but Chris Myers can still play at a high level. That much is evident in his ratings over at Pro Football Focus, where he has consistently ranked among the best in the league at center. Last season, he fell off a bit, but he still managed to rank in the middle of the pack.Whoever snags Myers is going to get a great run-blocker, at the very least. Just ask running back Arian Foster, who has been the beneficiary of Myers' quality blocking throughout his career.James Casey
Rich Schultz/Getty Images Looking for a versatile tight end who can play H-back? Trying to avoid committing $20 million guaranteed in that venture?Look no further than James Casey, who is certainly not getting Charles Clay money despite a similar skill set.The former Texan and Eagle has been a bit underutilized throughout his career, and he was barely on the field with the Philadelphia Eagles. Perhaps the fact that he had just six receptions over his his two years in Philadelphia is affecting his free-agent stock.Whoever lands him will get an all-around, complementary pass-catcher who could be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses for pennies on the dollar compared to some of his peers.Da'Quan Bowers
Jim Mone/Associated Press Da'Quan Bowers' career hasn't quite lived up to expectations.Despite promising potential, the former second-round pick just never got things going with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to injuries and a suspension getting in the way. He was moved around the defensive line, too, perhaps stunting his development.For his part, Bowers was optimistic that he would get a new opportunity toward the end of last season, according to Matt Baker of the Tampa Bay Times."If I'm playing my hardest, everything will happen like it's supposed to," Bowers said. "If I'm playing hard and making plays, the team's going to do good, and the contract, the negotiations, they'll come. Effort and good tape is the key."Unfortunately, it hasn't happened for him yet. He's gotten some interest, but it's been lukewarm at best. Bowers is a 6'4", 275-pound behemoth who just turned 25, however. His struggles could be behind him, which would make him quite a steal in free agency once someone signs him.Brandon Spikes
Alex Goodlett/Getty ImagesOne-trick ponies might have limited ceilings, but they still have that one trick. In Brandon Spikes' case, that would be stopping the run.The thumping middle linebacker has never been known for much else, but he is certainly a viable two-down option. He signed a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills last offseason after the New England Patriots parted ways with him, and he proved himself worthy of at least a rotational role in the future.Why he hasn't gotten more attention in free agency is a mystery, but Spikes will be a valuable asset to whichever team finally throws him a bone.Ahmad Brashaw
Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images The running back market is still moving—albeit slowly—and Ahmad Bradshaw figures to find a landing place sooner or later.The former Giant and Colt had himself a fine year in Indianapolis before breaking his leg, an injury that is likely hampering his efforts to sign with a new team.Bradshaw might be risky coming back from that injury at 29 years of age, but his price tag will be worth that risk. He is a nice all-around player who can complement just about anyone in the league if needed. Last season, he was a great target in the passing game for quarterback Andrew Luck and the Colts, at one point seeming like he was going to shatter the record for most touchdown receptions by a running back.Greg Jennings
Rob Foldy/Getty Images Of all the free agents available, Greg Jennings might be the best.He is certainly tops among the bargain-bin receivers, even at 31 years of age. He took the big money in free agency a couple of years back, choosing quarterback purgatory in Minnesota over heaven with Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay. His production predictably suffered with the likes of Christian Ponder, Matt Cassel and rookie Teddy Bridgwater, who was trying to gain his sea legs last season.Jennings was on the wrong side of that lucrative contract this offseason. The former Packer and Viking was a cap casualty once Minnesota traded for expensive speedster Mike Wallace.He has never been a prototypical No. 1 receiver, but Jennings is a smooth route-runner with nice hands. He is also a savvy veteran who could be a mentor, should he sign with a team filled with youngsters.link
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Posted : Apr. 11, 2015 3:44 am