With a number of teams having a considerable amount of salary-cap space at their disposal, there will be no shortage of money spent on the top free agents available this year.
The focus will understandably be on the players that land big-money deals in the first few days, but there's plenty of talent that should still be available thereafter.
Here's a look at seven under-the-radar players who could prove to be high-value signings when the dust settles on the top tier of free agency.
Bilal Powell
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 204 lbs.
Age: 27
2015 stats: 313 rushing yards, 1 TD, 388 receiving yards, 2 TDs
Powell was the clear No. 2 behind Chris Ivory this past season, but remained productive in every phase of the offensive game when given the chance. His ability as a receiver, in particular, could make him a strong complementary back for a team with a two-down runner already in place.
Potential landing spots: Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings
Rishard Matthews
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 217 lbs.
Age: 26
2015 stats: 43 receptions, 662 yards, 4 TDs
Matthews was quietly the Dolphins' leading receiver before an injury brought his season to an early end. After a relatively slow start to his career, he now appears more than capable of stepping into a role as a team's second or third receiver. Joining a more stable offense than that of the 2015 Dolphins could have him poised for a true breakout year.
Potential landing spots: Cleveland Browns, St. Louis Rams, Baltimore Ravens
Ladarius Green
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 240 lbs.
Age: 25
2015 stats: 37 receptions, 429 yards, 4 TDs
The presence of Antonio Gates has prevented Green from making good on his potential to this point in his career. His ability as a receiver has always been readily apparent, though, and it won't be long before he outplays any deal that falls in line with his current market value. The Chargers would be wise to retain him if they envision a reduced role for Gates, but Green may first test the waters.
Potential landing spots: Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears
Will Beatty
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 319 lbs.
Age: 30
*Missed 2015 season due to injury
The Giants parting ways with Beatty adds an experienced player to an underwhelming group of free-agent left tackles. At 30 years old, he almost certainly still has something to offer. The fact that he missed the entire 2015 season, however, could limit him to an affordable short-term deal.
Potential landing spots: New York Jets, Oakland Raiders, Detroit Lions
Akiem Hicks
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 324 lbs.
Age: 26
2015 stats: 3 sacks, 23 tackles
New England landed Hicks in what proved to be a lopsided trade from the Saints just three weeks into the 2015 season. After a slight adjustment period, he emerged as an impact player both in run defense and as a pass-rusher. There may not be a more well-rounded lineman available beyond the first tier of free agency.
Potential landing spots: New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears
Mike Neal
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 262 lbs.
Age: 28
2015 stats: 4 sacks, 36 tackles
Neal's been a consistent edge presence for the better part of the past four seasons in Green Bay. While a lack of sack production will leave him among the second- or third-tier of free-agent edge defenders, his play against the run makes him a valuable early-down player regardless. It's also possible that a scheme change helps him round into form as a pass-rusher.
Potential landing spots: Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, New Orleans Saints
Rodney McLeod
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 195 lbs.
Age: 25
2015 stats: 82 tackles, 1 INT, 5 passes defensed
The Rams' attention will be on Trumaine Johnson and Janoris Jenkins heading into free agency, and for good reason given the two players' long-term value. But McLeod is also a key member of that secondary, giving the unit the rare player capable of playing the deep centerfield position. At a time where NFL-caliber safeties are difficult to come by in the draft, a 25-year-old player with that kind of ability has undeniable value.
Potential landing spots: Jacksonville Jaguars, Oakland Raiders, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
