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6 NFL free agents who could be signed soon after preseason

The Big Lead · Jobe Morrison · 2026-08-24T01:13:49+00:00 · nguồn gốc

The NFL preseason is coming to a close, with games set to conclude on Saturday, Aug. 29. Teams will have tough decisions to make as they manage their rosters and prepare for cuts. They may also have to make some phone calls to proven veteran free agents still on the market. There are some notable free agents available who could be signed soon. Most of the current free agents are either recovering from injury, contemplating retirement or waiting for the right situation to arise. MORE: Bud Clark injury update: Latest news on Seahawks DB after being carted off With cutdown day approaching and ushering in the start of a new season, here are six free agents to watch. They could be signed to deals in the coming days or weeks. James Daniels Guard James Daniels is coming off a pectoral injury suffered in 2025, a year after he suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon injury. He played only three offensive snaps for the Miami Dolphins last season before the injury ended his year. He hasn’t hit 30 yet and has been a strong contributor on previous offensive lines. The question right now is whether he can stay healthy. If he can prove that he has fully recovered, his experience and versatility could make him an intriguing late addition for a team dealing with an offensive line injury. Taylor Decker Tackle Taylor Decker has played things rather slowly so far. He has been linked to teams such as the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams, but no deal has materialized. He probably has another year or two left in the tank after starting 145 games during his 10-year career with the Detroit Lions. A team looking for experienced help at left tackle could view Decker as a reliable option once injuries and roster cuts create additional needs. MORE: Raiders dealt injury scare with star running back Ashton Jeanty Jonnu Smith Jonnu Smith is an interesting free-agent option after spending the 2025 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was released in August after recording 38 receptions for 222 yards and two touchdowns in his lone season with the team. The 31-year-old tight end made the Pro Bowl with the Miami Dolphins in 2024, posting career highs with 88 receptions, 884 yards and eight touchdowns. That recent production could make him an attractive option for a team looking for a veteran pass-catcher who can contribute immediately. Cam Robinson Cam Robinson is another veteran offensive tackle who could draw interest as teams evaluate their depth charts. He has been a longtime starter and has experience protecting the quarterback at left tackle. At this point in the offseason, his experience could become especially valuable. One injury during the preseason or an unexpected roster cut could quickly create an opening for a player with Robinson’s starting experience. MORE: 49ers’ George Kittle injury update provides massive NFL Week 1 optimism Matt Milano Matt Milano is one of the more accomplished linebackers still available. The former Buffalo Bills standout was a first-team All-Pro in 2022 and made the Pro Bowl that season, establishing himself as one of the better coverage linebackers in the NFL. Injuries have changed the conversation around him, however. Milano played just five games in 2023 and four in 2024 before returning for 12 games last season, when he recorded 67 tackles and 3.5 sacks. A team looking for an experienced linebacker could take a chance on him if he can stay healthy. Kenny Moore II Cornerback Kenny Moore II has been waiting for the right opportunity since the Indianapolis Colts released him in May after failing to find a trade partner. He requested a trade after his role changed under defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. Moore has been one of the better nickel cornerbacks in the league when playing at his best and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2021. At 31 years old, he is looking for the right situation rather than simply signing anywhere. A team that suffers a secondary injury before the season could give him that opportunity.