Potential landing spots for 15 notable NFL free agents: Tyrann Mathieu to Steelers, Jarvis Landry to Cardinals

The 2022 NFL offseason has already delivered more than enough splashy headlines. But there are still dozens of notable names available in free agency. Many of them could stick around on the market until after the draft, and some may still cash in with big-money deals as 2022 starters, but almost all of them offer enough experience to warrant some kind of look in the coming months.

With that in mind, here’s one look at where 15 of the top remaining free agents could end up:

S Tyrann Mathieu — Steelers

The market for “Honey Badger” has been unusually slow, which only makes Pittsburgh a better option considering the lack of overpriced bids. The Steelers are still leaning on their defense to win now, and Mathieu next to Minkah Fitzpatrick would give them one of the league’s rangiest safety pairings.

WR Odell Beckham Jr. — Chargers

OBJ would prefer to stick with the Rams, but they’ve already paid up to secure his replacement in Allen Robinson. If you’re Odell, why not stay in L.A. while saddling up with another title contender? Imagine Justin Herbert having Beckham to join Keenan Allen and Mike Williams down the stretch.

CB Stephon Gilmore — Bills

Buffalo could use a starting corner opposite Tre’Davious White with Levi Wallace gone, and Gilmore has been there, done that in the city. Call it a win-win reunion, with Gilmore getting another shot at a title on an ascending Bills defense.

OT Duane Brown — Colts

Yes, he’s aging and clearly a short-term fill-in at left tackle, but that’s exactly what Indianapolis needs after making Matt Ryan its latest quick fix at quarterback. Call it the Eric Fisher solution, except with a higher floor and ceiling.

DE Jadeveon Clowney — Browns

Both parties would benefit from sticking together. Clowney finally saw his sack numbers jump working opposite Myles Garrett in 2021, and the Browns are clearly in the business of winning sooner rather than later after their busy offseason.

DL Calais Campbell — Cardinals

Another homecoming! Campbell, 35, is getting up there, but as long as Arizona is paying older or injury-prone starters (see: James Conner, Zach Ertz), why not? With Chandler Jones gone, he could pair nicely with J.J. Watt to keep the D-line formidable.

OLB Melvin Ingram — Ravens

After striking out on a potential reunion with Za’Darius Smith, Baltimore is still in search of some pass-rushing help for a playoff-ready defense. Ingram, meanwhile, wouldn’t necessarily break the bank on a short-term deal.

TE Rob Gronkowski — Buccaneers

Tennessee would’ve been a nice landing spot before the Titans added Austin Hooper. But let’s be real: this is the right pairing for both sides. Tom Brady will never say no to Gronk. And Gronk should never say no to Brady.

WR Jarvis Landry — Cardinals

With Christian Kirk gone and A.J. Green still unsigned, Arizona suddenly needs some proven depth alongside DeAndre Hopkins out wide. Landry makes all the sense in the world as a target machine/safety valve for Kyler Murray.

DT Akiem Hicks — Vikings

Minnesota is converting to a 3-4 defense under new coordinator Ed Donatell, who coached Hicks in Chicago, and while Dalvin Tomlinson should man the nose tackle spot just fine, Hicks has the talent to play inside and on the edge.

WR Julio Jones — Cowboys

After dealing Amari Cooper and letting Cedrick Wilson Jr. walk, Dallas is expecting more from CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup, which is fine. But Jones has the big name that’ll appeal to Jerry Jones, and he’d still be a red-zone weapon for Dak Prescott.

LB Anthony Barr — Jets

Remember when these two almost struck a lucrative free-agent deal before he settled back into Minnesota? Well, with the Vikings adding at LB this year, he could finally relocate to New York and give Robert Saleh’s unit added experience/versatility.

RB Melvin Gordon — Eagles

Yes, you can find running backs everywhere, but coach Nick Sirianni and offensive coordinator Shane Steichen both have a history with Gordon. More importantly, they’re likely committed to a run-heavy approach with QB Jalen Hurts. Gordon could step in on a one-year deal as a more talented version of Jordan Howard, who split carries with Miles Sanders.

DE Jerry Hughes — Panthers

With Haason Reddick gone, they could use another proven pass rusher opposite Brian Burns. Hughes is best suited as a rotational reserve these days, but he’d still be a smart investment for any defense.

CB Joe Haden — Commanders

Born and raised in Maryland, Haden could be a plug-and-play starter for Washington, where William Jackson III struggled in 2021 and Kendall Fuller is arguably best utilized in the slot. Ron Rivera would appreciate his experience on the Steelers’ “D.”