The 2022 NFL free agency class is surely loaded with talent headlined by the likes of Chris Godwin, Davante Adams, and Chandler Jones, among others. However, there are also players flying under the radar who could be signed to bargain deals and provide value for contenders, especially those that are tight in cap space for 2022.

Last season, the league saw James Conner, Jadeveon Clowney, and Kendrick Bourne make an instant impact on their respective teams. Now heading to 2022, some names will also emerge as low-risk, high-reward type of players who can be of value and help contenders make a deeper playoff run this time around.

With that said, let's take a look at four NFL free agent bargains for contenders to sign in 2022.

Best NFL free agent bargains in 2022

4. Mark Glowinski

Indianapolis Colts guard Mark Glowinski may find himself being the odd man out of the offensive line as the front office is looking keen on heavily investing in Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson. For his part, the 29-year-old has shown to be a solid starter for the Colts since 2019 which helped him earn a three-year contract with Indianapolis back then.

He has shown to excel more in run blocking than protecting the pass which was a huge help for RB Jonathan Taylor's bid to have a breakout season in 2021. Nonetheless, Mark Glowinski can still be a serviceable starter on another team though it might take a bargain deal for a squad to acquire his services in the upcoming offseason.

3. Cordarelle Patterson

Cordarelle Patterson has always used his versatility as his calling card as he has the ability to play multiple positions on the field. In 2021, he was listed as the Atlanta Falcons' running back, kick returner, and safety on their depth chart. The playcalling of head coach Arthur Smith has allowed him to flourish as he tallied career-best numbers in both the receiving and rushing departments.

Despite having a solid NFL season, Patterson is already about to turn 31 and it remains to be seen if teams would be willing to offer a hefty sum for a running back of that age. It is also not a certainty that every team will know how to maximize his abilities, thus increasing the risk that comes along with the intent of acquiring him.

Nonetheless, the versatility of Patterson that allows him to be a running back-wide receiver hybrid will surely cause matchup problems for the opposing defenders. If a team would know how to best utilize his unique skillset then he will surely be a solid acquisition on a bargain deal for next season.

2. Larry Ogunjobi

The Cincinnati Bengals found a diamond in the rough when they landed defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi on a one-year, $6 million deal. He emerged as a vital piece of the defensive unit as he concluded 2021 with 49 combined tackles, 16 quarterback hits, and seven sacks in 16 games played.

However, his presence was sorely missed by the Bengals after he sustained a foot injury in the Wild Card Round. Ogunjobi's level of production could've made a difference for the team as they advanced to the latter stages of the postseason.

Looking back, the 27-year-old has always been underrated and the lack of attention to his abilities may lead him to sign another short-term contract in the upcoming offseason. The Bengals can certainly retain his services though it also won't be that much expensive for other teams to offer a bigger contract if they are hell-bent on acquiring him moving forward.

1. Arden Key

Edge Arden Key started his career with the Las Vegas Raiders though he didn't get to carve a role for himself in the span of three years. Everything changed when he joined the San Francisco 49ers on a one-year, $1 million contract in 2021.

Key helped elevate the defensive front as he played all 17 games for the first time in his career. He also had a strong run in the second half of the season as he notched 22 combined tackles, 17 QB hits, and 6.5 sacks off the bench.

Despite his potential to continue being a valuable rotational player, the 25-year-old already has a long history of injuries that haunted him early in his career. Though he managed to stay healthy in 2021, it remains to be seen if he can continue to avoid injuries, given what his body already went through since entering the league in 2018.

In terms of his style of play, Key also has room for improvement in terms of run blocking. On top of that, he only has one good year to show for his pass-rush abilities which might not be convincing enough for teams who are looking to acquire him in the offseason.

It will surely be a significant gamble for other teams to acquire Arden Key's services although they will definitely get a productive player if he manages to stay healthy for his new NFL team moving forward.