When looking at Super Bowl-winning teams, it's easy to give all the credit to the quarterback and the other star players. But sometimes it's the low-key moves that make the difference between hoisting up the Vince Lombardi Trophy and having an early offseason. Here are some underrated free agents for NFL teams to consider. Please take note that because of these players' value compared to their contracts they would most likely be re-signed by their last team.
5. Romeo Okwara, DE, Detroit Lions
The Lions pass rush was pathetic last season, but if Okwara did not have his strong season, especially towards the end, it would have been non-existent. He had 10 of Detroits' 24 sacks. Okwara generates a lot of pressure, despite not getting much help from the rest of the defense. He is only 25-years old and has a big upside.
He won't command a huge amount in the market, but he still comes with some risks. This is the first time in his career that he had double-digit sacks, although he did have 7.5 in 2018. His latest production could be an outlier and an effect of playing in a contract year. Regardless of the sport, there have been cases of players underperforming, once they secure a long-term contract.
4. Rashard Higgins, WR, Cleveland Browns
When Odell Beckham, Jr. went down with an injury, it looked like the Browns' NFL playoff hopes were in jeopardy. Fortunately, Higgins and the receiving corps stepped up and the passing attack looked better with Baker Mayfield was spreading the ball more evenly.
Higgins only played in 13 games last season, but he finished with a respectable 599 yards and four scores. He doesn't have the best speed or elite, physical tools, but he finds ways to get open downfield.
Despite his increased production, Higgins should be signed with the expectation that he will be a complementary option. He has a high floor, but his ceiling may be quite low. Higgins is a good route-runner and has steady hands. These are traits that age well.
3. Matt Feiler, OL, Pittsburgh Steelers
Offensive line play has never been more in the spotlight in the NFL than today because of the Super Bowl. The football world saw just how badly things can go even for the best quarterbacks when their line does not buy them enough time to make plays. Also, young offensive linemen, even those taken in the first round take time to develop.
The top targets in this free-agent class for shoring up the offensive line are guards Brandon Scherff and Joe Thuney. Both of these players will cost an arm and a leg, so teams with a difficult salary cap situation can settle for Feiler.
This is a move where fit and play style must absolutely match the player. Feiler was in the trenches for a Steelers line that did a great job in protecting Ben Roethlisberger, however, they were not able to make life easy for their rushing game. Pass-heavy teams should consider Feiler. He is versatile and can play both guard and tackle. This is very useful with the prevalence of injuries.
2. K. J. Wright, LB, Seattle Seahawks
NFL teams in need of an upgrade at linebacker should look to Matt Milano and Jayon Brown. Those two had some of the best value contracts, however, with teams taking notice of their pass coverage abilities among other skills, their asking price will go up.
This is where Wright comes in. He is getting up there in age, but he is still a solid, well-rounded defender. His coverage skills though are not what they used to. Wright is an asset in stopping the run. He will provide a positive, veteran presence.
1. Earl Thomas III, FS, NFL Free Agent
This is the signing that comes with the most caveats. First, he has to go to a team with a very strong locker room culture. One of the reasons Thomas' play dipped in Baltimore was because his role in the defense was more complicated than what he was used to with the Seahawks. Also, playing in his home state of Texas might do him some good. Most importantly, he has a glut of both on-field and off-field issues.
So why should teams roll the dice with Thomas? Well, when he is engaged and playing within the scheme, he is still a good safety with great coverage skills. Thomas is a ball hawk and has a nose for locating the football. His days as a member of the vaunted Legion of Boom are long gone, but now and then he makes game-changing plays.
If he still manages to get signed by an NFL team, it has to be on a small contract laden with incentives.
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