Let’s be honest: If you’re a veteran NFL player and no team has signed you by early June, there probably is a reason for that.
But the door is not closed on dozens of remaining NFL free agents who are looking to hook up with a team in 2024. There is plenty of time for teams to sign a veteran or two heading into training camp, or even in the middle of camp as injuries arise.
Here is a look at the best remaining free agent at each position:
QB: Ryan Tannehill
He turns 36 in July, but Tannehill still has something left to offer to teams looking for a veteran backup and spot starter. He posted a 78.5 passer rating last year – his worst rating since his debut season in 2012 – but he still completed 64.8 percent of his passes in 10 games (eight starts). He has 151 career starts and has thrown for 216 touchdowns.
RB: Cam Akers
One could make an argument for other free agents such as Dalvin Cook, Jerick McKinnon or Latavius Murray. But Akers turns 25 this summer, and he has enormous talent if he can ever stay healthy. He can be a versatile weapon out of the backfield.
WR: Michael Thomas
Once again, health is everything for Thomas’ NFL future. He has appeared in 20 games in the last four seasons. He’s 31 now, but teams remember how good he was in his first four seasons, when he averaged 117 catches for 1,378 yards and eight touchdowns.
TE: Logan Thomas
Last season, Thomas caught 55 passes for 496 yards and four touchdowns in 15 starts with the Washington Commanders. Yes, he turns 33 this summer, but he still has something to give to a team needing depth.
OL: D.J. Humphries
It’s hard to name just one offensive linemen, as many veterans remain on the market, and it will really depend on a team’s specific need to determine the best option. Humphries is good, though. The 30-year-old started 98 games for the Arizona Cardinals over the past eight seasons, including 15 starts in 2023.
EDGE: Emmanuel Ogbah
Ogbah, who will turn 31 in November, finished last season with 5 1/2 sacks in 15 games (one start) for the Miami Dolphins before being released as a cap casualty. He has 42 1/2 sacks in eight seasons with the Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs and Miami.
DT: Linval Joseph
There are a few veterans including Al Woods, Calais Campbell and Lawrence Guy who also could be a team’s top option on the defensive line. Joseph turns 36 in October, but he’s a 6-foot-2, 329-pound run stuffer who can provide value in limited snaps.
LB: Shaq Leonard
There definitely should be room on a roster for Leonard, who started 12 games last season (nine with the Indianapolis Colts and three with the Philadelphia Eagles). He is not a star anymore, but he can play the position.
CB: Adoree’ Jackson
Jackson made 14 starts for the New York Giants last season, finishing with a pick-six, a forced fumble and 63 tackles. Xavien Howard and Stephon Gilmore also are unsigned cornerbacks who deserve to be signed.
S: Justin Simmons
Simmons is among the best available free agents regardless of position. The two-time Pro Bowl player is 30 years old, so he’s not ancient. He has 30 interceptions in 118 career games with the Denver Broncos. He could go from the street to a starting job.