10 NFL free agents who will be value signings

The big-money signings make the headlines in free agency, but often the best values make the biggest difference for teams. Here's a look at 10 value signings heading into 2019 NFL free agency.

Bryce Callahan, CB

Durability has been an issue for Callahan, including a fractured foot that ended his 2018 season in December. However, when healthy Callahan has been one of the top slot corners in the game recently and a major part of what has been a dominant Bears defense last year. Chicago would almost certainly like to have him back, but other teams will be looking to add him at a bargain price.

Pierre Desir, CB

A journeyman cornerback, Desir showed his ability as a starter for a much-improved Colts defense last season.  While he doesn't have the best ball skills, Desir was effective replacing Rashaan Melvin and also had an impressive 79 tackles. He should get a raise in 2019 but isn't likely to get huge money yet.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB

"FitzMagic" was on full display early in 2018 when the Harvard alum threw for more than 400 yards in three straight games to start the year while filling in for the suspended Jameis Winston. As we've seen in the past, Fitzpatrick's inability to protect the ball eventually came back to haunt him, as he threw multiple interceptions in four of his eight games. Still, the 36-year-old has shown that he can be a starting signal-caller and possibly a winner if he has the right pieces around him. There are always teams desperate for quarterbacks, and Fitzpatrick would come cheap as a starter.

Mark Ingram, RB

While Ingram's workload was limited last season as a result of a suspension, and Alvin Kamara, he was effective again at age 29. The former Heisman Trophy winner averaged 4.7 yards per carry and also continued to be a factor out of the backfield as a receiver. The limited work that Ingram has seen during many of his years in New Orleans might prolong his career, and he's shown that he can be a valuable part of a committee. Given Ingram's age, he's unlikely to get a hefty contract.

Mitch Morse, C

Center is typically a low-valued position in free agency, with only two centers in the league taking home $10-plus million per year. Morse is likely to depart from K.C. after the team re-signed Austin Reiter, but he's been an elite pass blocker at the position when healthy during his four-year career. However, there are some concerns about Morse's durability after playing only seven games in 2017 due to a foot injury and 11 games last year because of a concussion. The resulting discount could make him an excellent value for a team that needs to fix its pass protection issues.

J.J. Nelson, WR

Nelson is a true burner, but he simply wasn't a fit in the Arizona offense last season with just 19 targets for the entire year. Much of that was due to rookie quarterback Josh Rosen and a poor offensive line. Nelson will still only be 27 years old next season and has averaged 17.8 yards per reception during his career. Reuniting with former Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians in Tampa Bay would seem like a natural fit, especially if the Bucs move on from the speedy DeSean Jackson.

Anthony Sherman, FB

The fullback position is now an afterthought in the NFL, and for the most part the spot is paid accordingly. While he was on the field for less than 10 percent of snaps for the Chiefs last season, Sherman still made his first Pro Bowl at age 30 and remained an excellent role player as a blocker and on special teams. Kyle Juszczyk of the 49ers is the only fullback in the league being paid significant money, basically breaking the fullback pay scale with more than $5 million per year, and Sherman should come much cheaper. It's clear the Chiefs would prefer not to lose him after six seasons, but it remains to be seen if they can afford even his modest salary.

C.J. Uzomah, TE

Uzomah made the most of his opportunity with the Bengals last season after both Tyler Eifert and Tyler Kroft were injured. The former fifth-round pick finished the season with 43 receptions for 439 yards and three touchdowns and made a consistent contribution during the second half of the year when the Bengals roster was in shambles. It remains to be seen whether the Bengals will want to bring Uzomah back into the fold, but he's proved to be a viable starter after his breakout campaign.

Muhammad Wilkerson, DE

Green Bay bought low on Wilkerson, a former Pro Bowl defensive end with the Jets, only to see him suffer a season-ending ankle injury in September. He did perform well in the three games he played, so Wilkerson is likely to come cheap this offseason. He's recorded as many as 12 sacks in a season during his career and also plays the run well, so Wilkerson could be a huge value signing if he's able to stay healthy in 2019.

Tyrell Williams, WR

Williams had a breakout season in 2016 with 69 receptions for 1,059 yards and seven touchdowns due in large part to injuries around him. Since then, Keenan Allen has managed to stay healthy and the Chargers drafted Mike Williams. As a result, Williams hasn't found nearly as many snaps but did have 41 receptions for 653 yards and five touchdowns last season. Standing at 6-foot-4, Williams is major threat in the red zone and certainly has the ability to perform well with more regular snaps. Williams showed the upside in 2016 to be a possible Pro Bowl wideout, but he won't be paid close to that level.