2024 NFL Free Agency: Must Signs and Re-Signs for EVERY TEAM
By: Hayden Shapiro
Free Agency in any sport is one of the most hectic times of the year. Teams race to find missing pieces on their roster and scramble to find the right fit. All according to their cap space, which some teams have a lot of, but many do not. In this piece, I highlight some must signs and re-signs, deals franchises cannot ignore, and players primed for a breakout in a new city. As always, hit that follow button if you like what you read, much love, and stay cool!
Without further ado, let’s get into this thing. Starting off with the NFC, but if you are looking for your favorite team, hit Ctrl F and search the name. Enjoy!
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals: Brian Burns, EDGE
The Cardinals like to blitz, but they can’t get home. Burns has been electric in Carolina, the heart and soul of their pass rush since being selected in the first round of the draft in 2019. Carolina consistently turning down trade offers means they would like to keep him; so, watch out for the tag, but if he hits the open market, Arizona needs to offer him a contract. He is a perfect fit opposite B.J. Ojulari who looked promising in his rookie campaign. Burns can play a 4–3 end as well as a 3–4 edge. He is versatile and has a plethora of pass rush moves that make him one of the most highly sought after free agents in this year’s group.
Seattle Seahawks: RE-SIGN Leonard Williams, DL
Williams’ impact was felt immediately after the Seahawks traded for him midseason. His football IQ and ability to rush the passer from inside is special, and a long-term extension gives Seattle some flexibility on what they want to do on the outside. His age seems to be a non-factor, as he has had his best years in his stint with the Giants and a phenomenal second half of 2023 with Seattle. He uses his strong arms to tackle ball carriers while engaged with blocks and his twitchiness helps him get into the backfield on play action or plays with designed motion pre-snap.
San Francisco 49ers: Steven Nelson, CB
Nelson is just the definition of consistency. He played over 950 snaps for Houston in 2023, this being the sixth straight season he’s done so. His ability to play in the slot and outside adds some versatility to this 49ers secondary that has been one of the best, if not the best in the league for the past few years. A tandem of Charvarious Ward, Deommodore Lenior, and Steven Nelson would give opposing wide receiver groups nightmares. Nelson also is a fantastic special teamer and is a willing tackler. This would be a huge get for San Francisco. I would expect Houston to tag him, but if he is available, the 49ers should offer him a good deal because of how much he could help this defense. Talanoa Hufanga will return in 2024 and he is one of the best safeties in the game, so if they add Nelson, this unit gets that much more firepower.
Las Angeles Rams: Patrick Queen, LB
Queen is a vocal leader and has all the tools to run a defensive unit as a mic backer. Him and Roquan Smith were the best ILB duo this season, but with Baltimore experiencing some salary cap issues, I donut they extend Queen to a long-term deal without having to use a franchise tag. Queen is a sure tackler and brings a fierce attitude to whatever defense he lines up for. His 48 pressures and eight sacks are just bonuses, which is crazy to say. This dude is a special talent; and on a defense where he would be the featured linebacker he could go absolutely nuclear. Many teams are going to inquire and most likely offer on Queen, but if LA adds him to this young gun defense, they put themselves right back up there with the best defensive units in the conference, if not the NFL.
NFC SOUTH
New Orleans Saints: Jonathan Greenard, EDGE
This Saints defense started off 2023 extremely well. They were forcing turnovers, getting to the quarterback, and stuffing the run with ease. Thanks to linebacker Demario Davis, this unit was imposing to whoever was facing them. The one thing they struggled with was stopping the run, and Greenard is a run stopping/edge setting expert. He was ranked ninth among qualifying edge rushers in run stop rate and his quick first step allows him to get into the backfield on outside carries. He really put on a show in his contract year and teams are going to salivate at the idea of him being their third down edge, but this guy can play every down given his combination of speed and power. Greenard was a journeyman, but I predict he will get a long-term deal this offseason and the Saints are a picture perfect fit.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: RE-SIGN Antoine Winfield Jr, S
Winfield has been one of the best safeties in the league since his rookie year. His uber-athletic play style helps him knock balls out of receiver's hands as well as line up in the box and stop the run. He is a great tackler, and his presence means so much to this Tampa defense. A leader in the secondary that the Bucs cannot afford to lose. The ex-Gopher is deserving of a hefty payday, and I think the Buccaneers realize this. Depending on how the market for safeties plays out this year, which lately has been a position of need for a lot of teams, Winfield should remain in Tampa and continue on his path to becoming the best safety in the league, something he isn’t far from being already.
Carolina Panthers: RE-SIGN Frankie Luvu, LB
Frankie Luvu is one of the best linebackers in football, and for some reason he flies completely under the radar. He’s always involved in the play. Luvu is the definition of a workhorse, he is really good in open space, and one of the best tacklers in the sport. I had the pleasure of watching every Panthers game this season (Yea! Be jealous!) and Luvu was consistently the best player on the field. His sheer smarts and football IQ make him who he is, a phenomenal tackler who puts his body on the line and plays at 110% on every single snap. His 9.5 sacks rank first among inside linebackers throughout the last two seasons and his 43 QB pressures rank top five. After captain and returning mic linebacker Shaq Thompson went down with a season ending ankle injury, Luvu took his game to the next level. He racks up tackles for loss and shoots the gap better than anyone I’ve seen this season. He plays with his head on swivel and is much deserving of a hefty extension.
Atlanta Falcons: Michael Pittman Jr, WR
Atlanta has four wideouts on expiring deals, they like bigger targets (Pitts, London, Hollins), and Pittman is one of those guys who fits any scheme. The way he plays is very Keenan Allen esc, good route runner and sure hands. He adds yet another red-zone threat to an offense that was consistently stopped once they made their way inside the 20. He is also an extraordinary blocker, something Drake London and Kyle Pitts really struggle with. I am quickly falling in love with this fit, even if it means they need to overpay a little bit.
NFC EAST
New York Giants: Darnell Mooney, WR
The Giants desperately need wide receiver help and Mooney fits this scheme so well. He possesses a unique ability to stretch the field, but also be a threat underneath on drags. Mooney has shown flashes of talent, but never really burst onto the scene in Chicago. Signing Mooney would give whoever is throwing the rock for the G-Men next season a threat down the field and it would also allow New York to cut ties with Sterling Shepherd and Darius Slayton. They would not need to break the bank, as Mooney is a younger wideout who needs a new home and has yet to put up good numbers consistently. I really can see this happening.
Philadelphia Eagles: L’Jarius Sneed, CB
It is not an exaggeration to say that the reason Philly didn’t make a deep playoff run this year was because of their abysmal secondary play. Guys like Darius Slay and James Bradberry were only shades of their past selves, rookie safety Sydney Brown was a non-factor in coverage, and the loss of C.J. Gardner-Johnson was evident. Sneed was an all-pro this season. He is extremely tight in coverage and opens his hips at the right time every play. He is a lockdown man corner, but also holds the instincts to succeed in zone, consistently jumping curls and outs. The Louisiana Tech product needs to cool down on the flags, but his attitude and adept cover skills would be a huge add for this Eagles defense. He may cost a lot, and the Eagles are known to build through the draft, but this fit is too perfect not to project.
Dallas Cowboys: Danielle Hunter, EDGE
Brian Flores’ ultra heavy blitzes did nothing but make Hunter that much more productive. His injury riddled career is in the past and he is playing the best football of his career. Hunter can be used in a 4–3 or 3–4 scheme because of his quick first step and unbelievable instincts. He would be a joy to watch in Dallas on a line featuring an anti-aging Demarcus Lawrence and uber-talented Micah Parsons. The Cowboys have a fair amount of money to spend and I could see this fit really working out for both party’s.
Washington Commanders: Mike Evans, WR
The future hall of famer has been the most consistent wideout in the NFL over the last eight years. He has never had a season under 1,000 yards and I’m sure the Bucs would love to retain him, but the ask may be too much. The Commanders are bound to have a new signal caller and Mike Evans would be the perfect veteran to pair with a rookie quarterback. His ability to extend the field is impeccable and even at his age, his ability to bring down contested balls is simply unreal. Evans is still a superstar and would be a perfect safety net for whoever is throwing balls in DC next season.
NFC NORTH
Chicago Bears: DJ Reader, DT
DJ Reader caught the injury bug as a member of the Bengals, but that was the only thing stopping him. He is a dominant force on the interior and simply can’t be moved by just a singular blocker. He eats up blocks with ease and allows for rushers to get in while engaged with interior lineman; often more than one. This would be a huge addition for Chicago who now has a resurging Montez Sweat and holds the first and ninth selections in this upcoming draft.
Green Bay Packers: Mekhi Becton, OT
David Bakhtiari is nearing the end of his career and it’s a real shame because it is mostly due to constant injury. Becton has shown flashes of being a star tackle in this league and during his draft process, absolutely blew scouts away with his athleticism for his size. He plays a hog-mauler type way, steering defenders away from his quarterback or the ball carrier with brute force. Becton would be a perfect fit for this run-heavy scheme, as this is where he makes his noise. He is not going to have too high of an asking price either. I am growing to like any fit with Becton, but this one makes a lot of sense.
Minnesota Vikings: Austin Ekeler, RB
I think it is fair to say that Alexander Mattison is not a long-term solution at running back for the Vikings. Sure, he’s decent in short yardage situations and in the red zone, but he is so limited in the pass and outside run game. Ekeler has been one of the league’s best backs in recent years and all signs point to him hitting the open market. If Minnesota is able to retain Kirk Cousins, whom I had originally had their must sign be, Ekeler would take this offense to the next level. With Ekeler this is a surefire playoff roster.
Detroit Lions: Denico Autry, DL
Autry just does not seem to age. He has been one of the most underrated pass rushers in the game for quite some time now, and fits perfectly into this Lions defensive scheme. He is a master of splitting double teams and getting inside on tackles. He moves so fluidly for someone of his size, it is really remarkable. He can play DE in a 4–3 or on the interior in a 3–4. This is worth noting because of how many looks Aaron Glenn likes to put out there every game. Detroit sacked the quarterback a lot this season and adding Autry would bolster this unit that much more.
AFC WEST
Kansas City Chiefs: RE-SIGN Chris Jones, DL
Chris Jones is not only one of the best defensive linemen in the league right now, he’s also one of the best ever. His ability to play inside and out, split double teams, and stuff the run is something the Chiefs simply cannot afford to lose. They placed the tag on him last year, so he’s in for a hefty payday, but it’s more than deserved. Jones plays a lot like prime Ndamukong Suh. he can line up on the outside and still get home. He can line up inside and take on multiple blockers at once. He is one of the best defenders in the NFL and the Chiefs can’t let him walk.
Los Angeles Chargers: Jaylon Johnson, CB
Here’s a fact: Jaylon Johnson hasn't allowed a 60% completion percentage since entering the league in 2019. The Utah product is very physical but doesn’t get called for many penalties. He is very technically sound in his play; long arms and great ball skills. He may not be the fastest corner, but he makes up for it with his incredible instincts. This Chargers secondary was among the worst in the NFL last season. After releasing JC Jackson, it did not improve. They desperately need a reliable corner on the perimeter and that’s exactly what Johnson brings. He can be put on an island with no safety help and be just fine. I am starting to really like the idea of Johnson in powder blue.
Las Vegas Raiders: Tee Higgins, WR
I have zero insight whether Davante Adams will be a Raider next year, but even if he is, Vegas needs more weapons. If they do decide to take a QB in the draft, Higgins is a great deep threat and is a menace in the red-zone. The BEngals could definitely end up tagging Higgins, but if he hits the open market I would expect many teams pushing for him. He plays the game very smoothly. His sound route running combined with elite body control makes him one of the best wideouts in the game. One worry I have is that he has always had great QB play, but it seems to me that Higgins could succeed wherever he ends up. I like this fit because it gives the Raiders an option if they do decide to part ways with Adams. Plus, if they keep Adams, it gives whoever is throwing the rock in Vegas two extremely solid outlets on the perimeter.
Denver Broncos: Justin Madubuike, DL
Madubuike recorded a sack in 13 of 17 games in 2023. That is insane for an interior lineman. His power is impeccable. He can arm tackle any back in the league, but he is just 26 years old. He is going to get a huge contract and I think Denver is the perfect fit. Sean Payton loves his pass-rushing interior defensive lineman. He turned Cam Jordan into one of the best defenders throughout his prime and put former standout DT, David Onyemata, on the map. This Denver team loves to blitz, and with Madubuike, they can do that while he takes on multiple blockers inside or rushes the passer. He plays a lot like Chris Jones, and to be honest, looks like a younger version of Jones. This fit makes too much sense. Watch out for teams like Detroit and even a Baltimore extension, but if he makes it to FA, I expect the Broncos to be all over him.
AFC SOUTH
Jacksonville Jaguars: RE-SIGN Josh Allen, EDGE
Allen had a career year in his contact season with the Jags, racking 90 (Yes, 9–0!), QB pressures and 19 sacks. His explosion has certainly earned him some money, but I wonder if the Jaguars are willing to pay him. Well, they should be. A tandem of Travon Walker and Josh Allen for the future would be a nightmare for other teams to prepare for. Allen is going to want a long-term deal and I think that he is completely worth it. Where Jacksonville really needs help is on the interior, which they can address in the draft. They cannot afford to let Allen go, as he is one of the best of his position in the entire NFL. His speed and ability to consistently win battles with spins and swims is so special, he is a phenomenal athlete, someone Jacksonville needs on this defense. I expect them to do everything that they can to make him stay and also select a DT in the draft (Sweat, Murphy II, Newton).
Indianapolis Colts: RE-SIGN Kenny Moore II, CB
Kenny Moore has been the heart and soul of this Colts defense ever since his four-year extension signed in 2019. His ability to tackle is special and it makes him one of the best slot corners in the game. Moore is an absolute game changer and someone this Colts defense can’t let go if they want to stay competitive in a good division.
Fun fact: He became just the 28th player in NFL history to record two pick-6’s in one game week 9 versus the Panthers.
Houston Texans: Devin White, LB
White’s sky-high ceiling is going to earn him some money but having his worst year in 2023 could lead to the Bucs letting him walk. He has shown that he can be one of the league’s best off-ball LB’s, but his struggles in coverage have been evident. But don’t let that take away from his uncanny ability to shoot the gap on runs and fly all over the field. I think it’s fair to say that he could be the fastest linebacker in the NFL, and he uses a combination of speed and power to get to the quarterback, something many MLBs don’t have the tools to do. He would be a perfect fit for Demeco Ryans and this high energy Texans team. This may be my favorite projection in this entire piece.
Tennessee Titans: Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, WR
Brown’s tenure in Arizona was riddled by injuries. Whether it was him on the sideline or his QB Kyler Murray, things just didn’t work out. This is why I don’t think both parties are going to be able to agree on an extension. The Titans need major help at the wide receiver position. Will Levis looked good at times, but he can’t continue to succeed throwing to Treylon Burks and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. An aging DeAndre Hopkins is a shell of his future self and adding a speedster who can stretch the field would unleash Levis’ extraordinary arm strength. It’s a bonus that other franchises may not be willing to pay Hollywood good money due to his injury prone past.
AFC EAST
New York Jets: RE-SIGN Bryce Huff, EDGE
The Jets have so many packages on defense it is not even funny. They constantly change up formations and players, especially at the edge position. Due to this, Bryce Huff was really able to show his ability rushing the passer and not put on a bad display stopping the run. He had an absurd pass rush win rate for the second straight season and what worries me is that teams would not know how to use Huff, simply because of how personalized this NYJ scheme is to its players. His speed/power combo is dangerous, and he has one of the quickest first steps in football. The former undrafted rookie has truly made a name for himself and will have a competitive market this offseason, but the Jets need to make an effort to re-sign him as he was a huge part of this extraordinary pass rush in East Rutherford.
New England Patriots: Curtis Samuel, WR
With the firing of Bill Belichick and changes all over the coaching staff, all signs point to the Patriots selecting a quarterback in this upcoming draft. This means they miss out on some generational wide receiver talent in Marvin Harrison Jr and Malik Nabers. To fill this playmaking void, they go out and get one of the most versatile offensive players on the market. Samuel has been cursed by injuries during his time in Washington, but when he was in Carolina, he looked like a great no. 2 option. He can line up outside, in the slot, and even in the backfield in certain packages. He has the ability to make defenders miss after the catch and is a great special teamer as well. He would be a great new tool for New England and whoever is throwing the rock in Gillette Stadium next season.
Miami Dolphins: RE-SIGN Christian Wilkins, DL
Christian Wilkins is the heart and soul of this defense. His attitude and worth ethic are phenomenal. He splits double teams and stuffs the run while engaged with blockers. The Dolphins really cannot afford to lose him and he deserves a long-term extension, something many other teams are going to be more than willing to give him. He is one of the best IDL (interior defensive lineman) in the league due to his ability to both stop the run and rush the passer. He is a vocal leader for this defense and McDaniel loves him. I find it hard to see him going anywhere.
Buffalo Bills: Kendall Fuller, DB
The Bills desperately need help in the secondary. Fuller brings experience at every secondary position (outside corner, slot, and safety). His versatility may lead to him being a highly sought after free agent, but the Bills need to make a strong offer. This Fuller brother is a willing tackler and is very sticky in coverage. His ball instincts are great which lead to turnovers and PBU’s, something this Bills defense really lacked in 2023.
AFC NORTH
Pittsburgh Steelers: Kamren Curl, S
Minkah Fitzpatrick remains a top five safety in the NFL, but he excels at playing over the middle of the field and in zone coverage. Where Kam Curl shines is in the box, the slot, and making aggressive tackles. He does not back down from any play and is really a joy to watch. Kurl plays with his head on a complete swivel, looking for anything he can blow up or make a big play. He is a real game changer. This signing would also allow the Steelers to let go of S Damonte Kazee, a player who has hurt them again and again with penalties, most notably against the Colts late in the season on a third down play which ultimately changed the outcome of the game. Curl likes to line up in the box but can really play anywhere. He is one of the best tackling safeties in the sport and would be a huge get for this already stout Steelers defensive unit.
Baltimore Ravens: Calvin Ridley, WR
Lamar JAckson has officially won his second MVP award and it was much deserved. Mostly due to the fact that he is, for lack of better word, unstoppable in the run game, but he also lacked the weapons that some of the other top signal callers in this league have. Jackson was stuck with an aging Odell Backham Jr, who looked like a shadow of his past self, a rookie wideout who had issues hauling in contested grabs because he only stand at 5’8 (Zay Flowers), and a former second round pick in Rashod Bateman who has just yet to put it all together. Not a shot to these guys, but I just salivate at the idea of Jackson having a true number one wideout, someone like Calvin Ridley could take this offense to a whole new level. Ridley is so explosive. He stretches the field, but also is a good enough route runner to be dangerous underneath and outside the numbers. He had drop issues in 2023, but this was expected after he missed all of the 2022 campaign due to suspension. Ridley’s 14 YPC (yards per catch) were among the top of the NFL this season and a connection between the MVP and former Alabama wideout would be must-watch TV on Sundays. I think this signing would simply make so much sense for both parties, as Baltimore is primed for a super bowl run and Ridley truly has the upside to be a top 10 wideout in the league. He would just add so much firepower to an already flaming offense. If you can’t tell, I really want this one to happen.
Cleveland Browns: Trent Brown, OT
It is so hard to predict where tackles will end up in free agency, as they are one of the most franchise tagged positions in the NFL year after year. With this being said, if Trent Brown hits the open market, expect Cleveland to be all over him. He fits their run heavy, play-action scheme so perfectly. He uses a strong stance to shrug off rushers and is a master at moving defenders out of the way to create openings for his trailing backs. With Chubb returning, a Trent Brown (or any top OT) signing would be huge for this injury riddled offense. They were able to make a run with Joe Flacco, Jerome Ford, and two backup OT’s. Imagine if this squad is healthy and is able to sign a top tier OT in Trent Brown. A deep playoff run is inevitable if they can sand down the rough edges of this roster, Brown would be a great start.
Cincinnati Bengals: Tyron Smith, OT
Yet again, this Bengals line just allowed way too much pressure, this led to a stagnant run game and consistently rushed quarterback. A Joe Burrow injury really derailed this Cincy offense, but if they want him healthy, the Bengals need to spend some money on a proven franchise tackle. I think an anti-aging Tyron Smith would be a perfect fit. One reason the Bengals may be hesitant is because of the number of pending FA’s they currently have, but Smith would be too big of an addition to let this distract them. He would bolster this unit, become a solidified starter at LT, and give Joe Burrow the protection he deserves. Burrow is so accurate already, just imagine what he could do with more time in the pocket. This would need to be a hefty deal, which could be a problem because of Smith’s age, but I think the Bengals need to do something on their line. Why not use some cash on a player that you know will help from day one, rather than selecting a project like Mims (UGA) or Guyton (OKLA) in the draft.
