We’re officially in the new league year, and the bulk of the top 2024 NFL free agents have found new homes. Several blockbuster trades have also transpired, and to think that the draft isn’t even here yet!
Things have been crazy, but it’s about to get even crazier over the next month-plus. With that said, let’s dive into our 2024 NFL post-free agency power rankings.
32. Carolina Panthers (32)
Losing Brian Burns via trade with the Giants for pennies stung big time. Throw in the departures of Frankie Luvu and Yetur Gross-Matos, and it’s hard to guess just how much worse this defense can be in 2024.
On the bright side, Bryce Young has a new weapon following the trade acquisition of ex-Steelers wideout Diontae Johnson. The signings of Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis, albeit pricy, shore up a leaky offensive line.
31. New England Patriots (31)
Mac Jones is gone, and old friend Jacoby Brissett was brought back on a one-year deal, giving the Pats a serviceable option regardless of what they do with the No. 3 pick.
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The Pats retained Hunter Henry and Mike Onwenu then got offensive weapons Antonio Gibson, KJ Osborn and Austin Hooper on cheap deals. It’s been a solid offseason thus far, but there’s still plenty of work to do.
30. Denver Broncos (26)
Denver released Russell Wilson and took on $85 million in dead money. Star wideout Jerry Jeudy was traded to Cleveland for pennies, and All-Pro safety Justin Simmons was released in a cap-saving move.
Hey, if this is how Sean Payton wants it. Are they already tanking for the first overall pick in 2025? Sure feels like it!
29. New York Giants (27)
We loved the trade for Brian Burns to bolster an already stout front seven. But replacing Saquon Barkley with Devin Singletary does nothing to make this offense better.
Joe Schoen’s biggest free agency move thus far was signing ex-Packers offensive lineman Jon Runyan to a $30 million deal. With the No. 6 pick in this year’s draft, you gotta think the G-Men are going receiver, right?
28. Tennessee Titans (29)
Losing Derrick Henry and Denico Autry in free agency hurts, but Ran Carthon made up for it by winning the Calvin Ridley sweepstakes. Ridley and DeAndre Hopkins teaming up? That’s quite the duo for Will Levis.
Bringing in two-time 1,000-yard rusher Tony Pollard to replace Henry was a steady piece of work, as was the pick up of ex-Broncos center Lloyd Cushenberry.
27. Arizona Cardinals (30)
The Cardinals have bolstered their defense by signing Justin Jones, Sean Murphy-Bunting, Bilal Nichols and Mack Wilson — none of whom cost more than $31.165 million. Very savvy offseason work thus far.
But the real fun begins at the draft. If they stay at No. 4, the Cardinals will get Marvin Harrison Jr., Rome Odunze OR Malik Nabers.
26. Minnesota Vikings (21)
It’s been an up-and-down offseason for Minnesota thus far. Losing Pro Bowl QB Kirk Cousins and star edge-rusher Danielle Hunter are tough pills to swallow…but there have been some positives.
Sam Darnold is a fine bridge QB option on a one-year deal, and who knows? Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Winkel and Blake Cashman were quality additions to the new-look defense.
Oh, and getting ex-Packers star running back Aaron Jones on a one-year deal? Jackpot!
25. Washington Commanders (28)
The big prize is what will come with the No. 2 pick — either Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye.
But it’s already been a near-flawless offseason for the new Commanders’ regime. Their hapless defense has been bolstered by the signings of Dorance Armstrong, Frankie Luvu, Jeremy Chinn and Bobby Wagner.
Getting a third-rounder from Seattle for Sam Howell? In a word: COUP.
24. Las Vegas Raiders (24)
The Raiders’ big move was landing ex-Dolphins star Christian Wilkins to a four-year, $110 million deal. Wilkins AND Maxx Crosby working the trenches together? Terrifying thought, we know.
Vega also got a cheap replacement in Gardner Minshew II, who’s at worst a bridge QB if Aidan O’Connell isn’t up for the challenge.
23. Seattle Seahawks (18)
Seattle cut safeties Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs. Are they sure Julian Love and Rayshawn Jenkins will be a better duo? This shaky o-line lost Damien Lewis, too.
Getting Jerome Baker on a one-year deal was nice and all, but it doesn’t make up for the loss of Bobby Wagner. Keeping Leonard Williams was the right move, but giving him $64.5 million over three years was still an overpay.
And giving up a third-round pick for Sam Howell was certainly a choice.
22. Los Angeles Chargers (15)
They landed the big fish in Jim Harbaugh, but the roster moves up to this point suggest the Bolts wish to participate in a bit of a rebuild.
They traded Keenan Allen to the Bears for a minimal return and cut Mike Williams. Austin Ekeler was let go as well and replaced by Gus Edwards. To us, that’s a bit of a downgrade.
Justin Herbert is a top-10 QB in the game, but we’re a little worried about this current supporting cast.
21. New Orleans Saints (20)
The Saints cut Michael Thomas and Marcus Maye in cap-saving moves. With limited cap space, they still managed to bring in former Commanders and 49ers standout edge-rusher Chase Young on a one-year deal.
Given their cap situation, we’d say the New Orleans roster could be in much worse shape. You take the good with the bad.
20. Indianapolis Colts (22)
GM Chris Ballard managed to retain top wideout Michael Pittman Jr., cornerback Kenny Moore and defensive tackle Grover Stewart on multi-year deals. That’s enough to call the offseason a win thus far.
Obviously, the Colts’ fortunes in 2024 come down to the health of Anthony Richardson and Jonathan Taylor. If they’re healthy, then this team will be ready for takeoff.
19. Chicago Bears (23)
Justin Fields is gone, all but confirming that the Bears are taking Caleb Williams first overall. Oh, and how about that trade for ex-Chargers star Keenan Allen? The signings of RB D’Andre Swift and tight end Gerald Everett?
Extending superstar corner Jaylon Johnson then signing former All-Pro safety Kevin Byard to bolster the secondary? Yep, Ryan Poles has aced the offseason thus far. Draft Williams first overall, and it’ll be the near-perfect spring in Windy City.
18. Los Angeles Rams (12)
The Rams drop six spots because of one simple reason: Aaron Donald’s retirement.
There’s no way of sugar-coating it. This team is already considerably worse without the NFL’s greatest defensive player since Lawrence Taylor. You just don’t replace a generational talent like that.
On the bright side, bringing in ex-Lions guard Jonah Jackson was a coup by Les Snead. Bringing in Kamren Curl and old friend Darious Williams will bolster this secondary aplenty, too.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars (19)
Out go Calvin Ridley, Darious Williams and Rayshawn Jenkins. In come Gabe Davis, Arik Armstead, Mitch Morse, Devin Duvernay and Darnell Savage.
You be the judge if the Jaguars got better or worse. Losing Ridley hurts the most, but we’re in love with the idea of Armstead, Josh Allen and Travon Walker wreaking havoc together. And after a roller-coaster tenure in Buffalo, maybe Davis is finally ready to break out? Stay tuned.
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (14)
The Bucs accomplished their two main offseason goals by extending Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans to multi-year deals. But are the reigning NFC South champs that much better now than last season?
They cut Shaq Barrett, traded Carlton Davis and let Shaq Barrett walk. The offense shouldn’t miss a beat, but there are some question marks all over Todd Bowles’ defense now.
15. Atlanta Falcons (25)
The Falcons’ signing of Kirk Cousins makes them one of the premier offseason winners. All they’ve been lacking these last two years is competent QB play, so how about a four-time Pro Bowler in Captain Kirk to save the day?
Cousins’ arrival immediately makes Atlanta the team to beat in the NFC East. There’s no telling how much this offense will improve with Cousins joining this star-studded offensive group.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers (17)
The Steelers won 10 games last season with a QB room of Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph. Having swapped out those three for Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, we don’t think it’s too early to hand Omar Khan the executive of the year award!
Wilson had a good bounce-back year on a lousy Denver team last year, so we’re confident he can still be a quality starter for Mike Tomlin and company. If not, then they can turn to Fields — who cost nothing more than a late-round pick.
Good times are ahead in Steel City, folks.
13. New York Jets (16)
How about this for an offensive line makeover? Future Hall of Famer Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses taking over the edges of the o-line, with ex-Raven standout John Simpson taking up the last vacancy at guard.
Oh, Aaron Rodgers will be a happy man alright. That’s not all. How about getting ex-Chargers star wideout Mike Williams on a one-year deal? There’s your No. 2 receiver to complement Garrett Wilson.
12. Miami Dolphins (9)
Not super thrilled about Miami’s offseason thus far. They let Christian Wilkins go for nothing when the franchise tag was an option. All-Pro corner Xavien Howard was cut in a cap-saving move, and standout guard Robert Hunt left for a nine-figure payday from Carolina.
We suppose the Jordyn Brooks, Shaq Barrett, Kendall Fuller and Jordan Poyer signings were fine, since they don’t carry too much cash or term.
But overall, the Dolphins certainly have less star power now than they did a month ago, and that’s concerning when you play in a stacked AFC.
11. Buffalo Bills (8)
Tre’Davious White, Micah Hyde, Jordan Poyer and Mitch Morse were all cut in cap-saving moves. Star pass-rusher Leonard Floyd flocked to San Francisco, and speedy wideout Gabe Davis took his talents to Jacksonville.
Buffalo overpaid for versatile wideout Curtis Samuel, but maybe he’ll put it all together in a Josh Allen-led offense?
Make no mistake, the Bills are still a playoff team. They have a top-five QB in Allen. But it’s hard to argue that they took several steps forward in their Super Bowl quest. If anything, they just backtracked a mile.
10. Dallas Cowboys (7)
Jerry Jones sure has an interesting definition of going “all-in.” Apparently, that means making your roster even worse?
Losing Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz on that o-line really, really hurts. Where’s Tony Pollard’s replacement? Who’s replacing Dorance Armstrong off the edge? Stephon Gilmore in the secondary?
Dallas will be a playoff team again in 2024, but they too took some steps backwards. It’s really tough to comprehend Jerry’s mindset right now.
9. Cleveland Browns (13)
It’s been a fascinating offseason in Cleveland. They let Joe Flacco walk but brought in Jameis Winston and Tyler Huntley as backups to Deshaun Watson.
Andrew Berry’s biggest move came via trade, landing ex-Broncos star wideout Jerry Jeudy for next to nothing. There’s your ideal No. 2 option to Amari Cooper, making this already-potent offense all the more dangerous.
Re-signing veteran edge-rusher Za’Darius Smith was another must for Berry. Overall, it’s been a superb offseason for the Browns, who already look poised to cement themselves as a top AFC heavyweight next season.
8. Green Bay Packers (11)
The Packers cut ties with David Bakhtiari, De’Vondre Campbell and Aaron Jones in cap-saving moves. They signed 2022 rushing champion Josh Jacobs to replace Jones and signed ex-Giants safety Xavier McKinney to a lucrative $68 million deal.
It feels likely that the Pack will use their early-round selections on a Bakhtiari replacement or another receiver. It’s been a fine offseason thus far, but we all know the Packers’ 2024 success comes down to how much Jordan Love and the young weapons can improve.
7. Cincinnati Bengals (5)
Cincinnati has lost more than they gained, but replacing Joe Mixon with a cheaper option in Zack Moss was a sneaky-good move. Signing ex-Raven Geno Stone to round out the safety room was also a low-key crafty move.
The Tee Higgins situation needs to be resolved. If he’s traded, Cincy better use a first-round pick on a receiver. But the bottom line is that if Joe Burrow is healthy, the Bengals remain a Super Bowl contender.
6. Philadelphia Eagles (10)
The Eagles have been fun this offseason, too. Saquon Barkley and Bryce Huff were signed to lucrative deals, and old friend CJ Gardner-Johnson as brought back after a one-year stay in Detroit.
The Eagles also surprised everyone by trading for Steelers QB Kenny Pickett. Fascinating to be sure, since he won’t see much playing time behind Jalen Hurts.
Losing Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox to retirement is tough, but the Eagles have enough young talent to get by. And the draft, where Howie Roseman does his best work, is still to come…
5. Houston Texans (6)
The Texans signed four-time Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter to team up with rising superstar Will Anderson Jr. They added ex-Titan Denico Autry as well to bolster the pass-rush, and Nick Caserio got four-time Pro Bowler Joe Mixon from Cincy for pennies.
Houston also dealt its first-round pick to Minnesota to secure two second-round picks. Makes you wonder if the Texans are planning another big thing at the draft..
4. Baltimore Ravens (3)
Losing Geno Stone, Tyus Bowser, Jadeveon Clowney and Patrick Queen on defense is definitely worrisome. And this was before DC Mike Macdonald left for the Seahawks’ coaching vacancy.
And how’s that o-line supposed to improve with John Simpson and Morgan Moses both bolting for the Jets? Listen, we love the Derrick Henry signing, but the Ravens have limited resources to fill those defensive holes.
Ah well, Lamar Jackson and Jim Harbaugh will ensure that these guys don’t miss much of a beat. They’ll still be a Super Bowl contender regardless of what’s done between now and Week 1.
3. Detroit Lions (4)
The Lions addressed their main need at corner by trading for Bucs’ ball-hawking specialist Carlton Davis. That makes up for the loss of CJ Gardner-Johnson.
The Lions’ biggest splash thus far? Signing run-stopping force DJ Reader to a two-year deal. If they can add one more premier defensive back, Dan Campbell’s squad may emerge as the team to beat over San Fran. Just sayin’.
2. San Francisco 49ers (2)
The 49ers’ main focus has been reshaping the defensive line. Gone are Arik Armstead, Clelin Ferrell, Javon Kinlaw and Chase Young. In come Leonard Floyd, Maliek Collins, Jordan Elliott and Yetur Gross-Matos.
The reigning NFC Champs only needed minimal changes and nothing drastic. And with the draft around the corner, John Lynch has plenty of opportunity to strengthen an already-loaded roster.
1. Kansas City Chiefs (1)
Well, they managed to extend franchise cornerstone Chris Jones long-term. The other big move was signing ex-Ravens and Cardinals receiver Hollywood Brown to a cheap one-year deal, giving Patrick Mahomes another playmaking weapon.
In short, there’s nothing to tell us that KC isn’t the team to beat.
What changes would you make to our post-free agency edition of the power rankings?
