2018 NFL Free Agents: Updated List of Best Players Available Before NFL Draft

A long offseason of workouts and interviews will finally come to an end for this year's NFL draft class later this week, as the 2018 NFL draft kicks off on Thursday night. It's not just the young prospects who are excited about draft season finally coming to an end, however. 

The remaining players in this year's free-agency class are also eagerly awaiting the conclusion of the draft so that they can gain some leverage in negations. 

Many teams are able to use the draft as a safety net during free agency. If they miss out on one of their primary targets, they can still address that need on draft day. However, if they miss out during the draft also, they have to turn to the remaining free agents to fill those holes. 

Here's a look at some of the big names still on the free-agent market, who could see their stock rise again if certain teams are unable to fill their needs during the draft. 

Our four top remaining free agents will be discussed below, but here are some other notable names still on the market:

RB Adrian Peterson

RB DeMarco Murray

S Kenny Vaccaro

QB Colin Kaepernick

WR Eric Decker

S Tre Boston

Eric Reid, FS

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Former San Francisco 49ers free safety Eric Reid has become one of the most talked-about free agents in recent weeks. Reid was the first player to join his former teammate Colin Kaepernick in protesting racial inequality during the 2016 season, and his association with Kaepernick could potentially be impacting how he is viewed by teams around the league. 

The fact that Reid remains unsigned has not gone unnoticed. Former teammate Torrey Smith even chimed in on the matter recently:

"

FREE ERIC REID

— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) April 5, 2018"

According to Jim Trotter of the NFL Network, Reid's extended free agency may end with him returning to San Francisco:

Reid primarily lined up at strong safety for the 49ers a season ago, but the team also has Jaquiski Tartt and former first-round pick Jimmie Ward on the depth chart at safety. Their depth at the position has likely prevented them from offering Reid a lucrative contract, but as his price drops, it sounds as though they may still be interested in bringing him back. 

Dez Bryant, WR

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Longtime Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant is a recent addition to the free-agent pool, having been cut by the Cowboys earlier this month. 

Bryant is coming off the least productive season of his career, as he was held under 1,000 yards for the first time in a season in which he played a full 16 games. However, Bryant is still just 29 years old and should have some good football ahead of him. 

Dallas' decision to part with Bryant was likely about money. According to Spotrac, the team saved $12.5 million in cap space in 2018 with the move. 

Some Cowboys fans had been hopeful that Bryant might return on a restructed deal, but Dallas owner Jerry Jones shot down that idea, according to the NFL Network's Andrew Siciliano:

Bryant will likely need to wait until after the draft, at which point he'll be scooped up by some team that missed out on one of the top wide receiver prospects. 

Bashaud Breeland, CB

Duane Burleson/Associated Press

Former Washington Redskins cornerback Bashaud Breeland has been stuck on the free-agent market far longer than expected thanks to a failed physical that voided a deal with the Carolina Panthers back in March.  

The Redskins are one of the teams around the league still searching for cornerback depth, but JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington recently reported that a reunion is unlikely. 

A number of teams picking near the end of the first round are expected to be in the market for a cornerback. This includes teams such as the Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots. 

If any of these miss out on an instant-impact cornerback in the draft, Breeland could potentially be their fall-back plan.

Johnathan Hankins, DT

Jeff Haynes/Associated Press

Earlier this month ESPN's Dan Graziano reported that former Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins had visits with the Redskins and the New York Jets. However, Hankins remains unsigned. 

It's unclear why he didn't sign with the Jets, but the Redskins likely delayed making him an offer due to their position in the draft. 

The Redskins have been widely linked to Washington nose tackle Vita Vea—a match which Tony Pauline of DraftAnalyst.com called the league's "worst-kept secret."

If the Redskins land Vea, Hankins is no longer needed. However, their earlier visit with Hankins may have been arranged to set up a backup plan in the event that Vea is off the board before the Redskins can get their hands on him.