NFL Free Agency 2020: Top 10 offensive players remaining
By Samuel Teets
9. Josh Gordon, WR
Rumors recently tied Gordon to the Seattle Seahawks. While he spent time in Seattle last season, Gordon didn’t statistically produce like a starter. He also received a suspension for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances and substance abuse for a fifth time.
Under the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the rules regarding substance abuse are severely loosened, but Gordon could still face punishments under the old rules. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Gordon did apply for reinstatement and wants to play this coming season.
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Antonio Brown is another free agent wide receiver who could face punishment when he eventually returns to the NFL. Brown went through a whirlwind of scandals last season before finally getting arrested. As recently as 2018, analysts regarded Brown as one of the five best receivers in the NFL.
Both Brown and Gordon come with serious risks, which is why NFL teams haven’t taken shots at either veteran yet. However, should a playoff contender find themselves in pressing need of a wide receiver, expect the former All-Pros to get calls.
8. Devonta Freeman, RB
The Atlanta Falcons released Freeman in March, clearing $3.5 million in cap space. Freeman, who recently turned 28 years old, averaged a measly 3.6 yards per carry last season. He also missed 14 games in 2018 after sustaining multiple injuries.
Never a superstar running back to begin with, Freeman’s market seems almost nonexistent at this point. With teams snatching up other veterans like Todd Gurley and Carlos Hyde, Freeman looks like the odd man out. Recently, Tampa Bay’s Bruce Arians told reporters that Freeman is asking for a lot of money. Aging, injury-prone running backs coming off of poor seasons don’t have a lot of leverage in negotiations and often accept cheap one-year prove-it deals.
Freeman and former All-Pro LeSean McCoy are the best free-agent running backs on the board. Freeman made Pro Bowls in 2015 and 2016 while McCoy made five consecutive Pro Bowls between 2013 and 2017. However, McCoy produced fewer rushing yards over the past two seasons than he did in 2017 alone. He did not register a carry during Kansas City’s playoff run last season.