NFL Free Agency 2020: Top 10 offensive players remaining
By Samuel Teets
5. Kelvin Beachum, LT
The Pittsburgh Steelers originally drafted Beachum with a seventh-round pick in 2012. By his second season, Beachum earned a starting spot on Pittsburgh’s offensive line. Alongside other rising stars, Beachum put together the best seasons of his career. However, he’s struggled in some areas since leaving the Steel City.
Beachum only appeared in six games during the 2015 season before landing on injured reserve. As a result, Pittsburgh did not extend his contract, and Beachum spent the 2016 season playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars. After 2016, Beachum signed a three-year, $24 million deal with the New York Jets.
In his three seasons with Gang Green, Beachum started 45 games. While he’s a reliable starter, Beachum is far from a Pro Bowler or superstar. He struggles in the run game but holds his own against the pass rush. Considering the lack of quality left tackles in the NFL, it’s surprising that Beachum doesn’t have a new home yet.
4. Taylor Gabriel, WR
With the wide receiver market drying up, Gabriel could be the best receiving option left except for a few questionable veterans. Since entering the NFL in 2014, Gabriel has offered offenses a dynamic speedster, capable of going over the top or turning short passes into longer plays.
In 2018, Gabriel signed with the Chicago Bears, cashing in on some promising performances from previous seasons. That year, Gabriel started 11 games and finished with a career-high 688 receiving yards, the third-most on his team. He also set a career-high with 67 receptions. The Bears went 12-4, narrowly losing in the Wild Card Round.
Unfortunately, injuries limited Gabriel to nine games in 2019. He finished the year with only 29 receptions for 353 yards and four touchdowns. Poor quarterback play certainly didn’t help.
The Bears cut Gabriel in late February, clearing $4.5 million in cap space. While he’s not a top receiving threat, Gabriel could be a terrific third option on a contending team.