The summer months are flying off of the calendar and we are getting very close to the start of the NFL season. As the NFL offseason inches towards a close, there are still a number of extremely talented free agents still available on the open market – ready to be scooped up.
And these aren’t just end of the roster guys either… Every year, we see big-name veterans get picked up around this time, and they can end up having a material impact on the team that signs them… so much so that it can even alter the broader competitive landscape of the NFL!
Let’s take a gander around the league at the 10 best players available—and talk about some potential landing places for them in 2024.
Who are the top free agents that can still contribute to multiple NFL teams in 2024?
Micah Hyde, Strong Safety
For as long as Micah Hyde has been in the NFL, he has been one of the impactful players on the defensive side of the ball in the game.
The dynamic and versatile safety has been a cornerstone of the Buffalo Bills’ defense for several years—dating back to 2017, but he first made his name on those early to mid-2010s Packers teams.
Over his career, he has come to be known for his exceptional ball-hawking skills and leadership on the field… and… perhaps more importantly—Hyde has consistently delivered stellar performances when it matters most.
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And it isn’t just that he’s done so with such consistency, but also… the how.
He’s done it because of the strength of his impressive football IQ and his ability to read defenses, which mitigates the impact of his age, as he is set to turn 34 this season. This should make the veteran defensive back a very attractive option to a contending team that is looking to solidify their defensive secondary, like the Miami Dolphins, particularly because Hyde would also blend in nicely with the aggressive defensive scheme that they deploy.
Stephon Gilmore, Cornerback
While he may have lost a step or two in recent years, Stephon Gilmore, the 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, remains one of the more formidable cornerbacks in the league.
During his time with the New England Patriots, he became known for his lockdown coverage and ability to neutralize top receivers. Simply put, Gilmore has built a reputation as a game-changer in the secondary. At his peak—he was on a short list of guys that single-handedly elevated the rest of his position group.
Gilmore’s elite coverage instincts, coupled with his size, physicality and football acumen, make him an attractive free agent option—even as he enters the later stages of his NFL career, as he should still be able to shadow opposing receivers and make game-changing plays.
Teams like the Seattle Seahawks or Arizona Cardinals, both of whom are looking to fortify their pass defense, would be wise to consider Gilmore.
At a minimum, his veteran presence and ability to mentor younger players would be an added bonus for any secondary.
Ryan Tannehill, Quarterback
Ryan Tannehill’s NFL career has been one of the more topsy-turvy ones in recent memory. After a promising start in Miami—things stalled out… and he looked like he was on his way out of the league until he experienced a shocking career renaissance upon joining the Tennessee Titans—where he transcended competent game manager and turned into one of the most efficient and reliable QBs in the game.
One of Tannehill’s standout attributes is his ability to remain calm under pressure and make sound decisions. He consistently demonstrated the poise to make the right reads and deliver the ball accurately, even when the pocket collapses around him.
This trait, combined with his mobility, positioned him to extend plays and create opportunities downfield for his wide receivers.
Now… he did start to tail off during the last year or two in Tennessee, but on a tight free agent quarterback market, Tannehill is surely the most eligible NFL bachelor.
The Minnesota Vikings, for example, could greatly benefit from his presence. With Kirk Cousins’ out of the picture—and J.J. McCarthy still likely needing time to develop, Tannehill could step in and provide a seamless transition.
It is hard to believe that Tannehill wouldn’t be able to produce, considering the Vikings’ strong receiving corps, led by Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
Plus, having a veteran like Tannehill leading the way would likely go a heck of a lot further for McCarthy’s development from a mentorship standpoint than Sam Darnold!
Xavien Howard, Cornerback
At the start of the NFL’s new league year, the Dolphins released Howard, who had three years remaining on his five-year, $90 million contract.
The two sides tried to negotiate a number that worked for both, but they weren’t able to find a middle ground.
But just because Howard’s juice wasn’t worth the squeeze for Miami—doesn’t mean that there isn’t a market for the talented cornerback.
Howard has consistently demonstrated an uncanny knack for intercepting passes and disrupting opposing offenses—his aggressive playstyle and keen instincts make him a true game-changer on the field.
If Howard has it his way, we might see the four-time Pro Bowler ink a deal with another AFC contender, the Houston Texans.
“This offseason, I’m a Houston Texans fan.” Howard said via the Houston Chronicle, “I’ve had it tatted on me. I even got the Houston Rockets and the Texans (logos) tatted on me.”
If it isn’t Houston, look for another serious playoff contender to roll the dice on Howard. Based on what we’ve seen out him the last couple of year, he still seems to have a lot in the tank—and could be a great acquisition for a win now team.
Yannick Ngakoue, Defensive End
2024 marks the second consecutive offseason pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue waits to find a landing spot—last year, he was on the market until August when he inked a one-year $10.5 million dollar deal with the Bears… and… well…
Based on how last year went—I’d expect the number to regress a little bit this season. He totaled just four sacks in 13 games and looked a step slower before suffering a broken ankle in Week 14 that ended his campaign, which made for the second straight season of Ngakoue’s that was cut short by injury.
That said… teams are always looking for a guy that can get after the quarterback… something that Ngakoue has done exceptionally well since he entered the league with Jacksonville—and—mostly everywhere he’s been since.
With Za’Darius Smith getting injured during camp and carted off—Cleveland is looking like an awesome landing spot for the 29-year-old defensive end.
Imagine him paired up with Myles Garret.
If he is able to regain his peak form—that could be one of the scariest duos in the league next season!
Also Read: Predicting Where the Top 20 Remaining NFL Free Agents of 2024 Will Land
Justin Simmons, Free Safety
During his time with the Denver Broncos, Justin Simmons proved to be one of the more consistent safeties in the game.
His range, ball skills, and tackling ability were and are top-notch, making him one of the most complete safeties in the game. Simmons is the kind of player who has consistently shown the ability to change the course of a game with a single play, whether it’s an interception, a crucial pass breakup, or a perfectly timed tackle.
Honestly, it was pretty shocking to see Denver part ways with the talented safety in the first place!
But… they were up against it financially and really needed the $14 million the move saved them in cap space to address the other glaring concerns on their roster.
We have seen a couple of other teams around the league make moves on the safety market in recent weeks as the Baltimore Ravens signed veteran Eddie Jackson and the Tennessee Titans picked up both Jamal Adams And Quandre Diggs for their defensive backfield.
But there are still plenty of teams still in need of a security blanket back there… The Broncos included!
At this point, the return to Denver is still a long shot, though, he still lives and trains there… But there could be a fit for him in Dallas or Las Vegas as well!
Michael Thomas, Wide Receiver
Michael Thomas has had a rough go trying to stay on the field recently, whether it be injuries or behavior… but let’s not forget the force of nature he was when healthy.
Thomas’s 2019 season, where he shattered the single-season reception record with 149 catches, was nothing short of legendary. There was a stretch there where the former Saints star was damn near unstoppable.
Between his precise route running, sure hands, and ability to make contested catches, Thomas was a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Teams like the New England Patriots or the Washington Commanders be wise to take a chance on this promising NFL free agent. The Patriots, are in desperate need of talent at receiver—and a reliable talent like Thomas could help Drake Maye develop.
Washington is in a similar situation with their young quarterback Jayden Daniels. Terry McLauren is a stud, but the receiver corps lacks depth and could definitely use Thomas’s veteran presence and reliability to give their passing game a significant boost.
Kareem Hunt, Running Back
After a productive season platooning in Cleveland, during which he converted 135 carries into 411 yards and an impressive nine touchdowns, 28-year-old Kareem Hunt is back on the market and looking for a team to tote the rock for.
The Cowboys were one of the teams continually linked to him due to their need for a starting-caliber running back following the departure of Tony Pollard, but now that they’ve inked a reunion with Ezekiel Elliott that seems unlikely.
Hunt may not be the game-breaking, dual-threat back that he was back in 2017 when he broke into the league with Kansas City as a third-round pick and put up massive 1700-plus yards from scrimmage, but he still has plenty of gas left in the tank.
After all—he looked great for the Browns last year despite playing through a couple of nagging injuries. Now that he’s had a full offseason to heal—he should be ready to hit the ground running with whatever team signs him.
The Chargers are a team that comes to mind that could be a great fit. Right now, it looks like Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins are sitting atop their depth chart.
And neither back has the physicality of Hunt—something that new head coach Jim Harbaugh definitely values!
Whether it is in L.A. or somewhere else—one thing is for certain… We will see Kareem Hunt playing football somewhere this year—and soon! As he is one of the top remaining free-agent running backs left.
Shaq Lawson, Defensive End
Shaq Lawson brings a unique blend of power and athleticism to the defensive line.
Throughout his career, he has become known for his ability to pressure the quarterback and stop the run.
When he is locked in, Lawson’s physicality and athleticism makes him a disruptive force on the edge, plus, he has the versatility to play both defensive end and outside linebacker, which can add significant value to any defensive scheme.
It is just a matter of keeping him focused and motivated.
The former first round pick’s production has been down the last couple of years, but 2024 has all the makings of a renaissance season for Lawson.
Especially if he gets scooped up by a team like the Ravens whose defense scheme is basically built to leverage the skillset of a player like Shaq Lawson.
It seemed like that was as big an issue as anything for Lawson in recent years. He just wasn’t meshing with what Buffalo was trying to do defensively at all…
In any case, the talent is still there. And with the right fit, Lawson could be a homerun, late-stage NFL free agent acquisition.
J.C. Jackson, Cornerback
Things did not go well for J.C. Jackson after his last stint on the NFL free agent market… Yes, he was able to parlay his success with the New England Patriots into a five-year, $82.5 million contract with the Chargers, but that was where the good times stopped for Jackson.
He never seemed to get on the same page with the rest of the defense in L.A. and quickly became the scapegoat for all of their defensive woes. There were constant reports that he was a malcontent with the Chargers and reports have since surfaced that those around the organization said he had a “lackadaisical” attitude and did not have a particular interest in being coached.
Some have speculated that he got his money and essentially decided that he was done with the grind… But…maybe it just wasn’t the right fit!
He proved during his All-Pro campaign with the Pats that he has it in him—and it is nearing the put up or shut up period of his career—meaning, if Jackson can’t find a way to produce next season, he will likely be out of the league for good.
Sounds to me like he’ll be plenty motivated to bring a good attitude to whatever team decides to roll the dice on the fallen star.
Also Read: 10 Horrible NFL Free Agent Signings That Destroyed A Franchise
