The Best NFL Free Agents In 2024

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2024 NFL free agency: Early top-25 ranking, buzz, predictions​

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As we hit the second-half stretch of the 2023 NFL season, many teams will soon start thinking about their 2024 offseason plans. And part of that, of course, is how they will approach the free agent pool. The negotiation period set to begin on March 11, with free agency officially opening two days later on March 13 -- is just four months away now.

NFL analyst Matt Bowen looked at the current group of players primed to hit unrestricted free agency -- because of expiring contracts or deals in line to void -- and ranked the top 25 who might end up available, starting with two defensive stars. Only two quarterbacks make the list, but multiple playmakers on both sides of the ball could be out there for teams to sign to lucrative deals. Factors in the ranking include age, positional value (the pair of QBs get a boost), expected future production and scheme versatility.

But a lot can change, and our final free agent ranking in March will look much different. Remember, Jalen Hurts, Nick Bosa and Jonathan Taylor were all on our way-too-early lookahead eight months ago but all signed big new deals since then -- and they won't be the last to do so. Many of the players listed below will re-up with their current franchises before March. So senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler also weighed in with the latest buzz on each player and whether they might be re-signed or franchise-tagged by their 2023 team.

 

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25. Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers​

2023 salary: $4 million
Age entering 2024 season: 29


Why he could get paid: Mayfield has played his best football of the season over his past three games in Tampa Bay, throwing six touchdown passes to one interception. He has been decisive with the ball, attacking multiple levels of the field and using his mobility to reset his throwing window. On the season, Mayfield has 2,143 yards, 14 touchdown passes and five interceptions. He'd be a good fit for an offense with play-action concepts and schemed verticals, and I'm looking for Mayfield to lock in a starting job this offseason. -- Bowen

What we're hearing: Mayfield has reinvented himself in Tampa, posting a respectable 56.4 Total QBR, ranking 14th in the NFL. The Buccaneers are open to extending Mayfield, though nothing is happening there yet. QB-needy teams not willing to pay Cousins' price could look to Mayfield, but Minnesota's Joshua Dobbs also is becoming an intriguing option. -- Fowler

 

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24. Kyle Dugger, S, New England Patriots​

2023 salary: $2.8 million
Age entering 2024 season: 28

Why he could get paid: Dugger has rare position versatility at 6-foot-2, 222 pounds, and he has the impact traits to play from depth or roam underneath as a hybrid defender in sub-package sets. That makes him a fit for a multiple defensive system that uses dime personnel. Dugger has 277 tackles, nine interceptions, a forced fumble and two sacks in his four pro seasons. -- Bowen

What we're hearing: Versatile safeties should have a good free agency market, and some teams consider Dugger the No. 2 safety in the class, with Cleveland's Grant Delpit and others also in the mix. The Patriots received trade interest in Dugger at the deadline. A few league sources predict Dugger should get a strong contract, but the only hangup would be his position -- safety doesn't always yield premium payouts. Dugger is the kind of player Pats coach Bill Belichick typically wants to keep. -- Fowler

 

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23. Michael Pittman Jr., WR, Indianapolis Colts​

2023 salary: $3 million
Age entering 2024 season: 26

Why he could get paid: With his physical frame and high-end ball skills, Pittman can play on the boundary or create vertical matchups from slot alignments. He has the vision to produce on catch-and-run concepts, with 45.3% of his 677 receiving yards coming after the catch this season. Pittman has caught 66 passes through Week 10 and is set to top 120 targets for a third straight season. -- Bowen

What we're hearing: The Colts have paid many of their productive draft picks in the Chris Ballard era, so I'm expecting Indy to try to keep its top receiver. Pittman is pacing for more than 100 catches and 1,100-plus yards. The last Colts player to hit both of those marks in a single season was Pittman's wide receivers coach, Reggie Wayne, in 2012. -- Fowler

 

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22. Josh Jacobs, RB, Las Vegas Raiders​

2023 salary: $11.8 million
Age entering 2024 season: 26

Why he could get paid: Jacobs is a volume grinder, with the pad level and physical running style to finish runs. But he also has the lateral quickness to shake defenders in a phone booth. Jacobs has averaged 3.3 yards per carry this season, but he is coming off his first 100-yard game and has the receiving skills to post numbers on screens, swings and unders. Let's not forget that he led the league in rushing just one year ago with 1,653 yards. -- Bowen

What we're hearing: His game has perked up in recent weeks, but that aforementioned average of 3.3 yards per carry could affect his bottom line. Jacobs is still a lead back who's perfect for a team dedicated to the run. Tampa Bay is just that and needs a decisive runner to complement Rachaad White. -- Fowler

 

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21. Dalton Schultz, TE, Houston Texans​

2023 salary: $6.25 million
Age entering 2024 season: 28

Why he could get paid: In Houston's explosive-play offense, Schultz has caught 37 passes and four touchdowns on the season. He's a seam-stretcher who can also work the underneath levels and slip tacklers after the catch. Plus, he's a willing blocker in the run game. Schultz has the makeup of a traditional in-line tight end, but I do see the ability to flex out as a receiver, too. -- Bowen

What we're hearing: The market could finally fall right for Schultz. He was set to earn a big deal in 2022 free agency, but the Cowboys tagged him. Then last March, a loaded draft class of tight ends sullied the market for veterans. Schultz took a one-year, $6.25 million deal with Houston and vowed to produce. He's 27 with prime years left and is capable as a receiver and blocker, but don't be surprised if Houston tries to re-sign him. -- Fowler

 

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20. Devin White, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers​

2023 salary: $11.7 million
Age entering 2024 season: 26

Why he could get paid: White has the second-level range and pursuit speed to track the ball, and he's a productive blitzer who can get home to the quarterback. He has 22.5 career sacks since going No. 5 overall back in 2019. White has the ceiling of an impact linebacker against today's NFL passing games, coming off three straight 120-plus-tackle seasons and pacing toward another (60). -- Bowen

What we're hearing: One of the more talented linebackers of the past five years had an uneven performance in 2022 but has been more consistent this season and showed toughness playing through a nagging foot injury. When healthy and flying around the field, he's a big-money player. Word around the league is that White wanted $20 million per year from the Bucs on a new deal. He likely won't get that, but he'll do well. Baltimore linebacker Patrick Queen is having a strong season and has upped his value, too, so there should be good linebackers available. -- Fowler

 

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19. Calvin Ridley, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars​

2023 salary: $11.1 million
Age entering 2024 season: 29

Why he could get paid: As a sudden-mover in the route tree, Ridley can create second-level separation and test defenses vertically. He gets out of his breaks with speed, too. His numbers haven't jumped this season in Jacksonville, but Ridley has produced two games with over 100 receiving yards, and more than 25% of his 35 catches have gone for at least 20 yards. -- Bowen

What we're hearing: Ridley might be the most explosive receiver in the class. Yes, he's pacing for less than 1,000 yards this season, but that won't dissuade teams from paying him. They have enough tape from his Atlanta days to know he can be a fringe top-10 receiver. Many of the usual suspects could be looking for a wideout, including the Giants, Colts and Panthers. -- Fowler

 

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18. Jonah Jackson, G, Detroit Lions​

2023 salary: $3 million
Age entering 2024 season: 27

Why he could get paid: Jackson is an interior mauler who can keep the pocket firm in pass pro, and he holds a pass rush win rate of 89.7% this season. He plays with a physical edge in the run game, too, with the ability to latch onto defenders and move them off the ball. -- Bowen

What we're hearing: Detroit had preliminary contract talks with Jackson in the preseason, but nothing materialized. The Lions already paid center Frank Ragnow and left tackle Taylor Decker, and they need to budget for tackle Penei Sewell. The guard market will be robust; consider that Ben Powers got nearly $13 million per year from Denver in March. Jackson has versatility as a guard or center, too. -- Fowler

 

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17. Kendall Fuller, CB, Washington Commanders​

2023 salary: $8.5 million
Age entering 2024 season: 29

Why he could get paid: A veteran with savvy coverage technique and transition speed out of his pedal, Fuller has two interceptions this season, giving him a total of 16 in his career. He'd be a smart fit for a Quarters-based system. And Fuller can set an edge against the run game, too, with 52 tackles in 2023. I see a player who can boost the profile of a secondary for a contending team. -- Bowen

What we're hearing: While Tennessee's Sean Murphy-Bunting has had a resurgent season in Tennessee, and Cincinnati's Chidobe Awuzie is a proven commodity as he rounds into form off a torn ACL, Fuller is perhaps a safer play among free agent corners. He has been solid for Washington, can play multiple spots and turns 29 in February. San Francisco and Buffalo would be schematic fits. -- Fowler

 

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16. Saquon Barkley, RB, New York Giants​

2023 salary: $10.1 million
Age entering 2024 season: 27

Why he could get paid: Barkley has the dual-threat traits to operate and produce in any pro system, thanks to his ability to hit home runs when he has the ball in his hands. He's a true lead back -- a volume player -- who has amassed 270 receptions and 40 total touchdowns over his six pro seasons. But while he is averaging 100.6 scrimmage yards per game over his career, he has only played two full seasons since being draft No. 2 in 2018. -- Bowen

What we're hearing: Barkley's play has held up well during a traumatic Giants season, and he's the kind of top-flight talent who can transcend a down positional market. But it's also a team-friendly market, which potentially waters things down. The Giants can tag Barkley at around $12 million, but they are also very much in transition and could allocate dollars elsewhere. Does Buffalo seek a backfield difference-maker to pair with James Cook in the backfield? -- Fowler

 

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15. Jonah Williams, OT, Cincinnati Bengals​

2023 salary: $12.6 million
Age entering 2024 season: 26

Why he could get paid: Williams, who owns a pass block win rate of 82.1% this season (58th out of 68 qualified tackles), doesn't have upper-tier power or length at the position. But he wins with technique, gaining depth to create blocking angles and pass-set lines. He can upgrade a front on the right side. -- Bowen

What we're hearing: Functional offensive tackles typically do well in free agency, and Williams, a 2019 first-round pick, has been solid after his move to right tackle. He might not reach the Mike McGlinchey threshold from this spring ($17.5 million annually) but will definitely post a double-digit number. The same goes for Patriots right tackle Mike Onwenu, who can play guard or tackle. -- Fowler

 

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14. Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers​

2023 salary: $14.5 million
Age entering 2024 season: 31

Why he could get paid: Evans has the powerful frame to isolate as the boundary X receiver, creating matchup potential outside the numbers. The vertical ability is still there, too, and Evans has the route traits to uncover. With six touchdowns and 17.1 yards per reception this season, Evans should be viewed as a priority target in free agency. -- Bowen

What we're hearing: He's basically a lock for 1,000 yards every season, and his downfield ability has held up well over 10 NFL seasons. He'll be 31 in August but reminds us of a Calais Campbell-type player, only on offense -- his body type will help him age well for a contender. Some people in the league believe the Bucs will find a way to re-sign Evans, allowing the franchise staple to retire in Tampa Bay. -- Fowler

 

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13. Justin Madubuike, DT, Baltimore Ravens​

2023 salary: $2.7 million
Age entering 2024 season: 26

Why he could get paid: Madubuike has already recorded a career-high 8.5 sacks this season after posting 5.5 in 2022. The foot quickness jumps on the tape, as does the short-area juice, which allows Madubuike to leverage blockers and create interior pressure. The arrow is pointing up on him; he can win one-on-one or push the pocket in schemed fronts. -- Bowen

What we're hearing: While Chris Jones and Christian Wilkins are the more well-known names at interior defensive line, Madubuike is also in line to earn big dollars in March. Like Robert Hunt, he's in the category of "he'll make more money than people think." He's a major disruptor in the Ravens' 3-4 scheme. The Giants need a Leonard Williams replacement, and defensive coordinator Wink Martindale could tap into his old team's current roster for help. -- Fowler

 

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12. Jaylon Johnson, CB, Chicago Bears​

2023 salary: $3 million
Age entering 2024 season: 25

Why he could get paid: Johnson has only three career interceptions, but he has broken up 31 passes. And we can see the coverage ability on the tape. Johnson can challenge in both press and off-man alignments, and he plays with the backfield vision to drive on the ball in zone schemes. He's a physical corner who fits best in today's split-safety systems. -- Bowen

What we're hearing: Negotiations between Johnson and the Bears cratered before the trade deadline, and Johnson holds leverage if the Bears want to keep him. Chicago can franchise tag him at somewhere above $19 million or come with a strong offer. Johnson has been an impressive cover man for the Bears, and the Eagles are among many teams that need that. Two free agencies ago, corners like Carlton Davis III and J.C. Jackson commanded deals worth between $14.8-16.5 million per season. That kind of pact could be coming for Johnson -- and with interest, due to cap inflation. -- Fowler

 

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11. Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Tampa Bay Buccaneers​

2023 salary: $1.4 million
Age entering 2024 season: 26

Why he could get paid: Winfield is an impact defender with the multi-dimensional traits to match in coverage, create pressure and showcase range to the ball. Entering his peak years, he already has 11 sacks, eight forced fumbles and five interceptions over his career. -- Bowen

What we're hearing: Landing a top-10 safety coming off a career season will cost prospective teams big money. Winfield is a cornerstone for Tampa Bay, but the Bucs haven't aggressively tried to sign any of their top young players yet. A top safety in March will likely cost $16 million per year on a new deal, with an average of $18 million per year over the first two seasons. That's essentially what Atlanta gave Jessie Bates III ($64 million over four years, $36 million over 2023-24) in March. -- Fowler

 

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10. Robert Hunt, G, Miami Dolphins​

2023 salary: $3 million
Age entering 2024 season: 28

Why he could get paid: At 6-foot-6 and 322 pounds, Hunt has the movement ability to mirror and win in pass pro, where he has registered a pass block win rate of 89.8% this season. He's a fit for multiple run schemes, too, as Hunt can reach and climb as a zone blocker or displace defenders on gap concepts. -- Bowen

What we're hearing: Hunt's name has been buzzing in league circles dating back to Week 3. He has upped his play in Mike McDaniel's system, emerging as one of the top guards in free agency. McDaniel's style of offense suits him, using his mobility to block downfield in the running game. To that point, the 49ers could use guard help. -- Fowler

 

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9. Josh Allen, EDGE, Jacksonville Jaguars​

2023 salary: $10.9 million
Age entering 2024 season: 27

Why he could get paid: Allen has nine sacks this season, along with 31 tackles, 23 pressures and 2 forced fumbles. He's a versatile, 6-foot-5 edge defender who can rush, defend the run or drop into coverage. And he fits as a base 3-4 outside linebacker, with the ability to rush in multiple sub-fronts because of his frame and closing speed. -- Bowen

What we're hearing: Allen finally has the sack production to match the enormous upside as a top-10 pick. The franchise tag could be on the table here. The Jaguars will likely make efforts to re-sign him, either before free agency or at the July deadline for franchise-tagged players (should they go that route). But if the Vikings lose Danielle Hunter, Allen could also make sense as a replacement in Brian Flores' 3-4 scheme. -- Fowler

 

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9. Josh Allen, EDGE, Jacksonville Jaguars​

2023 salary: $10.9 million
Age entering 2024 season: 27

Why he could get paid: Allen has nine sacks this season, along with 31 tackles, 23 pressures and 2 forced fumbles. He's a versatile, 6-foot-5 edge defender who can rush, defend the run or drop into coverage. And he fits as a base 3-4 outside linebacker, with the ability to rush in multiple sub-fronts because of his frame and closing speed. -- Bowen

What we're hearing: Allen finally has the sack production to match the enormous upside as a top-10 pick. The franchise tag could be on the table here. The Jaguars will likely make efforts to re-sign him, either before free agency or at the July deadline for franchise-tagged players (should they go that route). But if the Vikings lose Danielle Hunter, Allen could also make sense as a replacement in Brian Flores' 3-4 scheme. -- Fowler

 

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7. L'Jarius Sneed, CB, Kansas City Chiefs​

2023 salary: $2.7 million
Age entering 2024 season: 27

Why he could get paid: Sneed has the traits to match up on the perimeter or play a disruptive role as a slot defender, with one interception and four pass breakups in nine games this season. He is a scheme-versatile corner who can fit in both man and zone systems. Over a four-year career, Sneed has nine picks and 6.5 sacks. -- Bowen

What we're hearing: Sneed's do-it-all style will translate well to free agency, with the ability to play press coverage on the outside or be physical in the slot. Kansas City would like to keep Sneed and has had preliminary contract talks with him, but right now both sides appear focused on the current season. Talks could reignite after it ends, and if they go nowhere, Sneed is a franchise tag or free agency candidate. Enough contending teams were looking for a corner at the trade deadline -- including Buffalo, San Francisco, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh -- that the market will be viable for him. -- Fowler