Three $100 million-plus contracts had been handed out in the course of the first week of NFL free company. In complete, greater than 250 gamers discovered new properties for the 2024 season.
Whereas a lot of the huge names are already off the board, listed here are a number of the finest out there gamers heading into the second wave of free company.
1. Chase Younger, EDGE
There’s no query Younger was a more practical pass-rusher in his seven video games with Washington (38 pressures, 27 hurries, 5 sacks) than he was in his 9 video games with San Francisco (28 pressures, 21 hurries, 2.5 sacks). However he’s a 24-year-old former No. 2 general choose with so much to show.
The 2023 season was the primary time since his rookie yr he performed in 15 or extra video games, and any crew that indicators him is probably going getting essentially the most motivated model of Younger since he’s placed on an NFL uniform.
2. Justin Simmons, S
4-time All-Professional safeties don’t get to market fairly often, which is why Simmons presumably has a stable listing of potential new employers. He hasn’t had fewer than three interceptions in any season since 2017, and other than the 2020 season, he hasn’t allowed greater than 4 touchdowns since 2018. Simmons can sort out, cowl and break up passes, making him an underrated signing for any crew seeking to shore up its secondary.
3. Trent Brown, OT
Brown is definitely higher suited to play proper sort out than left; he averages one sack allowed per each 343 snaps at RT and one sack per each 135 snaps at LT. However he has expertise enjoying each positions and at 30, he’s nonetheless younger sufficient to function a one- or two-year bridge starter for a crew seeking to ease in a rookie lineman.
4. Stephon Gilmore, CB
Even at 33, Gilmore is a top-notch cowl nook. He allowed a 54.9 completion share in 2023 whereas seeing 91 targets in protection, the third-most of his 12-year profession. He allowed 4 touchdowns with 9 cross breakups and two interceptions. Opposing QBs had an 83.3 passer ranking when focusing on him, properly beneath the 88.9 league common for the 2023 season.
5. Connor Williams, C
With Lloyd Cushenberry and Tyler Biadasz already signing with new groups, Williams is the very best heart out there. Although he solely performed in 9 video games final yr, Williams surrendered only one sack, six pressures and 4 hurries on 497 offensive snaps, per PFF. He performed primarily guard throughout his first 4 seasons, however since switching to heart, he’s allowed fewer sacks and has improved his run blocking.
6. Mike Williams, WR
Sure, Williams is coming off an ACL damage and he’ll flip 30 across the time subsequent season begins, however he can nonetheless be a powerful contributor in a pass-heavy offense. He has two seasons with 1,000 or extra yards and 9 or extra touchdowns, and his 6-foot-4, 218-pound body makes him a superb choice for bounce balls ultimately zone. Williams reportedly has loads of suitors, so he will not be available on the market for for much longer.
7. Kevin Zeitler, G
Incomes the primary Professional Bowl of his profession in 2023, Zeitler was an anchor for a Baltimore Ravens offensive line that blocked for the No. 1 dashing offense within the NFL. Taking part in 982 offensive snaps, Zeitler allowed 19 pressures and 16 hurries whereas surrendering simply two sacks. He’s given up greater than two sacks in a season simply twice over the past decade, and he’s by no means allowed greater than 29 pressures in a season throughout his 12-year profession.
8. Xavien Howard, CB
Howard surrendered a completion share of fifty % or much less in six of the 13 video games he performed in 2023, permitting simply two touchdowns with eight cross breakups and one interception whereas enjoying 475 protection snaps. He additionally by no means allowed greater than 77 yards receiving in any recreation. Howard will be an efficient No. 2 cornerback in the fitting scenario.
9. Tyler Boyd, WR
Relegated to a No. 3 function in Cincinnati over the previous few years, Boyd has confirmed he’s greater than able to dealing with a No. 2 WR function. He has two 1,000-yard seasons below his belt, 5 seasons with 90 or extra targets and three seasons with 75 or extra receptions. He may very well be an under-the-radar signing for a WR-needy crew just like the Panthers, Chargers or Jets.
10. Mike Danna, DE
Whereas Danna doesn’t have the title recognition as a number of the different high edge-rushers who’ve already signed elsewhere like Bryce Huff, Danielle Hunter or Leonard Williams, he’s proven over the past two seasons he will be disruptive within the backfield. Danna has 76 pressures, 53 hurries, 11.5 sacks and 10 QB hits since 2022, and he was a giant motive the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs had the second-most sacks within the NFL in 2023.
