Best Under-the-Radar NFL Free Agents

We're down to the elite eight of the 2016 NFL playoffs, which is exciting for football fans to watch as the drama unfolds. But the other 24 teams that are no longer playing are focused on how they can be a part of the playoffs next year. Finding the best under-the-radar NFL free agents this offseason and potentially getting a bargain on good players can tremendously boost a roster.

Many of the very best free agents will not see the unrestricted market. The franchise tag is a powerful weapon, and there's a ton of money available to re-sign talent. Per Spotrac, 21 teams will enter the offseason with $20 million or more at their disposal, and that's not even factoring in rollover money.

It's a deep free-agency class, even if Von Miller, Eric Berry and Muhammad Wilkerson don't hit the open market. We've found free agents who can be high-end starters next season, but the hype is low on these individuals for a variety of reasons. Some players had a down year after an injury, or their role grew exponentially and the buzz hasn't caught up to their performance. 

We've identified these free agents and explained why they're under the radar, what kind of money they should ask for and which teams best fit their skills. Using statistical and stylistic comparisons from recent deals in the last two or three seasons will help us predict fair market value.

Where will these players end up? Make sure you leave your predictions in the comments section below.

Tashaun Gipson, S, Cleveland Browns

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After turning in a Pro Bowl season that featured six interceptions in 11 games in 2014, Tashaun Gipson was slow to return from a torn MCL injury in 2015. He played in 13 games this season, missing three contests with a high ankle sprain. While his interceptions dipped from six to two, Gipson is still one of the more talented free safeties in the NFL.

His free agency will be overshadowed by safeties Eric Berry and Eric Weddle since they've sustained success for a longer period of time. Gipson seemed intent on testing the free-agency waters prior to the season, and if nothing has changed, he'll be looking for the highest bidder. As one of few impact coverage safeties in the NFL, expect him to command a top-five salary for the position.

The best fits for Gipson will allow him to play single-high while the front seven creates pressure. He thrives chasing ill-advised passes. He has 23 career passes defensed and 14 career interceptions. He's a rare impact playmaker in the deep secondary.

Projected asking price: Five years, $40 million

Best free-agent fits: Oakland Raiders, Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars

Malik Jackson, DE, Denver Broncos

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In a similar vein to Pernell McPhee's free agency in 2015, defensive end Malik Jackson is in a position to cash in despite not being a superstar pass-rusher. Jackson has been an excellent complementary piece for Denver's talented outside linebackers, totaling 14.5 sacks but creating 108 quarterback hurries in the last three seasons, per Pro Football Focus.

A similar deal should be in order for the versatile defensive end. Jackson will provide a defense with a pass-rushing weapon in either a 3-4 or 4-3 as an end. His quickness is just too much for linemen to handle consistently in short spaces.

Teams needing a creative pass-rusher won't necessarily be too enthralled with Jackson, who worked really well with Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware. In a deep rotation or as a secondary rusher, he can be a solid value, even at top dollar. This is a blossoming player with four or more years left in his prime.

Projected asking price: Five years, $37 million

Best free-agent fits: Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts

Jaye Howard, DT, Kansas City Chiefs

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The development cycle for defensive tackles is generally longer than most other positions. It can take three or four years for tackles to maximize their physique and adjust to the pure brutality of trench play. Jaye Howard was an example of this, as he exploded for an excellent season with Kansas City.

The Chiefs have several major free agents, such as Eric Berry, Sean Smith and Derrick Johnson, so Howard may find his way onto the market. He tallied a career-high 5.5 sacks and 57 tackles in 2015, proving himself as a legitimate defensive end and nose tackle. Now is the right time to invest in Howard since his best days are just beginning.

The market should be deep for Howard. Not only does he play one of the more valuable positions in football, but at 27, he's young enough to feel comfortable guaranteeing three years of a five-year contract.

Projected asking price: Five years, $45 million

Best free-agent fits: Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Ian Williams, DT, San Francisco 49ers

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Finding a quality nose tackle is a difficult task. The strength and leverage it takes to constantly handle double-teams and open gaps for linebackers is a job that not many wish to embrace. At 26 years old, Ian Williams proved to be one of the best anchors in the NFL.

Eating blocks instead of quarterbacks doesn't pay off as well for these players, but that doesn't mean nose tackles aren't valuable. The sacrifice of their body and statistics for the good of the team is critical for a 3-4 scheme. Assigning value to that is difficult, but the supply and demand for the position is weak overall.

Williams has just two career sacks, so prospective teams shouldn't expect much penetration from him. He's simply there to demand double-teams and allow linebackers to get upfield. He was very good at it last year and should continue to improve.

Projected asking price: Five years, $32.5 million

Best free-agent fits: Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh Steelers, Green Bay Packers

Derrick Shelby, DE, Miami Dolphins

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Versatile defensive linemen who play a limited number of snaps sometimes suffer from a lack of recognition because of low production. Without an overwhelming sack number, some may deduce this player isn't effective. Miami Dolphins defensive end Derrick Shelby doesn't have eye-popping production, but he is a highly functional role player.

Shelby rotated between defensive end and tackle for Miami, providing quality run defense and the occasional pass pressure. On obvious passing plays, he is at his best at tackle, where he has too much speed for guards to handle regularly. His ability to set the edge on early downs shows promise as a borderline full-time player.

With just nine sacks in three years, no one should hand Shelby a starting gig. In a similar fashion to Jabaal Sheard in New England, he can play a specific role and be a great team defender. He's certainly worth a modest investment.

Projected asking price: Three years, $12 million

Best free-agent fits: Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Patrick Robinson, CB, San Diego Chargers

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After struggling in New Orleans in 2014, Patrick Robinson signed a prove-it deal with San Diego last offseason. The 28-year-old had a solid season, proving that he's a quality second or third cornerback on a good defense. His revitalization is similar to Brandon Flowers' in San Diego in 2014.

Robinson isn't a playmaker at cornerback, but he is a good cover cornerback. Pro Football Focus had Robinson accountable for just one touchdown allowed in 2015. That's a major upgrade for a number of teams currently starting cornerbacks who cannot prevent scores.

Some teams don't want off-ball cornerbacks like Robinson because of an aggressiveness difference. Robinson has only 10 interceptions in six years, so he's more of a placeholder than a star. That being said, there's nothing wrong with a decent starter who won't single-handedly lose football games.

Projected asking price: Four years, $24 million

Best free-agent fits: Miami Dolphins, Cincinnati Bengals, Chicago Bears

Travis Benjamin, WR, Cleveland Browns

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Cleveland Browns wide receiver Travis Benjamin evolved into a legitimate offensive weapon in his fourth NFL season. He's always been an ace return man, scoring three touchdowns on 68 career punt returns. But his game expanded into becoming a high-caliber No. 2 receiver.

Even below-average quarterbacks couldn't completely hold Benjamin back from producing in 2015. He had a career-high 68 catches for 966 yards and five touchdowns. Before Johnny Manziel took over at quarterback, Benjamin was on pace for 64 receptions, 1,312 yards and 16 touchdowns. That rate was very likely unsustainable for the entire season, but Benjamin had just 140 yards in the last five games of the season.

In a more functional offense with a better quarterback, Benjamin can be what Torrey Smith was for Baltimore from 2011 to 2014. He's a legitimate threat to score on any play, and he improved his ability to create separation on routes other than deep passes. Despite his 5'10", 172-pound frame, he's an outside receiver only, so teams needing a slot receiver won't use Benjamin there.

Projected asking price: Five years, $37 million

Best free-agent fits: Oakland Raiders, St. Louis Rams, Houston Texans, Minnesota Vikings

Brandon Boykin, CB, Pittsburgh Steelers

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The Pittsburgh Steelers' trade of a conditional draft pick for slot corner extraordinaire Brandon Boykin before the season began would have made sense—had they used Boykin. Instead, he played just 281 snaps in the regular season, per Pro Football Focus. That decision is indefensible when Antwon Blake has been a full-time player for the defense.

Defensive backs coach Carnell Lake said Boykin is just sitting behind players performing well, but Blake has allowed 1,082 yards and eight touchdowns this year. Boykin will surely flee in the offseason to have the chance to play again. He's one of the best slot cornerbacks in the NFL.

The need for quality slot cornerbacks is high, but the payday will be modest for Boykin. His niche role and lack of buzz entering the offseason make him a great under-the-radar free agent.

Projected asking price: Three years, $18 million

Best free-agent fits: New York Giants, Indianapolis Colts, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Redskins

Bobby Massie, OT, Arizona Cardinals

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The 6'6", 312-pound right tackle likely knew 2015 would be his final season in Arizona after the Cardinals drafted D.J. Humphries in the first round last year. Massie has been an up-and-down player throughout his career, allowing 29 sacks in three-plus years of work. He's been stagnant in his development until this point.

But he is a good athlete and run-blocker, so a new situation and scheme may benefit him. Arizona's offense relies on vertical passing concepts more than anyone in the NFL, which also stresses the offensive line significantly. Massie may do better in a West Coast offense where he can use his athleticism and size instead of flawed technique for longer periods of time.

The upside on Massie is still significant, and a team desperately needing a buy-low signing should look at Massie. His asking price should be very reasonable, and the downside to signing him is almost nonexistent.

Projected asking price: Three years, $15 million

Best free-agent fits: New York Jets, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings

All stats used are from Sports-Reference.com.

Ian Wharton is an NFL Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report.

Follow Ian @NFLFilmStudy