6 Bargain NFL Free Agents Contenders Should Target for 2023 Playoff Run

Eyes towards a deep postseason run remains the focus for each playoff contender.

With just six weeks left in the regular season, a final piece to the puzzle could ultimately push an organization over the proverbial hump. While the initial windows of free agency have come and gone, a group of serviceable veterans remain without a home.

Although most of the following names sit on the wrong side of 30, enough juice in the tank remains to earn a potential contract. Here are six names that could outperform expectations.

LB Shaquille Leonard

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 15: Shaquille Leonard #53 of the Indianapolis Colts looks on fromt the field during an NFL game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on October 15, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

A three-time All-Pro, it won't be long until Shaquille Leonard finds a home.

Still just 28 years old with three games of playoff experience under his belt, his leadership and range within the lungs of a defense could raise a defensive unit to another level.

Although the linebacker position continues to evolve where teams will often deploy just one second-level stalwart, Leonard would immediately challenge for snaps.

Potential Fits: Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns

WR Jarvis Landry

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TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 5: Jarvis Landry #5 of the New Orleans Saints walks the sidelines during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 5, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

You can never have enough talents on the perimeter who understand how to separate.

Soon-to-be 31 years old, Jarvis Landry may not possess the breakaway burst he showcased out of LSU years ago, however, three 1,000-yard seasons and 38 trips to the end zone showcases a player that could produce immediately.

By no means would he be expected to serve as a high-volume target, but he'd immediately provide a friendly set of hands within any offensive attack.

Potential Fits: Kansas City Chiefs, Cleveland Browns

OT La'el Collins

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CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 11: Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle La'el Collins (71) lines up for a play during the game against the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on December 11, 2022, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Injuries have plagued La'el Collins in his career. But when available, he'd provide an immediate boost to many of this year's playoff hopefuls.

With pro experience at both left guard (899 snaps) and right tackle (4,962), his positional versatility could provide a team a heck of an insurance plan.

Stingy in pass pro and a man-mover in the run game, Collins should have plenty of interest from teams moving into the homestretch of the campaign.

Potential Fits: Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers

RB JD McKissic

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 02: Washington Commanders Running Back J.D. McKissic (23) runs with the ball during the game between the Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys on October 2, 2022 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. (Photo by Andrew Dieb/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Take a peek at the impact Jerick McKinnon has had in Kansas City the last few postseasons.

A similar change of pace talent, JD McKissic could provide some electricity to an offense in need of a third-down piece out of the backfield.

Winning matchups remains of the utmost importance. And converting on third-downs in the playoffs usually paves the way for success. He's not the sexiest name among the free agents still on the market, but his skillset fits the modern game that could be that final piece to an offensive arsenal.

Potential Fits: Seattle Seahawks, Baltimore Ravens

EDGE Melvin Ingram

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ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 15: Melvin Ingram #6 of the Miami Dolphins warms up prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Wild Card playoff game at Highmark Stadium on January 15, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)

Despite being one of the older names on this list at 34 years of age, 13 sacks over the last two years will surely intrigue teams.

A first-round pick over a decade ago, Melvin Ingram could be an excellent addition to round an edge rotation.

While he's served as the 'spinner' in a multitude of spots during his career, pinning his ears back on passing downs could provide a team an excellent bang-for-your-buck option. Pushing the pocket remains of the utmost importance come playoff time, and whether Ingram gets to the quarterback or not, his presence will, at minimum, draw the eyes of opposing offenses.

Potential Fits: Minnesota Vikings, Jacksonville Jaguars

DT Akiem Hicks

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TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 01: Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive lineman Akiem Hicks (96) rushes the passer during the regular season game between the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on January 01, 2023 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

As much as Akiem Hicks would be an addition on the field, his addition inside a locker room could prove invaluable.

While his days as a high level one and three-technique look to be in the past, Hicks' veteran leadership and experience under the brightest of lights should mean something.

Still in search of his first Super Bowl ring, his experience and charisma would provide a jolt into any locker room in football, let alone a roster with Lombardi Trophy hopes.

By no means would he just be a shoulder to lean on – his knack for clogging gaps and pushing the pocket from the interior was evident during his time with Tampa Bay last fall.

Potential Fits: Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions