With the deadline for using the franchise tag come and gone, there’s a better sense of which top free agents will be available when the legal tampering period opens at 12 p.m. ET on Monday.
There will likely be plenty of talent on the open market, based on our top 50 free agents list. Chris Jones and Kirk Cousins sit atop our big board. Who will sign the two star players? That might not be determined until next week, but that won’t stop us from making predictions.
Here’s one specific free agent for each NFL team to sign when the legal tampering period arrives Monday.
[ 2024 NFL Free Agency: Latest News & Analysis ]
Arizona Cardinals
Free agent: Bryce Huff, edge
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Coach Jonathan Gannon got his inexperienced defense to compete in 2023, but the Cardinals are in desperate need of defensive talent. Gannon could help Huff build off his breakout season with the New York Jets. Huff, 25, recorded 10 sacks and 21 QB hits last season.
Atlanta Falcons
Free agent: Kirk Cousins, QB
The Falcons need to go all in for Cousins, 35, who had a dynamic 2023 before sustaining the season-ending Achilles injury. If the former Minnesota Vikings quarterback is medically cleared, the Falcons have to pay what it takes to land the veteran signal-caller. He would help Atlanta utilize its talented skill players, featuring receiver Drake London, running back Bijan Robinson and tight end Kyle Pitts.
Baltimore Ravens
Free agent: Patrick Queen, LB
The Ravens’ linebacker tandem of Queen and Roquan Smith might have been as good as the San Francisco 49ers’ duo of Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw last season. It would be wise for Baltimore to keep the partnership of Smith and Queen, who had a breakout 2023 season with 133 total tackles and 3.5 sacks, going for the foreseeable future.
Buffalo Bills
Free agent: Quandre Diggs, S
The Bills will probably be forced to part ways with veteran safeties Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer because of cap space issues. If that’s the case, Diggs could be a bargain option to fill the void after being released by the Seahawks. The 31-year-old Diggs is up there in age, but he’s younger than both Hyde and Poyer.
Carolina Panthers
Free agent: Calvin Ridley, WR
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Mike Evans, Tee Higgins and Michael Pittman Jr. didn’t make it to free agency, but the Panthers can still add a 1,000-yard receiver to help second-year quarterback Bryce Young. Ridley, 29, had strong performances down the stretch after a quiet first few months in Jacksonville. He recorded 76 catches for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns last season.
Chicago Bears
Free agent: Mike Onwenu, OL
The Bears whiffed on the Nate Davis signing last season. They should take another swing and add the versatile Onwenu, who can play guard and right tackle. Improving the offensive line for Justin Fields—or presumptive No. 1 pick Caleb Williams—should be the top priority in Chicago.
Cincinnati Bengals
Free agent: Stephon Gilmore, CB
The Dallas Cowboys likely will let Gilmore walk because they have cap space issues and already have standout cornerbacks Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland. The Bengals should jump at the opportunity to add Gilmore, who proved last season he still has plenty to offer on the field, starting every game and recording two interceptions in 2023.
Cleveland Browns
Free agent: Tony Pollard, RB
Pollard struggled in his first season not splitting carries with Ezekiel Elliott in Dallas. Pollard could form a tandem with Nick Chubb, if the Cleveland star is medically cleared from his severe knee injury. Pollard is an efficient playmaker who could also contribute out of the backfield. He recorded 1,005 rushing yards and 311 receiving yards last season.
Dallas Cowboys
Free agent: Frankie Luvu, LB
Luvu would fill the Cowboys’ roster holes at linebacker and provide help with the team’s suspect run defense. He recorded 125 total tackles and 5.5 sacks in 2023.
Denver Broncos
Free agent: Josh Uche, Edge
The Broncos have been searching for pass-rush help since trading Bradley Chubb to the Miami Dolphins in 2022. Uche flashed a high ceiling in New England but never found consistency to earn a permanent starting job. Perhaps a change of scenery could help Uche reach his potential.
Detroit Lions
Free agent: Danielle Hunter, Edge
It’s tough seeing the Vikings letting Hunter leave for an NFC North rival. But the Lions have the cap space to outbid the Vikings for the veteran’s services. Hunter recorded a career-high 16.5 sacks last season. Detroit would have a dynamic duo at edge rusher if he’s paired with Aidan Hutchinson.
Green Bay Packers
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Free agent: Tyron Smith, LT
The Packers could clear about $20 million in cap space if they decide to cut David Bakhtiari, who had another short season due to injury. Smith has also had his injury issues, but he played 13 games last season, and did so at an elite level. Smith could be a cheaper option to protect Jordan Love’s blindside.
Houston Texans
Free agent: Jonathan Greenard, Edge
Greenard had a breakout 2023 season in his first year working with coach DeMeco Ryans. He carried the defense while rookie and ’23 No. 3 pick Will Anderson Jr. adjusted to the pro game. Houston needs to keep Greenard, who recorded 12.5 sacks, and Anderson together on the field.
Indianapolis Colts
Free agent: Christian Wilkins, IDL
The Colts had a productive defensive line last season, recording 51 total sacks. But they shouldn’t settle if they have the opportunity to land Wilkins, who would immediately form a dominant duo with DeForest Buckner. Wilkins, who can stop the run and rush the passer, would give the Colts one of the best defensive lines in the NFL.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Free agent: Leonard Williams, IDL
It didn’t work out for Williams during his half season with the Seahawks, but he’s still a productive player because of his ability to push the pocket. Williams’s presence would make life easier for star edge rusher Josh Allen, who was hit with the franchise tag to remain in Jacksonville.
Kansas City Chiefs
Free agent: Chris Jones, IDL
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It’s time for the Chiefs to step up after Jones delivered back-to-back dominant postseasons to help his team win two Super Bowls. Jones is likely priority No. 1 in Kansas City, but the team has cap space issues after paying Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. Expect Jones to become the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL, with the Chiefs or a different team.
Las Vegas Raiders
Free agent: Kevin Zeitler, OG
The Raiders have holes on the offensive line and could address it by adding Zeitler, who made his first Pro Bowl in 2023. Zeitler, 33, excels in pass protection and was instrumental in the Ravens’ productive rushing attack the past few seasons.
Los Angeles Chargers
Free agent: Derrick Henry, RB
Rumors are swirling of the Chargers adding a stud running back because of Jim Harbaugh’s run-heavy offenses during his time at Michigan. With the Chargers having limited cap space, Henry could be available at an affordable rate as he enters his age-30 season. (That’s older than most top free-agent running backs.) But there’s a case to be made that no free agent had a better 2023 season than Henry, who rushed for 1,167 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Los Angeles Rams
Free agent: Chase Young, Edge
If Young has a quiet market after his rocky stint with the 49ers, and the asking price is reasonable, perhaps the Rams should make a run at the 2020 No. 2 pick. The Rams overachieved last season and are in need of defensive talent. Young struggles against the run, but Los Angeles has Kobie Turner and Aaron Donald to help with that.
Miami Dolphins
Free agent: Jonah Williams, OT
Left tackle Terron Armstead hinted at retirement and right tackle Austin Jackson continued to struggle last season. Williams could help at both tackle spots after he gained experience playing on the right side last season. But he’s at his best playing left tackle.
Minnesota Vikings
Free agent: Saquon Barkley, RB
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The Vikings might have a rookie starting quarterback in 2024 if they don’t re-sign Cousins. If that’s the case, they could make life easier for the incoming signal-caller by adding the dynamic Barkley, one of the best pass-catching running backs in the league. Barkley, Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison would be a great cast of skill players for J.J. McCarthy or Michael Penix Jr., if the Vikings decide to draft a quarterback in April.
New England Patriots
Free agent: Kevin Dotson, OG
The Patriots could also have a rookie quarterback next season, with the team holding the No. 3 pick in the draft. If that’s the case, the offensive line needs to be a top priority in New England. Dotson flourished in Sean McVay’s offensive scheme after being traded by the Steelers to the Rams.
New Orleans Saints
Free agent: Za’Darius Smith, Edge
The Saints seem set on playing another season with limited cap space and a roster filled with veteran players. If that’s the case, Cameron Jordan needs help on the defensive line. Smith’s arrival in Cleveland helped lead to Myles Garrett winning Defensive Player of the Year in 2023.
New York Giants
Free agent: Xavier McKinney, S
The Giants can’t afford to let McKinney walk in free agency. He has elite skills in coverage and can make plays as a run stopper and pass rusher. The price tag could be high for McKinney, but the Giants have flexibility when it comes to cap space.
New York Jets
Free agent: Robert Hunt, OG
The Jets have about three openings on the starting offensive line, which is not ideal for a team banking on a bounce-back season from the 40-year-old Aaron Rodgers. They can fill one spot by adding the reliable Hunt, who was a tough bodyguard for Tua Tagovailoa in Miami the past few seasons. Hunt, 28, has plenty of experience with 55 career starts.
Philadelphia Eagles
Free agent: C.J. Gardner-Johnson, S
The Eagles made a mistake letting Gardner-Johnson walk last free agency. The defense drastically regressed, and they still have holes at safety. Perhaps a reunion would be beneficial for both sides. Gardner-Johnson played well in the postseason, but he missed 14 games with the Lions because of a torn pec injury.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Free agent: Russell Wilson, QB
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The Steelers reportedly don’t have interest in Wilson and remain high on Kenny Pickett, who has struggled during his first two seasons. It’s understandable that the Steelers want to give their first-round pick a fair shot to prove himself, but competition wouldn’t hurt. Let Wilson or another veteran quarterback push Pickett in training camp.
San Francisco 49ers
Free agent: Kenny Moore II, CB
The 49ers’ star-studded defense disappointed last season because the defensive line failed to apply constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks. That exposed the team’s lack of talent at cornerback behind Charvarius Ward. Moore could help as a slot cornerback in San Francisco.
Seattle Seahawks
Free agent: Jeremy Chinn, S
The Seahawks recently released safeties Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs. The versatile Chinn could fill the void and improve the defense. Chinn, 26, has injury concerns, but his first two seasons in the league were impressive. He recorded more than 100 total tackles between 2020 and ’21.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Free agent: Baker Mayfield, QB
The Buccaneers made sure to retain Mike Evans and Antoine Winfield Jr. and didn’t allow them to hit the open market. Now the focus turns to Baker Mayfield, who had a career season in 2023. Mayfield signing a multi-year contract extension in Tampa Bay wouldn’t surprise anyone.
Tennessee Titans
Free agent: Marquise Brown, WR
The Titans need help on the offensive line but they can address those needs in the draft. Will Levis needs more weapons, with Henry on the way out and DeAndre Hopkins entering his age-32 season. Brown struggled in Arizona, but he’s still a dangerous downfield threat.
Washington Commanders
The Commanders are in need of a bellcow, especially if they draft a quarterback with their No. 2 pick in April. Washington hasn’t gotten much production from the tandem of Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson. Jacobs, the 2022 rushing champion, would improve its offense.
