Five intriguing unsigned free agents
- Updated: June 16, 2014
It’s always interesting to watch how late signings could significantly impact the National Football League season. Here are five players that have plenty of questions to answer – especially on the injury front – but could make an impact on the 2014 season.
Dustin Keller, TE: Keller is a talented ‘move’ tight end, who can thrive in today’s NFL if he were teamed up with a top quarterback. Keller signed last offseason with the Dolphins, but his tenure in Miami was short lived, as he tore up his knee in the preseason, and is just rounding back into football shape. Keller is 6-2, 255, and if he can regain his short-area quickness, he will become a very good player in the right system. The New England Patriots have been among the teams interested in Keller, and that appears to be a great fit for both parties.
Jermichael Finley, TE: Finley is big (6-5, 245 pounds) and can be a nightmare for defenses to handle, but a major spine injury – he had his C3 and C4 vertebrae fused together following a season-ending spinal cord bruise last season – and inconsistency catching the ball – leaves plenty of questions for interested teams. Finley’s talent alone will get him plenty of looks, so as long as he is fit to play, it would be surprising if he’s not on an NFL roster in 2014. The Patriots and Seahawks are among the teams showing interest in Finley.
Danario Alexander, WR: Major complications from knee surgery are the only reason Alexander isn’t already on an NFL roster. Whether or not Alexander’s knee will be sound enough to be ready for the 2014 season remains unanswered, but the talented, 6-5, 220-pound receiver won’t have to wait long to hear from teams when he’s ready to play.
Pat Angerer, LB: Angerer was miscast while being asked to play inside linebacker in the Colts’ 3-4 scheme. Angerer is a quick, instinctive, but an undersized backer, who fits best as a 4-3 middle linebacker. Angerer has also been injured during his four-year stint with Indy, and is currently recovering from a knee injury that ended his 2013 season. Angerer is a scheme-specific player, and could help either as a starter, or in a reserve role.
Bruce Campbell, OT: Depth along the offensive line is vital in the NFL. Not many teams are able to keep five starters healthy through a 16-game schedule, so having talented options like Campbell will be beneficial to any team. Campbell is talented physically, and if he’s ever able to improve his technique and remain healthy, he could find a spot as a starter or capable backup. Campbell signed with the Redskins in March, but his deal was voided after he failed his physical. Campbell also could become one of those late-preseason, or early-season signings that really help a team.
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