15 veteran free agents still looking for a ring
Tens of veteran free agents will be looking for new contracts when free agency begins March 9, and most of them will focus on getting a final shot at winning a Super Bowl. Here are 15 free agents who are still looking for a ring.
Julius Peppers, DE
(Photo courtesy: Reuters)
Fifteen seasons. That's how long Peppers has been at it, posting campaigns of at least seven sacks in all but one of those years. The 37-year-old came to prominence with the Panthers, got a fresh start with the Bears in 2010, and moved to their blood rivals, the Packers, in 2014, where he's since reinvented himself as a pass-rushing linebacker. Peppers has yet to indicate whether he'll return to chase that elusive Super Bowl ring. If he does hang them up, Green Bay will sorely miss the 7.5 sacks he provided in 2016.
DeSean Jackson, WR
The burner is now classified as a veteran. He's set to enter his 10th season and hasn't sniffed a long playoff run since his rookie year. At this point, Jackson is looking for one final big payday and some security.
Andrew Whitworth, LT
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For 11 seasons, Whitworth has toiled with the Bengals. A standout at left tackle, he's spent years fending off contenders for his job in Cincinnati. Now a free agent, will he seek a new home with no competition or hope to win a ring with the only franchise he's ever known?
Captain Munnerlyn, CB
Munnerlyn said this offseason that his priority during free agency will be winning. Whether or not the eight-year veteran believes he can accomplish that with the Vikings remains to be seen.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB
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"Been around the world and I, I, I, I can't find my trophy." It seems Fitzpatrick has played everywhere imaginable. After twelve seasons spent with six different teams, he has yet to play in a postseason game, though, much less reach a Super Bowl. Ol' Fitzmagic will give it another try with another squad in 2017.
DeAngelo Williams, RB
Williams is the rare running back still producing after 11 seasons and into his mid-30s. For much of his career, he split duties in the Carolina Panthers' backfield. The year he left town, they reached the Super Bowl without him. Williams spent the past two years as a necessary backup in Pittsburgh and is still waiting on his Super Bowl trip.
Calais Campbell, DE
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Speaking of long waits, Campbell has toiled in the desert for nine seasons, but for him - and the rest of the Cardinals' players, staff, and fans - the wait continues. As a 30-year-old free agent, a ring is likely the only thing Campbell's considering in regards to where he'll sign next.
Frostee Rucker, DE
Campbell's teammate has waited even longer to be a part of a winner. After spending his first seven seasons in Ohio with the Bengals and Browns, Rucker thought he was joining a championship team when he signed with the Cardinals in 2013. They've yet to make good on their promise. Will Campbell and Rucker both give it another go with Arizona?
Pierre Garcon, WR
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Garcon arrived in Indianapolis two years after its Super Bowl triumph. He left after four years for money and term with the Redskins and played out his contract. In his early 30s and entering his 10th season, will playing for a winner become top priority?
D'Qwell Jackson, LB
No one knows losing like a player who spent eight seasons with the Browns. Jackson enjoyed moderate success in his past three years with the Colts, but the ultimate prize continues to elude him. Indianapolis released him ahead of free agency, giving him time to plot out his next move.
Mario Williams, DE
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Williams was also recently released by his team. He's 32 now and coming off two disappointing seasons. He'll have to rebuild his reputation if he hopes to contribute on a championship team.
Jake Long, LT
A former first overall draft pick, Long is heading into his 10th season with, possibly, his fifth team. He's coming off a torn Achilles, making it ever more difficult for him to make good on his promise. Time is short for Long.
Vincent Jackson, WR
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Jackson appears a shadow of his former self - his past two seasons have been tarnished by injuries. He hits the market as a 34-year-old receiver who hasn't played in a playoff game since 2009.
Jonathan Babineaux, DT
Babineaux is one of the more tortured players on this list. He's played all 12 years of his career with the Falcons, who just coughed up a 25-point lead in the Super Bowl and lost the game in overtime. He had only 14 solo tackles and no sacks in 2016, and will have to convince a contender he still has gas in the tank if he wants one last shot at a ring.
Mark Sanchez, QB
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He flopped in his last bit of action with the Cowboys and turns 31 in November. Ultimate success eluded Sanchez in New York and the best he can hope for is a backup role with a contender.