Top 10 NFL free agents in 2017: Where does Adrian Peterson fit?
With franchise tags handed out and several key stars re-signed, NFL free agency has taken shape.
And while several stars are off the board ahead of the market opening on March 9, there's still considerable talent available. Several teams — including the Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers — have the cap space to make a significant splash with potential spending sprees.
Here's a look at the top 10 impending unrestricted free agents:
10. Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings
Peterson is difficult to place on this list, as his eventual value to a team could be significantly higher or lower than this placement. The four-time all-pro turns 32 in March and is coming off a torn meniscus, but he has frequently proved himself to be the exception to many of the standards for running backs. Still, Peterson averaged just 1.9 yards per carry last season and may not fit with several shotgun-heavy offenses. A deep draft class at the position also could limit his value.
9. Terrelle Pryor, WR, Cleveland Browns
With 1,007 receiving yards in a breakout season, Pryor emerged as a bright spot in an otherwise dark year for the Browns. The former quarterback has limited experience at wide receiver, and he could have room to improve as he refines his routes. Several teams with sizable cap space have a need at wide receiver, and the 6-4, 223-pound target could be in high demand.
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8. Martellus Bennett, TE, New England Patriots
Bennett fought through injuries to record 55 catches for 701 yards and seven touchdowns last season, and now he stands to cash in. As the best tight end available, his diverse skill set should earn him considerable attention. New England tends to abstain from bidding wars, so he could be moving on.
7. Brandon Williams, DT, Baltimore Ravens
Williams has been the anchor of one of the league's best run defenses. His value in rushing the passer is limited, but he fits plenty of teams' needs as a 3-4 nose tackle.
6. Tony Jefferson, S, Arizona Cardinals
With Eric Berry off the market, Jefferson becomes the premier option at one of the most demanding positions in football. The former undrafted free agent has a diverse skill set and thrives both in coverage and against the run. At just 25, Jefferson should command significant interest as a difference-making defender.
5. Kevin Zeitler, G, Cincinnati Bengals
As an established young standout at guard, Zeitler could have a similar impact to the Oakland Raiders' Kelechi Osemele in immediately bolstering a team's interior line. Teammate Andrew Whitworth is the top option available at left tackle, but his age (35) limits his value.
4. Calais Campbell, DE, Cardinals
The 6-8, 300-pound run stuffer has been one of the NFL's most reliable defenders in recent years. The cash-strapped Cardinals could have a difficult time keeping Campbell, especially with other impending losses on the defense. He should command significant interest from established contenders running a 3-4 defense.
3. Dont'a Hightower, LB, Patriots
The big-hitting, versatile linebacker could deliver a serious blow to New England's defense if he signs elsewhere. Hightower has delivered a number of key plays, including a strip-sack that helped spark the Super Bowl LI comeback. His potential departure would be especially painful for the Patriots after the team traded away both Jamie Collins and Chandler Jones in the last year.
2. A.J. Bouye, CB, Houston Texans
A breakout season in which Bouye went from the No. 4 cornerback on his own team to a top-line starter makes his value difficult to gauge. Turning just 26 in August, he stands as the top cornerback available in a free agency class that also features Stephon Gilmore and Logan Ryan. With Bouye having just 19 starts in four seasons, teams will have to trust that last year's ascension wasn't a fluke.
1. Alshon Jeffery, WR, Chicago Bears
Injuries and a four-game suspension have impaired Jeffery's last two seasons in Chicago, but wide receivers of his caliber seldom hit the open market. He has shown he can produce as a No. 1 option, though he may be better suited for a 1A role. Jeffery has said he hopes to sign with a contender, and he should have no shortage of options.
Follow Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz on Twitter @MikeMSchwartz.
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