NFL free agency: 5 best players still available

5. Jay Ajayi, running back

Ajayi did nothing a year ago, rushing for 184 yards in four games for the Philadelphia Eagles. However, he averaged more than 1,000 rushing yards in the prior two seasons with the Miami Dolphins and Eagles, showing the talent in his 26-year-old legs. Is Ajayi an All-Pro? No, but he’s better than plenty backs atop their depth charts at the moment. For a one-year deal, there’s plenty of risk and little upside for the move.

4. Allen Bailey, defensive end

Why Bailey remains on the market is a total mystery. Despite playing on the 31st-ranked Kansas City Chiefs defense in 2018, the former Florida Gators star was one of the standouts. Consistently stout against the run, Bailey had a nice year against the pass, notching six sacks. While Bailey isn’t going to be a perennial Pro Bowler, he’s a solid contributor who can help on all three downs.

3. Morris Claiborne, cornerback

Claiborne is entering his eighth NFL season, and he’s still searching for his third team. The former corner with the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets has shown he isn’t a top, shutdown type. However, Claiborne can provide a nice second or third option, playing outside or in the slot. After years of being banged up and injury prone, Claiborne was able to play in 15 games each of the last two seasons. There’s absolutely no downside in giving Claiborne a one-year deal stacked with incentives.

2. Michael Crabtree, wide receiver

Crabtree isn’t in his prime any longer, but can he be a secondary option on a championship contender? Absolutely. Crabtree has notched only 600 yards in each of his last two seasons, but did so with a very limited Joe Flacco at the helm. The New England Patriots would be a terrific fit for Crabtree, considering they have rookie wideout N’Keal Harry and little else on the perimeter.

1. Eric Berry, safety

Berry is 30 years old, and time is ticking on his career. After an Achilles tear in 2017 and then a heel injury in ’18, it’s hard to say if Berry can still make a difference. Only playing four games in the last two seasons, there are certainly questions. Still, Berry is easily the most high-impact option here if the team signing him can get one more healthy campaign. Berry is a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time First-Team All-Pro, and represents a possible game-changer. This has to be a short-term deal, but there’s reason for belief he could be the final piece on a contender.