2022 NFL free agency: 5 sleepers for a nice contract
With the 2022 NFL free agency approaching, we take a look at five players who could be about to get paid.
5. Jameis Winston, QB, New Orleans Saints
We had to throw one quarterback on the list. Winston is coming off a torn ACL but he played reasonably well for the Saints in his limited action last year. Still only 28 years old, Winston might be on his third team is as many years, and perhaps there’s a market. The free-agent class at the position is terrible and the draft isn’t strong. If someone is desperate, maybe Winston inks a decent chunk on a one-year deal.
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4. Christian Kirk, WR, Arizona CardinalsÂ
Kirk is an intriguing player. After being a solid role player the first three years of his career in Arizona, Kirk posted career-highs in receptions (77) and receiving yards (982). While those numbers aren’t incredible, they’re solid considering he was the second option behind DeAndre Hopkins before the star went down in the latter half of the season. Kirk is 25 years old coming off his rookie deal. It’s not insane to see him getting a nice payday from a team needing another weapon.
3. De’Vondre Campbell, LB, Green Bay Packers
Campbell is one of the great stories from the 2021 season. After signing a quiet, one-year deal with the Packers last offseason, the veteran shined in the new system, turning into a First-Team All-Pro. The question is as he’s turning 29 years old in July, will teams view him as a one-year wonder or a blossomed star who can anchor a defense? If even one franchise sees the latter, Campbell might have played himself into a very nice contract.
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2. Dalton Schultz, TE, Dallas CowboysÂ
Schultz was a bit overshadowed for much of his time in Dallas with quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Ezekiel Elliott, and receivers CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup and Amari Cooper on the team. However, in 2021, Schultz made a name for himself by grabbing 78 passes for 808 yards and eight touchdowns. Still only 25 years old and hitting the market for the first time, Schultz might be the top tight end on the market during the 2022 NFL free agency.
1. Haason Reddick, EDGE, Carolina Panthers
Reddick might be the most under-appreciated free agent in this class. Reddick has totaled 23.5 sacks over the past two seasons with the Cardinals and Panthers. Despite shuffling through a slew of coaching staffs over his five-year career, Reddick has been increasingly productive and at 27 years old, has earned a huge contract froths next team.
