Yannick Ngakoue, Ezekiel Elliott, NFL Free Agents Who Could Help Playoff Teams
It's the final week of the 2024 NFL regular season, which means that, over the next two days, the final few playoff positions will be on the line.
Some teams are still jockeying for positioning. Others, like the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, are locked into spots and simply looking to reach the postseason healthy.
Unfortunately, reaching the playoffs with a complete and healthy roster is a challenge for any team, and some have already been bitten hard by the injury bug. The good news is that a few veterans are available who could provide reinforcements for postseason play.
The list includes pass-rusher Yannick Ngakoue, who was recently released by the New England Patriots, and running back Ezekiel Elliott, who was released by the Dallas Cowboys this week.
While it can be difficult for a player to latch on to a roster and provide an immediate impact, it never hurts to have experienced depth for a playoff run. With this in mind, let's dive into the top available free agents, what they could provide in the postseason and which landing spots would make the most sense based on team needs, roster depth and scheme fit.
S Jamal Adams
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It's been a disappointing year for three-time Pro Bowl safety Jamal Adams. He was released by the Seattle Seahawks in the offseason, released by the Tennessee Titans in mid-October and was cut from the Detroit Lions practice squad this week.
It's entirely fair to wonder what the 29-year-old has left in the tank. He appeared in three games for the Titans and made two starts for the Lions but has played just 40 combined defensive snaps this season.
Adams might be most valuable as a reserve defensive back-linebacker hybrid with some situational pass-rush value. Though he hasn't recorded a sack since the 2020 season, he finished that campaign with 9.5 quarterback takedowns.
Seattle's defensive coordinator in 2020 was Ken Norton Jr., who now serves as the Washington Commanders linebackers coach. Washington, which has tallied 41 sacks this season, has done a good job of getting after opposing quarterbacks. However, the Commanders could still afford to add a player who can provide depth at safety, linebacker and edge-rusher.
The Green Bay Packers may also want to eye Adams for depth at safety, where Javon Bullard (ankle) and (quad) are battling injuries. As a bonus, Adams might be able to give Green Bay a little insight into Detroit's defensive plan should the two NFC North rivals meet for a third time this season.
Potential Landing Spots: Green Bay Packers, Washington Commanders
OT La'el Collins
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Right tackle La'el Collins has been available since the Buffalo Bills released him as part of their final roster cuts in August. While the 31-year-old has had a rough few years—he struggled with the Cincinnati Bengals, suffered a torn ACL late in 2022 and hasn't seen regular-season action since—he does have 71 career starts on his resume.
Collins was healthy enough to stick through training camp with the Bills, who gave him some opportunities at guard.
For teams in need of a right tackle, Collins is the top option available. While there isn't a team with an obvious need right now, a couple could consider Collins for insurance.
The Chiefs could actually use depth at both tackle spots, as guard Joe Thuney has been manning the left side, and right tackle Jawaan Taylor has been dealing with a knee injury—though Taylor did play all 62 snaps in Week 17.
Kansas City would be wise to at least keep tabs on Collins heading into its bye over Wild Card Weekend.
Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Landon Dickerson suffered a knee injury in Week 15, though he started in each of the past two weeks. For Philadelphia, Collins would be a logical insurance policy. He previously played under offensive coordinator Kellen Moore in Dallas.
Potential Landing Spots: Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles
RB Ezekiel Elliott
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Like Adams, Elliott may be beyond his days of providing top-tier production. In 15 games with Dallas this season, the 29-year-old rushed for only 226 yards, 3.1 yards per carry and three touchdowns.
However, Elliott is still a capable dual-threat back (12 receptions this season) who has stayed in game shape throughout the year. This could make him a far more attractive option than a true street free agent in January. The Cowboys released Elliott to give him a chance to stick with a playoff team.
"He's earned this opportunity at his request," head coach Mike McCarthy said, per Patrik Walker of the team's official website.
The Lions have the biggest need at running back, as David Montgomery is currently sidelined by an MCL injury.
Jahmyr Gibbs has done a good job of handling the load, and Detroit is hopeful that Montgomery can return at some point in the postseason. However, adding Elliott as additional depth behind Gibbs, Craig Reynolds and Jermar Jefferson would be logical.
The Eagles should be interested in adding another body to the backfield to help preserve Saquon Barkley as much as possible. Barkley won't play in Week 18, but he's already recorded 378 touches this season.
Kenneth Gainwell and Will Shipley are the only other running backs on the active roster, and Shipley missed Week 17 with a concussion.
Elliott could add value simply by taking a few late handoffs in any game in which Philadelphia is up big. He previously played under Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore when both were with Dallas.
Potential Landing Spots: Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles
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CB Xavien Howard
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Cornerback Xavien Howard hasn't been with a team this season, but he has drawn some interest. The 31-year-old worked out for the Bengals in November, and while he didn't sign with Cincinnati, the workout reportedly went well.
"Sources in the building told me [it] was impressive," ESPN's Dan Graziano wrote.
Howard started 13 games for the Miami Dolphins last season and allowed an opposing quarterback rating of only 81.3 in coverage. A couple of teams should be interested in him ahead of the postseason.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers need a win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday to clinch the NFC South and a playoff berth. It would behoove them to add cornerback help ahead of the playoffs if they quality.
Tampa's offense has become one of the league's best, but its defense ranks 29th in passing yards allowed and has produced a mere seven interceptions. Howard has 31 career interceptions, including in the playoffs.
The Packers may also want to kick the tires on Howard. While their young defense has gelled under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, it has likely lost star cornerback Jaire Alexander for the foreseeable future.
According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, Alexander recently underwent a knee scope and could possibly return "in a few weeks."
Potential Landing Spots: Green Bay Packers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LB David Long Jr.
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Linebacker David Long Jr. has played for two teams this season, appeared in 13 games and tallied 45 tackles and 29 solo stops. However, he was released by the Dolphins in November and waived by the Lions in late December.
The Titans claimed Long off waivers but released him this week due to a failed physical.
Long last appeared for the Lions in Week 15. Since he wasn't waived with an injury designation, he may be healthy enough to contribute but simply not healthy enough to meet Tennessee's standards—and different team doctors do have different standards.
If this is the case, a return to Detroit would be logical. The 28-year-old was initially signed to the practice squad in the wake of Alex Anzalone's fractured forearm. While Anzalone appears close to returning, he admitted that he's not yet fully healthy.
"A hundred percent? No," Anzalone said, per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
The Bills should also consider giving Long a call. Buffalo ranks just 25th in yards per carry allowed, and linebacker Terrel Bernard is dealing with a quad injury—though he's expected to be available for the wild-card round.
While it appears that Bernard avoided a serious injury, Buffalo could afford to add linebacker insurance ahead of the postseason.
Potential Landing Spots: Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions
Edge Yannick Ngakoue
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The Patriots parted with Ngakoue following a six-game stint with the team. He was claimed off waivers in early November following a five-game stretch with the Baltimore Ravens.
Ngakoue was initially signed to Baltimore's practice squad but was elevated in Week 6 and signed to the active roster on October 15. While he didn't see extensive playing time with either Baltimore or New England, he recorded 1.5 sacks and eight quarterback pressures as a rotational pass-rusher.
Last year with the Chicago Bears, Ngakoue recorded four sacks and 11 QB pressures. Before that, he never failed to register fewer than eight sacks in a season.
A return to Baltimore would be logical. While the Ravens have logged an impressive 52 sacks this season, their leading edge-rusher is the 33-year-old Kyle Van Noy. Adding another edge-defender who is already familiar with the defense, even for insurance purposes, would be a very wise decision.
Detroit could also provide a sensible landing spot for Ngakoue. The Lions defense has been hit hard by injuries, but the biggest blow was the loss of star pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson. He's been out since Week 6 with a fractured tibia and fibula, and if he returns at all this year—a very big if—it probably won't be until the Super Bowl.
While the Lions did add edge-rusher Za'Darius Smith at the trade deadline, they've recorded a mere 35 sacks this season—and Hutchinson was responsible for 7.5 of them.
Potential Landing Spots: Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions
CB Patrick Peterson
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Cornerback Patrick Peterson has been available since the Pittsburgh Steelers released him in March. However, he played well for Pittsburgh in 2023. He appeared in all 17 games, with 16 starts, and showcased some positional versatility by spending some time at safety.
Peterson allowed an opposing passer rating of 91.5 in coverage last season, which isn't great but is far from a disaster. The 34-year-old also has extensive experience as a return specialist, though he hasn't returned a kick since 2018.
A return to Pittsburgh for insurance purposes would make a ton of sense. Top corner Joey Porter Jr. missed Week 17 with a knee injury, and while he's expected to play against the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, there's always a risk of reinjury. Fellow cornerback Donte Jackson is also dealing with a back injury.
The Minnesota Vikings, who employed Peterson in 2021 and 2022, should also consider a reunion. Minnesota ranks 28th in passing yards allowed, and Peterson has made it known that he'd be happy playing for head coach Kevin O'Connell again.
"I love the coaching staff there," Peterson told the Zach Gelb Show in October (h/t Jonathan Harrison of SI.com). "Coach Kevin, had an opportunity to build a solid relationship over the nine months that I was with him."
There would be little risk in bringing back Peterson for one more run.
Potential Landing Spots: Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers
OT Donovan Smith
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While the Chiefs have been using standout guard Joe Thuney at left tackle, that hasn't been an ideal plan. The competition between Wanya Morris and rookie Kingsly Suamataia didn't deliver a consistent starter, and in-season addition D.J. Humphries has been sidelined by a hamstring issue.
Thuney has fared well enough in his new role, but having him at left tackle has impacted Kansas City's interior running game.
Humphries may return to the starting lineup on Sunday, but Kansas City should consider calling 2023 starter Donovan Smith. The 31-year-old has been out of work since helping the Chiefs win Super Bowl LVIII but started 12 regular-season games and all four postseason contests for Kansas City last season.
According to The Athletic's Nate Taylor, the Chiefs chose Humphries over Smith in a "close decision" in November. If Humphries can't play against the Denver Broncos on Sunday or underwhelms while doing so, Kansas City should reconsider adding Smith.
The Steelers should also give Smith a look, given their issues along the offensive line. Rookie first-round pick Troy Fautanu suffered a season-ending knee injury in September, and starting left tackle Dan Moore Jr. has largely been unreliable. He's been responsible for five penalties and 10 sacks allowed, according to Pro Football Focus.
At worst, Smith could provide insurance for a Steelers team light on tackle depth.
Potential Landing Spots: Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers
*Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference unless otherwise noted.
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