Joe Flacco watched soccer from his sofa final season earlier than becoming a member of the Cleveland Browns in November, main them to the playoffs and incomes the AP Comeback Participant of the Yr award.
A number of completed free brokers are in an identical place ready for a name this season.
Ryan Tannehill, who went 30-13 whereas main Tennessee to the postseason from 2019-21, has remained unsigned since his contract with the Titans expired. The 36-year-old quarterback began eight video games final season and stated final month that he’s staying in form and will likely be prepared if the best scenario comes alongside.
Trevor Siemian, who was 2-1 in three begins for the New York Jets final season, additionally has been out there for months.
Desmond Ridder started final season as Atlanta’s beginning quarterback. The 2022 third-round choose was launched by Arizona on Tuesday after failing to beat out Clayton Tune for the backup job behind Kyler Murray.
Mike White, Bailey Zappe and Brett Rypien are also among the many QBs who turned out there when rosters had been trimmed to 53 gamers on Tuesday.
Listed here are 5 of the highest remaining free brokers:
XAVIEN HOWARD: A former-time Professional Bowl cornerback, Howard is one other participant who might assist Dallas. The Cowboys misplaced All-Professional cornerback DaRon Bland for as much as eight weeks they usually let Stephon Gilmore stroll away in free company. Trevon Diggs continues to be working again from an ACL harm and the Cowboys are inexperienced at each outdoors cornerback spots. The 31-year-old Howard performed his first eight seasons in Miami. He was restricted the previous two seasons by groin, hip and foot accidents.
DONOVAN SMITH: Two groups gained Tremendous Bowls with Smith defending their quarterback’s blind facet. Smith was the beginning left deal with for Tom Brady and the Buccaneers in 2020 and Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs final season. He’s 31, has began 136 video games and continues to be ready for a name. Smith dedicated 29 penalties over the previous 4 seasons in order that’s an issue. Nonetheless, he might step in and play for any group that wants assistance on the offensive line.
YANNICK NGAKOUE: A group that wants a pass-rush specialist might flip to Ngakoue at any level this season. He’s bounced across the league, taking part in for 5 groups over the previous 4 years. However Ngakoue has a knack for attending to the quarterback. He had at the very least eight sacks in every of his first seven seasons earlier than recording 4 in 13 video games with the Bears final 12 months. Ngakoue is just 29 and will nonetheless have loads of juice to chase QBs.
PATRICK PETERSON: The eight-time Professional Bowl cornerback is 34 and never the identical shutdown participant who was a four-time All-Professional in Minnesota. Nonetheless, Peterson began 16 video games for the Steelers final 12 months and 17 for the Vikings in 2022. He’s been sturdy, having performed each recreation in 11 of his 13 seasons. Peterson needs to play and it might be a shock if he doesn’t get that likelihood.
MICAH HYDE: The 2-time second-team All-Professional security is one other veteran defensive again who can present depth and expertise. Hyde began 14 video games for the Payments final season and beforehand stated he’ll both play for Buffalo or retire. Hyde has battled neck issues over the previous two years however Payments basic supervisor Brandon Beane stated over the summer season he’s staying prepared for the best alternative.
