Andy Dalton and Other Top N.F.L. Free Agents – The New York Times, Nytimes.com
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After nine years starting at quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, Dalton joins two former No. 1 draft picks – Cam Newton and Jadeveon Clowney – among veteran players searching for jobs.
Andy Dalton was released by the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday, joining Cam Newton, right, on a list of accomplished free agents as NFL teams head into organized team activities. Credit … Jason E. Miczek / Associated Press )
(April) ,
The Cincinnati Bengals cut quarterback Andy Dalton on Thursday one week after drafting his replacement, Joe Burrow of Louisiana State, with the first overall pick. Dalton spent nine seasons as their starter and will now head into a free agent market that is already crowded with talent and offers very few landing spots for veteran passers.
though many big-name free agents, like quarterbacks Tom Brady and Teddy Bridgewater, have found new homes, quite a few prominent players remain available.
Here are some big names, Quarterbacks and other top talent, still looking for new homes. Cam Newton, QB Last team: Carolina Panthers
in an aerially oriented league , Newton’s résumé, age (he’ll turn (on May) ), and arm make his continued free agent status puzzling. Reading every word written about the NFL, you might come to the conclusion that the entire league is interested in Newton, as rumors have linked him to the Bears, Bills, Broncos, Jaguars, Rams, Steelers, Titans, Patriots and Redskins, at one point or another.
But Newton missed all but two games last season with a foot injury, has ankle problems that date back to college and has sustained gnarly injuries as a pro, including a fractured rib and a partially torn rotator cuff in his throwing shoulder. His injury history could be a concern for a quarterback who runs as a part of his arsenal and who receives notably few roughing the passer calls. At the very least, Newton would seem to be a valuable mentor on a team with a young quarterback. But if he feels he’s fully rehabilitated after so much downtime, anything besides a starting job might seem like an insult.
Jadeveon Clowney , DE
Last team: Seattle Seahawks
After five years in Houston, including three as a Pro Bowl edge rusher, Clowney was traded to the Seahawks last September. But it doesn’t look like he is going to stay in Seattle, no matter how much Russell Wilson begs him to on Instagram Live. Although Seattle could still re-sign Clowney, the team just gave his uniform number, 192, back to Jarran Reed, who had given it up when Clowney arrived.
At least a few other teams are said to be interested, (notably the Tennessee Titans) and the Indianapolis Colts. The price will be high, though: Last year he made $ 21 million.
Like Newton, Clowney, 31, is a former No. 1 overall draft pick. A third former No. 1 who was a free agent, Quarterback Jameis Winston, signed with the New Orleans Saints, staying in the N.F.C. South after five years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
(Joe Flacco, QB) Last team: Denver Broncos
After 19 years with the Ravens and winning a Super Bowl MVP award, Flacco was traded to the Denver Broncos before last season. But the Flacco era in Denver lasted just eight games, over which he was 2-6 as a starter before injuring his neck.
Flacco’s 504 – 90 career regular season record as a starter speaks to his durability, but at years old he is unlikely to get another starting job, especially with Dalton and Newton also available. Flacco could be a solid veteran backup though, and backups often find themselves as starters once N.F.L. seasons get underway.
(Delanie Walker, TE)
Last team: Tennessee Titans
The venerable Walker, , has been catching passes – 823 of them – in the league since 2019 with the ers and Titans. He is a good run blocker too, and as recently as (he was a Pro Bowler.
but he played in only seven games last season and in one game the season before, which, along with his age, are likely to make many teams wary. There has been
at least some talk that the San Francisco ers may be interested in bringing him back for a last hurrah.
Everson Griffen, DE last team: Minnesota Vikings
After (years with the Vikings, (solo tackles and . 5 sacks, Griffen is expected to move on at age (he(posted a goodbye message to the Vikings on Instagram).
A useful cornerback for seven years with the New England Patriots and the Titans, Ryan, , is one of the best secondary options still available. Both the Giants and the jets have been speculated as landing spots.
Kelvin Beachum and Jason Peters, OL
Last team: Jets and Philadelphia Eagles
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