NFL free agency 2024: Track signings, rank the top 75 free agents, and identify the finest players available by position.
The NFL free agency class of 2024 has plenty of impact players available across the board. Although a few of the biggest names due the biggest salaries will be kept via the franchise tag for one more year, most will make it to the open market.
There will be something worthwhile available for every team when the two-day negotiation period opens ahead of the new league year, which begins on March 11.
1. Chris Jones, DT, Chiefs (age: 29)
The Chiefs used the franchise tag on Jones, and he played for $15.9 million in 2023. It would be very expensive for them to do it again in 2024, as the number will escalate to $32-33 million. Kansas City has some salary-cap room, but if it can’t strike an agreement on a long-term deal for Jones again, he has a good chance to leave for the biggest payday ever for an elite interior defensive lineman.
2. Kirk Cousins, QB, Vikings (age: 35)
Cousins is coming off a midseason torn Achilles, and before that, there was the thought Minnesota would move on from him despite strong play in recent seasons based on his near top-market price tag. The Vikings should think about landing a franchise first-round QB in the draft for Kevin O’Connell, while another QB-needy team will consider him as an immediate established upgrade vs. going the rookie or bridge route.
3. Justin Madubuike, DT, Ravens (age: 26)
Madubuike had a breakout season as an interior pass rusher with a team-high 13 sacks as part of a league-high 60 sacks as a whole from Baltimore. He’s a solid run-stopper, as well, but his explosive disruption vs. quarterbacks is what will get him paid big-time just behind Jones.
4. L’Jarius Sneed, CB, Chiefs (age: 27) (franchise-tagged)
Sneed has made a smooth transition from slot to perimeter and established himself as an elite, versatile corner with his aggressive, borderline shutdown coverage. The Chiefs now need to decide if they want to trade him or get one more year out of him.
5. Josh Allen, EDGE, Jaguars (age: 26) (franchise-tagged)
He became the “other” first-round superstar with this name after exploding for a 17.5-sack season to tap into his full potential while in his prime. He wreaked terror at the highest level and will likely get tagged by Jacksonville.
6. Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Buccaneers (age 25) (franchise-tagged)
Winfield has proved to be an exceptional playmaking cover man inside, from short to deep. He also is an important team leader in Todd Bowles’ secondary. He’s likely to be tagged, as Tampa Bay can easily afford to do it.
7. Christian Wilkins, DT, Dolphins (age: 28)
Wilkins is a stout run-stopper, and in 2023, he became a dominant interior pass rusher, recording nine sacks. He’s another rare disruptor in the mix behind Jones and Madubuike.
8. Jaylon Johnson, CB, Bears (age: 24)
Johnson was a little hampered by injuries in 2023, but when he was on the field, he flexed his physical and mental advantage in coverage, consistently quieting receivers behind an improved pass rush. He should be tagged, too.
9. Danielle Hunter, EDGE, Vikings (age: 29)
Hunter turned in another monster pass-rushing season with 16.5 sacks. He is just a durable, relentless QB pursuer who is versatile enough to be productive at multiple positions in any scheme.
10. Jonathan Greenard, EDGE, Texans (age: 26)
Greenard posted 12.5 sacks for DeMeco Ryans playing opposite No. 3 overall pick Will Anderson Jr. He may be short of spectacular, but he’s a well-rounded producer, including vs. the running game.
