Unsigned NFL Free Agents Who Can Help a Super Bowl Contender in 2015

With less than one week before the 2015 NFL draft, it’s highly likely that all 32 teams have different priorities right now than adding a veteran free agent.

The next 10 days or so we will see clubs select their players in Chicago and then add young performers in the form of undrafted free agents—a number of which will prove to be key contributors.

Still, what about some of those unsigned veterans who are still looking for work? Is there still anyone out there that a team serious about winning a Super Bowl could add who would greatly increase its chances of hoisting a Lombardi Trophy in February?

We zeroed in on six pros who have not garnered a lot of attention during the free-agency period. However, that could change in another month or so.

RB Pierre Thomas (Released by New Orleans Saints)

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The Arizona Cardinals, a wild-card team with an 11-5 record this past season, could use some help in the backfield.

This past season, only the Oakland Raiders gained fewer yards rushing than Bruce Arians’ club. In 2012, the Cards actually finished dead last in the league in yards gained on the ground.

Veteran running back Pierre Thomas, cut loose by the Saints this offseason following an injury-plagued campaign, may be the most underrated player at his position. In eight seasons, he’s totaled 6,353 yards from scrimmage and 40 touchdowns. Thomas has also scored four touchdowns in five postseason contests.

It’s hard to believe that the steady pro can’t help a team’s offense, both running and receiving, in a big way.

WR Reggie Wayne (UFA-Indianapolis Colts)

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When it’s all said and done, the Indianapolis Colts gave up 14 seasons and 1,070 catches for 12 years and 1,012 catches.

Former Houston Texans star Andre Johnson is now a member of the Colts. Meanwhile, Reggie Wayne is still looking for a new team (if he intends to play this season) after the team decided months ago it would not re-sign him.

Could a team like the Denver Broncos, winners of four straight AFC West titles, or the two-time NFC champion Seattle Seahawks (who are always looking to add players) benefit from the addition of Wayne? The former seems more realistic as it would reunite the veteran receiver with quarterback Peyton Manning.

Could Wayne actually fill the Wes Welker role (unsigned) in Denver’s attack? A wide receiver with previous Super Bowl experience would certainly be a positive for any club.

C Chris Myers (Released by Houston Texans)

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Let’s go back to the Seahawks for a moment, because they happen to be looking for help on the offensive line. Left guard James Carpenter left for the New York Jets via free agency, while former Pro Bowl center Max Unger was dealt to the New Orleans Saints.

Earlier this offseason, Pete Carroll’s club had veteran center Chris Myers in for a visit. The 10-year veteran spent his final seven seasons with the Houston Texans and started every game for the team over that span. Still, he was released by the franchise this offseason and remains unsigned.

Don’t rule out Myers winding up with the Seahawks after all. First, general manager John Schneider has a league-high 11 draft choices to deal with next week.

DE Red Bryant (Released by Jacksonville Jaguars)

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If you are a club that is hoping to shore up your rushing defense, you have come to the right place.

Red Bryant’s forte with the Seattle Seahawks was his ability to help the team when it came to stifling the run. Last offseason, Seattle cut him loose after winning a ring in Super Bowl XLVIII, and he joined the Jacksonville Jaguars and head coach Gus Bradley, whom Bryant played for in Seattle.

The Jaguars were only slightly improved from the previous year when it came to stopping the run. According to Pro Football Focus, Bryant was tied for third in rushing defense among ends who line up in a 4-3 defense.

Could the Carolina Panthers take a chance on Bryant? The NFC South champions finished 16th in the league against the run in 2014, and he could be a nice option for them.

DE/OLB Mathias Kiwanuka (Released by New York Giants)

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Mathias Kiwanuka has made 82 regular-season starts in nine seasons and saw action at both defensive end spots and both outside linebacker positions in the Giants' 4-3 defense. There’s little doubt he could add something to a team that is looking for a backup pass-rusher to spell its starters on occasion.

The 2006 first-round pick totaled 38.5 sacks, 13 forced fumbles and three interceptions for Big Blue and owns a pair of Super Bowl rings as well. Yet, he became expendable this offseason and was let loose by the club.

It would be interesting to see if the New England Patriots, who are always looking for versatile players, add him in the next month or so. The former Boston College standout could be a solid addition for a defensive unit that has already lost the likes of defensive tackles Vince Wilfork and cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner. Meanwhile, linebacker Dont’a Hightower continues to recover from offseason hip surgery.

ILB Brandon Spikes (UFA-Buffalo Bills)

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For the most part, the first five players in this piece have their share of mileage on their bodies.

Inside linebacker Brandon Spikes has played just five seasons in the NFL.

That fifth season came with the Buffalo Bills in 2014. He helped the team improve when it came to stopping the run. Via Pro Football Focus, he played 519 snaps this past season and was the site’s ninth-ranked inside linebacker when it came to rushing defense.

Any number of contending teams could use his help inside. The Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers and perhaps the Arizona Cardinals may benefit from his presence in their 3-4 defense.

All free-agent information and player signings/transactions are courtesy of Spotrac. Depth chart information comes via Ourlads. Unless otherwise noted, all player and team statistics come from Pro Football Reference and ESPN.com.