As the month of June approaches, NFL rosters across the league are still lacking in key positions despite OTAs being underway.
Most teams have nearly finalised their rosters for the upcoming season, but there are still moves to be made and trades to be approved. For those without trade assets, there are still a few free agents who could be picked up - potentially at a bargain price.
Here's a look at the top remaining player for each major position group and which teams seem best suited for their services.
Quarterback - Ryan Tannehill
A proven quarterback with 11 seasons of NFL experience, Tannehill seemed to hit his stride in his 30s, putting together a career 3,800-yard, 33-touchdown season in 2020, all while throwing just seven interceptions, as he led the Titans to back-to-back 10-win seasons. However, after eight sub-par starts in 2023, the 35 year old suffered an ankle sprain and returned to find that rookie Will Levis had been named the full-time starter.
Favourites: Tannehill's days as a starting quarterback are likely behind him, setting up a potential return to Miami, where he was selected eighth overall in 2012 and played for six seasons, or Detroit as a backup for Jared Goff.
Running back - Dalvin Cook
If the Dalvin Cook of 2020 was available in today's NFL free-agency pool, the 28 year old would have undoubtedly found a new team before Memorial Day Weekend. In that year, Cook racked up over 1,500 yards, averaging five per carry, and scored 16 touchdowns while earning his second of four consecutive Pro Bowl appearances.
However, his performance took a nosedive in 2023, averaging just three yards per carry on 67 attempts with the Jets in 2023. Now, he's on the hunt for his third team in five months after joining the Ravens midseason.
Favourites: A return to Minnesota, where Cook spent his first six seasons, is viewed as a distinct possibility, as is a move to Tampa Bay.
Wide receiver - Hunter Renfrow
Renfrow is one of the most thrilling names left in free agency. The sixth-year star was a 1,000-yard receiver just two seasons ago.
The lifelong Raider ended his breakout season with an 80 percent catch rate and nine touchdowns, but his usage fell to a quarter of his 2021 totals last year and he was let go by Las Vegas in March.
Favourites: As expected, Renfrow remains linked with several NFL franchises, but Cleveland stands out among the pack as the Browns gear up for a fairly competitive fight behind Amari Cooper for the WR2 role.
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Offensive line - David Bakhtiari
Despite being a fourth-round pick in the 2013 Draft, Bakhtiari has been a consistent starter on the Green Bay offensive line for over ten years. However, his health issues have significantly limited his game time, having played only 13 games in the last three seasons, leading to the Packers releasing him this March.
When fit, he's shown himself to be one of the NFL's top tackles, earning three Pro Bowl appearances and five first-and-second-team All-Pro selections.
Favourites: Bakhtiari only played one game last season, but is reportedly set to return in 2024, with the Jets appearing as favourites to secure his services.
Defensive line - Emmanuel Ogbah
A versatile defensive end and linebacker, Ogbah has become one of the NFL's top pass rushers in recent years. He racked up nine sacks in 2020, ranking 14th among all NFL defenders, and matched that total in 2021.
However, medical and competitive factors - including a move to nose tackle during the 2023 season - saw the 30 year old journeyman start just four games and make 31 tackles in the past two seasons.
Favourites: ESPN's Matt Bowen named the Las Vegas Raiders as the best fit for Ogbah, which would be his fourth team in nine seasons.
Defensive backs - Xavien Howard
Another casualty of Miami's cap-space dilemma this offseason, Xavien Howard was let go as a post-June 1 cut, saving the Dolphins nearly $20 million. Like Ogbah, Howard's career hit its peak during the 2020 season, where he led the NFL with 10 interceptions and 20 pass breakups, finishing third in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
However, his impact has lessened over the last two seasons with just two interceptions and 24 pass breakups.
Favourites: CBS' NFL insider Cody Benjamin linked Howard with the Bengals, suggesting he could bring some much-needed experience to Cincinnati's youthful secondary.
Linebackers - Tyus Bowser
The market for pure linebackers has significantly dwindled over the past two months, with Tyus Bowser likely being the best remaining player available. Bowser secured a starting role for the first time in 2021 with the Ravens, racking up 59 tackles and landing 15 hits on the quarterback.
However, he only played nine games the following season and missed the entire 2023 campaign due to a knee injury.
Favourites: The Bills' fourth rotational edge rusher is still up in the air, and Bowser could be a good fit if he's fit.
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Special teams - Randy Bullock
Bullock has plenty of experience moving around the NFL, having played for seven different teams throughout his 10-year NFL career. Despite attempting just six kicks in 2023, Bullock has made more than 250 field-goal attempts in the league and offers a reliable option at the placekicker position.
Favourites: Bullock could be the upgrade New England needs, potentially outperforming second-year kicker Chad Ryland.