Three big-name NFL free agents who could be signed after Week 1 injuries

NFL rosters never stay healthy for long. Week 1 was another reminder.

Several teams are already dealing with injuries at important positions, which could create opportunities for recognizable veterans still sitting on the open market. These three NFL free agents suddenly have a better chance of getting a phone call.

Tyler Lockett could be an answer for the Ravens

Baltimore might be the most obvious team looking for immediate help. Zay Flowers aggravated a hamstring injury after exploding for 150 yards against the Colts, while rookie Ja'Kobi Lane suffered a wrist injury that could sideline him for several weeks. Head coach Jesse Minter acknowledged there is "potential" for Baltimore to make an outside addition. 

Enter Tyler Lockett. The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec included the longtime Seahawks receiver among the veteran options Baltimore could consider. Lockett has 8,885 receiving yards in his career and would give Lamar Jackson an experienced target who could step in without needing to become the focal point of the offense. Baltimore has internal options, but Lockett suddenly makes considerably more sense than he did a week ago.

Joey Bosa could become a contender's emergency call

It remains somewhat surprising that Joey Bosa is available. The 31-year-old spent last season with Buffalo, recording five sacks and an NFL-high five forced fumbles. NFL.com still ranks him among the best unsigned players on the market. 

Bosa isn't the dominant player who once terrorized offensive tackles with the Chargers, and his injury history isn't exactly a secret. That's probably part of why he remains unsigned. But September changes things.

Myles Garrett is headed to injured reserve and is expected to miss at least four games after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. That's a direct opening for another veteran edge-rusher. Bosa wouldn't replace Garrett's production by himself, but Los Angeles could use him as a rotational pass-rusher while Garrett is sidelined.

Teams now have actual injuries to deal with instead of hypothetical depth concerns. A contender that loses an edge-rusher isn't going to have many options capable of walking in with Bosa's resume. At this stage of his career, Bosa doesn't need to play 70 snaps every Sunday. Put him into a rotation, let him chase quarterbacks and see what's left.

Kevin Zeitler is waiting for the right opportunity

Kevin Zeitler isn't hiding his intentions. The 36-year-old guard is reportedly "ready to roll if he finds the right opportunity." He started 16 games for Tennessee last season and was graded by Pro Football Focus as the No. 11 guard among 79 qualifiers. 

That resume should become more attractive as offensive-line injuries accumulate. Starting left guard Christian Mahogany left Detroit's Week 1 win after only 11 snaps with an injury. The early indication is that it won't be a lengthy absence, but Dan Campbell said Mahogany isn't yet "out of the woods." That's enough to make an accomplished veteran guard like Zeitler worth considering as insurance, especially for a contender.

Zeitler has played 14 NFL seasons and started 213 games. Nobody signing him in September is looking for a long-term solution. They're looking for someone who can walk into a building, learn the offense and keep their quarterback upright. Week 1 has already started changing roster needs around the league.

Lockett, Bosa and Zeitler have been waiting for the right opportunity. A few more injuries might be all it takes for three of the biggest remaining NFL free agents to finally find one.