The NFL free agency rumor mill is already spinning ahead of the 2024 league year.
With the legal tampering period set for March 11, prominent names like Russell Wilson, Michael Thomas, and Saquon Barkley have already surfaced in the news regarding what their 2024 fate could be. We’re covering the 2024 free agency period and will address all rumor-related news as it comes.
Latest NFL Free Agency Rumors
Russell Wilson on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Radar?
On Wednesday, Wilson became a scratch for the Carolina Panthers with his former passing game coordinator/quarterbacks coach in Seattle, Dave Canales, saying his team isn’t a fit for the nine-time Pro Bowler. Wilson is among the notable 2024 cuts ahead of the free agency period.
But now, according to The Pittsburgh Post Gazette Thursday, Wilson’s name has surfaced for the Steelers.
The Gazette’s Gerry Dulac reports that the Steelers are interested in Wilson and plan to meet with him ahead of the March 13 signing period. But is there interest on the side of the Super Bowl 48-winning passer?
“Wilson, 35, has an interest in joining the Steelers, but he is already talking with at least one other team after the Broncos gave him permission to seek employment elsewhere before they release him,” Dulac said.
It’s not known who the other team is talking to Wilson, but the Steel City is now one destination to watch for the free agent quarterback.
Michael Thomas Rips Rumor of Exiting Saints
Many across the league have the belief that All-Pro wide receiver Michael Thomas will soon leave the New Orleans Saints. And on Thursday morning, Jeff Duncan of nola.com reported the franchise will soon release the veteran.
Thomas, however, vehemently squashed that rumor by turning to his X (formerly known as Twitter) account.
“Jeff Duncan is a h–. Trying to stay relevant so let’s speak on it. The Saints leak information to him to try to ruin players value but see I’m not broke so I can speak on it. He is broke so he need clicks. Go look at all his articles that never end up being true,” Thomas posted.
Thomas, who once shattered the NFL regular-season record for receptions with 149 in 2019, has been considered a trade or release candidate in league circles. However, he still has one year left on his current Saints deal.
Saquon Barkley Linked to Giants’ NFC East Rival
While Thomas can still enter free agency in 2025, Barkley is already searching for a new home. But an NFC East rival is rumored to be interested in swooping up the New York Giants star running back.
Howard Eskin of the WIP Morning Show in Philadelphia first reported that the rival Eagles have interest in signing Barkley. But there’s more, as Fox Sports NFC East reporter Ralph Vacchiano revealed the Eagles and general manager Howie Roseman “might take a swing” at nabbing Barkley.
“Several NFL sources believe Roseman might take a swing at Saquon Barkley, who could be a huge boost to the Eagles offense as both a running back and receiver. He won’t go crazy with a contract, but he could swoop in if Barkley’s market isn’t as robust as he hopes,” Vacchiano writes in his Thursday column.
It’s important to note Barkley’s Keystone State ties. He’s a native of Coplay, Pa., and college football fans remember the explosive plays he delivered at Penn State.
Foley Fatukasi Meeting With 2 Teams, Including AFC South Rival
Flipping over to defense, Foley Fatukasi is searching for a new home. The Jacksonville Jaguars free agent could end up staying in the AFC South.
The Houston Texans hosted the 30-year-old defensive lineman on Wednesday, according to KPRC NBC 2 NFL insider Aaron Wilson. The insider also adds that Fatukasi has a meeting set up with the Buffalo Bills for Thursday.
Regarding the latter franchise, Buffalo cleared up nearly $25.96 million in salary cap space by making notable cuts — particularly severing ties with All-Pro safety Jordan Poyer and Pro Bowl cornerback Tre’Davious White on Wednesday. Houston, however, would keep the 6’4″, 318-pound interior lineman from drifting off in the division.
Fatukasi was once signed to a three-year, $30 million deal with the Jags. However, he only produced 24 tackles with three behind the line of scrimmage as he started in 16 games in 2023.
Could Texans Also Make a Run at Patrick Queen?
Houston also appears to have a desire to build up a contender this offseason following their division title run.
Per ESPN Texans insider DJ Bien-Aime on Wednesday, Baltimore Ravens LB Patrick Queen has his name attached to the AFC South champs.
KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Free Agency Predictions
“Houston could focus on Ravens free agent linebacker Patrick Queen, who played with Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. at LSU. Queen was second-team All-Pro last season, and there’s some interest between the two parties, per a source,” Bien-Aime reported.
Queen put together his finest season yet, delivering 133 total stops, including 84 solo tackles — both new career highs. Queen is PFN’s No. 2 ranked free agent linebacker for 2024.
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