The 2024 NFL free agent market will open when the new league year begins on March 13. With the NFL salary cap hitting $255.4 million next season, teams around the league should have plenty of available cash to spend on free agent additions.
Pro Football Network has ranked the top 100 pending free agents, accounting for production, age, earning potential, and short- and long-term value. While some players listed near the top will inevitably be franchise-tagged and effectively removed from the market, this year’s class features high-end talent at numerous positions.
Editor’s note: The following players were available as of the start of the NFL’s legal tampering period on Monday, March 11.
2024 NFL Free Agent Rankings
1) Kirk Cousins, QB, Minnesota Vikings
Signed with Falcons: Four years, $180 million, $90 million guaranteed.
Although Cousins is coming off a season-ending Achilles injury, he was on pace for one of his best campaigns before going down. Cousins put up 18 touchdowns against four interceptions through eight games and is now believed to be ahead of schedule in his recovery program.
Top-12 quarterbacks rarely hit the free agent market, and Cousins could be in for $35 million annually on a short-term contract. The Vikings can’t franchise-tag him, but they’ve expressed interest in re-signing the 35-year-old. Still, Cousins could make sense for several teams around the NFL, including the Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers.
2) Chris Jones, DT, Kansas City Chiefs
Re-signed with Chiefs: Five years, $158.75 million, $60 million guaranteed.
Jones staged a holdout before agreeing to a modified one-year deal to play for the Chiefs in 2023. With the franchise tag an unlikely possibility, Jones will hit unrestricted free agency after posting 26 sacks over the past two seasons. He tied for the league lead in pass rush win rate among defensive tackles (20%) while being double-teamed at a higher clip than any other DT.
3) Josh Allen, EDGE, Jacksonville Jaguars
Franchise-tagged before re-signing with Jaguars: Five years, $141.25 million, $76.5 million guaranteed.
A first-round pick in the 2019 draft, Allen picked an excellent time to break out. His 17.5 sacks were a career-high, while his 90 pressures ranked fifth among all edge defenders and first among FA defensive ends.
However, the odds of Allen actually reaching the open market are slim. General manager Trent Baalke has already suggested the Jaguars will use the DE franchise tag to retain Allen this offseason.
4) Brian Burns, EDGE, Carolina Panthers
Franchise-tagged, traded to New York Giants, then extended: Five years, $141 million, $76 million guaranteed.
The Panthers have repeatedly rejected trade offers for Burns, seemingly indicating they’d like to sign the pass rusher to a long-term contract. But with no deal in sight, Carolina seems likely to tag Burns in 2023.
He’s been incredibly consistent since entering the league in 2019, with at least 7.5 sacks and 15 QB hits each season. The Panthers won’t let Burns — their best player — leave as they try to change their organizational culture.
5) Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Franchise-tagged ($21.816 million).
While Higgins could be a WR1 on myriad rosters, he’ll always sit behind Ja’Marr Chase in Cincinnati. With a mega-extension for Chase on the horizon, the Bengals will likely franchise tag Higgins for $21.67 million while gearing up for another run at the Super Bowl.
Injuries limited Higgins to 12 games and 656 receiving yards in 2023, but he’d gone over 1,000 yards in each of the prior two seasons.
6) Christian Wilkins, DT, Miami Dolphins
Signed with Raiders: Four years, $110 million, $57.5 million guaranteed.
Wilkins had always been a productive player heading into 2023, but he stepped up his game in his fifth NFL campaign.
The former first-round pick posted 11.5 sacks and 27 QB hits from 2019 to 2022 — Wilkins put up nine sacks and 23 quarterback hits in 2023 alone. Although a franchise tender would cost the Dolphins nearly $20 million, Wilkins would likely collect a higher annual salary in free agency.
7) Justin Madubuike, DT, Baltimore Ravens
Franchise-tagged before re-signing with Ravens: Four years, $98 million, $48.5 million guaranteed.
Madubuike thrived in Mike Macdonald’s defense last season. His 13 sacks were a new career high, as were his 12 tackles for loss and 33 QB hits. A second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler, Madubuike is a franchise tag candidate. However, the Ravens have let one-year wonders like Madubuike walk in the past, preferring to collect a future compensatory draft pick.
8) Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Franchise-tagged before re-signing with Buccaneers: Four years, $84.1 million, $45 million.
A true Swiss Army knife who can do just about everything, Winfield spent roughly 60% of his 2023 snaps at free safety but also played in the box and the slot. He filled up the stat sheet, leading the league with six forced fumbles while adding six sacks and three interceptions and earning first-team All-Pro honors.
Winfield should be atop Tampa Bay’s extension list, but a $17.22 million franchise tag is a potential fallback.
9) Jaylon Johnson, CB, Chicago Bears
Franchise-tagged before re-signing with Bears: Four years, $76 million, $43.8 million guaranteed.
Johnson was on the block before the 2023 NFL trade deadline, but the Bears held onto the 24-year-old cornerback when their late-first/early-second-round asking price wasn’t met. He ultimately set career bests in completion rate (55.2%), yards per target (4.8), and yards per completion (8.7).
Johnson allowed a 33.3 passer rating as the nearest defender in coverage, the best mark in the NFL per PFF, and seems destined for the franchise tag.
10) L’Jarius Sneed, CB, Kansas City Chiefs
Franchise-tagged, traded to Tennessee Titans, then extended: Four years, $76.4 million, $51.5 million guaranteed.
One of the more versatile corners in the NFL, Sneed spent most of his time in the slot early in his career before playing almost every snap on the perimeter in 2023.
The transition took, as Sneed didn’t allow a receiving touchdown in his coverage area until the Buffalo Bills’ Khalil Shakir scored on him in the Divisional Round. A scheme-transcendent corner who isn’t afraid to get involved in the run game, Sneed should get paid this offseason.
11) Mike Onwenu, OT, New England Patriots
Re-signed with Patriots: Three years, $57 million, $36.5 million guaranteed.
Like Sneed, Onwenu also undertook a positional change in 2023. After splitting his time all across the offensive line during his first two NFL campaigns and then playing exclusively right guard in 2022, Onwenu spent almost every snap at right tackle this past season. He’s only 26, and linemen typically age well, so Onwenu might be in for a surprisingly costly contract.
12) Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Re-signed with Buccaneers: Two years, $41 million, $29 million guaranteed.
Evans’ age is the only thing holding him back from becoming one of the NFL’s highest-paid wideouts this offseason.
Evans has famously cleared 1,000 receiving yards in each of his 10 pro seasons and led the league with 13 receiving TDs in 2023. It’s hard to imagine Evans leaving Tampa Bay at this point in his career, but a short-term deal with a high AAV could convince him to join a no-doubt contender.
13) Michael Pittman Jr., WR, Indianapolis Colts
Franchise-tagged before re-signing with Colts: Three years, $70 million, $41 million guaranteed.
While Pittman isn’t the flashiest receiver, he’s posted 3,500+ yards and 15 touchdowns over four NFL seasons. Think about the offenses and quarterbacks Pittman has dealt with, and his track record as a reliable receiver becomes even more evident. Pittman was the centerpiece of the Colts’ offense, as his 28.5% target share ranked sixth-best in the NFL.
14) Calvin Ridley, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Signed with Titans: Four years, $92 million, $46.98 million guaranteed.
Ridley might not have been the WR1 the Jaguars were hoping for when they acquired him at the 2022 trade deadline, but he still put up the second-best receiving line (76-1,016-8) of his career.
Jacksonville’s franchise tag is likely spoken for by Josh Allen, and the terms of the Jags’ 2022 Ridley pickup might force the club to wait until the new league year to re-sign the veteran wideout.
15) Jonah Williams, OT, Cincinnati Bengals
Signed with Cardinals: Two years, $30 million, $19 million guaranteed.
Williams has never been a Pro Bowler or an All-Pro. But he’s a former first-round pick who can play a reliable left or right tackle. Since missing his rookie year and six games of the 2020 campaign, Williams has played every offensive snap for the Bengals. That sort of option is rarely available on the free agent market, and Wiliams might be targeting $15 million per year.
16) Chase Young, EDGE, San Francisco 49ers
Signed with Saints: One year, $13 million, $12.55 million guaranteed.
Sure, Young didn’t keep up his dominant pressure and sack pace once he was traded to the 49ers in November. However, he’s still a 24-year-old former No. 2 overall pick who’s already demonstrated the ability to get after opposing passers. It will only take one team to lean in on its predraft assessment of Young and pay him as their new top edge rusher.
17) Danielle Hunter, EDGE, Minnesota Vikings
Signed with Texans: Two years, $49 million, $48 million guaranteed.
While Hunter undoubtedly overperformed his underlying metrics en route to a career-high 16.5 sacks, he still finished ninth among edge rushers in pass rush win rate while posting a 12% pressure rate.
MORE: Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator With Trades
Hunter is 29, and injuries limited him to just seven games from 2020 to 2021. But don’t be surprised if a team looks past those deficiencies and pays Hunter based on his sack total.
18) Arik Armstead, DT, San Francisco 49ers
Signed with Jaguars: Three years, $43.5 million, $28 million guaranteed.
Released after declining to take a pay cut from the 49ers, Armstead is in a position to capitalize this offseason despite being on the wrong side of 30. The former first-round pick ranked ninth among DTs in pass-rush win rate and 12th in pressures in 2023 and should be the second-most sought-after free agent interior option after Wilkins.
19) Kendall Fuller, CB, Washington Commanders
Signed with Dolphins: Two years, $15 million, $7.975 million guaranteed.
Coming off a four-year, $40 million deal, the 28-year-old Fuller is eyeing one more significant bite at the apple. He’s been a consistent option throughout his career with the Commanders and Chiefs and has slot/boundary versatility. Washington can use all the corner help they can get and might push to retain Fuller, who could reach $15 million annually on the open market.
20) Xavier McKinney, S, New York Giants
Signed with Packers: Four years, $67 million, $23 million guaranteed.
The Giants’ 2023 campaign was rocky, and not everything went right for McKinney, who got into hot water with DC Wink Martindale after criticizing New York’s coaching staff in Week 9. But the former Alabama safety played the best football of his career, spending time deep, in the box, and manning the slot while playing over 1,000 defensive snaps.
21) Leonard Williams, DT, Seattle Seahawks
Re-signed with Seahawks: Three years, $64.5 million, $26.15 million guaranteed.
Dealt to the Seahawks at midseason, Williams continued to serve as a stout presence on the interior. Williams, 30, put up 5.5 sacks and 16 QB hits between his time in Seattle and New York. He rarely came off the field, playing the ninth-most snaps (884) among defensive tackles. Interested teams might value Williams’ availability and schematic adaptability.
22) Bryce Huff, EDGE, New York Jets
Signed with Eagles: Three years, $51.1 million, $34 million guaranteed.
Huff ranked second to only Micah Parsons in pressure rate in 2023 and finished first in 2022. Clubs will be willing to pay for Huff’s production on the edge, but they’ll have to account for his lack of action.
Huff has never played 500 defensive snaps in a single season. Will he thrive with more opportunities? Or will Huff’s new team have to plan on adding another defensive end to supplement Huff’s reduced snap rate?
23) Kamren Curl, S, Washington Commanders
Signed with Rams: Two years, $9 million, $6 million guaranteed.
Curl has been a stabilizing force in the Commanders’ secondary over the past four years, but he could go elsewhere. While Washington has the cap space to re-sign him, it also has fellow defensive backs Percy Butler, Darrick Forest, and Jartavius Martin under contract for several seasons.
Like McKinney, his NFC East rival, Curl can line up almost anywhere in the defensive backfield.
24) Jonathan Greenard, EDGE, Houston Texans
Signed with Vikings: Four years, $76 million, $38 million guaranteed.
Greenard might be the most anonymous NFL player with an outside shot to land a $20 million annual salary on the open market. After missing 12 games with injuries from 2021 to 2022, Greenard broke out for a career-high 12.5 sacks and 22 QB hits for the AFC South-champion Texans.
Houston probably wants to keep its lethal pass-rushing combination of Greenard and Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. together. With $57 million in cap space, the Texans can afford to franchise-tag Greenard if the two sides can’t agree on a long-term solution.
25) Frankie Luvu, LB, Carolina Panthers
Signed with Commanders: Three years, $31 million, $19.125 million guaranteed.
After serving primarily as a backup over the first four seasons of his NFL career, Frankie Luvu became a starter with the Panthers in 2022 and hasn’t looked back.
Effective against the run, in coverage, and as a blitzer, Luvu has become a crucial component of Carolina’s defense. The Panthers held onto incumbent DC Ejiro Evero despite changing head coaches, and Evero might push for Carolina to re-sign Luvu.
26) Patrick Queen, LB, Baltimore Ravens
Signed with Steelers: Three years, $41 million, $13.84 million guaranteed.
Baltimore’s 2022 acquisition of Roquan Smith has allowed fellow LB Patrick Queen to do what he does best — come downhill and attack. But the Ravens’ trade for Smith also started the countdown on Queen’s stint in Baltimore.
Now that former Ravens defensive play-caller Mike Macdonald is the Seahawks’ head coach, could Queen follow him to Seattle?
27) Kyle Dugger, S, New England Patriots
Transition-tagged before re-signing with Patriots: Four years, $58 million, $29.75 million guaranteed.
A former second-round pick, Dugger has filled up the stat sheet since entering the NFL in 2020, posting nine interceptions (two TDs), 17 pass breakups, two fumble recoveries, and 16 tackles for loss over four seasons with the Pats.
Dugger is precisely the kind of versatile defensive back that teams will value in free agency, but his age (28) and a crowded free agent safety class could reduce his market value.
28) DJ Reader, DT, Cincinnati Bengals
Signed with Lions: Two years, $22 million, $7.425 million guaranteed.
Reader might’ve been searching for $15 million annually had he not suffered a torn quad tendon in December. Now, he might have to settle for a one-year, prove-it contract. Reader remains arguably the best run-clogging nose tackle in the league, while he showed more flashes as a pass rusher and pocket pusher before going down in 2023.
29) Saquon Barkley, RB, New York Giants
Signed with Eagles: Three years, $37.75 million, $26 million guaranteed.
The 2023 free agent market was not kind to veteran running backs, and it’s unclear if things will change this offseason. Barkley accepted a modified, one-year franchise tag last year and now hopes to break the bank.
He’s still among the most electrifying backs in the NFL when fully healthy, but it remains to be seen how the league will value Barkley — or any RB — in 2024.
30) Tyron Smith, OT, Dallas Cowboys
Signed with Jets: One year, $6.5 million, fully guaranteed.
Smith is 33 years old and hasn’t completed a full slate since 2015. That’s the bad news. The good news is that Smith is still incredibly effective whenever he’s on the field, especially as a pass blocker.
He managed to suit for 13 games in 2023, his highest total since 2019. Smith should have options around the league if the Cowboys proceed with Tyler Smith at left tackle.
31) Hollywood Brown, WR, Arizona Cardinals
Signed with Chiefs: One year, $7 million, $6.5 million guaranteed.
Brown has been banged up over the past two seasons while playing in a Cardinals offense that wasn’t exactly operating with peak efficiency.
An average 2022-23 line of 59-642-4 isn’t the best platform for Brown’s free agency, but NFL teams are constantly looking for explosive plays in the passing game. Brown offers speed on the outside and could become a weapon in a better offensive environment.
32) Mekhi Becton, OT, New York Jets
Signed with Eagles: One year, $2.75 million, fully guaranteed.
After injuries limited him to just one game from 2020 to 2021, Becton finally managed to stay healthy for 16 games this past season. He missed one contest and part of another after spraining his ankle, but any intrigued team has to be encouraged by Becton’s stretch of availability in 2023. As long as he stays in shape, Becton has all the tools to be a high-end left tackle.
33) Robert Hunt, G, Miami Dolphins
Signed with Panthers: Five years, $100 million, $44 million guaranteed.
Like most of the Dolphins’ starting offensive linemen, Hunt suffered an injury in 2023. A recurring hamstring issue sidelined him for seven games, but the former second-round pick didn’t miss a snap from 2021 to 2022.
Hunt can play in any offense, but Miami’s zone scheme allowed him to utilize his mobility. Luckily, many teams around the league deploy some version of a Shanahan-inspired, zone-based attack, so Hunt should have a long list of suitors.
34) Kevin Dotson, G, Los Angeles Rams
Re-signed with Rams: Three years, $48 million, $24 million guaranteed.
The Rams picked up Dotson in a preseason trade with the Steelers, swapping a pair of mid-round picks to acquire what LA probably hoped was another depth piece.
But Dotson became much more than that. Previously a league-average guard, Dotson thrived in Sean McVay’s offense and could be on track for $15+ million on the open market. The Rams saw their offensive line fall apart in 2022 — they shouldn’t let Dotson get away.
35) Dalton Schultz, TE, Houston Texans
Re-signed with Texans: Three years, $36 million, $23.5 million guaranteed.
Schultz played on the franchise tag with the Cowboys in 2022 and then had to settle for a one-year, $6.25 million deal with the Texans last season. While he may never match his 78-808-8 line with Dallas in 2021, Schultz is a reliable target over the middle of the field and a capable inline blocker. He’s the clear-cut No. 1 free agent TE in this year’s class.
36) Josh Jacobs, RB, Las Vegas Raiders
Signed with Packers: Four years, $48 million, $12.5 million guaranteed.
Jacobs led the NFL in yards from scrimmage while earning first-team All-Pro honors in 2022, but everything fell apart in 2023.
The Raiders’ offensive line didn’t play as well, Jimmy Garoppolo and Aidan O’Connell proved to be downgrades compared to Derek Carr, and Jacobs didn’t create as many yards for himself before ending the season injured. But he’s only 26 years old and could dominate backfield touches for his next team.
37) Trent Brown, OT, New England Patriots
Signed with Bengals: One year, $4.75 million, $2 million guaranteed.
Brown struggled to maintain consistency with the Patriots last season and ultimately made only eight starts. He’s 31 years old and has dealt with nagging injury issues, but 6-foot-8, 307-pound dancing bears don’t come around very often. Teams may be willing to live with Browns’ up-and-down nature, if only because competent offensive tackles are tough to locate.
38) Lavonte David, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Re-signed with Buccaneers: One year, $8.5 million, fully guaranteed.
While David is already 34, he’s shown few signs of slowing down. The three-time All-Pro has racked up 100+ tackles in six of his past seven seasons, demonstrating his seemingly never-ending capabilities as a read-and-react linebacker. The Buccaneers reportedly want to re-sign David, who’s spent his entire 12-year career in Tampa Bay.
39) Derrick Henry, RB, Tennessee Titans
Signed with Ravens: Two years, $16 million, $9 million guaranteed.
Returning to the Titans seems unlikely after Henry gave a farewell speech to the Tennessee faithful following Week 18. Still, The King shouldn’t have any trouble attracting interest on the free agent market.
Henry pounded his way to his fifth 1,000-yard and sixth double-digit TD campaign in 2023 while ranking 11th in yards after contact per attempt (2.1), the best mark among FA running backs.
40) Justin Simmons, S, Denver Broncos
Signed with Falcons: One year, $8 million.
Denver cut Simmons before the start of free agency, but that move was tied to the Broncos’ salary cap situation, not a drop-off in Simmons’ performance. The 30-year-old was named a second-team All-Pro in four of the past five seasons and will offer 108 games worth of starting experience to his next club.
41) Connor Williams, C, Miami Dolphins
Signed with Seahawks: One year, $4 million, $2.98 million guaranteed.
Williams tore his ACL in December but had managed his transition from guard to center with aplomb since joining the Dolphins as a 2022 free agent. His recovery timeline may limit him to a one-year deal, but Williams could be a bargain for a team looking for security on the interior. Miami is stretched for cap space but shouldn’t let Williams get away.
42) Lloyd Cushenberry, C, Denver Broncos
Signed with Titans: Four years, $50 million, $26 million guaranteed.
A third-round selection in 2020, Cushenberry worked under three Broncos coaching staffs in four seasons but still offered above-average play across 57 starts.
While he’s not a world-beater, plenty of NFL teams might be searching for an experienced center this offseason. Clubs with first- or second-year quarterbacks under center could do worse than adding a competent veteran like Cushenberry.
43) Tony Pollard, RB, Dallas Cowboys
Signed with Titans: Three years, $21.75 million, $10.49 million guaranteed.
While Pollard put up more than 1,300 total yards and scored six touchdowns after escaping Ezekiel Elliott’s shadow, his 2023 production felt incredibly disappointing.
Pollard posted a better rushing success rate than he did in 2022, but the explosiveness that made him so lethal as Zeke’s 1B no longer seemed to be there. Franchise-tagged last season, Pollard might have to accept a prove-it deal.
44) Jordyn Brooks, LB, Seattle Seahawks
Signed with Dolphins: Three years, $26.25 million, $9.5 million guaranteed.
After tearing his ACL near the end of the 2022 campaign, Brooks received in time to suit for 16 games this past season. He showed off his coverage ability, reducing his yards per completion allowed by more than three yards from the prior season. Whether or not Brooks receives a long-term deal this offseason might depend on whether the league believes he’s a re-injury risk.
45) Geno Stone, S, Baltimore Ravens
Signed with Bengals: Two years, $14 million, $6 million guaranteed.
Any club in the NFL could have signed Stone for a league minimum salary this offseason. The Ravens non-tendered him as a restricted free agent, then brought him back for roughly $1 million.
Stone proceeded to finish second in the NFL with seven interceptions while playing nearly 1,000 snaps. A deep FA safety crop might reduce his market, but Stone couldn’t set himself up any better.
46) Darnell Mooney, WR, Chicago Bears
Signed with Falcons: Three years, $39 million, $26 million guaranteed.
Mooney looked like an obvious extension candidate after his breakout 2021 campaign, when he posted 81 receptions for 1,005 yards and four touchdowns. But his production has taken a downturn over the past season and a half. With DJ Moore already under contract, will the Bears re-sign Mooney, draft an early-round wideout, or both?
47) Gabe Davis, WR, Buffalo Bills
Signed with Jaguars: Three years, $39 million, $24 million guaranteed.
One of the league’s most mercurial wideouts, Davis has scored 27 touchdowns over four seasons with the Bills. But he’s nearly as likely to go without a catch — something that happened five times in 2023 — as he is to enter the end zone. If Buffalo retains Stefon Diggs, it isn’t easy to see Davis coming back.
48) Julian Blackmon, S, Indianapolis Colts
Re-signed with Colts: One year, $3.7 million, $3.19 million guaranteed.
Blackmon set career highs in starts (15), interceptions (four), pass breakups (eight), and tackles for loss (five) in 2023, posting his best season in his platform campaign. He’s a solid fit as the single-high safety in Gus Bradley’s Cover 3-dominant game plans.
The Colts have the cap space to re-sign Blackmon, and they’ve shown no willingness to turn things over to former third-round pick Nick Cross, who played roughly a quarter of Indy’s defensive snaps this year. Potential safety upgrades will be available in free agency, but Blackmon is a known commodity for the Colts.
49) Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Cincinnati Bengals
Signed with Titans: Three years, $36 million, $19 million guaranteed.
Awuzie more than delivered on his three-year contract with the Bengals, even if his 2022 ACL injury slowed him down over the next two seasons. He’s no longer the CB1 he was in 2021, but Awuzie is still on the right side of 30.
A short-term deal might be his only option, but Awuzie can still play. However, a return to Cincinnati appears unlikely, given how many Day 1 and 2 picks the Bengals have used on fellow cornerbacks.
50) Austin Ekeler, RB, Los Angeles Chargers
Signed with Commanders: Two years, $8.43 million, $4.21 million guaranteed.
Ekeler missed several games with an ankle injury, ran for just 3.5 yards per carry, and will be 29 years old entering the 2024 season. That’s the bad news. But Ekeler might be able to pitch himself as a high-end receiving back who can impact the passing game while reminding teams that the Chargers’ surrounding offensive environment wasn’t ideal.
51) Stephon Gilmore, CB, Dallas Cowboys
Signed with Vikings: One year, up to $10 million, $7 million guaranteed.
Gilmore proved he still had it after being traded from the Colts to the Cowboys in 2023, appearing in all 17 games while playing primarily single coverage.
He’ll be 34 years old next season, and cornerbacks have been known to fall off a cliff. But Gilmore is still a CB1 until proven otherwise. A return to Dallas — especially with fellow cornerback Trevon Diggs recovering from a torn ACL — makes sense.
52) Jonah Jackson, G, Detroit Lions
Signed with Rams: Three years, $51 million, $25.5 million guaranteed.
Injury issues are a concern for Jackson, who missed nine games over the past two seasons. A Pro Bowler in 2021, Jackson has done enough to earn an extension from the Lions.
However, Detroit has already extended left tackle Taylor Decker and center Frank Ragnow, while a new deal for right tackle Penei Sewell could be on the horizon.
53) Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Re-signed with Buccaneers: Three years, $100 million, $40 million guaranteed.
Trending toward career backup status in 2022, Mayfield capitalized on his one-year, $4 million base value deal with the Buccaneers, setting career-highs in completion rate (64.3%), passing yards (4,044), and passing touchdowns (28).
Mayfield may have other suitors after guiding Tampa Bay to a playoff win, but the Bucs will likely franchise tag him if no extension is reached.
54) Xavien Howard, CB, Miami Dolphins
Howard will become a free agent in March once the Dolphins officially process his release, and the lack of available corners on the open market means the 31-year-old could be in for a decent deal. Whether that means a long-term pact or a one-year accord with a high AAV is unclear, but Howard can still play. Injuries have been a recurring issue, though.
55) Kevin Zeitler, G, Baltimore Ravens
Signed with Lions: One year, $6 million, $5.49 million guaranteed.
After starting 181 career games in the NFL, Zeitler finally made his first Pro Bowl this year after completing his age-33 campaign. He didn’t show any signs of slowing down, especially in pass protection, and could be in line for another multi-year deal despite his age. Guards can play forever, and Zeitler is still among the league’s best.
56) Kenny Moore, CB, Indianapolis Colts
Re-signed with Colts: Three years, $30 million, $16 million guaranteed.
A Pro Bowler in 2021, Moore posted a rebound campaign after a down 2022 that saw him miss the final five games of the year with an ankle injury. He allowed 9.1 yards per completion, his best mark since 2019, and gave up just 0.93 yards from the slot, 11th-best among 42 CBs with at least 100 snaps inside, per PFF. Cameron Sutton’s three-year, $33 million deal with the Detroit Lions should be Moore’s starting point.
57) Jadeveon Clowney, EDGE, Baltimore Ravens
Signed with Panthers: Two years, $20 million, $12 million guaranteed.
The embodiment of an NFL mercenary, Clowney didn’t sign with the Ravens but subsequently put up one of the better seasons of his lengthy NFL career. Here’s who finished ahead of Clowney in pass-rush win rate in 2023: Micah Parsons, Myles Garrett, Will Anderson Jr., and T.J. Watt. Clowney has never inked a multi-year pact, but that could change this offseason.
58) Andre James, C, Las Vegas Raiders
Re-signed with Raiders: Three years, $24 million, $13 million guaranteed.
James inked a three-year, $12.5 million extension with the Raiders entering the 2021 campaign, just as he was set to replace Rodney Hudson as Vegas’ starting center.
He’s been underpaid over the past three seasons, especially after ranking second among centers in pass-blocking win rate in 2023. James isn’t a household name, but don’t be surprised if he generates more interest than expected once free agency opens.
59) Curtis Samuel, WR, Washington Commanders
Signed with Bills: Three years, $24 million, $13.11 million guaranteed.
Samuel flashed during his time in Washington (just as he did with the Panthers), but he probably hasn’t lived up to the three-year, $34.5 million deal he signed with the Commanders before the 2021 season. Injury issues will always be a concern for Samuel, who missed 10 games from 2017-18, 12 more games in 2021, and was banged up this year.
60) Willie Gay Jr., LB, Kansas City Chiefs
Signed with Saints: One year, $3 million, fully guaranteed.
Gay consistently garnered more playing time and responsibilities throughout his tenure with the Chiefs. He started 15 games in 2023, setting a career-best mark in coverage by allowing a 76.4 passer rating in his targeted area.
Kansas City has Nick Bolton and Leo Chenal in the pipeline, but they’re different players than Gay.
61) Ezra Cleveland, G, Jacksonville Jaguars
Re-signed with Jaguars: Three years, $24 million, $14.25 million guaranteed.
Traded from the Vikings to the Jaguars at the deadline, Cleveland struggled upon his arrival in Jacksonville. He was injured at points, didn’t seem to mesh with the rest of the Jags’ offensive line, and even had to step in at left tackle briefly. But Cleveland was a solid starting left guard for Minnesota for several seasons and could be an affordable option for numerous clubs.
62) Za’Darius Smith, EDGE, Cleveland Browns
Re-signed with Browns: Two years, $23 million, $12 million guaranteed.
Smith’s sack production was down last year, but he still managed 20 QB hits, roughly in line with his recent numbers. He’s a valuable pass-rushing force who can play in any scheme and align virtually anywhere up front. He seems likely to sign with a contender on a one-year contract.
63) Donovan Smith, OT, Kansas City Chiefs
After being flagged for 12 penalties in 2022 (second-most among offensive linemen), Smith committed just five accepted fouls this past season. Injuries were a problem in both years, but Smith is still just 30 years old.
NFL teams always need competent offensive tackles. Even if Smith has to accept a one-year deal for 2024, another multi-season pact could still be in his future.
64) Yosh Nijman, OT, Green Bay Packers
Signed with Panthers: Two years, $8 million, $5 million guaranteed.
Nijman played just 231 snaps in 2023 after starting 13 games for the Packers a year ago. However, he’s displayed competence at both tackle spots. In an OL-starved NFL, that’s an incredibly valuable skill. Green Bay has settled on Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom as its OTs, but Nijman should grab a starting job elsewhere.
65) Noah Fant, TE, Seattle Seahawks
Re-signed with Seahawks: Two years, $21 million, $11.49 million guaranteed.
Part of the haul the Seahawks acquired in the Russell Wilson trade, Fant saw his role dwindle once he landed in Seattle. But he’s a former first-round pick with three 500-yard seasons on his ledger who can play inline, in the slot, or out wide.
Even though Fant’s receiving statistics have dropped off considerably over the last two years, the lack of available free agent TEs will help his contract case.
66) Drue Tranquill, LB, Kansas City Chiefs
Re-signed with Chiefs: Three years, $19 million, $12.5 million guaranteed.
Tranquill was overlooked during last year’s free agent period and ultimately signed a cheap one-year deal with a Chiefs team that seemingly already had enough linebackers.
But Tranquill stepped in when needed, making eight starts while showing off his prowess as a blitzer and coverage defender. He’s a modern-day LB, but he still might need to be hidden in the run game occasionally.
67) Gardner Minshew, QB, Indianapolis Colts
Signed with Raiders: Two years, $25 million, $15 million guaranteed.
NFL teams might’ve thought they already knew what Minshew was capable of heading into the 2023 campaign. But the longtime backup upended the narrative around his career, finishing 13th in QBR (59.5) after replacing injured rookie Anthony Richardson. A return to Indianapolis could be awkward, given that Minshew won’t usurp Richardson any time soon.
68) Quandre Diggs, S, Seattle Seahawks
Signed with Titans: One year, $3 million, $2.745 million guaranteed.
While he’s entering his age-31 campaign, Diggs should have a few years left of high-end play to offer. He’s eminently available, having played nearly every defensive snap for the Seahawks after joining the squad in 2019. Diggs’ range and football IQ should appeal to any team with a safety vacancy.
69) Jacoby Brissett, QB, Washington Commanders
Signed with Patriots: One year, $8 million, $6.5 million guaranteed.
Already the NFL’s highest-paid backup QB at $8 million per year, Brissett might be able to retain that title heading into next season. He could get a chance to compete for a starting role in 2024, but teams might be wary after Brissett spent the entire 2023 campaign on the bench. Still, the veteran signal-caller was outstanding as the Browns’ temporary starter in 2022.
70) Hunter Henry, TE, New England Patriots
Re-signed with Patriots: Three years, $27 million, $15.8 million guaranteed.
Another tight end whose stock could be boosted by this year’s weak FA crop, Henry never again matched his first season in New England (50-603-9). But he’s a valuable blocker who can still open in the red zone. While labeling a TE a quarterback’s security blanket might be cliché, that’s what Henry is.
71) Bobby Wagner, LB, Seattle Seahawks
Signed with Commanders: One year, $6.5 million, $6.06 million guaranteed.
Wagner shouldn’t have been a second-team All-Pro, but the veteran linebacker still has something to offer in the NFL. Ideally, he’d work solely as an early-down linebacker, where his intelligence and experience could be useful against the run game. Although Wagner shouldn’t be on the field in many third-down situations, some teams could use a defender with his résumé.
72) Jordan Whitehead, S, New York Jets
Signed with Buccaneers: Two years, $9 million, $4.5 million guaranteed.
Whitehead has barely missed a snap since signing with the Jets before the 2022 season. The veteran safety posted one of the standout defnesive performances of the year in Week 1 when he picked off Bills QB Josh Allen three times.
Whitehead has stabilized the back end of New York’s defense for the better part of two years, and he’ll likely be a priority for general manager Joe Douglas.
73) Jordan Fuller, S, Los Angeles Rams
Signed with Panthers: One year, $3.25 million, $3.055 million guaranteed.
As a former sixth-round pick who started 46 games over four years, Fuller is a success story for Los Angeles’ scouting staff. He’s become a leader on and off the field, rebounding from a costly 2022 hamstring injury to start all 17 games this past season.
The Rams might want to bring Fuller back — or they might want to try to find the next Fuller in this year’s draft.
74) Odell Beckham Jr., WR, Baltimore Ravens
Signed with Dolphins: One year, $3 million, fully guaranteed.
Beckham flashed when healthy and still offers juice in the passing game. But his age and injury concerns mean he’s unlikely to make even half the $15 million salary he earned with the Ravens in 2023. A reunion with Baltimore could make sense, depending on how it addresses its receiving corps this offseason.
75) Tyler Boyd, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Signed with Titans: One year, $2.4 million, $1.2 million guaranteed.
Boyd probably won’t re-sign with the Bengals, who will likely franchise-tag Tee Higgins and may also extend Ja’Marr Chase in the coming months. Cincinnati’s top wideout from 2018 to 2019, Boyd’s role has been diminished as the Bengals have added more talent around him. Following ex-Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan to the Titans wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world.
76) Fletcher Cox, DT, Philadelphia Eagles
Retired.
Cox is an Eagles icon, but the veteran defensive tackle won’t need to leverage his celebrity to earn another contract in Philadelphia. He’s still an incredibly effective defender who — even at age 32 — played more snaps than any other Eagles DT in 2023. If Cox doesn’t retire, another one-year pact in the $10 million range should keep him in Philly.
77) Tyrel Dodson, LB, Buffalo Bills
Signed with Seahawks: One year, $4.2 million, $1 million guaranteed.
While Dodson didn’t win a starting job coming out of Bills training camp, he met the call when fellow LB Matt Milano went down with a season-ending injury in Week 5. With Milano expected to return next year and start alongside Terrell Bernard, Dodson may look elsewhere. His explosive skill set and 2023 production will give him options.
78) George Fant, OT, Houston Texans
Signed with Seahawks: Two years, $9.1 million, $3.7 million guaranteed.
Fant was a prime example of the types of experienced free agents NFL teams can often find on the cheap. Houston didn’t sign Fant until July and only gave him $3 million. But the 31-year-old ended up starting 13 games and playing over 900 snaps at a league-average level.
Fant could do the same thing for any number of teams in 2024, and he probably deserves a raise.
79) Steven Nelson, CB, Houston Texans
Retired.
Nelson is another version of Fant, just on the defensive side of the ball. The veteran cornerback was on a two-year deal with the Texans, but he gave Houston similarly competent play on the perimeter.
Although Nelson might not be a star, he’s rarely injured, has an incredible football IQ, and has spent time with a litany of winning teams. Another two-year pact in the $10 million range should be on the table, and a return to Houston might be in the cards, given that the Texans don’t have another obvious candidate to play alongside Derek Stingley Jr.
80) Jermaine Eluemunor, OT, Las Vegas Raiders
Signed with Giants: Two years, $14 million, $6.75 million guaranteed.
Eluemunor has shined over the past two seasons with the Raiders, starting 31 games at right tackle while offering above-average results. He didn’t receive much interest as a free agent last offseason, ultimately re-signing in Vegas for just $3 million. Perhaps Elumunor will garner more appealing offers around the league after he backed up his performance in 2023.
81) Denico Autry, EDGE, Tennessee Titans
Signed with Texans: Two years, $20 million, $10.5 million guaranteed.
Autry will be 34 years old when the 2024 NFL season starts, but he’s coming off a career-best 11.5-sack campaign. His underlying metrics have remained consistent for years, and Autry’s ability to line up as a 3-technique or 5-technique defensive tackle or rush the passer off the edge is beyond valuable.
82) Joe Flacco, QB, Cleveland Browns
Signed with Colts: One year, $4.5 million, fully guaranteed.
One of the more intriguing free agents scheduled to hit the market, Flacco went 4-1 as Cleveland’s starter down the stretch before a disastrous Wild Card loss to the Texans.
Flacco intends to play in 2024, and the Browns have expressed interest in re-signing him. But other teams not tied to a Deshaun Watson-level QB contract might make more sense for Flacco if he wants playing time.
83) Josh Uche, EDGE, New England Patriots
Re-signed with Patriots: One year, $3 million, $2.3 million guaranteed.
Uche was relatively quiet during his first two NFL campaigns before breaking out with 11.5 sacks in 2022. While he didn’t have the same sack production this past season, he still managed a 14% pressure rate, in line with other high-end edge rushers. Designated pass rushers can get paid on the open market, but Uche won’t reach the $13+ million range that every-down players attain.
84) Blake Cashman, LB, Houston Texans
Signed with Vikings: Three years, $22.5 million, $15 million guaranteed.
After dealing with injury issues and playing primarily on special teams for most of his career, Cashman made 13 starts for the Texans in 2023 — and he was everywhere. Cashman racked up 106 tackles while playing outside and middle linebacker for DeMeco Ryans. With only one season of production under his belt, Cashman should be relatively affordable.
85) Grover Stewart, DT, Indianapolis Colts
Re-signed with Colts: Three years, $39 million, $25.73 million guaranteed.
Indy’s run defense struggled while Stewart served a six-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs. That ban may slightly alter his upcoming market, but Stewart is one of the league’s top run-lane cloggers.
While the Colts might want to bring him back and continue their Stewart-DeForest Buckner tandem, other teams — especially those that deploy light boxes against the run — will be interested in Stewart’s stout presence.
86) Sheldon Rankins, DT, Houston Texans
Signed with Bengals: Two years, $24.5 million, $8 million guaranteed.
Rankins looked more like his old self with the Texans this past season than he did with the Jets from 2021 to 2022. The former first-round pick was outstanding against the run and showed off more moves as a pass rusher, collecting the second-most quarterback hits of his career.
87) Andrew Van Ginkel, EDGE, Miami Dolphins
Signed with Vikings: Two years, $20 million, $14 million guaranteed.
One of the most versatile and underrated players in the NFL, Van Ginkel was forced to do a little bit of everything in 2023 after injuries hit Miami’s defensive front seven. AVG played in coverage, rushed the passer, and stopped the run with equal effectiveness, serving as a chess piece that could fit in a variety of schemes.
A Week 18 foot injury shouldn’t be a significant concern, as Van Ginkel is expected to be ready for offseason work.
88) Jameis Winston, QB, New Orleans Saints
Signed with Browns: One year, $4 million, fully guaranteed.
Yes, Winston didn’t make a single start in 2023. Yes, Winston might’ve tanked his value around the league when he went rogue in Week 18, overruling head coach Dennis Allen’s call for a kneeldown in favor of letting RB Jamaal Williams score his first TD of the year.
And yes, Winston threw 30 interceptions the last time he was a full-time NFL quarterback (2019). But he also posted a 55.7 QBR that season at age 25. Winston tanked top-10 in QBR through seven games in 2021 before suffering a torn ACL. He’s never gotten another shot, and that’s a shame.
89) Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, S, Detroit Lions
Signed with Eagles: Three years, $27 million, $10 million guaranteed.
Gardner-Johnson was supposed to play a major role as a new addition in the Lions’ secondary, but a Week 2 pectoral injury halted his contributions. CJGJ returned in Week 18 and played throughout Detroit’s postseason run, picking off two passes.
Gardner-Johnson’s comfort at safety or the slot means he could be a fit for more than half the league. He’s still only 26 years old, so there’s no reason he can’t land another one-year, $6-8 million deal to rebuild his value.
90) Javon Kinlaw, DT, San Francisco 49ers
Signed with Jets: One year, $7.25 million, $6.9 million guaranteed.
Kinlaw still hasn’t delivered on his first-round billing, but he showed more juice as a pass rusher in 2023 than he ever had in his 49ers career. While he wore down as the season progressed, Kinlaw ultimately played more snaps last year than in 2021 and 2022 combined. He may need to accept a one-year deal to build his value further, but Kinlaw could be trending in the right direction.
91) D’Andre Swift, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Signed with Bears: Three years, $24.5 million, $14 million guaranteed.
In his first season with the Eagles, Swift stayed healthy and topped 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career. However, he received plenty of help from Philadelphia’s elite offensive line.
Swift’s 2.8 yards before contact per attempt ranked eighth in the league, while he generated negative rushing yards over expectation. Still, his ability as a receiver alone might be enough to get him paid.
92) A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Buffalo Bills
Re-signed with Bills: Two years, $12 million, $6.56 million guaranteed.
A 2020 second-round pick, Epenesa showed more development as a pass rusher this past season while setting a new career-high in pressures (29). He’s still only 25 years old and could be an affordable source of edge-rushing prowess. A return to Buffalo seems unlikely, given the Bills’ salary cap issues, but a three-year deal might not be out of the question for Epenesa elsewhere.
93) Teair Tart, DT, Houston Texans
Signed with Dolphins: One year, $1.293 million, $576,700 guaranteed.
Tart was a versatile pass rusher for the Titans before a contract dispute hindered his relationship with the club. Tennessee waived him in December. The Texans claimed Tart, but he was inactive in three of five games to close the year and played fewer than 30 total defensive snaps.
So why is he on our list? Before things went wrong with the Titans, Tart was a powerful force at several spots along the team’s defensive line. He’s stout against the run and has legitimate pass-rushing moves for a 300-pounder.
94) Tyler Biadasz, C, Dallas Cowboys
Signed with Commanders: Three years, $29.25 million, $17.7 million guaranteed.
Tyron Smith isn’t the Cowboys’ only free agent offensive lineman. Biadasz, a starter since 2021, made his only Pro Bowl in 2022. He moves well in the run game and seems to complement pre-snap wizard Dak Prescott when they handle Dallas’ protection schemes.
The Cowboys rarely sign external free agents. Unless they’re willing to draft and play a rookie center, Biadasz will likely be prioritized this offseason.
95) Mike Gesicki, TE, New England Patriots
Signed with Bengals: One year, $2.5 million, $400,000 guaranteed.
Over the past four years, only seven tight ends posted multiple 700-yard campaigns. Gesicki was one of them, but his two best years came in 2020 and 2021. He failed to reach 600 yards in 2022 and 2023 combined, but Gesicki can be a weapon in the right offense.
96) Ryan Tannehill, QB, Tennessee Titans
Tannehill is coming off a disappointing season and has struggled with injuries for a few campaigns in a row. He’s 35 but still athletic enough to play in an offense that can get him on the move.
The most obvious fit might be with the Steelers, who recently hired Arthur Smith — formerly Tannehill’s OC during his most productive Titans years — as their play-caller.
97) Devin White, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Signed with Eagles: One year, $4 million, $3.5 million guaranteed.
A former No. 5 overall pick, White does one thing really well: blitz.
Bucs head coach Todd Bowles harnessed that trait, but White seems unlikely to return to Tampa Bay after being benched near the end of the year and then playing just 19% of the team’s defensive snaps in its Wild Card loss to the Lions.
98) Dalton Risner, G, Minnesota Vikings
Re-signed with Vikings: One year, $2.41 million, $1.1 million guaranteed.
Risner didn’t sign with the Vikings until September but eventually started 11 games at left guard.
Minnesota’s four other offensive linemen will return in 2023, so the club might opt for continuity by re-upping Risner. Even if he doesn’t go back to the Vikings, it’s hard to imagine Risner’s unemployment will last as long this offseason as it did in 2023.
99) Zack Moss, RB, Indianapolis Colts
Signed with Bengals: Two years, $8 million, $3 million guaranteed.
Moss was a revelation for the Colts while an injury and contract situation sidelined fellow RB Jonathan Taylor. The former Bill reached 70 rushing yards in each of his four starts and exceeded 120 yards twice.
Indy’s offensive line was much-improved in 2023, but Moss also created yardage for himself, ranking fifth with 0.71 rushing yards over expectation per attempt. He has the power, acceleration, and tackle-breaking ability to generate additional production in situations where other RBs might have been stopped.
100) Azeez Al-Shaair, LB, Tennessee Titans
Signed with Texans: Three years, $34 million, $21.5 million guaranteed.
Al-Shaair followed now-Titans GM Ran Carthon from San Francisco to Tennessee last year, and now the two sides need to work out another agreement.
After backing up Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw with the 49ers, Al-Shaair started all 17 games in 2023, racking up 163 tackles while posting 56 defensive stops (a play that creates negative EPA for the offense in the run game), 11th-most among LBs, per PFF.
101) John Simpson, G, Baltimore Ravens
Signed with Jets: Two years, $12 million. $6 million guaranteed.
A reserve/futures signing in January, Simpson became essential for a banged-up Ravens offensive line. While every other Baltimore lineman suffered an injury in 2023, Simpson started every game. He’s probably a league-average guard, but playing on a high-profile playoff team like the Ravens could have helped Simpson get paid this offseason.
102) J.K. Dobbins, RB, Baltimore Ravens
Signed with Chargers: One year, $1.61 million, $50,000 guaranteed.
Dobbins has always been effective when he’s been able to stay on the field. He leads all running backs with 5.8 yards per attempt since entering the league in 2020 (min. 200 carries).
KEEP READING: When Does 2024 NFL Free Agency Start? Date, Time, Players, and More
But the former second-round pick has also missed 42 of his last 51 games and appeared in only 24 of a possible 67 games over the life of his rookie contract. Injury issues have been a consistent problem for Dobbins, who will likely have to settle for a one-year, incentive-laden deal.
Every move. Every team. Don’t miss a thing with PFN’s NFL Free Agency Tracker.
