NFL free agency is called a “frenzy” every year for a reason. Once the “legal tampering period” begins on March 11, several important unrestricted free agents will strike deals with new teams. Other key players on the open market will be re-signed by their current teams for at least one more go-round in 2024.
It’s always a fun exercise to play GM and try to figure out the landing spots for the unsigned players, whether they’re staying put or going elsewhere.
Based on Sporting News’ overall FA rankings, here’s making a call on the top 28 available.
Note: Players who have received the franchise or transition tag are not included on this list, but they could still be traded.
MORE: Ranking NFL’s top 75 free agents, best players by position
NFL free agency predictions 2024
DT Chris Jones: Signs a long-term deal with the Chiefs
With cornerback L’Jarius Sneed receiving the franchise tag, expect Kansas City to hammer out a pleasing deal for its indispensable defender
QB Kirk Cousins: Signs a one-year deal with the Vikings
The Vikings have the money to bring Cousins back, and it’s their best way to remain a playoff contender. They could lock him up with a fully guaranteed short-term deal, adding to his massive career earnings.
DT Christian Wilkins: Signs with the Patriots
Wilkins blossomed into a reliable run-stopper with solid pass-rushing skills under former Dolphins defensive coordinator Josh Boyer, now on Jerod Mayo’s staff.
EDGE Danielle Hunter: Signs with Buccaneers
The Buccaneers just parted ways with Shaquil Barrett so this would be a solid veteran pass-rushing get for Todd Bowles.
EDGE Jonathan Greenard: Re-signs with Texans
They have the money to keep the strong bookend to Will Anderson Jr. for DeMeco Ryans.
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OT Tyron Smith: Signs with Raiders
The Raiders need support opposite Kolton Miller, especially in pass protection. Smith makes the most sense given Vegas’ spending power.
EDGE: Bryce Huff: Signs with 49ers
Look for San Francisco to pluck Huff from Robert Saleh’s Jets scheme to replace Chase Young opposite Nick Bosa as the team’s one big signing.
DT Denico Autry: Signs with Giants
They need to beef up the defensive line more, and the team employs former Titans defensive coordinator Shane Bowen.
DT D.J. Reader: Signs with Cowboys
Another NFC East team can get defensive line help, this time in the form of a big-time run-stopper.
CB Kendall Fuller: Signs with Lions
The Lions need to try again for reliable veteran corner help, and Fuller is a good fit with Aaron Glenn’s scheme.
DT Maurice Hurst: Signs with Bengals
The Bengals have the cap space to steal the well-rounded interior defender from the in-state rival Browns. Hurst would be an upgrade over Reader in the pass rush.
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WR Marquise Brown: Signs with Jaguars
The Jaguars need to think about replacing Calvin Ridley, and Brown would give them a younger option to help stretch the field for Trevor Lawrence, working off Christian Kirk, Zay Jones, and Evan Engram.
DT Leonard Williams: Signs with Eagles
Williams should be had at a relatively cheap price, helping Philadelphia boost their new-look defensive line rotation under Vic Fangio.
S Kamren Curl: Signs with Bears
The Bears cut Eddie Jackson next to Jaquan Brisker, so it makes sense to upgrade with the former Commanders playmaker.
OT Trent Brown: Signs with Giants
The Giants need to address tackle away from Andrew Thomas, and Brown has a connection to their adjusted coaching staff.
QB Baker Mayfield: Re-signs with Buccaneers
Mayfield is in talks to come back for multiple years, and it’s likely he gets a deal done and avoids taking a bigger risk with a worse team (Patriots) or in a backup role (Panthers).
OT Mike Onwenu: Signs with Texans
The Patriots will try to keep him, especially with Trent Brown’s cap space likely freed up, but Owenu could start either inside or outside well in Houston.
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WR Calvin Ridley: Signs with Jets
The lobbying for the former Falcon has begun. He would be the ideal complement for Garrett Wilson should he leave the Jaguars after one season.
G Robert Hunt: Signs with 49ers
The 49ers can make one more shrewd veteran move here, stealing from old friend Mike McDaniel and the Dolphins.
CB Steven Nelson: Signs with Dolphins
Nelson is a savvy cover man who has helped a lot of teams in his career, and Miami will be next as the replacement for Xavien Howard, who might end up in Houston.
G Kevin Dotson: Signs with Vikings
Dotson should think about leaving Sean McVay and the Rams to help the interior blocking of Kevin O’Connell.
CB Chidobe Awuzie: Signs with Steelers
Awuzie would be a good fit leaving the Bengals for a division rival, replacing Levi Wallace opposite Joey Porter Jr.
EDGE Chase Young: Signs with Bears
The Bears already traded for another former Commanders DE, Montez Sweat, and are projected here to get Curl. Young could also thrive under Matt Eberflus.
EDGE Jadeveon Clowney: Signs with Dolphins
Clowney can be signed on the cheap to follow Anthony Weaver from Baltimore to Miami.
RB Saquon Barkley: Signs with Chargers
The Chargers want to be a run-heavier team with Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman. Harbaugh is intrigued by the former Big Ten workhorse. This would be a literal Giant move.
RB Josh Jacobs: Signs with Bears
The Cowboys and Ravens also will be interested in the Raiders’ rushing champion from 2022, but in the end, he can best clean up the backfield committee in Chicago.
MORE: Best FA fits for Barkley, Jacobs every big-name free-agent RB
G Kevin Zeitler: Re-signs with Ravens
The Ravens want to bring him back to keep their run-blocking strong and will figure out a one-year deal just ahead of free agency.
RB Derrick Henry: Signs with Ravens
Henry is the odds-on favorite to land in Baltimore after his Hall-of-Fame time in Tennessee. He can replace the combination of Gus Edwards and JK Dobbins as their lead power back to help Lamar Jackson.
