The 2024 NFL free agent class appears to be like strong and group executives across the league may have choices within the coming days as they scramble to plug holes of their rosters and improve their personnel. We’ll see some large cash flying round.
Once I was an NFL exec with the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins, I all the time went into March with a couple of gamers I completely needed to signal. And that was very true once I felt a free agent would outperform his contract. It is vital to combine splash strikes with savvy worth offers.
So for a 3rd yr in a row, I am placing on my GM hat and breaking down 5 present free brokers I might be focusing on to signal this coming week if I have been working a group. These are gamers who I imagine may help any roster, although every group in fact has its personal set of wants. Listed below are 5 names I might pursue, the offers I might provide them and why I believe every could be definitely worth the cash.
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The deal I might provide: Three years, $120 million ($80 million assured)
Sure, he shall be 36 in August, and sure, he’s coming off a proper Achilles tendon tear. These are apparent components. However let’s not overlook that Cousins has been extremely productive. Regardless of being restricted to eight video games with Minnesota final season, Cousins threw 18 landing passes. He completed seventh in Complete QBR at 63.2. He has had greater than 4,200 passing yards in every of his previous three full seasons and his touchdown-to-interception ratio of 44-to-15 since 2020 is fifth-best within the NFL.
Merely put, Cousins is dramatically higher than every other quarterback accessible in free company and when he’s wholesome — he not too long ago posted video of himself throwing — he is among the high 12 passers within the league. Not each group wants a quarterback, however he is the highest choice. I might be attempting to signal him to a three-year cope with related ensures to the contract that Daniel Jones bought in New York final March however with a decrease general per-year common to account for his age and up to date damage historical past.
The deal I might provide: One yr, $8 million (totally assured)
Henry may not be what he as soon as was, however that is a troublesome threshold to keep up for anybody. He rushed for over 2,000 yards and scored 17 TDs simply 4 seasons in the past. However now he is 30 years previous and there is a good likelihood {that a} group might signal him to a worth deal given the working again market.
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Henry was nonetheless very productive for the Titans final season, averaging 4.2 yards per carry, gaining 1,167 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns (together with 214 receiving yards). He had 23 carries for 10 or extra yards. I imagine he can nonetheless be a productive front-line starter.
In the event you’re searching for a working again this offseason, the free agent class is fairly strong. I like Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, Tony Pollard and Austin Ekeler, amongst others. But when I can get Henry on a completely assured one-year deal underneath $10 million, I am leaping at that likelihood. And keep in mind, the draft class lacks top-end, early-pick choices on the place. So if I am searching for assist there, I am taking good care of it in March.
The deal I might provide: One yr, $15 million ($5 million assured)
That is among the many most fascinating free agent conditions that we have seen lately. Smith has been among the finest left tackles within the NFL over the previous decade — however he’s 33 years previous and has not performed a full season since 2015.
So many groups want offensive line assist and when Smith is on the sector, the 6-foot-5, 320-pound blocker is hard to get round. His go block win price nonetheless reveals that he’s a strong choice, rating twenty sixth out of 69 tackles final season with Dallas (89.1%). And when you’ve got a run-heavy offense, you will love Smith. He was fifth amongst tackles in run block win price final season (79%).
I might be in on Smith if I might get him on a short-term cope with low ensures. Contemplate that his 13 video games in 2023 have been his most since 2019. The sturdiness considerations are actual. But when it is a one-year cope with round $5 million assured, it might be a steal.
The deal I might provide: Three years, $36 million ($25 million assured)
In my view, he is among the most underrated gamers within the NFL. Though Van Ginkel shall be 29 years previous in July, he has performed in each recreation over the previous 4 seasons and his manufacturing is actually underneath the radar.
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In 2023, he had a profession yr, posting 69 tackles, 6 sacks, 32 pressures and 6 go breakups — and his function expanded whereas filling in for the injured Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips in Miami. His 17.8% go rush win price and 10.7% stress price have been each within the high 30 leaguewide, too.
Big cash shall be spent on Danielle Hunter and Jonathan Greenard, however I just like the upside, reliability and flexibility of Van Ginkel at $12 million yearly.
The deal I might provide: One yr, $10 million ($7 million assured)
Wagner shall be undervalued in free company as a result of he shall be 34 years previous when the 2024 season kicks off, however he seems to be ageless. He hasn’t missed a recreation in two years and has performed in at the very least 15 in each season since 2014. And Wagner was really extra productive final season than he was in 2022, main the NFL in tackles with 183. (He additionally had 3.5 sacks for the Seahawks.)
Not solely is Wagner an important participant but additionally an amazing chief. If I am working a group, I might be excited to deliver him in due to his nice intangibles and on-field play — even when I am committing to just one season.
