Under the Radar Free Agency Sleepers

[MrEpsYtown]

We all like to talk about the big-name expensive free agents. One of the things that I always find interesting is talking hidden UFA gems that could help our team. 

 

Alexander Mattison - RB - This guy is a big 5'11", 220-high cut back who runs for power and was a great complement to Davin Cook in Minnesota. He's only 24 and so there is a ton of tread left on those tires as he has been in a job share most of his career so far. He doesn't have the breakaway speed, but the dude runs hard. You are looking at something like 2 million per for a guy of his ability. Dude ran a slow 40 at the combine. He does not look slow when you watch him in the game. I think he fits well with James Cook as a short-yardage change-of-pace guy. 

 

 

Justin Watson - WR - Ivy league receiver, 6-2, 215, he has been a depth player for Tampa and KC and made some very clutch, acrobatic catches this year for KC when guys were out. Obviously a smart player. Ran a 4.4 at the combine, a huge vert, long arms, and big hands. Caches everything. He also plays special teams for the Chiefs. I think he would be a sneaky good signing. There is a ton of potential there. 

 

 

Rasheem Greene - DE - This guy was compared to Carlos Dunlap coming out. He is long and has some bend and former third-round pick of the Seahawks. He put up 3.5 sacks in a part-time role for the Texans, but as a former 5-star recruit who has dealt with some injuries, I think there could be some lightning in the bottle. Fits the mold of a McDermott end and he can also rush on the inside. 

 

 

Coleman Shelton - IOL - This dude bounced around the league a bit before he found a home in LA. He is not technically a free agent but has a payer option opt-out. After having a nice year filling in for injured players at both center and guard, he may be looking for a more lucrative deal than what he signed last year. He has played some meaningful snaps for the rams. Like Austin Corbett and David Edwards, Shelton is a guy Aaron Kromer targeted and developed. 

 

Kaden Ellis - LB - Ellis is another late bloomer type coming out of Idaho, but is all over the field for NO. 6-2, 240, he can cover and rush the passer. He has really good football instincts and reminds me of Matt Milano a bit. He has NFL bloodlines as the son of former Lion DL Luther Ellis. There is something there and I think he could be an interesting fit as our mike if Tremaine is indeed gone. Again, I am not sure if he will cost a ton, but he is a player that looks like he has a ton of potential in a full-time role. 

 

 

Anyone else have any sleeper Free agents we should discuss? Please share!

 

[Rc2catch]

Well done. Every year on here we see fans wanting the top free agents available so it’s nice to see a more realistic list of potential targets. 

[DeltaDigital]

yea, sleepers got us quessenberry, an ancient saffold and settle. only sleeper that was worth a ***** was daquon jones. 1-4 isnt a HOF batting average. 

[BADOLBILZ]

9 minutes ago, DeltaDigital said:

yea, sleepers got us quessenberry, an ancient saffold and settle. only sleeper that was worth a ***** was daquon jones. 1-4 isnt a HOF batting average. 

 

 

Settle was the only one of those who would qualify as a "sleeper".

 

Jones was a steady, long-time $4M/yr value plugger who Beane overpaid..........the other two were worn out veterans.

[DCofNC]

6 minutes ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

 

Settle was the only one of those who would qualify as a "sleeper".

 

Jones was a steady, long-time $4M/yr value plugger who Beane overpaid..........the other two were worn out veterans.

Nailed it, the problem Settle had was availability, he flashed a bit when he played,  which was very little.   Jones was very good when healthy and not too bad when he was dinged up, but you got about what you expected there and I agree, over paid to get him. There should have been zero expectations for Quess and Saffold looked washed in 21, so it was a prayer he would be worth something in 22 and it wasn’t answered.

 

It was not a good year for the Beanery over all. 

[NewEra]

Great list @MrEpsYtown

 

I haven’t looked into much yet but hope to dig in over the weekend.  
 

I found this interesting 

https://nfltraderumors.co/top-100-2023-nfl-free-agents-list/

 

scroll down to #66, you’ll see Singletary.  Then look down 2 spots to #68.

 🤣 

 

 

[Ghs24mike]

Someone that I don’t think is getting any publicity is Michael Thomas.

 

He is a star when healthy*. Saints are going to cut him to free up space.

 

He just turned 30 but has almost no mileage from the last three seasons due to injury.

 

Could see a 2 year or even 3 year deal that is reasonable. 
 

He catches absolutely everything that is thrown his way and at 6’3 he gives us that red zone threat we really haven’t had.

 

 

[MrEpsYtown]

29 minutes ago, Ghs24mike said:

Someone that I don’t think is getting any publicity is Michael Thomas.

 

He is a star when healthy*. Saints are going to cut him to free up space.

 

He just turned 30 but has almost no mileage from the last three seasons due to injury.

 

Could see a 2 year or even 3 year deal that is reasonable. 
 

He catches absolutely everything that is thrown his way and at 6’3 he gives us that red zone threat we really haven’t had.

 

 

 

Rumor has it they are trying to extend him. 

[RyanC883]

Mattison would be great if we can't land Foreman.  The others intrigue me also.  Thanks for putting the list together! 

[MrEpsYtown]

2 minutes ago, RyanC883 said:

Mattison would be great if we can't land Foreman.  The others intrigue me also.  Thanks for putting the list together! 

 

He seems a lot like Foreman actually. A little under the radar, but that was the comp I was thinking of for sure. He should be cheaper. 

[JohnBonhamRocks]

Would love Mattison but feel he has earned a look as a true HB1. 

[Over 29 years of fanhood]

5 hours ago, MrEpsYtown said:

We all like to talk about the big-name expensive free agents. One of the things that I always find interesting is talking hidden UFA gems that could help our team. 

 

Alexander Mattison - RB - This guy is a big 5'11", 220-high cut back who runs for power and was a great complement to Davin Cook in Minnesota. He's only 24 and so there is a ton of tread left on those tires as he has been in a job share most of his career so far. He doesn't have the breakaway speed, but the dude runs hard. You are looking at something like 2 million per for a guy of his ability. Dude ran a slow 40 at the combine. He does not look slow when you watch him in the game. I think he fits well with James Cook as a short-yardage change-of-pace guy. 

 

 

Justin Watson - WR - Ivy league receiver, 6-2, 215, he has been a depth player for Tampa and KC and made some very clutch, acrobatic catches this year for KC when guys were out. Obviously a smart player. Ran a 4.4 at the combine, a huge vert, long arms, and big hands. Caches everything. He also plays special teams for the Chiefs. I think he would be a sneaky good signing. There is a ton of potential there. 

 

 

Rasheem Greene - DE - This guy was compared to Carlos Dunlap coming out. He is long and has some bend and former third-round pick of the Seahawks. He put up 3.5 sacks in a part-time role for the Texans, but as a former 5-star recruit who has dealt with some injuries, I think there could be some lightning in the bottle. Fits the mold of a McDermott end and he can also rush on the inside. 

 

 

Coleman Shelton - IOL - This dude bounced around the league a bit before he found a home in LA. He is not technically a free agent but has a payer option opt-out. After having a nice year filling in for injured players at both center and guard, he may be looking for a more lucrative deal than what he signed last year. He has played some meaningful snaps for the rams. Like Austin Corbett and David Edwards, Shelton is a guy Aaron Kromer targeted and developed. 

 

Kaden Ellis - LB - Ellis is another late bloomer type coming out of Idaho, but is all over the field for NO. 6-2, 240, he can cover and rush the passer. He has really good football instincts and reminds me of Matt Milano a bit. He has NFL bloodlines as the son of former Lion DL Luther Ellis. There is something there and I think he could be an interesting fit as our mike if Tremaine is indeed gone. Again, I am not sure if he will cost a ton, but he is a player that looks like he has a ton of potential in a full-time role. 

 

 

Anyone else have any sleeper Free agents we should discuss? Please share!

 

Good job finding Kumerow 2.0…. Slam dunk 

 

I confused That minny RB with Cook a couple time watching him because he seems to hit the hole the same way. Had some big games when given touches. 
 

I wonder if a guy like this has a huge price point difference vs Singletary… 

[LABILLBACKER]

4 hours ago, DCofNC said:

Nailed it, the problem Settle had was availability, he flashed a bit when he played,  which was very little.   Jones was very good when healthy and not too bad when he was dinged up, but you got about what you expected there and I agree, over paid to get him. There should have been zero expectations for Quess and Saffold looked washed in 21, so it was a prayer he would be worth something in 22 and it wasn’t answered.

 

It was not a good year for the Beanery over all. 

Yeah the Settle, Saffold & Quessenberry signings were absolutely terrible.  Thank God Daquan stepped up and even outplayed Ed some games.  Beane has got to nail some FA picks next week. Missing on 3 out of 4 and Crowder being useless really hurt.

[MrEpsYtown]

19 hours ago, Over 29 years of fanhood said:

Good job finding Kumerow 2.0…. Slam dunk 

 

I confused That minny RB with Cook a couple time watching him because he seems to hit the hole the same way. Had some big games when given touches. 
 

I wonder if a guy like this has a huge price point difference vs Singletary… 

Some projections I saw on Mattison were like 2 million per and Singletary closer to 4-5 per. So on paper he should be cheaper. 

[Process]

Mattison yes please. Perfect addition.

 

That's what we need at RB, a cheap vet to pair with Cook. Not a high draft pick.

[RocCityRoller]

Good list.

 

Would you consider Kaleb McGary (RT- JAX) or Jawaan Taylor (RT - ATL) as under the radar?

 

Brown (LT) and McGlinchey (RT) are the shiny FA OTs.

[MrEpsYtown]

A few more…
 

Scotty Miller -WR-  Runs in the 4.3s and has shown off that speed in games. He catches the ball and has had some very good games in the past in which he kind of took over. He is coming off a bit of a down year. Looked like he could bust out and it just didn’t happen. 
 

Mitchell Wilcox -TE- He finally came around a bit this year with the Bengals. The just non tendered him and it seems some people feel it’s a bit of a controversial decision. He doesn’t really standout in any of his physical traits, but made some clutch plays for the Bengals this year. Perfect #2 type guy.  

Evan Brown -IOL- Mainly a center but can also play guard. I think he is interesting because of his outstanding RAS score coming out of SMU. He was pretty good filling in for an injured Frank Ragnow in 2021. Good depth and competition. 
 

Connor McGovern -IOL- I talked a lot about the Jets version, this is the cowboys one from Penn State. He played well in spots but Dallas never turned things over to him full time, I am not sure why. But I think there is something there. He can play center and guard and I think he has potentially as a starting guard. Still just 25, he is a former linemate of Ryan Bates at PSU. 6-5, 320, with long arms, he fits the profile, while he isn’t the athletic freak they usually seek

[3rdand12]

I need two emoji things for this OP and the thread created !

Awesome and Thank You 😉

[MrEpsYtown]

2 hours ago, RocCityRoller said:

Good list.

 

Would you consider Kaleb McGary (RT- JAX) or Jawaan Taylor (RT - ATL) as under the radar?

 

Brown (LT) and McGlinchey (RT) are the shiny FA OTs.

Taylor to an extent yes. I think he’s flying under the radar but I like him. 
 

I think McGary should get paid more than McGlinchey. They are both the same age, McGlinchey is a bigger name coming out of Notre Dame. I think McGary still has upside and potential whereas McGlinchey is probably maxed out. 

[3rdand12]

22 hours ago, LABILLBACKER said:

Yeah the Settle, Saffold & Quessenberry signings were absolutely terrible.  Thank God Daquan stepped up and even outplayed Ed some games.  Beane has got to nail some FA picks next week. Missing on 3 out of 4 and Crowder being useless really hurt.

Settle played well when not dinged. so i am not down on him. Jones was a beast for us. So overpaid ??
Ed and Jones are different techs and types (size too  lol)
so apples to oranges I think there LA
But i surely agree this season is Beanes Boys and their biggest test yet !

 Resolving the ones who leave. or not retained. And how the big holes are filled (Edmunds and Poyer )
Then fixing the weaknesses that O line showed because of Beanes.

Q and Saffold were looking like bad effort at this point for sure