Notable NFL free agents: Ryan Tannehill, Patrick Peterson among players still looking for work |Max Sporty|

It’s only September, but several NFL teams is already facing mounting injuries that threaten to dismantle his season. Fortunately for those teams, there is outside help available if they choose to pursue it.

There are three ways a team can add to its roster: through a trade, signing someone from another team’s practice squad, or through free agency. Trades likely won’t start picking up until closer to the deadline (Nov. 5), so that leaves two other options as the most realistic paths for general managers looking to upgrade their teams.

This brings us to free agency, and while the market has largely dried up since March, there are some notable former All-Pros and Pro Bowlers who are available. Let’s take a look at the most notable free agents at each position (go to Spotrac if you want to see every available free agent).

Goalkeeper

Outside of Tannehill, there is not a starting caliber quarterback currently on the open market. Gabbert and Hoyer have a lot of experience (they have a combined 90 career starts between them), have won Super Bowls as backups and have experience in multiple systems.

Tannehill still not being signed is somewhat surprising given his experience and past success with the Titans. Injuries could be a reason why Tannehill was hampered by ankle problems during his last two years in Nashville.

DiNucci is an interesting player. A seventh-round pick of the Cowboys back in 2020, DiNucci enjoyed success in the XFL in 2023 and parlayed that success into stints with the Broncos and Bills. He was released by the Bills last month.

Running back

Scott, a dual-threat player who spent his first six years with the Eagles, recently became a free agent after the Steelers released him from their practice squad on Sept. 13. As he approaches 30, Scott should still have some tread on his tires as he has never been outstanding back.

Like Scott, McKinnon is a versatile back who is just as effective as a receiver. He caught four touchdowns for the Chiefs last year after dropping a career-high nine points the previous season.

receiver

A pro bowler in 2021, Renfrow’s career has declined since then. An injury limited him to 10 games in 2022, and while he played in all 17 games last year, Renfrow caught just 25 passes and didn’t record a touchdown. Given his age (28) and past production, it’s somewhat surprising that Renfrow hasn’t been signed by anyone since the Raiders released him in March.

Injuries are the reason Thomas is still available. But like Renfrow, one would think a team would at least draft Thomas given his past success as a three-time Pro Bowler who led the league in catches twice and receiving yards once.

Tight end

Graham’s 2023 season was a strange one. He only caught six passes but four of those receptions went for touchdowns. Yes, his days as a starting tight end are behind him, but Graham could provide depth and insurance as a red zone threat (he has 89 career touchdown catches) for a team that needs help at tight end.

center

There aren’t many available centers on the free agent market. Ironically, two former Steelers (Cole and Hassenauer) are. Hassenauer served as Ben Roethlisberger’s center during his final games in Pittsburgh back in 2021. Cole replaced him the following offseason and started every game for the Steelers the previous two years.

Offensive tackle

Bakhtiari, a two-time All-Pro with the Packers, is eager to continue his career following his most recent procedure on his left knee, which took place last November. He told ESPN back in June that his projected schedule return to the football field would be either the middle of August or early September.

Smith is interesting. Although never considered as one of the NFLs premier tackles, the 31-year-old Smith won two Super Bowls while making 147 career starts (including the playoffs).

Guard

There are many guards still available on the open market. Jackson, the most experienced free agent, enjoyed a solid nine-year run with the Raiders and Seahawks before appearing in just five games last season for the Panthers.

EDGE/Linebacker

Houston recorded half a sack in seven games last year, but the 35-year-old is just two years removed from tallying 9.5 sacks with the Ravens. He could be a nice signing for a team that could use depth at the position.

Barr, a four-time Pro Bowler during his years with the Vikings, could also provide stability for a team that could use veteran experience at linebacker.

Inside linebackers are hard to come by in free agency, which is why that position is lumped in here. Leonard, a three-time All-Pro before injuries started piling up on him, said this summer that, while he waits for a chance to play again, he’s at peace with his career if one doesn’t present itself.

IDL

Things are scarce as far as interior defensive linemen go on the open market these days. Mone is an interesting player, though, as he is currently employed by the UFL after being released by the Seahawks in March. In 2022, Mone signed a two-year, $12 million deal before he tore his ACL late that season.

Cornerback

Peterson’s situation is interesting. While he wasn’t the same player at cornerback during his lone season in Pittsburgh, Peterson showed his prowess as a safety after agreeing to switch positions after injuries decimated the Steelers’ secondary. It seems, however, that Peterson should be willing to play safety again if a team comes calling.

security

A former Pro Bowler, Hyde would be on an NFL roster if it weren’t for the neck injuries he suffered in recent seasons. While he has openly considered retirement, Hyde “remains ready” (according to Bills general manager Brandon Beane) should the right opportunity present itself. At this point, Hyde would likely only return if the Bills suffered injuries at the position.

kicker

Each kicker has enjoyed varying levels of success in the NFL. McManus spent nine years in Denver and was the team’s kicker when the Broncos won Super Bowl 50. Bullock played for six different teams and went 5 of 6 on field goal attempts last year with the Giants. Patterson has made just over 88% of his field goal attempts since his rookie season (2021).

Punter

A decorated player in college, Harvin was drafted by the Steelers in the seventh round in 2021. While he showed his potential at times, Harvin’s inconsistent play ultimately led to his release this past offseason.