With the 2023-2024 NFL season officially over, fans will now direct their attention to the next major NFL event, free agency. 

Teams across the league will be looking to return current free agents, while adding players who hit the market to build their rosters for a Super Bowl run.

It’s time to take a deep dive into the top free agents at each position, while highlighting potential landing spots for each of these players before they hit free agency.

Quarterback

Although the upcoming free agency class is strong and diverse, its quarterback class is extremely weak and bottom heavy. As of now, only two quarterbacks who started the majority of this past season are scheduled to hit free agency, Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield.

 Cousins, who quarterbacked the Vikings for the past five seasons, will be 36 years old at the beginning of next season and will be returning from a torn achilles. Senior reporter Albert Breer recently stated that the Vikings would be unwilling to give him a fully guaranteed contract as they had done in the past. “The current Minnesota brass, now going into its third season, really likes Cousins, but it’s also been made clear that they’re not going to go contractually where the previous regime did twice, and give Cousins a fully guaranteed deal.”

 If the Vikings choose to not re-sign Cousins, they could look to trade up in the draft to select a quarterback to pair with stud wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Cousins, on the other hand, would have to go job hunting across the league to find another spot to become the starter.

In this scenario, Cousins would be a solid veteran addition for a few teams across the league, including the Steelers, Raiders, and Falcons. The Steelers, with the weakest odds of the three teams to sign Cousins at +1200 according to Bookies.com, would have to maneuver around the league salary cap to sign a prominent figure like Cousins. However, the Falcons and Raiders can afford to sign Cousins comfortably. The Raiders, favorites to sign Cousins at +325, have over $55 million in cap space entering free agency. The Falcons also fall into the top half of the league with just shy of $42 million in cap space.

Any team that commits to pay Cousins as a top 10-15 quarterback in the league would be taking a massive risk, but could pay out big rewards. Recently we’ve seen more athletes return quicker than ever from an achilles injury such as Aaron Rodgers and Kevin Durant, but there is no guarantee Cousins returns to his pre-injury form. 

Meanwhile, Baker Mayfield is nearly a lock to return to his Buccaneers after posting his best season in the NFL to date. His one year “prove it” deal with the Buccaneers last offseason was likely his final opportunity to show the league he was a worthy starting quarterback and he proved just that. Leading the Buccaneers to their third straight division title and a home playoff win against the Eagles solidified himself as a leader and someone the Buccaneers would want back in their locker room for the future. 

Although no official deal can be made until free agency begins, the Tampa Bay Times and Sports Illustrated have reported both sides are eager to get a deal done and have been growing closer in contract talks, all but confirming Baker will be back in Tampa Bay next season.

Other prominent names in the quarterback market such as Ryan Tannehill, Jameis Winston, and Gardner Minshew will be hunting for new deals as well. 

Tannehill could return to the Titans but could also look to move on from football and retire if no teams look to sign him. Winston will likely have the most interest of the three, with teams such as the Broncos, Vikings, and Commanders as possible suitors. With the Saints in immense cap issues it is unlikely for them to retain Winston, but do not be surprised if Winston rekindles with former coach Sean Payton in Denver. Minshew would be a good re-signing for the Colts who rank top five in cap space heading into the offseason. After starter Anthony Richardson has shown he is injury prone after only one season, it would be ideal for the Colts to retain a solid backup in case of another injury.

Running Back

This offseason will have one of the deepest running back free agencies in history, with eight former or current Pro Bowl running backs potentially hitting the market. Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, Austin Ekeler, Tony Pollard, D’Andre Swift, Ezekiel Elliott, and Kareem Hunt will all be searching for new contracts.

 Barkley is favored to resign with his current team the New York Giants, but if he were to look for a change of scenery, it could be with the Houston Texans who have the second best odds to sign Barkley at +350. Joining the Texans would allow him to be a part of one of the best offenses in the league, with an elite, young quarterback. 

If Barkley does choose to leave New York for another destination, be on the lookout for another one of these backs to take his place, such as D’Andre Swift. After a Pro Bowl season with the Eagles, Swift could look to move on if he can get more money from a team like the Giants, who have $10 million more in cap space than the Eagles.

Josh Jacobs has -200 odds to return to his former team the Raiders. With the Raiders being in the top 10 in cap space they will likely be the most willing of any possible suitors to pay Jacobs at the top end of the running back market. The Bears could be a sneaky suitor for Jacobs as they are weak at the running back position and have over $80 million in cap space, but are still a long shot compared to the Raiders.

Derrick Henry is the most likely of the top three running backs to find a new team next year. In the Titans final game Henry gave a thank you speech to the fans and organzion. “I just want to say thank you for the greatest eight years of my life, The ups and the downs, y’all have been there for everything. Through the adversity, watching me grow as a person and a player, always supporting me. I love y’all.” This all but confirmed Henry would be moving on in free agency. After being at the top of the running back market for years, Henry could look to take a pay cut for a shot at winning a championship. With that being said, the Ravens seem like the best fit for Henry to get a chance at winning. With Lamar Jackson in the backfield as well, Henry could have the lightest workload of his career.

Austin Ekeler and Tony Pollard have been told by their respective teams that they will not be receiving the franchise tag and therefore will become a free agent. While Pollard is still at the ripe age of 26 and should draw interest from a number of teams looking to beef up at the running back position, Ekeler, 29 at the beginning of next season, will not be gathering the same attention after his worst season since 2020. Ironically, it is not out of the realm of possibility that these two switch teams, Ekeler taking a step back in the high powered Cowboys offense and Pollard pairing up with Justin Herbert and new head coach Jim Harbaugh in Los Angeles.

Veteran journeymen Hunt and Elliott will both likely be leaving their current teams and taking a backup role somewheres else at the tail end of their careers. Hunt could offer critical pass catching at the running back position while Elliott would be the more traditional first and second down back. Both these backs could look to make a reunion with their former teams (Chiefs and Cowboys) but other teams like the Cardinals, Panthers, Titans, and Chargers could be in contention to sign either Hunt or Elliott.

Wide Receivers 

Even with star wide receiver Tee Higgins being placed under the franchise tag by the Bengals, the free agency class of receivers has plenty of depth and star power. Notable names such as Mike Evans, Michael Pittman, Calvin Ridley, Michael Thomas, Odell Beckham Jr., and Tyler Boyd will all hit the market in the upcoming days. 

Although at many times throughout the year it seemed as if the Buccaneers and Mike Evans would be parting ways after this past season, Baker Mayfield’s breakout may put Evans departure on holt. The idea of Evans, who has had a 1,000 yard season every year of his career, being paired with a superstar quarterback like Patrick Mahomes, C.J. Stroud, or Lamar Jackson may be pretty, odds are Evans pushes that to the side and returns to Tampa Bay.

Micahel Pittman and Calvin Ridley are two other star receivers that will likely stay put despite hitting free agency. With both the Colts and Jaguars above the league average in salary cap, they will have no issues retaining their star receivers if they wish to do so. If a team were to make an aggressive push for either of the two, the Panthers would be the most viable option. With a second-year quarterback in Bryce Young and over $37 million in cap space for free agency, the Panthers could offer the opportunity for either of these young receivers to go from star to superstar.

Veteran options such as Thomas, Beckham Jr., and Boyd will require less money and will likely look to join a team in “win now” mode as their careers wind down. All three of these options would be perfect fits for the Chiefs, who are trying to win now, have a superstar quarterback, and over $17 million in cap space. The Giants, Falcons, and Texans could also look to add a veteran wide receiver to their locker room, and could be able to win over some older talent from a team like the Chiefs due to their immense cap space.

Tight Ends

The free agency class is low on tight end talent with only a few notable names hitting the market. Dalton Schultz, Hunter Henry, and Gerald Everett are the big three at tight end that will be searching for a new contract this offseason.

Schultz has been a viable option his entire career whether that be with the Texans or Cowboys. He has also doubled down on his statement that he wishes to return to the Texans next year, but of course the price has to be right. Although it is highly unlikely he chooses to sign anywhere else, the Panthers could make a push for him if they are unable to land a big name at receiver in free agency.

Hunter Henry and Gerald Everett will be more of a veteran option for teams in free agency. A few teams like the Colts, Commanders, and Titans who are top five in cap space could look to bring in a veteran tight end presence. Two teams with less cap space but who are better suited to win now who could use a tight end would be the Packers and Jets. Both teams have proven quarterbacks and talented skilled position players, so adding a veteran tight end to the mix would only boost their offensive scheme even more.

Offensive Line

Offensive line may sometimes appear to be the most replaceable position on the field, but having a strong line available and healthy could be the difference between good and great teams. With so many interchanging lineman each year, it is important for teams to hit on their lineman in free agency and the draft and the case is no different with the deep lineman free agency this year.

This free agency class has three centers that stand head and toes above the rest, Connor Williams, Lloyd Cushenberry, and Tyler Biadasz. With all three of their current teams sitting in negative cap space, it is safe to assume that these players will draw plenty of attention in free agency. 

Connor Williams’ Dolphins sit at -$28 million in cap, and likely will not clear enough to bring him back for the future. With just shy of $80 million, Connor Williams could get a hefty, long term contract from the Bears who have been searching for offensive line help for years. Lloyd Cushenberry’s Broncos sit with around -$20 million in cap, and also likely will not retain him this free agency. Assuming The Bears land Williams, Cushenberry could get offers from the Giants, Steelers, Buccaneers, and Seahawks, all of whom are in the cap positive. Tyler Biadasz is the last of the big three centers to hit free agency, but is in a slightly different position than the other two. The Cowboys, at just -$4 million in cap, could look to maneuver their way below to re-sign Biadasz. If not, Biadasz would also be looking at teams like the Giants, Steelers, and Seahawks.

At offensive guard there are two dominant free agents that will be looking to bring in a new contract, Kevin Zeitler and Robert Hunt. Zeitler will turn 34 next week but has shown no signs of slowing down. After captaining the number one seed Ravens offensive line last season, he could return on a short term deal, evaporating most of the $16 million the Ravens have in cap space. If the two mutually agree to part ways, the Jaguars and Eagles could likely offer him more money than the Ravens. Both teams have notably strong offenses and could use Zeitler as a veteran building block and leader. However, Hunt will draw less attention from teams around the league. More of a flier guard who can be moved around to play any position on the offensive line, Hunt will certainly be a valuable addition to a team looking to bolster their trenches. Teams such as the Saints, Rams, and Jaguars could look to add him as a replacement from departing starters.

Lastly, offensive tackle has four shutdown protectors hitting the market, Tyron Smith, Trent Brown, Michael Onwenu, and Mekhi Becton. 

Smith, at age 33, will be looking for one last contract before he hangs the jersey up for good. With all likelihood the Cowboys are planning to move away from their veteran, he could look to sign a one year deal with another prominent team like the Chiefs, who are losing a starting tackle themselves in free agency.

 Brown and Becton, although in completely different situations, could flip teams this offseason. With the Jets searching for a veteran edge protector to ensure the safety of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, they could give Brown a big contract to sign with the Jets. Meanwhile, the Patriots could look to replace Brown with Becton, a young and developing talent who will be given immediate reps and the opportunity to grow with a rebuilding team and rookie quarterback. Onwenu, who the Patriots could also resign if they wished to do so, will be demanding a large contract for a 26 year old star tackle. If Onwenu moves on, he could look at the Packers, Bengals, or Browns as potential landing spots.

Defensive Tackle

There are also four notable superstar defensive tackles hitting the market with Chris Jones, Christian Wilkins, Leonard Williams, and Justin Madubuike. 

Chris Jones, fresh off his Super Bowl victory with the Chiefs, said at the Super Bowl parade he wants to return to the team in search of a three-peat. “I got on this stage last year and I said run it back , run it back, but you know what? I want that three-peat.”

 The issue is, Jones will likely demand north of $20 million a year, and the Chiefs hold just $28 million in cap room. With another notable free agent L’Jarius Sneed receiving the franchise tag worth somewhere in the $19 million range, the Chiefs will have to restructure players like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce to make room to bring back Jones. If the Chiefs can not pay Jones the $20+ million he is demanding, Jones could look at teams such as the Bengals, Bears, or Cardinals to pay him a record breaking contract.

Wilkins, Williams, and Madubuike, all a step below Jones as far as talent goes, will each be searching for a new contract in the $13-18 million range. 

With Wilkins’ Dolphins in major cap debt and a large free agency class, he will likely be one of the many Dolphins moving to a new team this free agency. Known for his vibrant personality, Wilkins could look to sign a deal with the Lions or Raiders. Two teams looking for a defensive tackle, the Lions and Raiders have plenty of cap space and have locker rooms filled with personality both at the player and coaching level.

Leonard Williams, who was traded to the Seahawks before the trade deadline this past season, will look to resign with the team. After giving up a second round pick for him, it seems more likely than ever the Seahawks would be willing to pay him in that $13-18 million range in order to retain him. Both sides have already extended talks about a new contract, and defensive minded rookie head coach Mike Macdonald will look to retain him to bolster his defensive crew for the upcoming season.

Justin Madubuike and the Ravens will also be in talks on a new contract, but with a number of notable free agents such as Patrick Queen, Kevin Zeitler, Odell Beckham Jr., Geno Stone, and Gus Edwards, the Ravens will have to make tough decisions on who they plan to retain with their $14 million in cap space. Most of this will be dependent on who new defensive coordinator Zach Orr prioritizes bringing back, although reports have claimed he is leaning toward bringing back Patrick Queen first.

If the Ravens and Madubuike choose to separate, he would be in a similar boat to Wilkins. Looking at team needs across the league, the Raiders, Cardinals, Buccaneers, and Texans, all with over $40 million in cap space, could inquire about signing Madubuike at the higher end of the $13-18 million range.

Edge Defenders

Similarly to the running backs, this free agency is filled with star powered edge defenders looking to collect a bag and contend for a championship. Superstars such as Josh Allen, Brian Burns, Danielle Hunter, Za’Darius Smith, and Chase Young, along with younger talent such as Jonathan Greenard, Bryce Huff, and Josh Uche, will all be hitting the market.

Josh Allen and Brian Burns have a high chance of receiving the franchise tag from their respective teams, which would pay them around $23 million for next season. While unclear if these two would play under the tag, or choose to holdout such as Chris Jones did last season, these two would both likely search to get a long term deal done even after being placed under the franchise tag. Nevertheless, there is little to no chance we do not see these two return to their current teams for the beginning of next season.

Chase Young, who San Francisco traded for in the middle of last season will likely not be retained by the cap restricted 49ers who have other players such as Javon Kinlaw, Jauan Jennings, and Joe Feliciano to retain with their measly $9 million in cap space.

Young could look to pick up a one year “prove it” deal with a team like the Jets or Vikings, two teams filled with veterans looking to make a push into the playoffs. His long injury history despite a short career will have teams turning their head away at the risk of paying a guy upward of $14 million to sit on the bench, but there is no doubt of how dominant Young can be when fully healthy.

Veteran options Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith will also likely move on from their current teams and look to join a potential contender as their career winds down. The Lions, Buccaneers, Chiefs, and Eagles, all playoff teams from this past season, could look to bolster their defensive line and pass rush by adding either of these two star talents.

The three young stars Greenard, Huff, and Uche will all look to pick up their first major contract after moving off their rookie deal.

With over $70 million in cap the Houston Texans will certainly look to bring back Greenard, and if they can not, will possibly move towards bringing in either of the other two options in a long term deal. 

The Indianapolis Colts, also with over $70 million in cap, will be in contention for one of the young edge rushers as well. Assuming Greenard returns, the Colts could be willing to give either Huff or Uche an impressive contract to lure them away from their current teams. This will be difficult, however, as former NFL linebacker and new head coach of the Patriots Jerod Mayo will look to bring back a centerpiece of his young defense in Uche.

As for Huff, the Jets will likely move on from him and put their cap space elsewhere. Teams mentioned earlier such as the Colts, Buccaneers, and Eagles could look to bring in Huff on a larger deal, but teams with limited cap space such as the Broncos, Saints, and Dolphins could try to work below the cap and bring the talented Huff in on a team friendly deal. 

Linebackers

Amongst the deep free agency linebacker class are three linebacker duos who will be hitting the market. Buccaneers linebackers Lavonte David and Devin White, along with Seahawks duo Jordyn Brooks and Bobby Wagner and Chiefs linebackers Willie Gay and Drue Tranquill will all be searching for new contracts. In addition, former Panther Frankie Luvu and former Raven Patrick Queen are hunting for an extension or new deal.

For the three teams with prominent linebacker duos hitting the market, the expectation is that one of the two will be re-signed while the other will be joining a new team in free agency. 

With linebacker Devin White expressing at multiple times this past season he was displeased with the Buccaneers organization, and veteran Lavonte David possibly taking a pay cut to remain loyal to the Buccaneers, it seems like a guarantee David will resign and White will be searching for a new team. Teams such as the Browns and Cowboys could look to bolster already top 10 defensive units by adding a dominant linebacker like White.

The Chiefs will have a tough time returning either of their linebackers, despite their extremely high play all season and throughout the teams Super Bowl run. With both Gay and Tranquill playing similar roles as pass coverage linebackers, the team could afford to let one of them walk. Gay being a more versatile defender in run fits and being an effective quarterback spy would likely give him the edge over Tranquill. Nevertheless, it is still very possible that both of these playmakers hit the market, with teams such as the Raiders, Chargers, and Rams all being possible suitors due to their lack of depth and weak play last season at the linebacker position.

The final prominent linebacker duo, Brooks and Wagner, will be hitting free agency, despite being in completely opposite positions. While Brooks, coming off of his rookie deal, has been playing like one of the top linebackers in the league, Wagner, 34 when next season begins, has been on a slow decline since 2020.

 With Wagner’s future in question, the Seahawks will put their attention towards Brooks. Espn.com stated Brooks could draw in upwards of $19 million per year, which would cause the Seahawks to work their cap space down if they plan to re-sign him. As for Wagner, if he chooses to push retirement back and play another year of football it would be with another team, with the Cowboys being at the top of the list. They could use a tackle machine and a veteran like Wagner to captain their young defense throughout the 2024 season.

Franke Luvu has revitalized his career since joining the Panthers, posting over 230 tackles, 12.5 sacks, and 29 tackles for loss in two seasons. Combining his stellar play with the Panthers impressive $37 million in cap, and there is no possibility they let him walk away in free agency. If he does move on, it would have to be for a contract of upwards of $20 million per year, a number most teams would not be willing to match.

Patrick Queen has also revitalized his career by playing alongside stud linebacker Roquan Smith for the past season and a half, with his tackle and sack numbers increasing tremendously. Queen, who was also selected to the Pro Bowl and AP All- Pro second team for the first time in his career, will draw more attention in free agency than any other linebacker.

Teams such as the Vikings, Giants, Falcons, and Rams will likely all reach out to Queen and will be able to offer him more money than the Ravens. What they cannot guarantee, however, is winning. It is possible that Queen takes less money to stay with the former one seeded Ravens, attempting to run it back for a shot at a championship. 

Defensive Backs

Amongst the numerous defensive backs hitting free agency are four standout cornerbacks and three talented safeties. Cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson, Kenny Moore II, Kendall Fuller, and Chidobe Awuzie, along with safeties Antoine Winfield Jr., Kyle Dugger, and Kamren Curl, will all be searching for a new contract.

Jaylon Johnson has been a star since being drafted to the Bears four years ago, charting 161 tackles, five interceptions, and 41 pass breakups. Johnson also made his first Pro Bowl and AP All-Pro team this past season. Currently the Bears sit with nearly $80 million in cap space, and could easily afford to retain Johnson, and all odds makers have the Bears as the frontrunner to sign Johnson by a large margin. 

Kenny Moore II is also in a similar situation to Jaylon Johnson. After seven years with the Colts, Moore II will be looking to sign his third contract with the team. Charting 516 tackles, 17 interceptions, 55 pass breakups, and 9.5 sacks, Moore II has been one of the most talented slot corners since being drafted. As mentioned previously, the Colts have over $73 million in cap space, and with Moore II showing no signs of slowing down, he should be re-signed by them in the upcoming weeks.

Kendall Fuller has played two separate stints with the Commanders throughout his eight year career, but his second stint has likely come to an end. With new ownership and a new coaching staff, Fuller will look to move on to a team not focused on rebuilding as he moves into the later part of his career. The Lions, Falcons, and Bills, three teams set up to win now with a lack of depth at the cornerback position, could look to bring Fuller in as a veteran and leader of their secondary.

The final premier cornerback hitting the market is Chidobe Awuzie. After his last two seasons with the Bengals have been lackluster, Awuzie will likely be searching for a new team in free agency. Standing at six feet tall with a 4.43 40 yard dash, Awuzie could be a hot commodity for a young, rebuilding secondary. Teams such as the Cardinals, Panthers, and Chargers, along with playoff teams such as Rams and Lions, would all be solid fits for Awuzie. Outside of the Chargers, each of the other four teams have over $35 million in cap space and could afford to give Awuzie an expensive contract.

As for the safeties, three superstar young bucks will be hitting their first free agency. 

Winfield Jr. is coming off the best season of his career, in which he was the top safety in the NFL. Charting 122 tackles, 12 pass breakups, 6 forced fumbles, 6 sacks, and 3 interceptions, Winfield Jr. was selected to the AP All-Pro first team and finished sixth in defensive player of the year voting. 

As time goes on it has become more likely that the Buccaneers will use the franchise tag on Winfield Jr., according to overthecap.com. This would give the Buccaneers another season to see if Winfield can maintain his impressive play, before giving him a contract upwards of $20 million per year. Although highly unlikely, if the Buccaneers do not use the tag on Winfield Jr. or give him a new contract, he could sign with teams such as the Bengals, Commanders, or Patriots. If he wanted to join a team for less money and contend for a championship, the Bengals would be the best option, but if Winfield Jr. was focused more on the money, the Patriots or Commanders could set a new market for safeties with a contract of $23 million or more.

Speaking of the Patriots and Commanders, both teams will be looking to maintain their starting safeties in Kyle Dugger and Kamren Curl. 

While health has been a concern for most of Dugger’s young career, he was finally able to play all 17 games for the first time this past season. His steady improvement over the past four years will be enough to draw interest from a number of teams in free agency if the Patriots do not give him a solid offer. The Eagles and Vikings would be strong suitors for Dugger, who need to bolster their secondary if they plan to make a playoff push next season.

Opposite to Dugger, Curl has been on a steady decline since his impressive rookie season. In the three seasons since, Curl has only charted over 100 tackles once, while failing to notch a interception. Despite this, the Commanders are in the midst of a rebuild and keeping a young talent such as Curl would allow him to develop in their new scheme. The Commanders also brought in Dan Quinn, a defensive minded head coach, who may be able to guide Curl in the right direction.  

Nevertheless, Curl will be a valuable young asset to a plethora of teams looking to add a safety this off-season, such as the Eagles, Saints, Giants, or Cowboys. While the Eagles, Saints, and Giants are all scheduled to lose a former starter at safety in free agency, the Cowboys lacked consistent safety play out of their starters from last season, and could look to upgrade with their minimal cap space.

Overall, this off-season’s free agency will be a wild ride with many premier players finding new homes with one goal in mind, winning.

Feature Image via espn.com