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The 2023 NFL free agent market isn't littered with too many big names. (signed with Saints), , Josh Jacobs and Tony Pollard (franchise Derrick Jones Jr. Jersey tagged) are no longer available, but players like wide receiver ., defensive tackle Javon Hargave and safety are among the many proven veterans to choose from this offseason. But sometimes the best additions are the ones that fly under the radar.Super Bowl LVII was such a reminder. The champion landed on a modest one-year deal last offseason, only for the ex-Steelers pa s catcher to play a timely role in Kansas City's latest title run. The runner-up , meanwhile, advanced to the big game in part because of later signings -- such as a one-year deal for in May.With that in mind, which veterans could prove to be great values in 2023? Here's a look at seven underrated free agents: Glen Rice Jersey IND QB #10 CMP%57.9YDs663TD3INT3YD/Att8.72 The perception of Minshew has been slightly but negatively colored by his 0-2 stretch filling in for late in 2022, specifically a lackluster outing against the . But this is a young quarterback (turns 27 in May) with lots of starting experience (24 games) and a hair-above-average pa sing production (44 TDs, 15 INTs, 93.1 rating for his career). That counts for a lot in a league perpetually in need of premium insurance under center. He may Goran Dragic Jersey have physical limitations, but he doesn't lack for locker-room presence and play-making spirit, making him one of the most intriguing backups available. NYJ WR #6 TAR34REC25REC YDs297REC TD4FL0 You might argue that the Chiefs connection actually inflates his value rather than suppre ses it. But he was an invisible man during K.C.'s recent title run due to injury, and the ' unwise bet on following his own flashes in Andy Reid's offense could keep teams wary of Hardman. All that said, when he's been healthy, he's a virtual lock for 500-600 receiving yards and boasts the speed and versatility to move around formations. He's also got lots of experience as a return specialist and will only turn 25 this month. If you're looking for an athletic utility man to fill a No. 3 WR role, you could do a whole lot worse. CLE C #55 Injuries have kept Pocic, 27, from playing more than a single full season at the NFL level, but he's still racked up 53 starts in six years. Best of all, he's fresh off a sterling run as the anchor Shaquille O'Neal Jersey of the ' front, emerging off the bench as arguably Cleveland's steadiest blocker -- even next to All-Pros and . Pocic wasn't a heralded Ryan Anderson Jersey starter during his first five seasons in Seattle, and he doesn't have the name recognition of fellow free agents like and . But his presence was instrumental to Cleveland's Nick Chubb-heavy ground game, and he's proven he can also play guard. PHI DE #55 Graham is a big name who still doesn't get quite the love he deserves; nothing backs this up like his omi sion from the 2022 Comeback Player of the Year race, despite his logging a career-high 11 sacks after mi sing most of the previous year with a torn Achilles. Going on 35, he's definitely more of a rotational piece than an every-down defender these days. He also tends to get more pre sures than actual sacks. But you'd be hard-pre sed to find a better total package at what figures to be a reasonable price. Graham is stout, tough against the run and an absolutely beloved locker-room leader. ATL OLB #55 An unsung hero of Dennis Kelly Olynyk Jersey Allen's stingy Saints defense down the stretch, Elli s' name is overshadowed in New Orleans by familiar Pro Bowlers like , and fellow linebacker . But he's got the athleticism and natural pa s-rushing gifts to warrant a permanent full-time gig, logging seven sacks and 10 QB hits despite only coming off the bench halfway through the year. He's also got lots of special Breein Tyree Jersey teams experience, starring on that unit prior to his defensive ascent in 2022. He may not be , a traditional edge who shined after leaving town, but he's got potential. MIN CB #7 For a 25-year-old starting cornerback, who four years ago was one pick away from being a first-rounder, Murphy has been surprisingly anonymous approaching the market. That's probably because he mi sed half of 2022 with a back injury, and because he hails from a generally shoddy Arizona secondary. When healthy, however, the Washington product has proven pretty sturdy both inside and outside, making him a potential steal for a team Hassan Whiteside Jersey looking to land longer-term secondary help. CLE SS #26 There are lots of splashier, higher-upside bets at the safety position, including the Eagles' C.J. Gardner-Johnson and ' . Going on 33, mi sing time in three of his last five seasons, McLeod does profile as more of a rental type on the back end. But he was a model of consistency during an otherwise down year for the defense, and he's long been a sound fundamental player -- and aggre sive tackler -- at a relatively volatile position. He'd fit in just nicely on a contender, especially in a rotational/mentorship role. |
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