The initial days of NFL free agency are some of the most thrilling on the NFL schedule. The largest accessible names contemplate their futures and where they will find their next residence while we all simply sit wide-eyed, thoughtlessly devouring popcorn refreshing social media waiting for updates.
And while everyone will be curious to see where quarterbacks like Kirk Cousins end up, or the prominent wide receivers like Mike Evans sign, there are numerous skilled players that don’t receive the attention they deserve when discussing high-impact players. Here are a few of those players.
The young safety spent the first four years of his career with the Washington Commanders. While his production took a dip in 2023, he also had to contend with a terrible surrounding cast, particularly in the pass rush. Several players were also miscast in the Commanders’ defense, including first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes who excelled as a man-coverage cornerback but was playing in a zone-heavy defense.
Curl had an excellent 2022 season, ranking as one of PFF’s top safeties. He allowed a lower percentage of receptions that came his way in 2023 compared to 2022, but his solid performance was overshadowed by the Commanders’ catastrophic collapse. If he were to join a team in need of a safety that also boasts other defensive stars like the Buffalo Bills, he would excel.
Wonnum has been a reliable part of the Vikings’ defense over the past few seasons and saw his production rebound in 2023 under Brian Flores after a slight decline in 2022. He finished the year with eight sacks and 32 stops, a stat from PFF that credits a player with causing an offensive failure through a tackle.
When discussing disruptive pass rushers for the Vikings, Danielle Hunter receives the majority of the attention, and even names like Ivan Pace at linebacker garnered more national recognition this season than Wonnum. Wherever he ends up, if utilized effectively, many will wonder why they hadn’t paid more attention to him over the past four seasons.
Prior to the 2023 season, I highlighted Luvu as a player who was poised for a significant payday and noted that he may be the most underrated off-ball linebacker in football- all of which still hold true. He is an exceptional run stopper, and when he was deployed as an additional pass rusher, he wreaked havoc. He recorded seven sacks as an inside linebacker and eight hurries on the quarterback. He also finished the year with 47 stops. If Luvu joins a contending team or a rising star like the Texans, sit back and enjoy the spectacle. He will demonstrate to those unfamiliar with his game what his supporters have been advocating for over the past few seasons.
According to the Source touchdownwire.usatoday.com