With the 2023 NFL free agency period seeing most of its stars already committed, looking ahead to the 2024 free agency class is only natural. Between the franchise tag limiting available stars in the 2023 class and more action at the trade deadline, big names are hitting the open market less frequently.
That might change in 2024, as several teams face make-or-break seasons. Even franchise icons are at risk of being made available for the first time in their careers. Let’s dive into the most talented players who are set to hit the market in 2024 at each position.
2024 NFL Free Agents by Position | Offense
The talent available on offense is intriguing. There are a number of quarterbacks and running backs potentially available, but players re-signing and teams using the franchise tag will alter that landscape as we near the next offseason.
Quarterbacks
There’s rarely much to look forward to in any quarterback free agent class. Teams rarely have the chance to acquire a star passer in trade, let alone in free agency. However, Lamar Jackson could be working off a franchise tag, and Kirk Cousins is once again slated to hit the open market.
MORE: Best Quarterbacks in the NFL
1) Lamar Jackson
2) Jalen Hurts
3) Kirk Cousins
4) Ryan Tannehill
5) Jordan Love
6) Jacoby Brissett
7) Baker Mayfield
Wide Receiver
The WR class for 2024 is quite good but can quickly look worse if a slew of extensions happen. The only true star in their prime is Tee Higgins, but there’s space for Michael Pittman Jr. to rise. We could also see the best seasons yet to come from Darnell Mooney and Donovan Peoples-Jones.
1) Tee Higgins
2) Mike Evans
3) Marquise Brown
4) Calvin Ridley
5) Michael Pittman Jr.
6) Darnell Mooney
7) Donovan Peoples-Jones
8) Curtis Samuel
9) Michael Thomas
10) Gabriel Davis
Running Backs
Next year’s running back class is absolutely loaded with stars of today. The question is how valued these individuals will be as they near 30 years old.
1) Josh Jacobs
2) Jonathan Taylor
3) Saquon Barkley
4) Derrick Henry
5) Tony Pollard
6) Austin Ekeler
7) J.K. Dobbins
8) D’Andre Swift
9) D’Onta Foreman
10) A.J. Dillon
Tight Ends
The 2023 class of tight ends had a hard time finding significant interest from teams, and the 2024 class might be even weaker. Only a handful of these players might get a significant investment for multiple years since several of the top names will be turning 30 next season.
1) T.J. Hockenson
2) Evan Engram
3) Cole Kmet
4) Gerald Everett
5) Noah Fant
6) Hunter Henry
7) Tyler Higbee
Offensive Line
There are a lot of solid depth pieces slated to hit free agency along the offensive line next season, but there is one clear crown jewel above the rest.
1) Laremy Tunsil
2) Andrus Peat
3) Terence Steele
4) Tytus Howard
5) Ezra Cleveland
6) Damien Lewis
7) Jonah Jackson
8) Jonah Williams
9) Tyron Smith
10) Josh Jones
11) Shaq Mason
12) Jason Kelce
13) Connor Williams
14) Robert Hunt
15) Kevin Zeitler
16) Duane Brown
17) Trent Brown
2024 NFL Free Agents by Position | Defense
While the offensive free agents lack the mouth-watering upside we might have seen in previous years, you cannot make that case for the defense. Outside of some uncertainty in terms of pass rushers, there is some real game-wrecking talent available at all three levels next free agency.
Defensive Line
The defensive line group couldn’t be better. Expect the defensive tackle position to see record-setting spending across these free agents. Each of the top seven is a franchise cornerstone that would be hard to replace if a long-term deal isn’t made to keep them in place.
1) Chris Jones
2) Jeffery Simmons
3) Quinnen Williams
4) Dexter Lawrence
5) Christian Wilkins
6) Leonard Williams
7) D.J. Reader
8) Ed Oliver
9) Cameron Jordan
10) Fletcher Cox
11) Denico Autry
12) Sheldon Rankins
13) Raekwon Davis
EDGE
It’s hard to imagine such an immensely talented group would be made available, but there will be some big-money deals handed out amongst the pass rushers. Several of these players are either in their prime or playing as if their age doesn’t matter.
1) Nick Bosa
2) Trey Hendrickson
3) Brian Burns
4) Rashan Gary
5) Alex Highsmith
6) Josh Allen
7) Darrell Taylor
8) Montez Sweat
9) Danielle Hunter
10) Derek Barnett
11) Dorance Armstrong
12) Carl Lawson
13) Marcus Davenport
14) Brandon Graham
15) Jerry Hughes
Linebackers
The linebacker group had a hard time cashing in during the 2023 free agency period, so it’s not looking great for a decent but not elite group in 2024. Only Devin White, Logan Wilson, and Jerome Baker appear to be young and impactful playmakers at the position.
MORE: Remaining 2023 NFL Free Agents by Position
1) Devin White
2) Logan Wilson
3) Jerome Baker
4) Willie Gay Jr.
5) Lavonte David
6) Josey Jewell
7) Ja’Whaun Bentley
8) Sione Takitaki
Defensive Backs
Between some intriguing playmakers at cornerback and impressive safeties, the defensive backs class is solid. Dallas’ Trevon Diggs is the lone superstar, though.
1) Trevon Diggs
2) Chidobe Awuzie
3) Xavier McKinney
4) Antoine Winfield Jr.
5) Kyle Dugger
6) Adoree’ Jackson
7) Stephon Gilmore
8) Kenny Moore
9) Malik Hooker
10) Micah Hyde
11) Kendall Fuller
12) Jordan Whitehead
13) Michael Davis
14) Jayron Kearse
15) L’Jarius Snead
