4 bargain-bin free agents who could prove to be steals
NFL free agency is always dominated by the headliners, the type of players who will command contracts with a whole lot of zeroes.
But, often, it's unheralded and overlooked free agents who make the biggest impacts.
Few teams pursued Patrick Robinson last offseason, but the Philadelphia Eagles slot cornerback ended up playing an integral role in team's run to a Super Bowl title, appearing in 19 games and stealing the show in the NFC Championship Game by returning an interception 50 yards for a spectacular touchdown.
He was on a one-year deal worth just $775,000.
Here are four 2018 free agents who could follow in Robinson's footsteps:
Alfred Morris, RB
Morris started five games while Dallas Cowboys star running back Ezekiel Elliott was suspended, and while his play was impressive, NFL teams are likely to view him as a journeyman back who isn't worth any kind of a substantial contract.
But, the 29-year-old was more than just a product of the Cowboys' elite run-blocking. No team should bring Morris in expecting him to be a featured back again, but he could excel as the early-down bruiser as part of a strong backfield rotation after averaging 4.8 yards per carry (tied for his career best) in 2017.
Even the upper-tier running back free agents struggle to get paid, so Morris is likely staring down a small one- or two-year contract. However, he has more than enough left in the tank to greatly outperform his perceived financial worth.
Jerry Attaochu, LB
A former second-round pick by the Chargers, Attaochu is set to hit the open market after two seasons in which he was either rarely used by the team following the arrival of Joey Bosa or struggling with injury.
However, Attaochu is just 25 years old and racked up six sacks in 2015 in 15 appearances. The free-agent market for pass-rushers is usually weak due to the unwillingness of teams around the league to let athletic young edge players walk before hitting their potential, so you have to take a shot on high-upside guys to stumble on a gem.
Attaochu has great burst and above-average athleticism. He'll likely need to take a one-year, "prove it" deal this offseason to boost his value, meaning a team could steal a solid pass-rusher for its rotation at a rock-bottom price.
Albert Wilson, WR
Wilson put together a quietly productive season as part of the high-flying but inconsistent Kansas City Chiefs offense, catching 42 passes for 554 yards and three touchdowns.
The wideout might not completely fall under the "bargain-bin free agent" umbrella, as he's still just 26 years old and has displayed enough talent to receive a modest contract, but it will likely end up being a steal if he can hit his ceiling.
The likes of Jarvis Landry and Allen Robinson are expected to command double-digit yearly salaries on the opening market. Some teams are going to balk at their asking prices and go looking for cheaper options, and Wilson should be at the top of their list thanks to his speed and agility.
Johnathan Joseph, CB
Joseph could be this year's Robinson. The Texans veteran cornerback's best days are behind him, but he was still solid in 2017 for a Houston defense that lost both of its best pass-rushers.
It's unlikely the 33-year-old Joseph is signed early in free agency, as teams look at younger, higher-ceiling players.
However, if he's brought in as an injury replacement for a player hurt in training camp, he could be a strong pickup thanks to his veteran leadership and experience - especially as any deal he gets would be small.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)