The NFL free agent market has some notable names left with Evan Mathis, Shonn Greene, Chris Johnson, Steven Jackson, James Jones and Wes Welker as options heading into training camp and teams like the Oakland Raiders, Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers could be interested in picking up some of those names into camp.
Mathis was released by the Eagles this offseason ahead of minicamp after a contract dispute and he could be a target for a number of teams. According to Pro Football Talk, his agent said that a "half dozen" teams have serious interest and Mathis is likely to sign before training camp. Greene was released by the Titans, as they added a new running back in the draft and now have David Cobb along with Bishop Sankey moving forward. Welker and Jones have not had much attention on the market, but teams could come calling if injuries start to pile up as training camp gets closer.
Welker had some interest from the Dolphins, but they have Greg Jennings and also drafted DeVante Parker. There is a chance the team could add him with Parker undergoing surgery, but he would only be a camp body at this point. Injuries could help open things up and if some of these players linger on the market into camp and the preseason, that is the best way for them to get roster spots. Jones and Welker along with Reggie Wayne are getting up there in age, so they would be looking at reserve positions on most rosters.
Mathis is considered to be one of the better guards in the league and teams like the Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders could be landing spots for him. NFL.com writes that the Seahawks, Broncos and Giants also could be in the mix for Mathis. According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the Dolphins are among those teams and Miami could look at adding Mathis heading into training camp. Mathis was connected to the Dolphins in trade talks around the draft, but the two sides did not agree on a deal.
Greene could be an option for the Cowboys along with free agents like Felix Jones, Chris Johnson, Daniel Thomas or Ben Tate. The team currently has Darren McFadden and Joseph Randle at the top of the depth chart and behind them are Lance Dunbar and Ryan Williams. NFL.com reports that Greene was the odd man out in Tennessee and that he had not been impressive with the team during his run over the last two years. During his time with the Titans Greene played in 24 games and had 687 rushing yards and six touchdowns.
Mathis reportedly has been looking for a salary bump the past two years and instead of going through with that, the Eagles released him. The Miami Herald reported last week that while the team was interested in Mathis, the Dolphins felt that they would not win a bidding war for Mathis. The site also reported that the team was "comfortable" with the makeup of their guards heading into the summer.