Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Dan Benton | Last updated 2/9/21
In under two months, the NFL world will be thrust back into its busiest time: free agency.
All 32 organizations will dive head-first into a deep pool of available players in an attempt to find their missing pieces. And although the initial flurry is always focused on the top-end free agents, it’s the second and third wave of players who tend to shore up key loose ends.
In 2021, just as it’s been in each year prior, there will be several under-the-radar players who sign at a discount and go on to make all the difference. Here’s a look at five unrestricted free agents who could very well fit that bill.
5. Tyrod Taylor, QB
Tyrod Taylor isn’t “under-the-radar” in the sense that he’s an unknown, but he is “under-the-radar” in the sense that he’s a quality quarterback capable of starting in this league but just can’t seem to find the right situation. Many believed he had it in 2020, but a botched injection by a team doctor caused Taylor to miss some time and ultimately paved the way for Justin Herbert’s emergence. It was an unfortunate break for Taylor, but at just 31 years of age, there’s still time to find that ideal fit. In a league so heavily influenced by offense, Taylor’s ability to pass and run without turning the ball over is going to appeal to someone.
Dec 26, 2020; Detroit Lions defensive end Romeo Okwara (95) warms up before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field. Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
4. Romeo Okwara, EDGE
Romeo Okwara entered the league as an undrafted free agent, signing with the New York Giants and playing an extremely limited role until he joined the Detroit Lions in 2018. That season, Okwara flashed some very real talent, recording 7.5 sacks in 15 games. However, he was relegated to a reserve role in 2019, and his sack total dropped to 1.5, leaving many to wonder if the prior season had just been a flash in the pan. But in 2020, Okwara reemerged with a career-high 10 sacks despite starting just nine games for the Lions. He earned an 85.4 pass rushing grade from Pro Football Focus and was credited with an impressive 61 total pressures. At just 25 years of age, it’s entirely possible that Okwara’s best and most dominant football remains ahead of him.
Dec 13, 2020; Carolina Panthers running back Mike Davis (28) with the ball in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
To continue reading this article, click here.
