As free agency reaches Day 13, the drama has largely been zapped out of the market.
Yes, there are a few sparks of intrigue surrounding where 49ers free agent wideout Michael Crabtree lands, but overall, there isn’t much excitement. Free agency now has the feel of one of those Chapter 7 “Everything Must Go!” sales. There are a few interesting names out there, but everyone knows what’s left on the racks.
However, there is one untapped outlet left to spark some offseason excitement:
Restricted free agency.
As of Sunday, 20 restricted free agents remained available to sign without compensation due to the players’ current clubs. The players’ teams would have the right to match any offer.
However, it’s reasonable to wonder if any team is willing to step up to the plate. Many teams have allocated considerable resources to unrestricted free agency. Who has the salary cap space and patience to put together an offer sheet for a restricted free agent?
Below are the 20 RFAs who don’t have draft choice compensation attached to them. A handful are particularly intriguing, with Broncos cornerback Tony Carter, Raiders wide receiver Andre Holmes, Lions defensive end George Johnson and Rams quarterback Austin Davis four names of note.
Let us know in the comments if any of the RFAs listed merit an offer sheet — and feel free to give us a ballpark estimation of what it might take to get a deal done:
Restricted free agents who would not cost draft-pick compensation to sign:
Broncos CB Tony Carter
Browns S Johnson Bademosi
Browns NT Ishmaa’ily Kitchen
Buccaneers RB Bobby Rainey
Cowboys RB Lance Dunbar
Cowboys P Chris Jones
Eagles RB Chris Polk
Lions DE George Johnson
Packers OT Don Barclay
Packers S Sean Richardson
Raiders WR Andre Holmes
Raiders P Marquette King
Raiders S Brandian Ross
Rams QB Austin Davis
Rams TE Cory Harkey
Ravens S Will Hill
Steelers CB Antwon Blake
Steelers S Robert Golden
Steelers FB Will Johnson
Washington PK Kai Forbath