As teams continue to evaluate their rosters before the 2022 NFL Draft. Which remaining free agents over 30 years old should teams consider signing?
“Old heads” as the players are commonly referred to can still come in and help some teams compete. Some of these 30 plus-year-old free agents are entering the final few seasons of their careers and are perhaps wanting to chase a ring.
Most of these players’ earning potential has just about run out. They most likely got their big payday early in their careers and are probably going to have to settle for a much lesser contract.
Even still, just because of their age and contract status, they can still be viable and legitimate players on high-end rosters.
Looking at the current pool of available free agents, there are a ton of quality players still looking for a home.
Some of these players are going to be patient and wait until they find the right situation with the right team.
Some may not even sign with a team until during the 2022 season when injuries occur.
Either way, there are still very talented players available to sign, regardless if they’re 24 or 34 years old.
So, which free agents over 30 years old are still among some of the best at their positions?
Three best NFL free agents over 30 years old
1. J.C. Tretter, C
Looking across the NFL offensive line landscape, most of the best players within this position group are over 30 years old.
Andrew Whitworth, who recently retired, was a 58-year-old quality left tackle. Perhaps the best linemen in the NFL overall is Zack Martin, who turns 32 this season.
This is no different for J.C. Tretter, one of the best centers in the NFL who was recently released by the Cleveland Browns.
He spent the first three seasons of his career before being shipped to the Browns, where he spent the past five seasons. Tretter has only missed one game since 2017 and hasn’t really shown signs of slowing down.
Honestly, I’m surprised Tretter hasn’t signed somewhere. Perhaps he is waiting for the right situation, but I can think of a plethora of teams who could use his services.
Teams in the AFC like the Bengals, Steelers, Texans, Broncos, and Dolphins could make an argument for signing Tretter.
The 31-year-old still has several quality years left and would instantly elevate and offensive line.
Three best NFL free agents over 30 years old
2. Emmanuel Sanders, WR
Perhaps one of the most consistent players in the NFL is Emmanuel Sanders, who was recently with the Buffalo Bills.
In his age-34 season, Sanders put up 626 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
He’s missed five games the past two seasons which is something of note I guess, but he’s been disgustingly consistent his entire career.
In fact, in every year since 2012, he’s put up at least 500 receiving yards.
Sanders is 755 receiving yards away from 10,000 for his career, and I’d guess he’d want to hit that mark.
Sanders can still contribute to a team as a mid-tier WR2 or high-end WR3.
Teams ready to compete who need another offensive weapon would be smart to sign Sanders.
I could definitely see a team like the Patriots, Chiefs, or even a reunion with the 49ers as an ideal spot for Sanders. He’s a savvy veteran who still has great speed and has shown the ability to still produce on the field.
Forget his age. He is entering his age-35 season and would make a ton of teams better.
Three best NFL free agents over 30 years old
3. Riley Reiff, OT
Another consistent and reliable player is longtime NFL tackle Riley Reiff.
Reiff was with the Bengals in 2021, appearing in 12 games. Looking at his career, Reiff is good to miss a game or two per season but has been largely reliable his entire career.
He also has position versatility, being able to play both tackle spots.
I think Reiff can start for a few teams, but he may not sign until an injury pops up for a team.
Reiff turns 34 during the 2022 season, so still not exactly that old for a tackle by any means.
In 711 offensive snaps for the Bengals this season, Reiff got called for just one penalty and allowed four sacks, both respectable numbers.
In 2020, Reiff’s PFF grade was a solid 71.4 as he allowed just one sack over 1,003 offensive snaps played.
The offensive line NFL free agents are largely still very quality. Reiff is a part of that. Look for Reiff to probably sign with a team on one year deal soon after the NFL Draft or when a team suffers an unfortunate injury.