The NFL free agent market still has some notable players and names like Chris Johnson, Kyle Arrington, Steven Jackson, Tarvaris Jackson, Matt Flynn, Jermaine Gresham, Joe Barksdale, Michael Vick, Knowshon Moreno, James Jones, Wes Welker and Reggie Wayne could find work this week, as teams like the NY Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers could be interested.
UPDATE: Tom Brady has been suspended four games and the Patriots could look at free agents to help replace him.
Pro Football Talk points out that some free agents could get attention this week, as the deadline for adding players that "count toward the compensatory draft pick formula" ends on Tuesday. With that in mind, teams could be more willing to take fliers on players and Johnson could be a main target, as he reportedly has some interest from the Dallas Cowboys. According to Pro Football Talk, Kyle Arrington was released by the Patriots and now he could find a new home this week.
Dan Graziano at ESPN writes that the Giants could be interested in adding Arrington at cornerback, while the San Francisco 49ers and Bears also could look at Arrington. ESPN Dallas reported last week that the Cowboys likely would add a veteran running back heading into the summer and with the deadline passing for picks, Johnson or someone like Steven Jackson could be an option. Johnson said to the media that he was interested in the Cowboys and that interest could go both ways.
According to ESPN.com, Stephen Jones said that the team is comfortable with the roster the way it is, but that doesn't mean the team won't add a veteran moving forward. The team has Darren McFadden at the top of the depth chart along with Joseph Randle, Lance Dunbar and Ryan Williams, so it's not like the team "needs" another back, but they could add a cheap vet like Johnson to help in case injuries happen over the summer. The team let DeMarco Murray go and the Cowboys feel comfortable with McFadden as the starter.
The Patriots might be bracing for the NFL to suspend Tom Brady for his role in Deflategate and if that happens, the team could add a veteran quarterback. The team has Jimmy Garoppolo and Garrett Gilbert on the roster, but they have limited experience and if Brady is out, they may want a vet to start in Week 1 against the Steelers if Brady is banned. Pro Football Talk posits that players like Matt Flynn, Michael Vick or Travaris Jackson could be options, while Garoppolo could be tabbed to start if the team doesn't bring in a vet.
Flynn has experience playing behind a HOF-type player, as he had to come in and play for Aaron Rodgers when he was injured a couple years ago. Arrington could be a target for the Giants, as they have been weak at cornerback over the past couple years and they could use some veteran depth. Arrington has not had any major injuries in his past and he comes in after making 39 tackles last season with one sack and in his career he has nine interceptions. Some free agents likely will get signed this week and teams are also bringing in numerous undrafted free agents as they get ready for offseason workouts and training camp.
