NFL's odd offseason leaves some big names still unsigned

AP photo by Mike McCarn / Quarterback Cam Newton stretches before the Carolina Panthers' home game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2019, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers released Newton in March after an injury-plagued 2019 season for the 2015 NFL MVP.
AP photo by Mike McCarn / Quarterback Cam Newton stretches before the Carolina Panthers' home game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2019, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers released Newton in March after an injury-plagued 2019 season for the 2015 NFL MVP.

NEW YORK - Offseason shopping is still in full swing in the NFL.

Even with the status of the upcoming season uncertain because of the coronavirus pandemic, teams continue to tinker with their rosters by adding players they hope will help them win - whenever or if they actually play.

Virtual workouts are being held all around the league, with some facilities beginning to reopen but still closed to coaches and players. General managers work the phones and chat with agents and unsigned players through video conference calls.

During the past few weeks some notable names have found news homes, with that group of players including cornerback Prince Amukamara (Las Vegas Raiders), quarterback Joe Flacco (New York Jets), offensive lineman D.J. Fluker (Baltimore Ravens) and running backs Frank Gore (Jets), Carlos Hyde (Seattle Seahawks) and Ty Montgomery (New Orleans Saints).

Other stars remain unsigned and could end up filling major needs for someone. Here's a look at some still waiting to find the right fit - or, in some cases, for quarantine restrictions to be lifted so they can make in-person visits before they or the teams make a decision:

CAM NEWTON, QUARTERBACK

The former Carolina Panthers star missed all but two games last season because of a foot injury and was released in March after the team failed to find a trade partner. Newton is 31 and five years removed from his NFL MVP season. He's been posting workout videos on Instagram to show he's now healthy. Where he eventually ends up - likely as a backup, at least at first - remains an intriguing offseason story.

JADEVEON CLOWNEY, DEFENSIVE END

Many believed Clowney would be snatched up quickly by a team desperate for a pass-rushing presence. And for big-time bucks. Instead, the 2014 No. 1 overall draft pick is still unsigned two months later and potentially looking at a one-year, prove-it deal. A return to Seattle isn't out of the question.

photo AP photo by Tony Avelar / Seattle Seahawks defensive end Jadeveon Clowney speaks at a news conference after a road game against the San Francisco 49ers on Nov. 11, 2019, in Santa Clara, Calif. The Tennessee Titans were among the teams expected to pursue Clowney as a free agent this offseason, but he has yet to make a deal and could end up back with the Seahawks.

LARRY WARFORD, OFFENSIVE LINEMAN

After making the past three Pro Bowls, Warford was cut by New Orleans earlier this month; the Saints drafted Cesar Ruiz in the first round as his obvious successor at right guard. New Orleans also saved $7 million on the salary cap by releasing Warford. He immediately became the most enticing offensive lineman on the market, and he will likely secure a starting spot.

EVERSON GRIFFEN, DEFENSIVE END

The Minnesota Vikings' four-time Pro Bowl pick has 74.5 career sacks, including 26.5 the past three seasons, but he exercised his option to void the remaining three years on his contract. Griffen is reportedly being patient and waiting until he can take in-person visits. He's 32, but he showed last season he has plenty left.

LOGAN RYAN, CORNERBACK

Ryan, 29, played his first four NFL seasons with New England, helping the Patriots win two Super Bowls before signing a three-year, $30 million contract that included $12 million guaranteed with the Tennessee Titans in 2017. He set career highs with 105 total tackles, 18 passes defensed and 4.5 sacks to go along with four interceptions last season, but the Titans chose to move on.

ERIC REID, SAFETY

Reid was released in March after two seasons in Carolina, despite posting career highs with 124 total tackles and four sacks. He signed a three-year, $22 million contract extension before last season, but the new-look Panthers saved $8 million on the cap this year.

JASON PETERS, OFFENSIVE LINEMAN

The big left tackle wants to keep going. Peters turned 38 in January and reportedly has told friends he has his sights on playing into his 40s. He had arthroscopic knee surgery that caused him to miss three games in the middle of 2019, but bounced back and was his usual solid self the rest of the way.

DARQUEZE DENNARD, CORNERBACK

It appeared Dennard had a new home early in free agency when he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, but the three-year, $13.5 million deal fell through. The former Cincinnati Bengals slot cornerback, a 2014 first-round pick, never really lived up to his lofty draft status. He was limited to nine games last season after having offseason knee surgery.

KELVIN BEACHUM, OFFENSIVE LINEMAN

Arguably the Jets' most consistently solid offensive lineman during his three seasons in New York, Beachum, who turns 31 next month, has experience a complete overhaul on the O-line by GM Joe Douglas. His fate with the Jets was sealed after they drafted Louisville left tackle Mekhi Becton with the No. 11 overall pick. He's still a more than serviceable starter.

DEVONTA FREEMAN, RUNNING BACK

Freeman was one of the NFL's most productive backs during the 2015 and 2016 seasons, when he rushed for 11 touchdowns and more than 1,000 yards each year. He hasn't been quite the same player since, with various injuries limiting him to two games in 2018 and only 656 yards rushing and two scores in 14 games last year. The Atlanta Falcons released him in March, and there are reports he might be willing to sit out this season or even retire if no team meets his hefty contract request.

OTHER NOTABLES

CB Eli Apple, QB Blake Bortles, DT Mike Daniels, DT Marcell Dareus, K Stephen Gostkowski, DT Damon Harrison, S Tony Jefferson, S Reshad Jones, CB Dre Kirkpatrick, RB LeSean McCoy, LB Clay Matthews, RB Lamar Miller, LB Cameron Wake and TE Delanie Walker.

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