Have you ever wondered which NFL players will be testing the free agency waters in 2024? It’s a question that keeps fans and teams alike on the edge of their seats, speculating about potential roster shake-ups and exciting new signings.
This year promises an intriguing free agent class, brimming with talent across various positions. From dominant defensive linemen to electrifying wide receivers and game-changing quarterbacks, the pool of available players is deep and diverse. Let’s delve into the top contenders set to make waves in the 2024 NFL free agency.
The Elite Defensive Players
1. DI Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs
It’s not every day that a player of Chris Jones’ caliber becomes an unrestricted free agent. The Kansas City Chiefs, however, didn’t relinquish the right to franchise tag him a second time when they renegotiated his contract in the recent offseason. A second tag on Jones would exceed $33 million, potentially pushing him to explore the open market for the first time in his career.
What makes Jones such a sought-after asset? He’s not just one of the league’s best interior pass rushers; he’s among the greatest of all time. He’s also versatile enough to line up as a five-technique outside of tackles, showcasing his ability to bend around the edge and pressure the quarterback.
To understand his potential market value, let’s look at a comparison:
| Player | Run-defense grade | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | APY as % of Cap at signing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Jones | 59.9 | 90.3 | 92.3 | 18.5% | ? |
| Ndamukong Suh | 80.0 | 83.0 | 82.5 | 11.2% | 13.3% |
This data reflects the two years prior to their unrestricted free agent (UFA) contract signing.
2. EDGE Josh Allen, Jacksonville Jaguars
Josh Allen solidified his status as a premier pass rusher with an exceptional 2023 season, setting career highs in quarterback pressures (90) and sacks (19), coupled with an impressive 20.5% pass-rush win rate, placing him among the league’s elite.
Here’s how he compares to a past free agent:
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Allen | 89.4 | 91.4 | 17.5% | 82.4 | ? |
| Melvin Ingram | 89.2 | 90.5 | 13.6% | 68.4 | 9.6% |
This data reflects the two years prior to their unrestricted free agent (UFA) contract signing.
3. DI Justin Madubuike, Baltimore Ravens
Justin Madubuike has a strong argument for being the player poised to earn the biggest payday in 2024. His breakout 2023 season saw him more than double his previous sack and pressure totals, showcasing his improved pass-rushing skills and explosive first step.
Let’s compare his performance with a past free agent:
| Player | Run-defense grade | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | APY as % of Cap at signing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Madubuike | 66.1 | 73.6 | 81.9 | 11.2% | ? |
| Javon Hargrave | 81.3 | 77.5 | 79.8 | 12.2% | 6.5% |
This data reflects the two years prior to their unrestricted free agent (UFA) contract signing.
4. DI Christian Wilkins, Miami Dolphins
Christian Wilkins, a force on the defensive line, hoped for a contract extension before the 2023 season. Though it didn’t materialize, he didn’t let that deter him from a stellar performance. Wilkins is a top-tier run defender among interior defensive linemen and set career highs in pass-rushing statistics this season.
Here’s how he stacks up against a previous free agent:
| Player | Run-defense grade | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Run-stop rate | APY as % of Cap at signing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Wilkins | 78.5 | 74.5 | 75.7 | 10.0% | ? |
| Malik Jackson | 81.5 | 74.1 | 78.1 | 9.7% | 9.2% |
This data reflects the two years prior to their unrestricted free agent (UFA) contract signing.
The Game-Changing Quarterbacks
5. Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings
Kirk Cousins, known for his strong arm and accuracy, was on track for another impressive season before a torn Achilles cut it short. Despite the injury, he remains a highly desirable quarterback with the skills to lead any team.
Let’s compare him to a veteran quarterback who hit free agency:
| Player | Clean-pocket grade | 1st & 2nd down grade | Standard dropback grade | Sack rate | APY as % of Cap at signing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kirk Cousins | 91.1 | 89.1 | 90.3 | 5.9% | ? |
| Philip Rivers | 91.2 | 89.0 | 87.3 | 5.5% | 12.6% |
This data reflects the two years prior to their unrestricted free agent (UFA) contract signing.
The Electrifying Wide Receivers
6. WR Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals
Injuries may have hampered Tee Higgins in 2023, but his previous 1,000-yard seasons and impressive receiving grades speak volumes about his talent. He’s a field-stretching, jump-ball receiver who can be a game-changer for any team.
Here’s how he measures up against a past free agent receiver:
| Player | Receiving grade | Yards per route run | Average depth of target | Yards after catch per reception | APY as % of Cap at signing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tee Higgins | 70.9 | 1.66 | 13.1 | 5.6 | ? |
| Mike Williams | 78.0 | 1.78 | 13.5 | 4.6 | 9.6% |
This data reflects the two years prior to their unrestricted free agent (UFA) contract signing.
7. WR Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts
While some question Michael Pittman Jr.’s athleticism, there’s no denying his reliability as a possession receiver. He consistently delivers strong receiving grades and has proven he can be a 1,000-yard receiver.
Let’s compare him to a similar receiver who hit the free agent market:
| Player | Receiving grade | Yards per route run | Average depth of target | Yards after catch per reception | APY as % of Cap at signing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Pittman | 77.8 | 1.72 | 7.9 | 4.1 | ? |
| Allen Robinson | 83.8 | 1.72 | 10.8 | 3.0 | 7.4% |
This data reflects the two years prior to their unrestricted free agent (UFA) contract signing.
8. WR Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mike Evans has defied expectations by achieving 10 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to start his career, showcasing remarkable consistency and production. His ability to perform at a high level regardless of the quarterback makes him a valuable asset for any team.
Let’s compare him with a past free agent wide receiver:
| Player | Receiving grade | Yards per route run | Average depth of target | Yards after catch per reception | APY as % of Cap at signing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Evans | 82.6 | 2.03 | 14.5 | 3.5 | ? |
| Kenny Golladay | 82.2 | 2.12 | 15.8 | 4.1 | 9.8%** |
*This data reflects the two years prior to their unrestricted free agent (UFA) contract signing.
*2021 salary cap of $182.5 million, dropped due to the pandemic
These players represent just a fraction of the talent that will be available in the 2024 NFL free agency. The decisions teams make regarding these free agents will shape the landscape of the league for years to come, creating a dynamic and unpredictable offseason full of possibilities.
