The 2023 NFL free agency period will likely see some increased activity as we progress closer to week one. Let’s make some ideal fits with remaining FAs. The free agency market has picked up in recent days. Players like Yannick Ngakoue, John Johnson III, Zach Cunningham, and Myles Jack have all found new homes recently.
And it makes sense as we are just about one month from week one of the 2023 NFL season. As the preseason progresses, more teams will look to the free agency market to fill holes from underperforming players or because of injuries. There are still some quality free agents left on the market and I think they all have some very ideal fits.
Let’s dive into those fits.
NFL Free Agency: Best fits for remaining free agents
Dalvin Cook, New York Jets
Much was made about Dalvin Cook visiting the New York Jets and even stopping by and watching one of their practices. Cook left without a deal, but the two sides feel like a very strong match. The Jets don’t seem to be getting Breece Hall back for week one, and Cook can easily take the bulk of the carries in the meantime.
With Aaron Rodgers also turning 40 this year and possibly being a declining QB, surrounding him with as many playmakers as possible is a great idea. The Jets are obviously going all-in this year and as long as Rodgers is playing for them, and signing Dalvin Cook would fit that mindset.
Dalton Risner, Minnesota Vikings
Dalton Risner still being in the free agency market might be a surprise to many, but as a Broncos’ fan, I can tell you that Risner is being overvalued. However, he is average at best, and that is probably better than what the Vikings have at guard. Moreover, the Vikings’ OL coach, Chris Kuper, was with Risner in Denver for a few seasons.
The fit and scheme makes sense. Risner could probably come in and start over Ed Ingram, who was horrid last year. Unfortunately for Risner, at this point in free agency, he likely won’t land more than a one-year deal worth a few million.
He must bank on cashing in next year with a strong 2023 campaign.
Jadeveon Clowney, Denver Broncos
I believe the Denver Broncos need to add another veteran pass rusher. The team signed Frank Clark in free agency, but that was because Baron Browning had a knee surgery to clean up a meniscus. Browning probably isn’t ready for week one, and with their other top pass rusher Randy Gregory not being able to stay healthy, adding another body makes sense.
Besides Clark and Gregory, the Broncos might be relying on unproven players in Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper. This pass rush is easily the weakest unit on their defense. Clowney isn’t great, but he’s a veteran pass rusher who has had five seasons of double-digit QB hits.
He could find a role with the Denver Broncos.
Ben Jones, Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a team to watch out for in 2023, but man, their offensive line is hot garbage in my opinion. Someone who can help fix that is Ben Jones, one of the best centers in the NFL who has spent his entire career in the AFC South with the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans.
The Jaguars’ current starting center, Luke Fortner, was not great in his rookie season, and I don’t think it would benefit the Jags to wait around and see if he can take a leap in year two. I firmly believe they have a wide open Super Bowl window, especially with Doug Pederson as their head coach.
Signing Ben Jones adds a very good veteran to the interior to pair with Brandon Scherff and Ben Bartch.