NEWSLETTER
We’re just a few days away from the start of the NFL’s free agency period. Today, we have our 2024 NFL Free Agency Rankings featuring the best available players ranked in order at every position. The rankings are mine, and they include contract projections from PFF and Spotrac.
Because we cover the Bears here, I have included an indicator (🐻) next to the names of players who are potential fits for Chicago. I will also release Bears-specific free-agent targets this week.
Let’s get into it.
2024 NFL Free Agency Rankings
Free Agent Quarterbacks
1. Kirk Cousins
2023 Team: Minnesota Vikings
Age: 35.5
Cousins was undergoing another solid season when he tore his Achilles in 2023. The veteran quarterback had 2,331 yards, 18 touchdowns, and five interceptions in eight games before he went down in October against the Packers. Cousins will have plenty of suitors, including Minnesota, this offseason and still has the arm strength and accuracy to be an above-average passer even entering his age 36 season in 2024.
Projected Contract: 2 yrs — $40m avg/yr; $60m guaranteed, $80m total
2. Baker Mayfield
2023 Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Age:28.8
In 2023, Baker Mayfield had a career year, throwing for 4,000 yards and 28 touchdowns for the Buccaneers. Baker is set to cash in this offseason after taking a one-year deal with Tampa Bay to rebuild his stock.
Projected Contract: 3 yrs — $32.5m avg/yr; $58.5m guaranteed, $97.5m total
3. Gardner Minshew
2023 Team: Indianapolis Colts
Age: 28.1
When it comes to backup quarterbacks, Gardner Minshew is the cream of the crop. He’s had some success in all his stops and provides teams with a competent quarterback who can step in when needed and start for extended periods.
Projected Contract: 2 yrs — $8.75m avg/yr; $9m guaranteed, $17.5m total
4. Jacoby Brissett
2023 Team: Washington Commanders
Age: 31.2
Like Minshew, Brissett is an excellent backup quarterback with some successes at every stop in his NFL career. He’s a solid pocket passer who can take a hit and keep you in ballgames when called upon. Brissett stepped in for Sam Howell in Week 15 in 2023 and threw for 124 yards and two touchdowns, completing 10 of his 12 pass attempts. If he hadn’t gotten hurt in Week 16, he would have finished the season as the starter in Washington.
Projected Contract:1 yrs — $6.5m avg/yr; $6.5m guaranteed, $6.5m total
5. Ryan Tannehill
2023 Team: Tennessee Titans
Age: 35.6
Tannehill’s better days are behind him, but he can still serve as a competent backup in this league. He would be perfect for a team like the Jets, who need a dependable option behind Aaron Rodgers.
Projected Contract: 2 yrs — $7.5m avg/yr; $10m guaranteed, $15m total
6. Jameis Winston
2023 Team:
Age:
Jameis Winston is a gunslinger under center, and that comes with plenty of good and bad. He will air it out and take his downfield shots no matter what. He’s looking for the opportunity to start in the NFL after years of being a backup in New Orleans. I don’t know if he’ll get that shot, but seeing it would be fun.
Projected Contract: 1 yrs — $4m avg/yr; $4m guaranteed, $4m total
7. Sam Darnold
2023 Team: San Francisco 49ers
Age: 26.7
Darnold spent last season in San Francisco working with Kyle Shanahan and Klint Kubiak and was impressive enough to beat out Trey Lance for the backup job with the 49ers. But that’s all Darnold is at this stage in his career.
Projected Contract: 1 yrs — $4.75m avg/yr; $4m guaranteed, $4.75m total
8. Drew Lock
2023 Team: Seattle Seahawks
Age: 27.3
Lock’s performance against the Philadelphia Eagles in December was one of the most entertaining games I watched last season. Lock is another backup-caliber quarterback who can step in and make some plays when called on, but not much more.
Projected Contract: 1 yrs — $2.75m avg/yr; $2.25m guaranteed, $2.75m total
9. Tyrod Taylor
2023 Team: New York Giants
Age: 34.5
Tyrod Taylor is a dependable veteran backup quarterback who has played all over the league for many offensive minds. He can keep you in a ballgame if you need it.
Projected Contract: 2 yrs — $4.5m avg/yr; $6.5m guaranteed, $9m total
10. Tyler Huntley
2023 Team: Baltimore Ravens
Age: 26.0
Huntley wasn’t called on much in 2023, but in the previous two seasons, he proved to be a competent spot starter in the Ravens system. He’s such a perfect fit behind Lamar Jackson in Baltimore that I don’t see him leaving.
Projected Contract: 1 yrs — $4m avg/yr; $3.5m guaranteed, $4m total
Free Agent Running Backs
1. Josh Jacobs (🐻)
2023 Team: Las Vegas Raiders
Age: 26
One year after clinching the rushing title in 2022, Jacobs faced a tough start to the year amidst the upheaval of the Josh McDaniels era, resulting in his rushing grade plummeting nearly 10 points below his previous seasons. In 2023, he managed just 3.5 yards per carry. However, under the leadership of Antonio Pierce, Jacobs saw increased and more effective utilization, which is evident in his performance in three out of five games where he racked up at least 98 yards from scrimmage before a quad injury cut his season short. With Jacobs set to turn 26 just before free agency and plenty of fuel left in his tank, there’s optimism for his future contributions.
Projected Contract: 3 yrs — $11m avg/yr; $18m guaranteed, $33m total
2. Saquon Barkley
2023 Team: New York Giants
Age: 27
Barkley faced contract issues last offseason but eventually returned to play on his franchise tag with slim chances of earning incentives. Despite his talent, the Giants had a disappointing season. Barkley showcased his skills with explosive rushes and highlight-reel catches, but concerns have arisen due to his frequent absences in recent seasons. The running back market in 2024 is challenging, compounded by a perceived lack of talent in the upcoming draft class.
Projected Contract: 3 yrs — $12m avg/yr; $18.5m guaranteed, $36m total
3. Derrick Henry
2023 Team: Tennessee Titans
Age: 29.6
Henry continues to perform at a high level, showing no signs of decline despite his age or workload. His impressive yards after contact per attempt in 2023 indicate his durability and effectiveness. While he may not produce as many big plays as before, Henry appears capable of maintaining his dominance for several more seasons, consistently powering through defenders and finding the end zone.
Projected Contract: 2 yrs — $9m avg/yr; $10m guaranteed, $18m total
4. Tony Pollard
2023 Team: Dallas Cowboys
Age: 26.8
Pollard, who played the 2023 season on the franchise tag, transitioned into a more prominent role in the Cowboys’ rushing offense. However, as anticipated, his efficiency per touch declined, and he faced challenges generating explosive plays in running and passing situations.
Projected Contract: 3 yrs — $6.67m avg/yr; $11.5m guaranteed, $20m total
5. Austin Ekeler
2023 Team: Los Angeles Chargers
Age: 28.8
Ekeler sought a contract extension and later requested a trade when it became apparent that the Chargers wouldn’t extend his contract. Despite a decline in top-end speed and acceleration, Ekeler remains elusive in the middle, displaying excellent lateral agility and natural pass-catching skills comparable to top NFL running backs.
Projected Contract: 2 yrs — $4.5m avg/yr; $5m guaranteed, $9m total
6. D’Andre Swift
2023 Team: Philadelphia Eagles
Age: 25.1
Swift had a mixed tenure with the Detroit Lions but experienced a resurgence with a top-tier offensive line in the NFL. He faces uncertainties due to his lack of power and occasional lapses in focus that lead to dropped passes.
Projected Contract: 3 yrs — $6.25m avg/yr; $12m guaranteed, $18.75m total
7. J.K. Dobbins
2023 Team: Baltimore Ravens
Age: 25.2
Despite injury setbacks, Dobbins demonstrated promise as a patient runner in Week 1 of 2023. He allowed blocks to develop and displayed strong contact acceleration to exploit gaps or reach the edge. He possesses solid contact balance and doesn’t exhibit timidity upon returning from injury. Dobbins will make a team very happy if he can play an entire season.
Projected Contract: 1 yrs — $2m avg/yr; $1.25m guaranteed, $2m total
8. Devin Singletary
2023 Team: Houston Texans
Age: 26.5
Singletary emerged as a reliable option for the Texans last season and can be a solid contributor to just about any backfield he joins.
Projected Contract: 3 yrs — $4.25m avg/yr; $8.5m guaranteed, $12.75m total
9. Gus Edwards
2023 Team: Baltimore Ravens
Age: 28.8
With J.K. Dobbins sidelined with an injury last season, Gus Edwards took advantage of his playing time. He scored nine touchdowns in five weeks at one point during the middle of the season.
Projected Contract: 2 yrs — $3.75m avg/yr; $4.25m guaranteed, $7.5m total
10. A.J. Dillon
2023 Team: Green Bay Packers
Age: 25.8
Dillon exhibits resilience, often powering through initial tackles with his leg drive. Teams seeking a short-yardage back that can catch screen passes can rely on Dillon’s 6-foot, 247-pound frame. However, his lack of explosiveness restricts big plays, resulting in a high success rate with fewer explosive gains.
Projected Contract: 2 yrs — $3.25m avg/yr; $4m guaranteed, $6.5m total
Free Agent Wide Receivers
1. Calvin Ridley (🐻)
2023 Team: Jacksonville Jaguars
Age: 29.2
Ridley returned from suspension and notched a 1,000-yard season with the Jaguars before hitting free agency. With Tee Higgins, Mike Evans, and Michael Pittman all getting franchise-tagged by their respective teams, Ridley is the best wide receiver available in a thin group.
Projected Contract: 3 yrs — $18.5m avg/yr; $32.75m guaranteed, $55.5m total
2. Darnell Mooney (🐻)
2023 Team: Chicago Bears
Age: 26.3
Many thought D.J. Moore’s arrival in Chicago would help Mooney have a career year. Heck, Mooney did, too, turning down a three-year extension from the Bears before the season started. Things didn’t work out how Mooney wanted, and he’s now a free agent. Mooney is a good WR2/3 and is in line for a bounce-back season with a new team.
Projected Contract: 1 yrs — $9m avg/yr; $9m guaranteed, $9m total
3. Marquise Brown (🐻)
2023 Team: Arizona Cardinals
Age: 26.7
Brown was traded to the Cardinals from the Ravens for a first-round pick. Injuries and teammate Kyler Murray’s ACL tear affected his performance. Yet, Brown showed flashes of skill when healthy. He has a unique profile for an outside wide receiver.
Projected Contract: 1 yrs — $12m avg/yr; $12m guaranteed, $12m total
4. Gabe Davis (🐻)
2023 Team: Buffalo Bills
Age: 24.9
If you’re looking for a vertical threat, Davis is your guy. He’s averaged more than 15 yards per reception in every season of his career and has a knack for making timely plays. However, he lacks in creating separation over the middle, making him a pretty one-dimensional receiver.
Projected Contract: 1 yrs — $12m avg/yr; $8m guaranteed, $12m total
5. Odell Beckham Jr.
2023 Team: Baltimore Ravens
Age: 31.3
Beckham dealt with injuries early in 2023 but improved as the season went on. He’s on the wrong side of thirty and has a history of injuries, but he can still be a serviceable third option.
Projected Contract: 1 yrs — $7m avg/yr; $7m guaranteed, $7m total
6. Curtis Samuel (🐻)
2023 Team: Washington Commanders
Age: 27.5
Samuel is a dependable receiver who had only four drops on 85 targets last season, catching 73 percent of the passes thrown to him. He possesses reliable hands and can be used all over the field and out of the backfield.
Projected Contract: 2 yrs — $8.5m avg/yr; $11m guaranteed, $17m total
7. Tyler Boyd
2023 Team: Cincinnati Bengals
Age: 29.3
With Tee Higgins sticking around on the franchise tag, Tyler Boyd is the odd man out in Cincinnati. Boyd will operate primarily out of the slot and can help in the run game with his blocking skills.
Projected Contract: 2 yrs — $8.25m avg/yr; $10m guaranteed, $16.5m total
8. Kendrick Bourne
2023 Team: New England Patriots
Age: 28.5
Bourne entered 2023 as the Patriots’ top receiving option but tore his ACL in Week 8. He runs crisp routes, blocks well, and runs hard after the catch.
Projected Contract: 2 yrs — $7m avg/yr; $8.5m guaranteed, $14m total
9. D.J. Chark
2023 Team: Carolina Panthers
Age: 27.4
D.J. Chark is one of those players I always expect to take the next step, but he has yet to do so. He struggled to separate on intermediate and deep balls and had drop issues in 2023.
Projected Contract: 2 yrs — $6.5m avg/yr; $8.5m guaranteed, $13m total
10. Josh Reynolds
2023 Team: Detroit Lions
Age: 29
Reynolds is a reliable option on third down and contributes to the run game as a solid blocker at the line and in the second level.
Projected Contract: 2 yrs — $5.25m avg/yr; $5.75m guaranteed, $10.5m total
Free Agent Tight Ends
1. Hunter Henry
2023 Team: New England Patriots
Age: 29.2
With Dalton Schultz signing an extension with the Texans, Hunter Henry is the cream of the crop in a thin free-agent class of tight ends. Schultz has been a reliable target for Patriots quarterbacks the last few years and brings a high floor.
Projected Contract: 2 yrs — $6.13m avg/yr; $8.25m guaranteed, $12.25m total
2. Noah Fant
2023 Team: Seattle Seahawks
Age: 26.2
Fant is a former first-round pick who hasn’t lived up to the billing. Since arriving in Seattle, he’s seen his receiving yardage decline in the previous two seasons. At 26, there’s still time for Fant to realize his first-round potential.
Projected Contract: 3 yrs — $9m avg/yr; $15.5m guaranteed, $27m total
3. Gerald Everett
2023 Team: Los Angeles Chargers
Age: 29.6
Everett was Justin Herbert’s safety blanket in the red zone in Los Angeles. He can break tackles and brush off contact, but he’s not much of a vertical threat.
Projected Contract: 1 yrs — $5.5m avg/yr; $4m guaranteed, $5.5m total
4. Colby Parkinson
2023 Team: Seattle Seahawks
Age: 25.1
Parkinson is primarily a run-blocking tight end who can line up in-line or in the backfield.
Projected Contract: 3 yrs — $5m avg/yr; $8m guaranteed, $15m total
5. Adam Trautman
2023 Team: Denver Broncos
Age: 27.0
Trautman is an in-line blocker who can be used as a check-down target.
Projected Contract: 2 yrs — $4.25m avg/yr; $5m guaranteed, $8.5m total
Free Agent Tackles
1. Tyron Smith
2023 Team: Dallas Cowboys
Age: 33.2
Tyron Smith is a durable and reliable offensive lineman. At 33, he is coming off an eight-year extension he signed with the Cowboys in 2014. There’s a chance he decides to stay and finish his career in Dallas. Smith ranked fourth among tackles last season in offensive grades at PFF and seventh in PFF WAR.
Projected Contract: 1 yrs — $10m avg/yr; $10m guaranteed, $10m total
2. Mike Onwenu
2023 Team: New England Patriots
Age: 26.2
At just 26, Onwenu is the best young, long-term option for teams looking for help at tackle this offseason. He’s played all over the line but found a home at right tackle with the Patriots in 2023. Onwenu is a good pass protector and serviceable run blocker despite being a step slow off of the line.
Projected Contract: 4 yrs — $14.5m avg/yr; $33.25m guaranteed, $58m total
3. Trent Brown
2023 Team: New England Patriots
Age: 30.8
Brown can play either tackle position, allowing a team to consider him for a swing role that brings excellent depth to an offensive line.
Projected Contract: 2 yrs — $7.5m avg/yr; $8.5m guaranteed, $15m total
4. Mekhi Becton
2023 Team: New York Jets
Age: 24.8
Beckton’s young career has been littered with injuries, including a stretch of 33 straight games missed due to right knee problems. At 6-7 and 363 pounds, Becton has a towering frame and is a serviceable pass blocker when he’s on the field. The former first-rounder will likely be looking at a one-year deal with a team that wants to see if he can stay on the field and tap into his potential.
Projected Contract: 1 yrs — $5m avg/yr; $3m guaranteed, $5m total
5. Jermaine Eluemunor
2023 Team: Las Vegas Raiders
Age: 29.2
Eluemunor is a serviceable swing tackle who can play either tackle position and has put together a couple of nice seasons with the Raiders in 2023 and 2022.
Projected Contract: 2 yrs — $7.25m avg/yr; $9m guaranteed, $14.5m total
Free Agent Guards
1. Kevin Dotson
2023 Team: Los Angeles Chargers
Age: 27.4
Dotson found success with the Rams last season in Sean McVay’s re-imagined heavy gap scheme offense. Regardless of scheme, Dotson is a solid pass blocker.
Projected Contract: 4 yrs — $15m avg/yr; $36m guaranteed, $60m total
2. Robert Hunt
2023 Team: Miami Dolphins
Age: 27.5
Hunt started his career as a tackle but moved inside after his rookie season. He’s been a consistent blocker for the Dolphins throughout his career, and it’s a little surprising that the Dolphins allowed him to walk.
Projected Contract: 4 yrs — $17.5m avg/yr; $42m guaranteed, $70m total
3. Kevin Zeitler
2023 Team: Baltimore Ravens
Age: 33.9
Zeitler has been a consistent contributor to the Ravens’ interior offensive line for the past three seasons. At 33, he still has some left in the tank.
Projected Contract: 2 yrs — $7.5m avg/yr; $9.5m guaranteed, $15m total
4. Ezra Cleveland
2023 Team: Vikings, Jaguars
Age: 25.8
A former second-rounder, Cleveland had a down season, splitting time between the Vikings and Jaguars. He was above average in 2022 and is looking for a bounce-back season in 2024. At only 25 years old, he’s worth a look.
Projected Contract: 3 yrs — $8m avg/yr; $14.25m guaranteed, $24m total
5. Dalton Risner
2023 Team: Minnesota Vikings
Age: 28.6
Rinser replaced Ezra Cleveland in Minnesota after he did not get the type of deal he hoped for in free agency last year.
Projected Contract: 3 yrs — $5.5m avg/yr; $10m guaranteed, $16.5m total
Free Agent Centers
1. Connor Williams (🐻)
2023 Team: Miami Dolphins
Age: 26.8
Williams started his career as a guard but has been very good since switching to center under Mike McDaniel’s offense in Miami. Unfortunately, Williams suffered an ACL tear in Week 14, which should soften his market this spring as he recovers.
Projected Contract: 3 yrs — $7.5m avg/yr; $12.5m guaranteed, $22.5m total
2. Andre James (🐻)
2023 Team: Las Vegas Raiders
Age: 26.8
James was a top-10 center for the Raiders in 2023, bringing a balanced game. He was so well-liked in Vegas that they traded Rodney Hudson to the Cardinals and gave him the starting job. James is hardly ever overmatched by opposing pass rushers.
Projected Contract: 3 yrs — $9m avg/yr; $15m guaranteed, $27m total
3. Lloyd Cushenberry III (🐻)
2023 Team: Denver Broncos
Age: 26.2
Cushenberry faced a challenging task as a rookie center in 2020, but he persevered and made significant improvements in 2023. He is now one of the top centers in the league, excelling in pass protection and demonstrating strong run-blocking skills. Although he could reduce his penalty count, Cushenberry is poised to become a cornerstone of an offensive line for many years.
Projected Contract: 4 yrs — $12.5m avg/yr; $34.25m guaranteed, $50m total
4. Aaron Brewer (🐻)
2023 Team: Tennessee Titans
Age: 26.3
Brewer thrives in a zone rushing scheme with his quick first step and agility. He needs to add weight to his lower body and shoulders to improve as he struggles against larger rushers. Nonetheless, his exceptional athleticism suggests he can continue to thrive with added bulk.
Projected Contract: 3 yrs — $6.67m avg/yr; $12m guaranteed, $20m total
5. Tyler Biadasz (🐻)
2023 Team: Dallas Cowboys
Age: 26.2
Biadasz struggles against power rushers, occasionally yielding ground. Despite this, he aids quarterbacks with protection calls and reacts well to defensive schemes. His proficiency in combo blocks benefits from playing alongside Martin and Smith. While not flawless, teams would benefit from adding Biadasz’s football intelligence and reliability to their roster.
Projected Contract: 3 yrs — $7m avg/yr; $11m guaranteed, $21m total
Free Agent Interior Defenders
1. Chris Jones
2023 Team: Kansas City Chiefs
Age: 29.6
Jones is a highly skilled player and is now a free agent after Kansas City chose not to use the franchise tag on him for a second time. The tag would have cost over $33 million, so Jones can now explore other options. He is a top interior pass-rusher and has also shown versatility by lining up outside tackles as a 5-technique and pressuring quarterbacks from the edge.
Projected Contract: 4 yrs — $30m avg/yr; $80m guaranteed, $120m total
2. Christian Wilkins
2023 Team: Miami Dolphins
Age: 28.2
Wilkins, a top run defender among interior defensive linemen, achieved career-best numbers in pass-rushing metrics this season. Despite having no contract extension, he did not let it affect his performance.
Projected Contract: 4 yrs — $25m avg/yr; $67.5m guaranteed, $100m total
3. Leonard Williams
2023 Team: New York Giants
Age: 29.7
Williams signed a $63M, 3-year deal with the Giants in 2021, one of the most substantial contracts in recent memory. He was traded to the Seahawks for draft picks and once again finds himself in a position of strength. Williams proved his doubters wrong with a career-high pass-rush grade of 74.8 in 2022 and an even more impressive 76.2 in 2023.
Projected Contract: 3 yrs — $17.25m avg/yr; $37.25m guaranteed, $51.75m total
4. DJ Reader
2023 Team: Cincinnati Bengals
Age: 29.6
Reader was a dominant force on Cincinnati’s defensive line. Although injuries slowed him down, he consistently controlled the line of scrimmage and helped secure significant victories. As an eighth-year veteran, his unparalleled strength made him impossible to displace. Although he didn’t have impressive sack numbers, he excelled at pushing the pocket and creating opportunities for his teammates. Unfortunately, a torn quadriceps injury in Week 15 cut his season short and could affect his market value.
Projected Contract: 3 yrs — $15.25m avg/yr; $29.75m guaranteed, $45.75m total
5. Grover Stewart
2023 Team: Indianapolis Colts
Age: 30.3
Stewart missed six games in 2023 due to a PED suspension and only logged one sack for the Colts in the games he played. Despite that, Indianapolis’ pass rush was statistically better when he was on the field than when he was off during his suspension. Stewart’s career-best sack mark his four (2022), but he allows others around him to get home.
Projected Contract: 3 yrs — $11m avg/yr; $21m guaranteed, $33m total
Free Agent Edge Defenders
1. Danielle Hunter (🐻)
2023 Team: Minnesota Vikings
Age: 29.3
Danielle Hunter was a player mentioned in trade talks before last season, but the Vikings ultimately held onto him, which worked out well for both sides. Hunter had a terrific season in new defensive Coordinator Brian Flores’ blitz-happy scheme, logging north of 70 quarterback pressures and double-digit sacks for the Vikings.
Projected Contract: 3 yrs — $21.67m avg/yr; $40m guaranteed, $65m total
2. Bryce Huff (🐻)
2023 Team: New York Jets
Age: 25.8
Huff was a sensation in 2022 and nearly as good in 2023, with pass rush win rates that are off the charts. He hits free agency with back-to-back dominant seasons under his belt at only 25 years old. Any team looking for a long-term fit on the edge would be wise to pursue Huff.
Projected Contract: 3 yrs — $16.67m avg/yr; $35m guaranteed, $50m total
3. Chase Young
2023 Team: Commanders, 49ers
Age: 24.8
Chase Young finally enjoyed a healthy season after recovering from an ACL injury for most of 2021 and 2022. He was traded to the 49ers at the trade deadline, and former Niners DC Steve Wilks raved about his adjustment at the Super Bowl. At 24, Young still has plenty in the tank, but he’s still a bit of a gamble for me. I think he signs a one year deal this time around.
Projected Contract: 1 yrs — $15m avg/yr; $15m guaranteed, $15m total
4. Jonathan Greenard (🐻)
2023 Team: Houston Texans
Age: 26.7
Greenard excelled in his contract year under DeMeco Ryans and the coaching staff, showcasing his versatility as a pass-rusher and run defender. His impressive 9.3% run-stop rate ranks eighth among edge defenders. Greenard’s quick first step, diagnostic abilities, and adeptness at setting the edge helped him succeed against the run. His athleticism allowed him to generate pressure through cleanup and pursuit efforts, demonstrating a relentless work ethic.
Projected Contract: 4 yrs — $19m avg/yr; $52.5m guaranteed, $76m total
5. Za’Darius Smith
2023 Team: Cleveland Browns
Age: 31.4
Za’Darius Smith will be 32 this season, but he’s coming off two above-average seasons in two different defenses in Minnesota and Cleveland. He’s a great bridge option for a team looking for that type of addition.
Projected Contract: 2 yrs — $12m avg/yr; $19m guaranteed, $24m total
Free Agent Linebackers
1. Patrick Queen
2023 Team: Baltimore Ravens
Age: 24.5
In addition to being a stout coverage linebacker and rush defender, Patrick Queen has 48 quarterback pressures and eight sacks over the past two seasons with the Ravens. At 24, Queen is in line for a massive long-term contract this offseason.
Projected Contract: 4 yrs — $18.13m avg/yr;$50.25m guaranteed, $72.5m total
2. Frankie Luvu
2023 Team: Carolina Panthers
Age: 27.4
I remember being at Panthers training camp last summer and watching Frankie Luvu dominate. Former Panthers head coach Frank Reich raved about Luvu, and that translated into a terrific season for Luvu, who is in line to get paid. Luvu generated 43 pressures and 9.5 sacks the past two seasons, terrific numbers for an off-ball linebacker.
Projected Contract: 3 yrs — $10m avg/yr; $17m guaranteed, $30m total
3. Lavonte David
2023 Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Age: 34.1
David is a terrific coverage linebacker and reliable in the run game. He took a step back in 2023 and recently turned 34, but he’s a solid veteran linebacker who can provide a team with a good pass and run-defense balance at a discounted rate.
Projected Contract: 1 yrs — $5m avg/yr; $5m guaranteed, $5m total
4. Jordyn Brooks
2023 Team: Seattle Seahawks
Age: 26.3
Brooks tore his ACL at the end of the 2022 season but was able to get back on the field by Week 1 in 2023. He had a down year for the Seahawks last season, but he’s a three-down linebacker who can take on challenging coverage assignments.
Projected Contract: 3 yrs — $12m avg/yr; $20m guaranteed, $36m total
5. Bobby Wagner
2023 Team: Seattle Seahawks
Age: 33.6
Wagner is still humming along at 33, turning in another solid season for the Seahawks in 2023. He’s a veteran at an affordable price who can provide a team with elite coverage skills and sideline-to-sideline tackling coverage.
Projected Contract: 1 yrs — $4m avg/yr; $4m guaranteed, $4m total
Free Agent Cornerbacks
1. Kendall Fuller
2023 Team: Washington Commanders
Age: 29.0
Fuller has been consistently good during his time in Washington and was their best cornerback by a wide margin in 2023. He’s spent time on the outside, in the slot, and at safety with the Commanders, making him an effective and versatile defensive back who’s easily at the top of the class with Jaylon Johnson and L’Jarious Sneed franchise-tagged by the Bears and Chiefs.
Projected Contract: 3 yrs — $13.33m avg/yr; $25m guaranteed, $40m total
2. Chidobe Awuzie
2023 Team: Cincinnati Bengals
Age: 28.7
Awuzie bounced back nicely from an ACL tear in 2022 this past season, but the Bengals have a young (and cheap) cornerback room that features four day-two draft selections in the previous two draft classes. With significant dollars earmarked for Joe Burrow and upcoming offensive extensions, Awuzie hits the open market as a cap casualty.
Projected Contract: 2 yrs — $10.5m avg/yr; $12.75m guaranteed, $21m total
3. Stephon Gilmore
2023 Team: Dallas Cowboys
Age: 33.4
Stephon Gilmore had a terrific season for the Cowboys in 2022, playing an increased role with Trevon Diggs lost to an ACL injury early. Gilmore is a reliable veteran with good football left in the tank.
Projected Contract: 1 yrs — $10m avg/yr; $10m guaranteed, $10m total
4. Kenny Moore II
2023 Team: Indianapolis Colts
Age: 30.1
Moore is a fearless player who never shies away from making a tackle. He excels as a force defender, using his skills to prevent ball carriers from breaking free or running along the sideline to make a tackle when needed. However, he is most effective as a slot cornerback.
Projected Contract: 2 yrs — $6.75m avg/yr; $8m guaranteed, $13.5m total
5. Steven Nelson
2023 Team: Houston Texans
Age: 31.1
Nelson is a veteran corner who has played in multiple systems and can provide a team with above-average off-ball coverage.
Projected Contract: 2 yrs — $7.25m avg/yr; $8.5m guaranteed, $14.5m total
Free Agent Safeties
1. Xavier McKinney (🐻)
2023 Team: New York Giants
Age: 24.5
McKinney had an outstanding season with the Giants in 2023, ranking in the top 10 among all safeties, whether lined up as a free safety or in the box. He forced a combined 17 interceptions and incompletions in coverage last season and has a sterling 7.8 percent missed tackle rate in his career.
Projected Contract: 4 yrs — $13.5m avg/yr; $30m guaranteed, $54m total
2. Kevin Byard
2023 Team: Philadelphia Eagles
Age: 30.2
Byard is one of the better box safeties in football. He has maintained above-average tackling and rush defense grades throughout most of his career.
Projected Contract: 2 yrs — $6.9m avg/yr; $13.9m total
3. Geno Stone (🐻)
2023 Team: Baltimore Ravens
Age: 24.8
Stone had a nose for the ball last season, leading all safeties with seven interceptions, but he still needs to improve as a tackler.
Projected Contract: 2 yrs — $6.5m avg/yr;$7.25m guaranteed, $13m total
4. Jordan Fuller (🐻)
2023 Team: Los Angeles Rams
Age: 26.0
Fuller is a ball hawk with excellent tracking ability who thrived in the Rams’ two-high heavy defense. He contests well at the catch point and provides good tackling in the second level, where he spends most of his time.
Projected Contract: 2 yrs — $4.63m avg/yr; $6.25m guaranteed, $9.25m total
5. Julian Blackmon
2023 Team: Indianapolis Colts
Age: 25.5
Blackmon is a run-support safety who spent over half of his snaps last season in the box. He’s one of the most sound tacklers at the safety position in the game, rarely missing a tackle with plenty of opportunities in Indianapolis’ single-high safety-heavy defense.
Projected Contract: 2 yrs — $5.75m avg/yr; $6m guaranteed, $11.5m total
Free Agent Kickers
1. Wil Lutz
2023 Team: Denver Broncos
Age: 29.7
2. Greg Zuerlein
2023 Team: New York Jets
Age: 36.2
3. Nick Folk
2023 Team: New England Patriots
Age: 39.3
4. Greg Joseph
2023 Team: Minnesota Vikings
Age: 29.6
5. Brandon McManus
2023 Team: Jacksonville Jaguars
Age: 32.6
Free Agent Punters
1. Rigoberto Sanchez (🐻)
2023 Team: Indianapolis Colts
Age: 29.4
2. Cameron Johnston (🐻)
2023 Team: Houston Texans
Age: 32.0
3. Tommy Townsend (🐻)
2023 Team: Kansas City Chiefs
Age: 27.2
4. Corey Bojorquez
2023 Team: Cleveland Browns
Age: 27.4
5. Jake Bailey
2023 Team: Miami Dolphins
Age: 26.7
