The NFL free agent market has some notable names after roster cut downs with Fred Jackson, Trent Richardson and Denarius Moore joining Wes Welker, Steven Jackson and Ben Tate as available options and teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, NY Giants, San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings could be interested.
Trent Richardson was released by the Oakland Raiders after a tough training camp, while Fred Jackson was cut by the Buffalo Bills in a financial/depth move. According to ESPN.com, Richardson was released during the first round of cuts for the Raiders and it came after he signed two-year, $3.85 million contract with the team. Richardson getting cut was not a major surprise, as he had only $600,000 guaranteed in his contract and he originally came into camp overweight.
Fred Jackson is a name that should get some attention, as teams like the Houston Texans, Cleveland Browns and Dallas Cowboys all could interested in signing the running back. According to Pro Football Talk, Jackson was released for financial and depth reasons for the Bills, as the team has LeSean McCoy, Boobie Dixon, Karlos Williams and Bryce Brown on the roster. Jackson was set to make $2.35 million this year and now he is on the market. UPDATE: Fred Jackson is visiting with the Seahawks and could sign there.
The Dallas Cowboys could be an option for Jackson, as he has ties to Texas and still could be a solid contributing option. The Cowboys have Joseph Randle and Darren McFadden as the primary running backs with Lance Dunbar also on the roster and Jackson could be a solid fit if McFadden or Randle get hurt (and with McFadden, let's be honest...). The Browns are also a fit, as the team has Duke Johnson dealing with a concussion and have been mentioned in connection with Ray Rice this offseason.
Wes Welker remains on the market and there are some teams that have a need at receiver, but it's not clear if Welker will be a fit. The Green Bay Packers have dealt with injuries this summer with Jordy Nelson suffering a torn ACL and Randall Cobb spraining a joint in his shoulder. Losing Nelson is huge for the Packers, but the team has Davante Adams and some other young players that can step up. Teams may wait until the season starts to sign Welker.
Richardson now could have a tough time finding work after flaming out for his third team at just 25-years-old. Richardson was drafted by the Browns at number three overall past Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III and he was eventually traded to the Indianapolis Colts. Richardson was released by the Colts and only rushed for six rushing touchdowns in two seasons. Richardson started off camp on the PUP and ended up averaging just 2.8 yards per carry in the preseason.
Check here for more on the free agents.
