Who are the top 2024 NFL free agents? A lot of the names you’ll find on this list will be off the market when it opens in March of 2024. Some will sign contract extensions. Others will have the dreaded franchise tag placed on them.

Even then, the class of NFL free agents next year promises to be fruitful for teams with money to spend under the NFL salary cap. Here, we look at the top players who could be available.

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1. Chris Jones, defensive tackle, Kansas City Chiefs

Jones seems to be in the same situation as Bosa outside. The reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year finalist wants an extension that would make him one of the highest-paid non-quarterbacks in the NFL. He remains a holdout with nothing looking likely to change that any time soon.

Jones, 28, is coming off a 2022 campaign in which he recorded 29 quarterback hits, 17 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks. He deserves a pay raise. Whether it happens ahead of Week 1 remains to be seen. What we do know is that Kansas City will place the franchise tag on him should something not come to fruition.

2. Brian Burns, EDGE, Carolina Panthers

Burns, 25, will continue to be a lynchpin in Carolina under new defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. The former Florida State star has proven he can be that No. 1 edge guy and will be among the top NFL free agents should he hit the open market next March. Over the course of his four-year career, Burns has registered 77 QB hits, 43 tackles for loss and 38 sacks.

• Brian Burns stats (2022): 63 tackles (17 for loss), 22 QB hits, 12.5 sacks

For Carolina, the hope is that it is able to lock Burns up on a long-term contract before he plays out the fifth-year option on his rookie deal. Whether that happens will depend heavily on the situation involving the aforementioned Bosa ahead of Week 1.

Also Read: Chargers Silent At Deadline, Release This Player

3. Saquon Barkley, running back, New York Giants

Much like Taylor, the market is going to be weak for Barkley after New York placed the dreaded franchise tag on its star back last offseason. This could be taken to a whole new level after Barkley agreed to a restructured deal in the face of playing under the aforementioned tag.

On the field, Barkley overcame two injury-plagued seasons to put up a stellar 2022 campaign. That included tallying 1,650 total yards and 10 touchdowns at a clip of 4.7 yards per touch.

4. Tee Higgins, wide receiver, Cincinnati Bengals

There was some thought given to the idea that Cincinnati would trade Higgins this past spring. He’s coming off a second consecutive 1,000-yard season in which the Clemson product caught 68% of his targets from Joe Burrow. Higgins is a No. 1 receiver in today’s NFL and will be paid like it.

From Cincinnati’s perspective, the ability to retain Higgins long-term is key. Unfortunately, the team will be handing out record-breaking contracts to Burrow and fellow wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase here soon. That could impact its ability to re-sign Higgins in NFL free agency next March.

5. Christian Wilkins, defensive tackle, Miami Dolphins

When the Miami Dolphins didn’t sign Christian Wilkins to a contract extension this summer, NFL teams likely got excited. Once the 13th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the 6-foot-4 defensive tackle has turned into one of the best, young linemen in the NFL. Pro Football Focus has graded Wilkins as one of the best all-around defensive linemen in the NFL over the last two seasons. After dominating as a run defender in 2022, Wilkins set career-highs in pressures midway through the 2023 NFL season.

6. Derrick Henry, running back, Tennessee Titans

Like so many on this list of the top 2024 NFL free agents, Henry was the subject of trade rumors during the offseason. To an extent, it makes sense. He’s entering his Age-30 season for a Titans team that’s building for the future.

We can still expect Henry to get a lucrative short-term contract in March. Over the course of the past four seasons, he’s averaging 1,729 total yards and 15 touchdowns. Unfortunately, his days of receiving long-term deals are over given the market dynamics surrounding running backs today.

7. Montez Sweat, EDGE, Chicago Bears

Instead of losing Montez Sweat to another team in 2024 NFL free agency, the Washington Commanders traded the edge rusher to the Chicago Bears for a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Given the capital Chicago sacrificed to acquire Sweat, a contract extension is likely before he becomes one of the top NFL free agents next spring. Given the Bears have over $100 million of cap space in 2024, a multi-year deal worth $21-plus million per season should be doable.

8. Mike Evans, wide receiver, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Evans, 30, is playing out the final year of his contract with the Buccaneers. At this point, indications are that it will be his swan song in Tampa Bay. While he’s seen a downtick in production recently, Evans has put up a record nine consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to open his career.

There is going to be a ton of interest in the future Hall of Famer’s services once he hits NFL free agency in March. Expect him to latch on with a contending team.

Also Read: Caleb Williams Named To These Top Awards Lists

9. Chase Young, EDGE, Washington Commanders

If not for injuries, it’s possible Chase Young would’ve been the top-five NFL free agents in 2024. Instead, he falls a littler lower on our list. There’s massive injury risk with Young and availability is one of the most important things to NFL teams. With that said, Young has accounted for 38 pressures this season and is starting to look like the player everyone expected when he was drafted with the No. 2 overall pick.

Related: Highest paid quarterbacks of 2023

10. Michael Pittman Jr., wide receiver, Indianapolis Colts

With rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson as the face of the Colts, it makes perfect sense for general manager Chris Ballard to consider a long-term contract for his top receiver. Pittman, 25, has more than earned it. He’s averaging over 1,000 yards while catching 69% of his targets over the past two seasons.

Related: Best remaining 2023 NFL free agents and ideal landing spots

Top 2024 NFL free agents: Underrated young stars and veterans

11. Josh Jacobs, running back, Las Vegas Raiders

After having just returned from a holdout, it seems as if the reigning NFL rushing champion will not be long in Vegas. He was far off in negotiations with the Raiders this past offseason before failing to reach an agreement on an extension ahead of the deadline. If he does move on during free agency next March, there’s going to be interest. The 2022 campaign saw Jacobs record a league-best 2,053 total yards and 12 touchdowns at a clip of 5.2 yards per touch.

12. Xavier McKinney, safety, New York Giants

We fully expect McKinney to become one of the highest-paid safeties in the NFL at some point soon. Despite dealing with an injury-plagued 2022 season, the former Alabama standout has proven he can be a ball hawk in the defensive backfield. Back in 2021, McKinney recorded five interceptions while yielding a mere 72.2 QB rating in coverage. He’s also just 24 years old.

Related: Sportsnaut’s 2023 NFL power rankings

13. Devin White, linebacker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

A top-five pick of the Buccaneers back in 2019, White demanded a trade back in the spring. He wants to be among the highest-paid middle linebackers in the game. Whether that happens depends on what we see in 2023.

In four seasons with Tampa Bay, White has earned an All-Pro honor and Pro Bowl appearance. However, he did struggle to an extent in coverage last season (76.7% completion, 104.9 QB rating allowed).

14. Kirk Cousins, quarterback, Minnesota Vikings

• Kirk Cousins stats (2022): 65.9% completion, 4,547 yards, 29 TD, 14 INT, 90.5 QB rating

Prior to his Achilles tear, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins was poised to become one of the most coveted NFL free agents in 2024. Unfortunately, the 35-year-old quarterback now faces a grueling road to recovery. The injury is devastating to his potential earning power on the free-agent market and drops Cousins in our 2024 NFL free-agency rankings.

Related: Kirk Cousins Contract Extension Feels Inevitable

15. Andrus Peat, guard, New Orleans Saints

A tackle by trade out of Stanford back in 2015, Peat has morphed into one of the better guards in the NFL. He’s earned three Pro Bowl appearances and has committed all of 30 penalties throughout his eight-year career. The only question here is durability. Peat has played in only 17 games over the past two seasons and has not suited up in more than 13 since 2017.

Related: Highest paid NFL players of 2023

16. Antoine Winfield Jr., safety, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

A second-round pick of the Buccaneers back in 2020, Winfield has morphed into one of the better all-around safeties in the NFL. He earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2021 before recording four sacks out of the defensive backfield last season. However, coverage was an issue (107.0 QB rating allowed).

17. Tony Pollard, running back, Dallas Cowboys

Yet another running back playing under the franchise tag in 2023, Pollard earned a Pro Bowl appearance last season. The former mid-round pick from Memphis tallied 1,378 total yards and 12 touchdowns at a clip of 5.9 yards per touch. The only question here is how he responds from a serious lower-body injury the back suffered in January’s playoff game against the 49ers.

18. Jonah Williams, offensive tackle, Cincinnati Bengals

As far as potential 2024 NFL free agents go, Williams’ market will be dictated by his performance. He’s slated to play right tackle with Cincinnati having signed Orlando Brown Jr. during free agency in March. Williams is not too happy about it. Though, he’s coming off a down 2022 campaign in which the Alabama product yielded a whopping 13 sacks of Joe Burrow. Ouch!

19. Tyron Smith, offensive tackle, Dallas Cowboys

Despite his relatively advanced age of 32 and the fact that he’s been injury plagued recently (missed 33 games over the past three seasons), Smith is still an elite-level left tackle. The eight-time Pro Bowler returns to that position in front of Dak Prescott in 2023. If he’s able to play the entire season, the future Hall of Famer will have a market in free agency.

Top 2024 NFL free agents by position

Quarterbacks

• Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings
• Jacoby Brissett, Washington Commanders
• Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins
• Carson Wentz, free agent
• Matt Ryan, free agent
• Jameis Winston, New Orleans Saints
• Sam Darnold, San Francisco 49ers
• Gardner Minshew, Indianapolis Colts
• Teddy Bridgewater, Detroit Lions
• Tyrod Taylor, New York Giants
• Tyler Huntley, Baltimore Ravens
• Mitchell Trubisky, Pittsburgh Steelers
• Joe Flacco, free agent
• Chase Daniel, free agent
• Mason Rudolph, free agent
• Marcus Mariota, Philadelphia Eagles
• Kyle Allen, Buffalo Bills
• Drew Lock, Seattle Seahawks

Running backs

• Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
• Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans
• Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders
• Tony Pollard, Dallas Cowboys
• Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals
• Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers
• Dalvin Cook, New York Jets
• Kareem Hunt, free agent
• Devin Singletary, Houston Texans
• A.J. Dillon, Green Bay Packers
• Antonio Gibson, Washington Commanders
• Leonard Fournette, Buffalo Bills
• Ezekiel Elliott, New England Patriots
• Cordarrelle Patterson, Atlanta Falcons
• D’Andre Swift, Philadelphia Eagles
• D/Onta Foreman, Chicago Bears
• Kenyan Drake, free agent
• Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Kansas City Chiefs
• Cam Akers, Los Angeles Rams
• Rashaad Penny, Philadelphia Eagles
• J.K.Dobbins, Baltimore Ravens
• Gus Edwards, Baltimore Ravens
• Boston Scott, Philadelphia Eagles
• Ronald Jones, Dallas Cowboys
• Zack Moss, Indianapolis Colts
• Dwayne Washington, New Orleans Saints
• Deejay Dallas, Seattle Seahawks
• D’Ernest Johnson, Jacksonville Jaguars
• Ameer Abdullah, Las Vegas Raiders
• Chase Edmonds, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Fullbacks

• Keith Smith, Atlanta Falcons
• Jakob Johnson, Las Vegas Raiders
• Michael Burton, Denver Broncos

Wide receivers

• Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals
• Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts
• Tyler Boyd, Cincinnati Bengals
• Marquise Brown, Arizona Cardinals
• Gabe Davis, Buffalo Bills
• Calvin Ridley, Jacksonville Jaguars
• Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints
• Chase Claypool, Miami Dolphins
• Jarvis Landry, free agent
• Darnell Mooney, Chicago Bears
• T.Y. Hilton, free agent
• Demarcus Robinson, free agent
• Van Jefferson, Atlanta Falcons
• Parris Campbell, New York Giants
• Donovan Peoples-Jones, Cleveland Browns
• Curtis Samuel, Washington Commanders
• Kenny Golladay, free agent
• Jauan Jennings, San Francisco 49ers
• Josh Reynolds, Detroit Lions
• N’Keal Harry, free agent
• Tre’quan Smith, New Orleans Saints
• Sammy Watkins, free agent
• Devin Duvernay, Baltimore Ravens
• Mecole Hardman, New York Jets
• Noah Brown, Houston Texans
• K.J. Osborn, Minnesota Vikings
• Mack Hollins, Atlanta Falcons
• Kendrick Bourne, New England Patriots
• Quez Watkins, Philadelphia Eagles
• Phillip Dorsett, Denver Broncos
• Jeff Smith, New York Giants
• Sterling Shepard, New York Giants
• Ray-Ray McCloud, San Francisco 49ers
• Rashid Shaheed, New Orleans Saints
• Lil-Jordan Humphrey, Denver Broncos
• Jamal Agnew, Jacksonville Jaguars
• Braxton Berrios, Miami Dolphins
• Denzel Mims, free agent
• Nick Westbrook, Tennessee Titans
• Jakeem Grant, Cleveland Browns
• Jalen Reagor, free agent
• Laviska Shenault, Carolina Panthers
• Collin Johnson, free agent
• K.J. Hamler, Denver Broncos
• Trent Sherfield, Buffalo Bills
• Anthony Miller, free agent

Tight ends

• Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans
• Noah Fant, Seattle Seahawks
• Mike Gesicki, New England Patriots
• Austin Hooper, Las Vegas Raiders
• Robert Tonyan Jr., Chicago Bears
• Durham Smythe, Miami Dolphins
• Gerald Everett, Los Angeles Chargers
• Tyler Higbee, Los Angeles Rams
• Hunter Henry, New England Patriots
• Tyler Brate, free agent
• Marcedes Lewis, Chicago Bears
• Kyle Rudolph, free agent
• Adam Trautman, Denver Broncos
• Harrison Bryant, Cleveland Browns
• Albert Okwuegbunam, Philadelphia Eagles
• Maxx Williams, free agent
• Geoff Swaim, Arizona Cardinals
• Colby Parkinson, Seattle Seahawks
• Eric Saubert, Miami Dolphins
• Devin Asiasi, free agent

Offensive tackles

• Jonah Williams, Cincinnati Bengals
• Tyron Smith, Dallas Cowboys
• Mekhi Becton, New York Jets
• Yosh Nijman, Green Bay Packers
• Cornelius Lucas, Washington Commanders
• Duane Brown, New York Jets
• Isaiah Wynn, Miami Dolphins
• Cameron Fleming, Denver Broncos
• Jason Peters, free agent
• Trent Brown, New England Patriots
• James Hurst, New Orleans Saints
• Yodny Cajuste, free agent
• George Fant, Houston Texans
• Ja’Waun James, free agent
• Jamarco Jones, free agent
• Eric Fisher, free agent
• Greg Little, free agent
• Austin Jackson, Miami Dolphins
• Jermaine Eluemunor, Las Vegas Raiders
• Kendall Lamm, Miami Dolphins
• Chris Hubbard, Tennessee Titans
• Germain Ifedi, Buffalo Bills
• Marcus Cannon, free agent
• Matt Nelson, Detroit Lions
• Chuma Edoga, Dallas Cowboys
• Brett Toth, free agent
• Matt Peart, New York Giants
• Alaric Jackson, Los Angeles Rams

Guards

• Andrus Peat, New Orleans Saints
• Michael Onwenu, New England Patriots
• Connor Williams, guard, Miami Dolphins
• Ezra Cleveland, Minnesota Vikings
• Kevin Zeitler, Baltimore Ravens
• Dalton Risner, free agent
• Rodger Saffold, free agent
• Justin Pugh, free agent
• Oday Aboushi, free agent
• Trai Turner, New Orleans Saints
• Jonah Jackson, Detroit Lions
• Robert Hunt, Miami Dolphins
• Jon Runyan, Green Bay Packers
• Josh Jones, Houston Texans
• Gabe Jackson, free agent
• Damien Lewis, Seattle Seahawks
• Graham Glasgow, Detroit Lions
• Nick Allegretti, Kansas City Chiefs
• Evan Brown, Seattle Seahawks
• Jesse Davis, free agent
• A.J. Cann, free agent
• Robert Hunt, Miami Dolphins
• Aaron Stinnie, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Max Scharping, Cincinnati Bengals
• Greg Van Roten, Las Vegas Raiders
• Billy Price, free agent
• Michael Deiter, Houston Texans
• Cody Ford, Cincinnati Bengals
• Jack Driscoll, Philadelphia Eagles
• Ben Bredeson, New York Giants
• Wyatt Davis, New York Giants
• Lucas Patrick, Chicago Bears
• Dan Feeney, Chicago Bears
• Cesar Ruiz, New Orleans Saints
• Halapoulivaati Vaitai, Detroit Lions

Centers

• Matt Hennessy, Atlanta Falcons
• Jason Kelce, Philadelphia Eagles
• James Ferenz, New England Patriots
• Tyler Biadasz, Dallas Cowboys
• Ben Jones, free agent
• Andre James, Las Vegas Raiders
• Aaron Brewer, Tennessee Titans
• Nick Harris, Cleveland Browns
• Pat Elflein, Arizona Cardinals
• Nick Martin, free agent
• Scott Quessenberry, Houston Texans
• Hroniss Grasu, free agent
• Tyler Larsen, free agent

EDGE

• Brian Burns, Carolina Panthers
• Montez Sweat, Washington Commanders
• Rashan Gary, Green Bay Packers
• Chase Young, Washington Commanders
• Cameron Jordan, New Orleans Saints
• Danielle Hunter, Minnesota Vikings
• Yannick Ngakoue, Chicago Bears
• Frank Clark, Denver Broncos
• Derek Barnett, Philadelphia Eagles
• Josh Allen, Jacksonville Jaguars
• Leonard Floyd, Buffalo Bills
• Darrell Taylor, Seattle Seahawks
• Dorace Armstrong, Dallas Cowboys
• Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati Bengals
• Carl Lawson, New York Jets
• Justin Houston, Carolina Panthers
• Melvin Ingram, free agent
• Jadeveon Clowney, Baltimore Ravens
• Marcus Davenport, Minnesota Vikings
• Brandon Graham, Philadelphia Eagles
• A.J. Epenesa, Buffalo Bills
• Jason Pierre-Paul, free agent
• Markus Golden, Pittsburgh Steelers
• Carlos Dunlap, free agent
• Josh Uche, New England Patriots
• Jerry Hughes, Houston Texans
• Tyquan Lewis, Indianapolis Colts
• Robert Quinn, free agent
• Mario Addison, free agent
• Yetur Gross-Matos, Carolina Panthers
• K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, Jacksonville Jaguars
• Marquis Haynes, Carolina Panthers
• Kyle Van Noy, free agent
• Trey Flowers, New England Patriots
• Carl Granderson, New Orleans Saints
• Romeo Okwara, Detroit Lions
• Malik Reed, Miami Dolphins
• Carl Nassib, free agent
• Shelby Harris, Cleveland Browns
• Vinny Curry, free agent
• Charles Harris, Detroit Lions
• Clelin Ferrell, San Francisco 49ers
• Solomon Thomas, New York Jets
• Chase Winovich, Houston Texans
• Deshawn Williams, Carolina Panthers

Defensive tackles

• Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs
• Christian Wilkins, Miami Dolphins
• D.J. Reader, Cincinnati Bengals
• Ndamukong Suh, free agent
• Chris Wormley, free agent
• Linval Joseph, free agent
• Fletcher Cox, Philadelphia Eagles
• Montravius Adams, Pittsburgh Steelers
• Denico Autry, Tennessee Titans
• Sheldon Rankins, Houston Texans
• Akiem Hicks, free agent
• Justin Ellis, free agent
• Michael Brockers, free agent
• Javon Kinlaw, San Francisco 49ers
• Raekwon Davis, Miami Dolphins
• William Gholston, free agent
• Bilal Nichols, Las Vegas Raiders
• Mike Purcell, Denver Broncos

Linebackers

• Devin White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Jordyn Brooks, Seattle Seahawks
• Patrick Queen, Baltimore Ravens
• Isaiah Simmons, New York Giants
• Jerome Baker, Miami Dolphins
• Kenneth Murray, Los Angeles Chargers
• Willie Gay Jr., Kansas City Chiefs
• Zach Cunningham, Philadelphia Eagles
• Anthony Barr, free agent
• Jayon Brown, free agent
• Rashaan Evans, free agent
• Kwon Alexander, Pittsburgh Steelers
• Deion Jones, free agent
• Nick Vigil, Minnesota Vikings
• Dakota Allen, free agent
• Sione Takitaki, Cleveland Browns
• Lavonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Josey Jewell, Denver Broncos

Cornerbacks

• Adoree Jackson, New York Giants
• Chidobe Awuzie, Cincinnati Bengals
• Kenny Moore, Indianapolis Colts
• Stephon Gilmore, Dallas Cowboys
• L’Jarius Snead, Kansas City Chiefs
• Marcus Peters, Las Vegas Raiders
• Ronald Darby, Baltimore Ravens
• Shaquill Griffin, Houston Texans
• Casey Hayward, free agent
• Anthony Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers
• Fabian Moreau, free agent
• Byron Jones, free agent
• Troy Hill, Carolina Panthers
• Eli Apple, Miami Dolphins
• Kyle Fuller, free agent
• Anthony Averett, San Francisco 49ers
• Tre Flowers, Atlanta Falcons
• Noah Igbinoghene, Dallas Cowboys
• William Jackson, free agent
• Bryce Callahan, free agent
• C.J. Henderson, Carolina Panthers
• Terrance Mitchell, free agent
• Jeff Okudah, Atlanta Falcons
• Artie Burns, Seattle Seahawks
• Kendall Fuller, Washington Commanders
• Michael Davis, Los Angeles Chargers

Safeties

• Xavier McKinney, New York Giants
• Antoine Winfield Jr., Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Micah Hyde, Buffalo Bills
• John Johnson, Los Angeles Rams
• Rodney McLeod, Cleveland Browns
• Kyle Dugger, New England Patriots
• Jordan Whitehead, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Jayron Kearse, Dallas Cowboys
• Adrian Amos, New York Jets
• Jonathan Owens, Green Bay Packers
• Malik Hooker, Dallas Cowboys
• Josh Jones, free agent
• Duron Harmon, free agent
• A.J. Moore, free agent
• Erik Harris, free agent
• LaMarcus Joyner, free agent

2020 NFL Draft team options (full list)

2024 NFL free agents: FAQ

Let’s look at some frequently asked questions relating to NFL free agents in 2024.

When does 2023 NFL free agency start?

The legal tampering period for NFL free agency in 2024 runs from March 11-13 Team will be able to officially sign players with free agency itself opening on March 13.

Who has the most cap room to sign NFL free agents?

As of right now, the Houston Texans are expected to have an NFL-high $87.78 million in cap room. They are followed by the New England Patriots ($85.43 million), Chicago Bears ($80.65 million), Tennessee Titans ($80.41 million) and Washington Commanders ($67.65 million) in rounding out the top five.

Who is in the worst cap situation to sign NFL free agents?

The Cleveland Browns are a projected $83.26 million over the 2024 NFL salary cap while the New Orleans Saints boast the second-worst situation at $77.33 million. The Los Angeles Chargers ($74.46 million), Miami Dolphins ($47.81 million) and Buffalo Bills ($41.63 million) round out the top five.