NFL Rumors And News: 6 Best Free Agents Available; Cowboys After Jared Allen?

A week into the start of NFL free agency, many of the league’s top players have signed with new teams. Still, several impact players remain available.

The likes of Darrelle Revis, Greg Hardy, and DeMarcus Ware have already signed new contracts. A few potential Pro Bowlers, though, are looking to sign deals.

Below are updates on the six best free agents on the market.

Antonio Cromartie

The cornerback might be the best free agent that hasn’t been signed or given the franchise tag. Still, the New York Jets don’t appear to be eager to bring him back. Brian Costello of the New York Post reports that the team isn’t being very aggressive in their pursuit to re-sign Cromartie. The 29-year-old has spent the last four years with the Jets, recording 13 interceptions, while missing just one game. The Arizona Cardinals are the favorites to land him, after the two sides met last week.

Jared Allen

The defensive end is looking for a new home, after spending six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. Allen has met with multiple teams, including the defending champion Seattle Seahawks and the Dallas Cowboys. The veteran could be a perfect fit for Dallas, who lost DeMarcus Ware and Jason Hatcher in free agency. However, Ian Rapoport of nfl.com says the team is unlikely to sign Allen, after agreeing to terms with defensive tackle Henry Melton. There were rumors that Allen and the Denver Broncos discussed a deal, but Allen’s agent has denied ever receiving an offer.

Owen Daniels

With the New Orleans Saints placing the franchise tag on Jimmy Graham, Daniels might be the best tight end available. He was a consistent performer in his eight seasons with the Houston Texans, though injuries kept him out of 11 games in 2013. Daniels visited the Green Bay Packers last week, though the team’s re-signing of Andrew Quarless might be an indication that they are no longer interested. The veteran has also visited with the Washington Redskins, where he could replace the departed Fred Davis.

Jermichael Finley

Finley nearly suffered a career-ending injury this past season, when a hit required him to undergo spinal-fusion surgery. Four months later, the tight end is working to get ready for the 2014 season, waiting to be cleared for action. Finley met with the Seattle Seahawks, and nfl.com reported that the two sides were close to reaching an agreement. However, the Seahawks have since restructured Zach Miller’s deal, which could put a potential Finley deal in jeopardy. Finley won’t sign with a team, until he’s cleared for full contact. A return to Green Bay is still possible.

Michael Vick

Despite battling injuries in the past few seasons, Vick is the most sought-after quarterback on the market. He’ll have a few options, as teams look for a reliable backup quarterback. NJ.com reports that Vick will meet with the Jets this weekend, who are looking for a veteran to play behind Geno Smith. The Buffalo Bills and Oakland Raiders have been rumored to have an interest in Vick. The Minnesota Vikings need a quarterback, and Adrian Peterson has expressed his interest in his team signing the 33-year-old. There’s also a chance Vick returns to Philadelphia to back up Nick Foles.

Maurice Jones-Drew

Two years ago, Jones-Drew was among the best running backs in the NFL. Now, the veteran is looking for a new contract. In 2012 and 2013, he struggled with a poor Jacksonville Jaguars team, totaling 1,217 yards on the ground. According to ESPN, he has a visit with the Pittsburgh Steelers.