Who remains in free agency?
Florida Football Insiders
Published 1 min ago on July 1, 2018 By Florida Football Insiders
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
With the calendar flipping to July on Sunday, we check back in on the potential free agents that are still available for the Bucs, the Dolphins, and the Jaguars (and everyone else) with training camps beginning in about three-four weeks.
Here’s what’s still there.
Quarterback:
If the Bucs specifically, due to the Jameis Winston suspension, are interested in a third QB to go along with veterans Ryan Fitzpatrick and Ryan Griffin, there are choices. First, we wrote that maybe Griffin might develop into a better option for starter on opening day. And to do that, he would have to play significantly in the preseason. Still, former Dolphins QB Matt Moore is available.
Moore filled in for the injured Ryan Tannehill at the end of 2016 and won three games. He also played in the Wildcard loss to the Steelers. Last year, he replaced Jay Cutler starting two games as well. He’s definitely an option, but Tampa Bay will likely stick with the two Ryans.
Receiver:
The premier one that remains is Cowboys star Dez Bryant. There is some speculation Bryant might suddenly re-sign a discounted deal with Dallas. If he doesn’t then, might the Jaguars be looking for another veteran weapon to go along with their young core of Marqise Lee, DeDe Westbrook and newly acquired Donte Moncreif? Would Bryant, who’s 30 but has also been in the Pro Bowl three times, want too much money that Jacksonville doesn’t have?
Probably.
Still, it’s intriguing for Jags fans to wonder.
Saftety:
Still hanging out there is veteran Kenny Vaccaro late of the Saints. Vaccaro played in 12 games a year ago with 60 tackles and three INTS. He’s 27 and has already visited with the Dolphins after the draft, and has yet to sign anywhere. Miami could use a veteran safety, but Vaccaro may be holding out for a team to lose a star at his position due to injury and then try to cash in.
Linebacker:
The Bucs have a serious ankle injury to second year LB Kendell Beckwith that will have him still sidelined into the start of camp and maybe beyond. The Jags and the Dolphins also could use a veteran presence. That’s with Jacksonville seeing Paul Posluzsny retiring and Miami electing to release veteran Lawrence Timmons after one season. Former 49ers Pro Bowl inside LB Navarro Bowman is an option. He’s 30 and played last year with the Raiders. He would be a solid and inexpensive option for any of the three to go to, if they want.
Finally, Running backs:
Both the Bucs and the Dolphins could still use a veteran in their backfield. And former Cards RB Adrian Peterson (above) and former Titan ball carrier DeMarco Murray. Both are over the age of 30, and Murray was under consideration by Miami before they signed veteran Colt free agent Frank Gore. So, the Dolphins are not a likely destination for him.
Meanwhile, Peterson who’s a Hall of Fame candidate, could be a short term option in Tampa Bay. This as they are prepared to go into the season with third year largely unproven RB Peyton Barber, and rookie speedster Ronald Jones, whom they got in the second round of the draft.
Teams will tell you that they have their rosters set, but if their position group struggles and as mentioned earlier, injuries happen (and they will) then these names above will be contacted.
