NFL Training Camps are about to begin. Coaches will begin to assess how their rookies and practice squad members from last season might assume a more regular/productive role for the team in 2026. And while that process gets underway, it seems to me that there is another set of considerations in front of coaches and GMs around the league:
- There are veteran players who are still unsigned who can still be positive contributors in 2026. So, how do they factor into roster building around the league?
I am sure this is not an exhaustive list, but I believe the following defensive ends/edge rushers are still available to any team that can sign them:
- Joey Bosa: He has had “injury issues” in the past and is unlikely to be able to play as a starter, but he can rush the passer in passing situations. Last year, he cost the Bills $12M; he appeared in 15 games in 2025; he led the league in “forced fumbles”; he had 5 sacks and 9 tackles for a loss.
- Jadeveon Clowney: He played for $3.45M last year – and was a bargain at that price. In 13 games last year, he recorded 8.5 sacks, 10 QB Hits and 12 tackles for a loss.
- Leonard Floyd: His contract in 2025 was worth $10M. He appeared in 15 games and recorded 3.5 sacks, 5 tackles for a loss and 11 QB Hits.
- Von Miller: His contract in 2025 was for $6.1M. Miller is 37 years old but has said he wants to play again in 2026. He appeared in 17 games for the Commanders last year and produced 9 sacks, 6 tackles for a loss and 15 QB Hits.
None of those four players are foundation pieces for a team anymore; they are long in the tooth but can still do what they were originally drafted to do in the NFL – – pressure the QB. I will be surprised if they go unsigned for the 2026 season. Just as an example of teams that might kick the tires on these defenders, consider two rivals in the NFC Central. The Lions can use an edge rusher to pair with Aiden Hutchihnson while the Packers can use an edge rusher because they really don’t have to top-shelf player at that position.
There is another cadre of unsigned veteran players who could become valuable contributors to teams in 2026. Consider this group of experienced WRs:
- Brandon Aiyuk: At the moment, he is probably the biggest diva among NFL players – – and that is saying something. Technically, he is not a free agent, but the Niners say they do not want him and Aiyuk said he will never play again for the Niners – – so he is a “free-agent-in-waiting”. He did not play in 2025 and had a serious knee injury in 2024; but when healthy he was a serious offensive weapon for the Niners. His contract for 2026 is only for $13.7M but it then balloons to over $40M for both 2027 and 2028. He is only 28 years old; and if that injury is healed and rehabbed …
- Stefon Diggs: He is 32 years old, so a long-term contract might not be prudent; but in 2025, Diggs had 85 receptions for over 1000 yards and he has been a reliable target for most of his 11-year career. He has had more than 1000 yards receiving in 7 of those seasons.
- Tyreek Hill: If Brandon Aiyuk is not the biggest diva among NFL players, then Tyreek Hill might just be the one. Like Stefon Diggs he is 32 years old, but Hill is coming off major knee surgery that limited him to only 4 games in 2025. Nonetheless, his speed – – presuming it is as it was pre-injury – – is something that cannot be taught and is something that has to be accounted for by defensive coordinators.
Deebo Samuel: He is not your typical/prototype WR, but he can be an offensive contributor at that position as well as a threat to run the football. He had 72 receptions last season in 16 games and averaged more than 10 yards per catch. Samuel is only 30 years old.
I just don’t see a scenario where these eight veteran free agents go unsigned for the 2026 season; it will be interesting to see which team lands which player and when that happens.
Finally, I’ll close here with this remark from Sir Winston Churchill:
“Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.”
But don’t get me wrong, I love sports………
Since NFL players are especially fond of preseason team practices, I would not be surprised if these eight wait until just before the season to sign with someone.