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NFL free agency: Ranking the 15 best remaining free agents

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Young on Winston: He's a project that I'd love to take on (1:56)

Steve Young is convinced Jameis Winston could be a great fit for many teams, especially if a coach is willing to work on his capabilities. (1:56)

NFL teams have scooped up more than 70% of the ESPN's original top 100 free agents this week, either through market signings or by using the franchise and transition tags. That doesn't mean the well is dry, however.

Here are 15 of the best players remaining. As always, we've focused this list toward the philosophies of most teams rather than simply 2019 production or skill level in a vacuum. Age is crucial as teams attempt to project future performance -- 26 and 27 are the sweet spots -- and certain positions are always higher priorities.

Note: This list is updated through the morning of March 29. Ages are listed as of the start of the 2020 season.

1. Jadeveon Clowney, Edge

2019 team: Seattle Seahawks | Age: 27

Rented (cheaply) for the season by the Seahawks, Clowney reaffirmed most existing impressions of him: He is a difference-maker when healthy. But the market hasn't formed as some thought it might, possibly because of his injury history.


2. Cam Newton, QB

2019 team: Carolina Panthers | Age: 31

The 2015 MVP would be ranked higher if we had a better idea of his long-term health prospects. It's also fair to question how -- or if -- his playing style would change as he moves through his 30's.


3. Jameis Winston, QB

2019 team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Age: 26

All you need to know about Winston is that in 2019 he became the first player in NFL history to throw at least 30 touchdown passes and 30 interceptions in the same season. His downfield explosiveness is undeniable, but his turnover rate is totally out of sync with today's passing-friendly league. It had been 31 years since a quarterback threw as many as 30 interceptions in one season.


4. Markus Golden, LB

2019 team: New York Giants | Age: 29

Golden was one of the few bright spots for the 2019 Giants, recording 10 sacks -- including one that came as a result of a postgame stat change. There weren't many takers for him in the 2019 market, but his sacks total will generate a few more eyes.


5. Jason Peters, OT

2019 team: Philadelphia Eagles | Age: 38

At his age, Peters is a year-to-year proposition. But after he played in 29 of a possible 32 games over the past two seasons, there is a reason to think he could squeeze out at least one more quality season. Even if his best years are long behind him, starting left tackles of any quality generate intense interest.


6. Everson Griffen, Edge

2019 team: Minnesota Vikings | Age: 32

Griffen exercised an option to terminate his contract and test the open market. After taking time away in 2018 to focus on his mental health, Griffen came back in 2019 with eight sacks and can still be a force on the edge.


7. Eric Reid, S

2019 team: Carolina Panthers | Age: 28

Although he was caught up in the Panthers' roster transition under new coach Matt Rhule, Reid can still be a strong anchor and leader in the defensive backfield.


8. Damarious Randall, S

2019 team: Cleveland Browns | Age: 28

A mercurial playmaker, Randall always had an advocate in former Browns general manager John Dorsey. Who will pick up the torch?


9. Logan Ryan, CB

2019 team: Tennessee Titans | Age: 29

Ryan had never been more productive than he was in 2019, intercepting four passes and knocking down a career-high total of 18. He also forced four fumbles and recorded 113 tackles, both career highs.


10. Clay Matthews, LB

2019 team: Los Angeles Rams | Age: 34

Matthews' eight sacks last season were his most in a season since 2014. He isn't an every-down player anymore, and he might project for some teams as an inside linebacker, but his career should not be over unless he decides to retire.


11. Carlos Hyde, RB

2019 team: Houston Texans | Age: 29

Running backs nearing their 30th birthday don't get much of a look in free agency. But Hyde's career year with the Texans in 2019 (1,070 yards in 14 starts) will merit a few extra glances.


12. Prince Amukamara, CB

2019 team: Chicago Bears | Age: 31

Although he is on the wrong side of 30 and is looking to join the fourth team of his career, Amukamara can still provide reliable coverage. He isn't a great run defender but could certainly start in the right system in 2020.


13. Bashaud Breeland, CB

2019 team: Kansas City Chiefs | Age: 28

Breeland has become a journeyman after the Panthers nullified his big free-agent score in 2018, citing a failed physical. But he appeared in all 16 games for the Chiefs last year, the first full season of his career, and is still young enough to project multiple additional seasons as a starter.


14. Mike Daniels, DT

2019 team: Detroit Lions | Age: 31

A disappointing season in Detroit, marked by multiple injuries and a career-low two starts, has prompted some to wonder if Daniels' career is nearing an end. But it might be too early to close the door on a player who was one of the game's top interior disruptors as recently as 2018.


15. Ronald Darby, CB

2019 team: Philadelphia Eagles | Age: 26

Darby once again had his season cut short by injury, this time because of a hip flexor. He has missed 23 of a possible 80 games in five seasons. But he is talented in coverage, still young and will merit some looks.