As the dust settles from another exciting NFL season, teams are now looking forward to the offseason to see what improvements they can make to their existing rosters. With plenty of high-profile free agents available, there is sure to be a ton of movement across the league. Teams in search of the last missing piece to their championship puzzle will be extremely active during this period. Let’s take a look at the top 60 available players, and we’ll give a prediction on where we think they will land this offseason:
55. LB Jordyn Brooks
At only age 26, there’s certainly going to be a market for Brooks. He’s a very fast, aggressive player with talent. Those in Seattle will admit that — though there’s also a level of inconsistency that seemingly still rears its ugly head from time to time. With the right fit/scheme, he could become a Pro Bowl-level player. The Saints could use an attack-minded ‘backer with run-stuffing skills to further bolter an aging group of defenders in the front seven.
Prediction: Brooks signs a 3-year/$39 million deal with the New Orleans Saints
54. DB Tre’Davious White
The road back for White will be a difficult one. Though immensely talented, Buffalo had to cut ties after White suffered an Achilles tear a few weeks into the 2023 season. The two-time Pro Bowler had already torn his ACL — making his free agent stock plummet from where it would’ve been had he been healthy. You can see a team taking a chance on him, especially one with cap space and little to play for. Carolina needs help everywhere, and White could be a very nice veteran leader within the secondary.
Prediction: White signs a 1-year/$2.5 million deal with the Carolina Panthers
53. WR Michael Thomas
Michael Thomas broke the record for the most receptions in a single season when he caught 149 passes in 2019. In the four seasons since then, Thomas has 95 catches total. Injuries have plagued Thomas unlike any other receiver in the league. The 10 games he played last year were his most since ’19, though it ended in similarly disappointing fashion as a knee injury ended his campaign. There is perhaps no better candidate to sign a one-year prove-it deal during this cycle. And, the Chiefs have a significant need for a veteran wideout with reliable hands. The defending champions can afford to roll the dice on a talent like Thomas, signing him to an incentive-laden deal.
Prediction: Thomas signs a 1-year/$7 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs
52. S Micah Hyde
There have been some rumblings of the 33-year-old safety potentially retiring. The Bills would be in a difficult spot if Hyde decides to hang up his cleats. Additionally, Jordan Poyer is on the fence about returning. Buffalo’s safeties have been among the best duo in football for quite some time. Hyde is a highly instinctual player who always seems to be in the right place at the right time. Losing him would be a massive blow, as the Bills don’t exactly have a clear backup plan to replace a two-time All-Pro. Watching his play from last season, it seems like Hyde still has some left in the tank. Wanting to make one more run with the current roster, Hyde signs a one-year deal in an attempt for a Super Bowl run.
Prediction: Hyde signs a 1-year/$5 million deal with the Buffalo Bills
51. QB Jameis Winston
Jameis Winston’s time in New Orleans appears to be nearing an end. It seems like the writing has been on the wall ever since Winston went rogue in the Saints’ final game. We haven’t seen much of the former No. 1 overall pick over the last few years. Since he joined the Saints in ’20, Winston has started just 10 games in four seasons. Winston’s desire to become a starter again narrows down his potential landing spots. A reunion with Sean Payton cannot be ruled out. He was off to a great start under Payton in ’21 (14 TD’s/3 INTs) before going down with an injury.
Prediction: Winston signs a 1-year/$8 million deal with the Denver Broncos
50. WR Hunter Renfrow
The savvy slot receiver saw his role diminish significantly over the last two years. It began when Josh McDaniels took over and continued through Antonio Pierce’s run. Renfrow was on the field for at least 50 percent of the offensive snaps in just one game after Week 3. An accomplished slot receiver, Renfrow is just two seasons removed from a career year — 103 receptions, 1,038 yards, and 9 TDs. His quarterback that season was Derek Carr, who could use another reliable target underneath in the Saints’ passing attack.
Prediction: Renfrow signs a 2-year/$8 million deal with the New Orleans Saints
49. S Jeremy Chinn
If Jeremy Chinn had reached free agency a couple of years ago, he likely would be looking at a big payday. The 26-year-old hit the ground running in his first two seasons in the league. Chinn finished second in Rookie of the Year voting in ’20 and followed that up with a strong sophomore campaign. Unfortunately, the hybrid defender dealt with injuries over the last two seasons and disappeared in Ejiro Evero’s defense. New Seahawks head coach Mike MacDonald would relish the chance to add an athlete like Chinn to his defense. MacDonald could utilize Chinn in similar ways that he used Kyle Hamilton last year when he was the defensive coordinator for the Ravens.
Prediction: Chinn signs a 2-year/$10 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks
48. EDGE Marcus Davenport
Marcus Davenport is one of the more productive pass rushers in the entire free agency class. However, he’s struggled to stay on the field. He missed time each year during his first five seasons with the Saints and was limited to just four games with the Vikings last year. Davenport was on a one-year deal with Minnesota, and it appears he’s going to be headed toward signing another prove-it deal this offseason. A reunion in New Orleans wouldn’t be the worst outcome for both sides. The Saints’ pass rush cratered last year, and it seems like they whiffed on former first-round pick Payton Turner. Adding Davenport back into the fold would be a solid boost.
Prediction: Davenport signs a 1-year/$10 million deal with the New Orleans Saints
47. CB Adoree Jackson
All signs are pointing to Jackson hitting free agency following the completion of his three-year contract with the Giants. The former USC standout instantly becomes one of the more intriguing cornerback options on the market. He’s indeed coming off a tough 2023, though Jackson’s struggles could be attributed to a poor scheme fit. The Giants had him in the slot to start the year, though Jackson has always been better on the outside due to his poor tackling. Philadelphia’s CB room could see a major shakeup this offseason. Jackson is a proven playmaker who fills a need.
Prediction: Jackson signs a 1-year/$8 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles
46. S Darnell Savage
The highlight of Darnell Savage’s career occurred in the Wild Card round this season when he returned a 64-yard interception for a touchdown in a dominant Packers win. Savage had a chance to make a game-breaking play the following week against the 49ers but had a potential interception slip through his hands. The highs and lows of his tenure in Green Bay will likely lead to both sides wanting a change. Savage is non-existent as a tackler but has some of the best ball skills of any safety in the league. Aggressive ball hawks seem to always thrive in Dallas.
Prediction: Savage signs a 2-year/$10 million deal with the Dallas Cowboys
45. CB Kristian Fulton
One of several highly-drafted DBs formerly from LSU, Kristian Fulton has likely played his last down in Tennessee. The Titans selected Fulton in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and he was a starter when healthy over the last three seasons. Unfortunately, he’s struggled to stay on the field each of the last two years. In ’23, Fulton allowed 75 percent of passes to be completed when he was the closest defender. He has talent and is still just 25 years old, but a big contract is not on the horizon. The Falcons would be an ideal landing spot as Fulton could compete for playing time right away.
Prediction: Fulton signs a 2-year/$14 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons
44. DL Calais Campbell
Campbell will be entering Year 17 in ’24 but remains a productive player. He collected 6.5 sacks for the Falcons last year. Perhaps most impressively, the 37-year-old logged over 800 snaps for Atlanta on defense and special teams. A team looking to add Campbell can be assured that he’s still capable of playing a full workload. The Denver native has said in the past that he dreamt of playing for the Broncos one day. This is a perfect time for Campbell to make that dream a reality as the Broncos could sorely use another big body up front.
Prediction: Campbell signs a 1-year/$6 million deal with the Denver Broncos
43. WR Darnell Mooney
Darnell Mooney should be a player on the radar for WR-needy teams. At a glance, his numbers over the last two seasons are less than impressive. In his last 27 games, Mooney has registered just 71 receptions, 907 yards, and 3 TDs. Those numbers pale in comparison to his breakout campaign in ’21 (81 receptions, 1,055 yards, and 4 TDs in 17 games). Teams that get priced out on the top WR targets can talk themselves into Mooney. He’s still just 26 years old and is still as fast as ever. The Browns have been searching for another WR to complement Amari Cooper and can get one on a bargain here.
Prediction: Mooney signs a 2-year/$12 million deal with the Cleveland Browns
42. OT Jermaine Eluemunor
Eluemunor is one of the better tackle options for teams on a budget. He’s played right tackle for the Raiders, though he’s also shown capable of manning the blind side. Eluemunor saw over 900 snaps in each of the past two seasons and graded well last year in pass protection for a sneaky good Raiders offensive line. The Bengals are seemingly always in need of offensive line depth. And, they’d rather keep their costs as low as possible with several pending free agents on the horizon. Eluemunor has praised Bengals QB Joe Burrow on social media in the past.
Prediction: Eluemunor signs a 2-year/$13 million deal with the Cincinnati Bengals
41. DT Grover Stewart
Stewart has a clear skill that he can provide for teams. The former Albany State product is among the best run-stuffing defensive tackles in football. Though he hasn’t done much rushing the passer (just 9.0 sacks in 107 games), Stewart is a master at eating up space and rarely gets pushed off of his spot. The best defenses cannot afford to lose at the line of scrimmage. Stewart will be a plug-and-play starter wherever he lands. He fills a need in Minnesota and would flourish under DC Brian Flores.
Prediction: Stewart signs a 2-year/$18 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings
40. LB Azeez Al-Shaair
Azeez Al-Shaair was the odd man out in San Francisco last season, though the 49ers were reportedly fond of his game. Some thought he’d regress after leaving San Francisco’s elite defense, but he instead enjoyed a career year in Tennessee. Al-Shaair was one of the top run-stopping backers in football, finishing fifth in the league with 163 tackles. That number would likely earn him a big paycheck if it were 10 seasons ago. Today, teams are more enamored with off-ball backers who can cover. The Chargers aren’t going to be too picky here given the linebacker play in LA over the last few years.
Prediction: Al-Shaair signs a 3-year/$20 million deal with the Los Angeles Chargers
39. EDGE Andrew Van Ginkel
Van Ginkel is a solid depth piece for any franchise. He can start in a pinch if you need it, or function off the bench as a very solid linebacker. The Wisconsin product had a career-high 6.0 sacks last year in Miami. After five years with the Dolphins, he’s searching for his new home. We could see him headed to Philadelphia. The Eagles could use some youth off the edge. Plus, he’d reunite with former Miami DC Vic Fangio (who’s since taken the same position with Philadelphia).
Prediction: Van Ginkel signs a 2-year/$9 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles
38. QB Jacoby Brissett
With Zach Wilson presumably not in the picture anymore, the Jets need a solid, stable backup quarterback behind Aaron Rodgers. It’s no sure thing Rodgers will come back healthy. In the event he does get injured again, Brissett — one of the league’s best reserve signal-callers — can be waiting in the wings. This would be a wise move for the Jets to execute (though Brissett will surely have a host of suitors).
Prediction: Brissett signs a 1-year/$6 million deal with the New York Jets
37. S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson
Gardner-Johnson had a rough past year in Detroit. In 2022 with the Eagles, he led the league in interceptions. This past year, he played in only three games for the Lions due to a torn pectoral muscle. Having essentially lost his spot to younger players, Gardner-Johnson will be seeking a spot elsewhere. At only 26, he’s still quite young. He’s a versatile player who can play nickel and both safety positions. Plus, he’s known to be a very good leader with tons of natural energy and enthusiasm. DeMeco Ryans — a defensive-minded coach — likely would help in reviving Gardner-Johnson’s career.
Prediction: Gardner-Johnson signs a 2-year/$10 million deal with the Houston Texans
36. OG Dalton Risner
Risner is a consistent, rock-solid starting-level interior lineman. He’s started 73 of a possible 77 games through the first five years of his career. After four years in Denver, he spent last year with the Vikings. Baltimore is slated to lose Kevin Zeitler, thus opening the door for a starter at guard. Risner would be a nice fit here paired with Baltimore’s run scheme.
Prediction: Risner signs a 2-year/$17 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens
35. LB Josh Uche
Uche has a chance to become a regular in the desert in Arizona. In 2022, Uche registered 11.5 sacks and 9.0 TFL. This past year, he only managed to net 3.0 sacks and 3 TFL in 15 games. In need of a fresh start, the OLB/DE out of Michigan can head West and play for an upstart team hoping to tap into his pedigree as an edge rusher. At only 25 years of age, there’s still plenty of potential here.
Prediction: Uche signs a 3-year/$24 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals
34. S Geno Stone
Stone emerged as a real difference-maker for Baltimore’s defense this past year. A starter in 11 games, the defensive back out of Iowa accrued 68 tackles, nine pass deflections, and a whopping seven interceptions. His ball skills are tremendous, as is his ability to break on the ball and react accordingly. Baltimore would love to keep Stone, though his strong play may have priced himself out of a return. A native of Pennsylvania, don’t be shocked if the AFC North rival Pittsburgh Steelers make a play for him.
Prediction: Stone signs a 3-year/$15 million deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers
33. EDGE Leonard Floyd
Floyd would be a veteran stopgap until a younger player can emerge down the line. He has experience in the NFC West having played for the Los Angeles Rams. While not a world-beater at this current stage in his career, Floyd did have 10.5 sacks last year in Buffalo. He’s notched at least 9.0 sacks in each of the last four seasons. With new head coach Mike Macdonald now in charge, you can envision his defensive pedigree allowing Floyd to once again approach double-digit sacks. For someone approaching age 32, that would be terrific value.
Prediction: Floyd signs a 1-year/$8 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks
32. EDGE Jadeveon Clowney
Jadeveon Clowney will likely be signing one-year deals from this point forward. He’s essentially a mercenary who can go from team to team providing solid pass-rushing stats. Last year, he tied a career-high with 9.5 sacks on the No. 1 ranked Ravens defense. For ’24, we like the Rams to potentially bring in the 31-year-old veteran. LA boasts a Super Bowl-caliber offense, but the defense has several holes around Aaron Donald. Clowney is an affordable option who could shine alongside Donald.
Prediction: Clowney signs a 1-year/$8 million deal with the Los Angeles Rams
31. OT Trent Brown
Trent Brown’s best days are likely behind him, but he can still provide plenty of value to a team. Brown has always been excellent in pass protection and has excelled previously at both tackle spots. The Panthers are automatically a team that should be interested. Carolina needs to keep its young QB upright. Brown makes sense as he’s an ideal fit for the Panthers offense and would also allow 2022 first-round pick Ikem Ekwonu to shift to his more natural spot at guard.
Prediction: Brown signs a 2-year/$20 million deal with the Carolina Panthers
30. OT Mekhi Becton
It’s always been a matter of health when it comes to former first-round pick Mekhi Becton. A mammoth of a man at 6-foot-7 and 360 pounds, Becton was selected No. 11 overall by the Jets in the 2020 NFL Draft. He was expected to be a stalwart at tackle for years to come. After a promising rookie year, Becton missed nearly all of 2021 and 2022 before making his return to the field this past season. Fortunately, Becton missed just one game in ’23, though his play wasn’t exactly stellar. The Jets could just chalk up Becton’s disappointing year to rust and hope that another year of being healthy will lead to a return to form.
Prediction: Becton signs a 1-year/$12 million deal with the New York Jets
29. S Xavier McKinney
Xavier McKinney is one of the more dependable safeties in the game. He’s solid in coverage, has strong ball skills, and is a reliable tackler in the open field. And, at just 24 years old, McKinney still has plenty of room to grow and mature as a player. His relationship with the team has been a bit rocky in the past. Last year, he expressed his frustration following an embarrassing loss to the Raiders. However, he didn’t allow that to impact his play. McKinney had his best individual season as a pro in ’23, and the Giants can’t afford to allow good players to walk.
Prediction: McKinney signs a 4-year/$40 million deal with the New York Giants
28. EDGE Za’Darius Smith
The Browns traded for Za’Darius Smith last offseason, and it wound up being an excellent move for the franchise. While he recorded just 5.5 sacks (his lowest total in a healthy season since 2017), he was still consistently making his presence felt. He recorded 60 QB pressures on the year and provided some support opposite Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett. Smith has earned a multi-year deal, and the Browns should be able to retain his services at a reasonable price tag.
Prediction: Smith signs a 2-year/$22 million deal with the Cleveland Browns
27. CB Steven Nelson
Steven Nelson has bounced around the league over his nine-year career, but he may have turned in his best season to date in ’23. Starting on the boundary for the Texans, Nelson collected 63 tackles, four interceptions, and deflected 12 passes over 17 games. Additionally, Nelson has earned playing time at every stop. He’s recorded at least 900 snaps in each of the past six seasons. That sort of consistency could get him paid this offseason. The Commanders have a serious need at the corner spot, and Nelson would be a nice veteran addition to their secondary.
Prediction: Nelson signs a 2-year/$16 million deal with the Washington Commanders
26. LB Frankie Luvu
Carolina’s Frankie Luvu isn’t a household name, but he’s one of the more intriguing players in this year’s free-agent class. While he has some struggles in coverage, Luvu is arguably one of the game’s best pass-rushing off-ball backers in the game. Carolina deployed him in several ways, and Luvu got after the QB often when given a chance. The Cowboys are extremely talented defensively but have some holes up the middle. Luvu isn’t the most ideal fit (Dallas desperately needs run stoppers), but he gives the team another rusher to alleviate some pressure off Micah Parsons.
Prediction: Luvu signs a 3-year/$21 million deal with the Dallas Cowboys
25. OG Kevin Zeitler
It’s becoming more and more likely that Kevin Zeitler will be playing elsewhere in ’24. The Ravens and Zeitler were unable to agree on a contract extension this offseason, allowing the offensive lineman to hit unrestricted free agency. Zeitler will be a priority for teams looking to bolster their pass protection up the middle. The Jets are an ideal fit. With Aaron Rodgers coming back from an Achilles injury, New York can’t afford to not improve its offensive line. Signing the 2023 Pro Bowler to a deal will be a big step towards protecting Rodgers for the long haul.
Prediction: Zeitler signs a 2-year/$17 million deal with the New York Jets
24. LB Lavonte David
The 34-year-old Lavonte David remains among the most consistent linebackers in the league. David was Tampa Bay’s best LB in ’23, and that includes former first-round pick Devin White. If faced with the decision to pick between the two, Tampa Bay almost certainly would rather bring back David. He’s a leader on the defense and helps set the tone for the entire team. It would be devastating to have him play elsewhere at this point in his career.
Prediction: David signs a 2-year/$12 million deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
23. CB Stephon Gilmore
Remember when Richard Sherman had a resurgence with the San Francisco 49ers during the latter stages of his career? The same thing is happening with Gilmore. At 33 years of age, he’s playing at a very high level for the Dallas Cowboys. Teams might be reticent to give him a multi-year deal due to his age and injury history. Regardless, you’re looking at a 5-time Pro Bowler/2-time All-Pro selection.
Prediction: Gilmore signs a 1-year/$12 million deal with the Houston Texans
22. QB Joshua Dobbs
Dobbs’ run as a starting quarterback was one of the more intriguing storylines to come out of the 2023 NFL season. He started in Arizona, where he became the replacement for the injured Kyler Murray. Though Dobbs didn’t win many games with the Cardinals, he played well individually and showcased that he could command an offense. The Vikings entered the QB market after Kirk Cousins went down with a season-ending injury, and traded for Dobbs in hopes of making a playoff run.
The start of his Vikings career was promising — with wins in his first two games — but Dobbs was eventually benched after tossing four interceptions in a loss to the Bears. In all likelihood, teams around the league still view Dobbs as a high-end backup rather than a franchise QB. Going back to the Cardinals to back up Murray — who is healthy heading into ’24 — seems like the ideal move here.
Prediction: Dobbs signs a 2-year/$10 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals
21. OL Mike Onwenu
Onwenu will have plenty of value throughout the league. He has starting experience both at guard and tackle. A gigantic man at roughly 350 pounds, Onwenu is a mauler in the run game. With the Cardinals needing to be more stable up the middle in the interior of their offensive line, Onwenu would be an upgrade at one of the guard spots. There figures to be a ton of competition for Onwenu at both guard and tackle.
Prediction: Onwenu signs a 3-year/$54 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals
20. DL DJ Reader
Reader is in a bit of a tough spot. It appears as if he suffered a torn quad during a Week 15 game versus the Vikings. When healthy, the 335-pound defensive lineman is one of the best players in the league at his position. As he approaches age 30, this injury could very well keep him out for much of next year. There could be a 1-year incentives-laden deal for Reader. Or, a team could sign him to a two-year deal — with the first year effectively functioning as a recovery year.
Prediction: Reader signs a 2-year/$10 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons
19. RB Derrick Henry
Henry is about to hit age 30. Very few running backs can sustain a high level of play once hitting this age. The multi-time Pro Bowler has reached the 1,000-yard mark in five of the last six years. This includes double-digit TD totals in six straight years. A contender would love to land Henry, especially if he had a lighter workload. How about Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers? Harbaugh has historically loved establishing a dominant run game. Henry might not be the same player he once was, but he’d face fewer loaded boxes than ever playing alongside QB Justin Herbert.
Prediction: Henry signs a 2-year/$16 million deal with the Los Angeles Chargers
18. OT Tyron Smith
This will be a fascinating free-agent recruitment. Smith is very much injury-prone. At the same time, he’s still a quality performer in his position. The future Hall of Famer will not have a shortage of options when it comes to making a decision. There’s some thought that Smith may go back home to his native Los Angeles. The Rams could certainly use him. Re-signing with Dallas is always a possibility. Frankly, any contender needing to bolster the tackle spot would take a look at him on a short-term deal.
Prediction: Smith signs a 1-year/$15 million deal with the Dallas Cowboys
17. QB Ryan Tannehill
Ryan Tannehill’s tenure with the Titans is coming to a close. The final chapter may have been written when rookie Will Levis made his first career start and promptly threw four touchdown passes. Tannehill — who has seen his play dip in each of the past three seasons — is unlikely to be in contention for a starting role in ’24. That makes for an interesting situation considering Tannehill has expressed aversion to mentoring young QBs in the past. Perhaps that won’t come up in future negotiations, but we’d be more comfortable with Tannehill going to a team that already has an established quarterback in place. How about a trip back down to Florida and a reunion with the team that originally drafted him? Tua Tagovailoa has made strides in improving his durability, but having an established backup can be invaluable.
Prediction: Tannehill signs a 2-year/$10 million deal with the Miami Dolphins
16. CB Chidobe Awuzie
Please get the Raiders some help on the back end. There’s a glaring need for talent and — frankly — competence in the secondary. Awuzie is an experienced guy with the chops to be a big improvement. The Raiders have to dip into their cap space to make this happen. They might even have to overpay — but it would be worth it considering the quarterbacks Las Vegas has to face in the AFC.
Prediction: Awuzie signs a 2-year/$20 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders
15. CB Kendall Fuller
With Tre’Davious White now gone, and the rest of the secondary on the older end, it makes sense for the Bills to go out and get Fuller. Remember, Buffalo has to contend with the likes of Mahomes, Tagovailoa, Herbert, Burrow, (potentially) Rodgers, Jackson, and others in the loaded AFC. Fuller is a proven guy as a cover corner, and he packs a nice punch when coming up in run support.
Prediction: Fuller signs a 2-year/$20 million deal with the Buffalo Bills
14. OG Robert Hunt
It’s no secret Chicago needs help along its offensive line. Hunt is one of the better interior offensive linemen available in this class. He engulfs defensive linemen in the run game. A true mauler, Hunt’s natural athletic ability could truly shine by climbing to the second level and paving the way for a running quarterback. Regardless of whether Justin Fields is in Chicago or not, the Bears have to address their offensive front.
Prediction: Hunt signs a 3-year/$42 million deal with the Chicago Bears
13. LB Devin White
It didn’t work out in Tampa Bay for the former top-five draft pick. Devin White was expected to take over as the leader of the Buccaneers defense while Lavonte David entered the tail-end of his career. Instead, White in Year 5 was still playing at a much lower level than his veteran teammate. Heading towards free agency, the 25-year-old White will likely be looking to sign a prove-it deal. The Texans feel like a great landing spot. He’ll be coached by a former linebacker in DeMeco Ryans. Plus, the Texans’ defense is filled with promising, young talent. White, a supremely athletic off-ball backer, could flourish in Houston.
Prediction: White signs a 1-year/$10 million deal with the Houston Texans
12. OT Jonah Williams
The Commanders enter the offseason with more cap space than any team in the league. As such, they’ll likely be one of the top bidders for any player they are interested in. Jonah Williams has been a stalwart for the Bengals, logging over 1,000 offensive snaps in each of the past three seasons. Building up the offensive line should be a top priority for Washington — no matter who they end up going with at QB. Sam Howell was the most sacked QB in the league last year. That’s not the type of environment you want a rookie QB walking into.
Prediction: Williams signs a 3-year/$40 million deal with the Washington Commanders
11. WR Marquise Brown
Brown is one of those players that has a tantalizing upside, yet the production doesn’t always match the talent. It’s also hard to believe Brown is only 26 years of age. When he’s engaged and healthy, few possess his ability to take the top off an opposing defense. He shouldn’t be counted on as a lead receiver for any team. But, for the right franchise, he can be a difference-maker in the ideal scheme. The Titans need a speedster in the worst way. Brown would be paired with DeAndre Hopkins once again and could serve as a bridge in the event Hopkins walks after ’24.
Prediction: Brown signs a 3-year/$36 million deal with the Tennessee Titans
10. S Kamren Curl
Curl is not a household name. However, that doesn’t mean he won’t be coveted by teams across the league. He’s quite functional all across the secondary. You can play Curl as a deep safety, a safety closer to the line of scrimmage, and even as a corner defending receivers both on the boundary and in the slot. At only 24 years of age, it might be tough for Washington to hold onto him barring a total overpay.
Prediction: Curl signs a 5-year/$70 million deal with the Washington Commanders
9. RB Austin Ekeler
We could see the Chargers moving on from Ekeler in favor of younger players. With the receiving corps being so ‘meh’ outside of Travis Kelce, maybe giving Mahomes a running back with receiver skills would be a good idea. Ekeler is prolific as a pass-catching threat out of the backfield. He won’t have to be an every-down back in Kansas City, and he has clear familiarity with the AFC West. We really do love this potential fit.
Prediction: Ekeler signs a 2-year/$15 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs
8. DL Leonard Williams
The 29-year-old DL out of USC is a very valuable player. He can function well as a DE in a 3-4. He can also move inside as a defensive tackle in obvious pass-rushing situations. While more so known as a run stuffer, Williams does have underrated traits in getting after opposing quarterbacks. While Seattle would love to bring him back, Williams may have priced himself out of a return to the Pacific Northwest.
Prediction: Williams signs a 3-year/$56 million deal with the Cincinnati Bengals
7. LB Patrick Queen
With the cap space available, the Pats can dip into the free agency pond and grab a host of players. Queen is another one that makes sense for a defense in desperate need of talent and athleticism. The former LSU star is one of the better linebackers within this class, and he’s the type of guy who can lead a defense. He’ll only be 25 by the time he signs in the offseason.
Prediction: Queen signs a 4-year/$65 million with the New England Patriots
6. RB Josh Jacobs
Following a tumultuous offseason, it seemed all but certain the Raiders and last year’s rushing leader Josh Jacobs were preparing for a breakup following the 2023 campaign. After not coming to a long-term agreement, Jacobs was a late entry into camp and got off to a slow start in the regular season. However, the script seemed to flip after Antonio Pierce took over as interim coach. Jacobs has spoken glowingly of Pierce’s coaching style. The defensive-minded coach will surely want his bell-cow back in tow. Jacobs gets his payday, and Pierce retains a playmaker.
Prediction: Jacobs signs a 2-year/$20 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders
5. EDGE Chase Young
The Niners will have to readjust their cap space a bit to re-sign Young. With that said, they may be able to bring him back on a bit of a discount. Young’s injury history for such a young player is rather extensive. He seems to love playing for the Niners, and SF would love to keep him in the fold considering his talent and age. We could look back on this one as a bit of a steal (though other teams might be willing to offer more cash for Young). This could be a situation/environment versus cash decision for Young.
Prediction: Young signs a 2-year/$25 million deal with the San Francisco 49ers
4. WR Calvin Ridley
Calvin Ridley’s endured an up-and-down first year with the Jaguars. The former Falcon outright disappears for long stretches, as QB Trevor Lawrence seems to have built a stronger rapport with Christian Kirk. Ridley hasn’t been a seamless fit in this offense. While he can make plays on the outside, Ridley’s route-running style is best served in the slot — which is also Kirk’s best role. Ridley is perhaps better served on a team he can more freely move around. The Bears have a ton of cap space, and there aren’t a whole lot of options that fit their needs. Chicago’s front office will surely feel pressure to improve the offense, and Ridley is seemingly more obtainable (at a lower cost) than some of the other available wideouts.
Prediction: Ridley signs a 3-year/$60 million deal with the Chicago Bears
3. EDGE Danielle Hunter
Danielle Hunter is on the verge of breaking the bank. After signing a one-year deal last offseason, Hunter has emerged as one of the top pass rushers in all of football. We’ve seen him dominate for stretches before, but 2023 has been his best work so far. The three-time Pro Bowler will be in high demand and could garner one of the biggest offers of any potential free agent in the class. A clause in his most recent contract stipulated the Vikings cannot use the franchise tag on Hunter. With Hunter finally getting his wish to enter unrestricted free agency, he’ll likely land with the highest bidder. Detroit has some major defensive needs plus a ton of cap space. Hunter would give them a big-time player opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
Prediction: Hunter signs a 4-year/$110 million deal with the Detroit Lions
2. OL David Bakhtiari
Green Bay cleared nearly $21 million in cap space by letting their longtime left tackle go. Bakhtiari had been dealing with a plethora of injuries over the years. It made sense that the Packers wanted to get younger up front and build with other players. With this turn of events, it would shocking if the Jets didn’t pounce on the accomplished tackle to help with Aaron Rodgers.
Prediction: Bakhtiari signs a 2-year/$20 million deal with the New York Jets
1. DT Arik Armstead
In a cost-cutting move, the 49ers were forced to release their former first-round pick. Armstead had proven to be one of the better defensive tackles in the NFL over the last handful of years. He’s a proven player production-wise — as well as someone who brings considerable postseason experience to the table. Teams will be lining up to sign him. Being a West Coast guy through and through, Seattle seems like a good fit (though Baltimore might be lurking in the weeds).
Prediction: Armstead signs a 3-year/$50 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks