Second tier clubs released a host of players at the conclusion of last season with a number of those still without a club as teams return for pre-season.
For some clubs, free agents can prove an attractive proposition as it takes away negations with another club and focuses only on agreeing terms with a player.
We have scoured the market to see the best free agent defenders available who have been released by second-tier clubs.
Every available player has then been ranked by their market value, according to transfermarkt.co.uk data.
Take a look....
1. Ben Mee
The player has left Burnley after 11 years and is reportedly being eyed by a host of Premier League clubs. Market value: £2.25m. Photo: Alex Livesey
2. Nicolas Nkoulou
The player made three league appearances for Watford after joining in October 2021. Market value: £2.25m. Photo: Richard Heathcote
3. Tommy Smith
The ex-Huddersfield Town player was released by Stoke City. Market value: £1.62m. Photo: Jan Kruger
4. Naby Sarr
The Frenchman was one of several players released by Huddersfield at the conclusion of the campaign. Market value: £1.35m. Photo: Gareth Copley