By the time free agency officially started, most of the top available or potentially available players were already off the market.
Eight days in, the A and B-list guys have all pretty much been claimed.
Offensive tackle Andre Smith’s signing with the Vikings Thursday means the top 24 players on the PFT Hot 100 Free Agent List have all received the franchise tag or signed a new contract. The top player remaining on the board is quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who was No. 25.
Fifty six of the top 100 had a deal by the end of the first day of free agency March 9, so the rush was on. There are still some quality players at key positions left, and it’s been a busy week for many teams and many players who weren’t on the list.
The Broncos agreed to a deal with offensive tackle Russell Okung, who was No. 44 on the list, Thursday afternoon, meaning just six of the top 50 remain. Veteran running back Chris Johnson, No. 76, tested the market but ended up returning to the Cardinals on a one-year deal, marking the latest move in a running back market that’s been busy in this second wave of free agency.
Alfred Morris, No. 60 on the list, is the top running back still waiting for a new home -- or, possibly, a familiar one with the Redskins.
There are still some familiar names left, but the big-ticket shopping is pretty much done. The Broncos signing Okung could mean Ryan Clady will eventually be traded, and the Browns’ youth movement could mean the same for Joe Thomas. But as far as current free agents, the market should be slower and cheaper as teams turn their attention to the draft over the next several weeks.