The NFL is heading the training camp schedule for teams this week and there are still a number of free agents on the market, including Larry English after his release from the Chargers, along with Tim Tebow, Michael Turner, Jermichael Finley, Santonio Holmes, James Harrison and Ed Reed and teams like the Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns or NY Giants could be interested in signing some of those players.
According to ESPN.com, English was released by the Chargers this week heading into training camp and it comes after he dealt with injuries over his years with the team. English played in just 52 games over five seasons after being a first round pick and now he is on the free agent market. Last season he finished off in Week 10 after suffering another injury and over time he had 11 sacks and over 80 tackles for the team.
The Chargers likely did not want to pay the $1.5 million he had coming to him and with a number of players on the line already on defense with Dwight Freeney and Melvin Ingram, the team felt they had enough depth. The Chargers have a number of players at linebacker and as pass rushers and while English has talent, he simply could not stay on the field and now he will have to find another home out there in the NFL.
The team gave English a chance to get on another team, as training camp is just starting and teams usually sign a number of players off the free agent pile to get rosters and depth together. English can step in if teams deal with injuries like the Falcons did last year and he is hoping that he can stay healthy this season. The 28 year old was previously taken in the first round at number 16 back in 2009 and now he will have to start his career over somewhere else.
Michael Turner has been out of football since before last season and he could get a random shot by a team, but that's looking unlikely. Finley is an option for the NY Giants, as they need a solid tight end, while Holmes could get some attention if other players get injured. Holmes had a fast fall from the Jets and if he is healthy he could contribute to another team.
The NFL is opening training camps around the league this week and the Dallas Cowboys opened on Wednesday after the Giants and Bills and teams like the Falcons and everyone else opens later in the week.
