2024 NFL Free Agency Big Board: Best Available Players After Day 1

The 2024 edition of NFL free agency is underway. The signing period and new league year won't officially begin until 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday. However, the legal-contact period opened on Monday, and deals are already being struck.

Unsurprisingly, several notable names are now all but off the market, though contracts cannot become official until Wednesday. As is always the case at this point in free agency, plenty of cash was thrown around on Day 1.

Bleacher Report's free-agency signing and trade grades for every major Day 1 move can be found here.

While many of the top free agents have found their 2024 homes, the player pool is far from dry. Here, you'll find an updated list of the top 50 available players, ranked based on factors like past production, player upside, age, positional value and player health

Our initial free-agency player and positional rankings can be found here.

All players scouted and ranked by B/R NFL Scouting Department contributor Kris Knox.

50. Gerald Everett, TE, Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Gerald Everett was never exactly known as an explosive deep threat, but he's been even more of an intermediate target over the last two seasons.

After averaging 10 or more yards per catch from 2019-2021, Everett averaged 9.5 and 8.1 in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Everett will turn 30 in June, and he isn't likely to interest teams seeking a big-play threat at the position.

Everett is, however, a very capable safety valve who can be trusted on critical downs and in the red zone. 25 of his 51 2023 receptions went for first downs.

49. Jordan Fuller, S, Los Angeles Rams

One of two starting-caliber Los Angeles Rams safeties—along with John Johnson III—hitting the market, Jordan Fuller has developed into a dependable back-end-coverage defender.

The 26-year-old started all 17 games in 2023 and finished with 94 tackles, eight passes defended and three interceptions. Fuller also started 16 games in 2021 before being limited to just three outings in 2022 by a hamstring injury.

In coverage last season, Fuller allowed an opposing passer rating of 86.0. He has not allowed an opposing passer rating above 100 in any of his four seasons.

48. Josey Jewell, LB, Denver Broncos

Linebacker Josey Jewell might not be elite in any one area, but he did a little bit of everything well for the Denver Broncos over the past six seasons.

Jewell was the leader of Denver's defense in 2023, and he finished the year with 108 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles and three interceptions. While he missed all but two games with a pectoral injury in 2021, Jewell topped 100 tackles in three of the past four seasons.

While Jewell will turn 30 in December, his experience as a defensive communicator should draw interest from contenders and rebuilding teams alike.

47. Teair Tart, DT, Houston Texans

The Tennessee Titans waived defensive tackle Teair Tart in December, and the 27-year-old only appeared in two games for the Houston Texans after that.

However, Tart emerged as a very impactful space-eating interior defender prior to his lackluster 2023 campaign. In 2022, for example, he logged 34 tackles, 20 solo stops and 1.5 sacks.

At 6'2" and 304 pounds, Tart regularly commands double-teams. While he's usually at his best occupying blockers, Tart can take down ball-carriers and can generate enough push to occasionally bring pressure up the middle.

46. John Johnson III, S, Los Angeles Rams

Following a relatively disappointing two-year stint with the Cleveland Browns, safety John Johnson III returned to the Los Angeles Rams and to form in 2023.

The 28-year-old had another excellent campaign in coverage, allowing an opposing passer rating of only 81.1. He also didn't have the tackling issue that plagued him on the back end of Cleveland's defense.

Johnson was credited with 19 missed tackles in two years with the Browns but only two last season.

45. C.J. Gardner-Johnson, DB, Detroit Lions

C.J. Gardner-Johnson missed most of the 2023 season with a torn pectoral. However, in his previous campaign, with the Philadelphia Eagles, Gardner-Johnson proved to be a versatile and incredibly productive defensive back.

The 26-year-old finished that campaign with 67 tackles, six interceptions and an opposing passer rating of just 78.4.

Gardner-Johnson can play deep or in the slot, and while the injury may cool his 2024 market a bit, he'd still be a valuable addition to most secondaries.

44. Calais Campbell, Edge, Atlanta Falcons

Calais Campbell continues to shake his fist at Father Time, and while he may not be signed early in free agency, he should provide solid value wherever he lands.

Campbell turned 37 in September but was once again a very effective rotational pass-rusher, his latest stint coming with the Atlanta Falcons. Campbell started all 17 games and finished with 6.5 sacks and 24 quarterback pressures.

Given his age, Campbell may only be interested in playing for a legitimate contender.

43. Shelby Harris, DT, Cleveland Browns

Defensive tackle Shelby Harris got lost in the mix a bit while playing alongside Myles Garrett and Za'Darius Smith this past season. However, the 32-year-old had another fine campaign as a space-eating, run-stuffing interior defender.

Harris is best suited for a run-defending role, but he still has a solid get-off and can collapse the pocket and occasionally bring inside pressure. While Harris had just 3.5 sacks over the past two seasons, he had six in 2021.

42. Willie Gay Jr., LB, Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay Jr. thrived in coverage this past season, finishing with four passes defended and an opposing passer rating of 76.4.

While Gay doesn't regularly record tackles in bunches, he's an adept read-and-react 'backer who can protect the second level and occasionally rush the passer. Some of his best work has come in the postseason, where he's recorded 29 tackles, 18 solo stops, three passes defended, a half-sack and a forced fumble in nine games.

At only 26 years old and with two Super Bowl wins on his resume, Gay would be an ideal fit for a rebuilding team looking to change its culture.

41. Jordan Whitehead, S, New York Jets

Though New York Jets safety Jordan Whitehead has benefited from playing with a very talented supporting cast over the past two seasons, his emergence as a high-end coverage safety cannot be overlooked.

Whitehead had nine passes defended and four interceptions in 2023 while allowing an opposing passer rating of just 78.8.

However, Whitehead won't be a fit for every team, as he can be an occasional liability in run support. Last season alone, the 26-year-old was credited with 16 missed tackles.

40. Tyler Boyd, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

Wide receiver Tyler Boyd has become overshadowed by Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins in the Cincinnati Bengals offense, but the 29-year-old remains a tremendously reliable receiver with inside-outside versatility.

This past season, Boyd recorded 67 receptions for 667 yards and two touchdowns. Those are solid numbers considering Joe Burrow was rarely healthy in 2023 and Chase and Higgins each commanded a large target share.

Boyd isn't a No. 1-caliber receiver, but as a second or third option, he's one of the best on the market.

39. Derek Barnett, Edge, Houston Texans

While pass-rusher Derek Barnett never quite met expectations with the Philadelphia Eagles, his presence in a deep rotation may have played a role.

After making his way to the Houston Texans via waivers, Barnett soared. In only six games with Houston, he tallied 19 tackles, 2.5 sacks and 11 quarterback pressures. It's a small sample size, but it suggests that Barnett can still blossom into a heavy contributor.

Barnett will turn 28 in June, but his best football is likely still ahead of him.

38. Joe Flacco, QB, Cleveland Browns

Joe Flacco proved that he can still sling it during a five-game stretch with the Cleveland Browns to end the regular season. He finished that stretch with 1,616 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

Flacco's somewhat reckless style of play caught up to him in the playoffs, and at 39 years old, he isn't going to be a team's long-term answer. As a potential bridge quarterback or high-end backup, though, Flacoo should find far more suitors than he did a year ago.

37. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Tennessee Titans

With the market's top quarterbacks—Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield—no longer available, Ryan Tannehill may emerge as one of the top bridge options for teams eyeing rookie signal-callers.

The 35-year-old's career peaked in 2019, when he made the Pro Bowl in his first season with the Tennessee Titans. Since then, Tannehill has been above-average at best, and he's really taken a step back over the past three seasons.

Tannehill's arm talent and athleticism are typically more impressive than his processing and pre-snap recognition, and no team is likely to view him as a long-term solution. That said, Tannehill has 151 starts on his resume and should be a high-end backup or spot starter in 2024.

36. Micah Hyde, S, Buffalo Bills

Safety Micah Hyde isn't the top-tier safety he was earlier in his career, and the 33-year-old seemed to lose a step in 2023. However, he was still a quality starter whom the Buffalo Bills likely released strictly for cap purposes.

In 2023, Hyde started 14 games and finished with 54 total tackles, seven passes defended and two interceptions.

Hyde's age will likely limit his market to teams prepared to win now, and he might not step into a guaranteed starting role. Yet his experience and veteran leadership will benefit his next team.

35. Curtis Samuel, WR, Washington Commanders

Washington Commanders receiver Curtis Samuel has never been an elite offensive playmaker, but he's become a solid contributor and versatile chess piece since entering the NFL in 2017.

While Samuel didn't spend a lot of time in the backfield this past season, he is capable of contributing as a runner (38 carries in 2022). As a pass-catcher, he's a strong route-runner with a good feel for finding space and mostly reliable hands.

Though he's entering his eighth NFL season, Samuel won't turn 28 until August.

34. Sheldon Rankins, DL, Houston Texans

Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins has bounced around a bit, playing for three teams over the past four seasons.

The 29-year-old landed with the Houston Texans in 2023 and helped spark a major defensive turnaround. Rankins finished the year with 37 tackles, six sacks, 12 quarterback pressures and a fumble recovery for a touchdown.

While Rankins doesn't possess a variety of pass-rush moves, his size (6'2", 305 lbs), quick first step and play strength are often enough to generate pressure or collapse the pocket.

33. Julian Blackmon, S, Indianapolis Colts

Safety Julian Blackmon is coming off a career year in coverage, as he allowed an opposing passer rating of only 46.6 in 2023. However, he was far less consistent over his first three seasons.

A former college cornerback, Blackmon is a versatile defender who performs best in the box but can also play deep or in the slot. While the 25-year-old doesn't possess elite speed, he often makes up for it with terrific instincts, awareness and ball skills. He's also a very willing tackler.

Blackmon finished the 2023 season with 88 tackles, 65 solo stops, eight passes defended and four interceptions.

32. Dalton Risner, G, Minnesota Vikings

Guard Dalton Risner failed to secure a long-term deal in 2023 free agency, instead landing a one-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings in September. While he didn't flash enough in Minnesota to generate a massive free-agent market, Risner was easily above average.

Risner appeared in 15 games last season with 11 starts and didn't allow a sack, according to Pro Football Focus.

The 28-year-old regularly leaves something to be desired in the running game, but he's incredibly reliable in pass protection. Risner should not have to wait as long as he did last offseason—when he was recovering from a torn UCL in his right elbow—to find a home.

31. Patrick Peterson, CB, Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers released cornerback Patrick Peterson in a cap-saving move, sending a likely future Hall of Famer to market.

While the 33-year-old isn't the elite cover corner he once was—he allowed an opposing passer rating of 91.5 in 2023—he can still serve as a quality starter on the perimeter.

Peterson also saw some time at safety for the Steelers this past season. Positional versatility adds to his value and could expand Peterson's market—especially if he's willing to embrace a role change at this stage of his career.

30. Josh Reynolds, WR, Detroit Lions

Wide receiver Josh Reynolds was largely overshadowed by Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta in the Detroit Lions offense this past season. A dive into the tape, however, reveals a smart and capable receiver who could thrive in a bigger role.

Reynolds doesn't boast elite athletic traits, and he's rarely going to blow past defenders at the snap. However, he has a knack for finding open grass and presenting himself to the quarterback.

Usually the third option in Detroit, Reynolds' ceiling is as a solid No. 2 perimeter receiver. The 29-year-old probably won't be in high demand, but he represents a tremendous value in free agency.

29. Bobby Wagner, LB, Seattle Seahawks

Linebacker Bobby Wagner is 33 years old, but he remains one of the best all-around players at his position in the NFL. He returned to the Seattle Seahawks in 2023 and added another Pro Bowl campaign to his Hall of Fame-worthy resume.

Wagner finished this past season with three passes defended, 3.5 sacks, seven quarterback pressures and a league-high 183 total tackles (96 solo).

While Wagner has never been an elite coverage 'backer, he can rush the passer and play the run from sideline to sideline. Age may limit his market to playoff hopefuls, but Wagner is a player who can make an immediate impact in 2024.

28. Tre'Davious White, CB, Buffalo Bills

Cornerback Tre'Devious White is still a terrific starter when healthy. The problem is that the 29-year-old has been limited to just 10 games over the past two seasons and 21 games over the past three.

A torn ACL wiped out the end of White's 2021 campaign and much of 2022. This past season, he suffered a season-ending Achilles tear.

These significant injuries make White a free-agency risk and will likely land him a one-year "prove-it" deal on the open market. If What can return to pre-injury form and remain on the field, though, he could be a major bargain.

27. Arik Armstead, DL, San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers are expected to release defensive lineman Arik Armstead after failing to restructure his contract, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Once his release becomes official, the 30-year-old should quickly find suitors.

Armstead is an incredibly dependable run defender who hasn't been credited with a single missed tackle over the past two seasons. He can also provide a presence in the pass rush and finished the 2023 season with five sacks and 16 quarterback pressures.

26. Laken Tomlinson, G, New York Jets

The New York Jets released guard Laken Tomlinson ahead of free agency, and the 32-year-old is sure to draw plenty of interest on the open market.

While Tomlinson is no longer a top-tier interior lineman—he was responsible for three penalties and seven sacks allowed in 2023, according to Pro Football Focus—he's a seasoned veteran with an alluring level of durability.

Tomlinson hasn't missed a single regular-season start over the past six seasons and has played 100 percent of the offensive snaps over the last five.

25. Donovan Smith, OT, Kansas City Chiefs

Donovan Smith showed he's still a capable starting tackle at age 30 by helping the Kansas City Chiefs win the Super Bowl in his first campaign with the franchise.

That said, Smith is far from an ideal option for left tackle-needy teams. He is prone to outright whiffs in pass protection and is quick to hold once beaten. Over the past two seasons, Smith was responsible for 21 penalties and eight sacks allowed, according to Pro Football Focus.

That said, Smith is a functional starter at a premium position, and he'll garner interest on the open market.

24. Jadeveon Clowney, Edge, Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney proved to be one of the best bargains of 2023 free agency. The 31-year-old matched his career high in sacks (9.5) while providing 23 quarterback pressures to a stout Ravens defense.

Consistency has never been Clowney's strong suit, and teams will wonder which version of him they're likely to get. However, Clowney is an elite disruptor when playing up to his potential, and he's a game-wrecker against the run, even when his pass-rushing production is down.

23. Lavonte David, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Age is working against Lavonte David, who turned 34 in January. The two-time Pro Bowler is also coming off a disappointing campaign in coverage, as he allowed an opposing passer rating of 102.4 in 2023.

However, David's ability to diagnose plays, flow to the football and play from sideline to sideline still pops on film. Playoff-caliber teams seeking an elite run defender, as well as rebuilding teams seeking a proven defensive leader, should have heavy interest in David.

22. Kristian Fulton, CB, Tennessee Titans

Kristian Fulton's ranking is based more on traits and tools than what he has actually accomplished as a pro. The Tennessee Titans corner is coming off a down campaign (114.1 opposing passer rating) and has missed time due to injury in each of his four seasons.

However, the 25-year-old flashes elite traits on film, including great play recognition, recovery speed and ball skills. He showed what he is capable of as a sophomore in 2021, recording 14 passes defended and allowing an opposing passer rating of just 71.3 in 13 games. If Fulton can stay on the field, he could be one of the steals of 2024 free agency.

21. Jeremy Chinn, DB, Carolina Panthers

It'll be interesting to see how teams evaluate Carolina Panthers defensive back Jeremy Chinn after he was hampered by a quad injury in 2023. The 26-year-old has never established himself as an elite coverage option, and he's coming off the most underwhelming campaign of his career (132.7 opposing passer rating).

Chinn's value lies in his versatility, as he's capable of filling a safety, linebacker or nickelback role. He's a big (6'3", 220 lbs), physical defender who has shown improved tackling over the past two seasons. Not every team will covet Chinn's unique skill set, but young players with his combination of physical traits and versatility don't reach the market often.

20. Jonah Williams, OT, Cincinnati Bengals

A relatively underwhelming tackle market is solely responsible for Jonah Williams' spot in the top 50. The 2019 first-round pick failed to solidify the left tackle position for the Cincinnati Bengals and was moved to the right side in 2023. There, his power and athleticism as a run blocker were better utilized.

However, Williams' footwork and technique in pass protection has been a lingering issue, regardless of where he's been aligned. He was responsible for five penalties and eight sacks allowed this past season, according to Pro Football Focus.

Still, Williams is a 26-year-old starting-caliber tackle in a market that doesn't have many of them. His projected market value of $10.8 million annually may actually be low.

19. Kevin Zeitler, G, Baltimore Ravens

Ravens guard Kevin Zeitler just turned 34, but he's still playing at an extremely high level. He earned his first Pro Bowl nod in 2023 after playing 97 percent of the offensive snaps in Baltimore.

Zeitler hasn't started fewer than 15 games or played less than 97 percent of the snaps in those games since the 2014 season.

His age will prevent Zeitler from landing a lucrative long-term deal, but any team seeking a proven, dependable starting guard will have interest.

18. Xavien Howard, CB, Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard was a late addition to the FA cornerback pool, being released in February.

Set to turn 31 in July, Howard's best days are likely behind him. He was inconsistent in coverage in 2022 (101.2 opposing passer rating), though he still earned Pro Bowl honors. He rebounded under Vic Fangio in 2023 but also missed time with a foot injury. He still has all the tools to be a quality starting corner, though it's fair to wonder for how much longer.

17. Steven Nelson, CB, Houston Texans

A deep free-agent cornerback class could prevent Steven Nelson from truly cashing in this offseason. However, that only means that some team is going to get a bargain.

The 31-year-old played at a consistently high level over the past two years in two very different systems for the Houston Texans. Nelson allowed an opposing passer rating of 80.5 in 2022 and an opposing passer rating of 73.3 in 2023. He has also played at least 92 percent of the defensive snaps in games in which he appeared over the past six seasons.

Experienced, dependable and scheme-versatile, Nelson is a relatively risk-free option.

16. Tyron Smith, OT, Dallas Cowboys

Tyron Smith would easily be this year's top tackle if players were judged on past accomplishments alone. The eight-time Pro Bowler may have a case for Canton one day and is still a top-tier tackle when healthy.

However, Smith turned 34 in December and has struggled to stay on the field. He started 13 games in 2023 but has also only appeared in 30 games over the past four seasons. Teams should only be interested in a short-term contract, and even then, Smith will represent an injury risk.

15. Kenny Moore II, CB, Indianapolis Colts

Kenny Moore II is an undersized (5'9", 190 lbs) but physical and functional starting cornerback. His lack of length can be an issue in coverage at times, but Moore possesses terrific ball skills (3 INTs in 2023), playmaking ability (2 TDs) and is a willing open-field tackler.

The 2021 Pro Bowler isn't an elite cover corner, but he does enough of everything to be valued as a dependable starter in free agency.

14. Marquise Brown, WR, Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals wideout Marquise Brown is not a well-rounded receiver. His 5'9", 180-pound frame limits the roles he can fill, and his hands and route running aren't reliable enough to make him a true No. 1 target.

Cardinals quarterbacks had a collective passer rating of just 72.8 when targeting Brown and a collective rating of 82.9 overall in 2023.

However, Brown possesses the elite speed that NFL teams covet. It shows up when he is stretching the field on go routes but also when he is working across the field on slants and dig routes. Brown may not offer a lot of positional versatility, but what he does well, he does extremely well.

13. Connor Williams, IOL, Miami Dolphins

Connor Williams would rank higher if he weren't coming off a torn ACL that he suffered in December.

The 26-year-old has been a solid starter over the past six years, as a guard for the Cowboys and as a center for the Dolphins. Though he isn't the strongest interior lineman or the soundest in pass protection, he explodes out of his stance and can generate a good initial push in the running game.

Williams' ability to play both center and guard adds to his value in free agency. Given the timing of the injury, though, teams may not be able to count on him as a Week 1 starter.

12. Stephon Gilmore, CB, Dallas Cowboys

If Stephon Gilmore was a couple of years younger, he would likely be a top-10 free agent.

Even at 33 years old, though, Gilmore is still a quality starter. He's fully capable of playing on a perimeter island and can hold his own against some of the league's best receivers. Gilmore allowed an opposing passer rating of only 82.7 in coverage this past season despite being targeted a whopping 95 times.

While Gilmore's days as a true No. 1 cover corner may be behind him, he'll be a Week 1 starter wherever he lands.

11. Josh Uche, Edge, New England Patriots

New England Patriots pass-rusher Josh Uche may fly under the radar entering free agency because he wasn't particularly impactful in 2023. New England wasn't very good overall, and it lost No. 1 edge-rusher Matthew Judon early in the season to a torn biceps.

As a result, Uche rarely had the chance to shine as a complementary edge-rusher. With Judon healthy in 2022, though, he was fantastic. He finished that season with 11.5 sacks, 25 quarterback pressures and two forced fumbles while playing only 38 percent of the defensive snaps.

With quick feet and a strong initial burst, Uche carries a lot of value as a passing-down specialist.

The Denver Broncos released safety Justin Simmons in a late cap-saving move, adding another premier defender to the market.

While Simmons didn't quite up to the then-record four-year, $61 million contract he signed in 2021, he's remained a solid starter for the Broncos. He earned his second Pro Bowl nod in 2023 and was a second-team All-Pro selection in both 2022 and 2021.

This past season, Simmons started 15 games and finished with 70 tackles, three interceptions and an opposing passer rating of 89.1.

Simmons thrives in deep coverage, and while his run support can be a bit inconsistent—he was credited with 31 missed tackles over the last four years—he's far from a liability on the back end.

Though he'll turn 31 in November, Simmons is reliable enough to draw interest from contenders and rebuilding teams alike.

Safety Kamren Curl spent the 2023 season being a standout defender in a bad and usually overlooked secondary. The Washington Commanders struggled against the pass, often leaving Curl stuck trying to compensate in second-level coverage.

Curl's technique and recognition show up more on film than on the stat sheet—he allowed an opposing passer rating of 108.3 in 2023—and he's an instinctual run defender in the box.

Having only recently turned 25, Curl should be viewed as one of the best young defensive backs on the market. While some teams may prefer Justin Simmons—who is more experienced and more of a back-end coverage specialist—Curl's combination of youth and upside could give him a wider market.

With Antoine Winfield Jr. getting the franchise tag and Kyle Dugger receiving the transition tag, Curl becomes the top pure safety on the 2024 market.

Chase Young had a few highlight moments for the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII, but he largely disappeared into the background of their defense after being acquired at the trade deadline.

In nine games with the 49ers, Young had just 2.5 sacks and seven quarterback pressures—numbers that don't quite match San Francisco's trade price (a 2024 third-round pick).

However, the 24-year-old has flashed elite upside in the past, like he did during his 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year campaign.

Young's lack of consistency and production following his 2021 ACL tear leaves him a tier below the market's top edge-rushers. However, his age, physical tools and draft pedigree (second overall) should still land him a sizable contract.

The fact that Trent Brown tops the tackle market is telling. He'll turn 31 in April, and his lone Pro Bowl campaign came back in 2019. He was also hindered by a leg injury this past season.

The big unknown is whether Brown can truly thrive away from the New England Patriots. During a two-year stint with the Las Vegas Raiders, he was a Pro Bowler in Year 1 but was traded back to the Patriots after his second season.

However, Brown's injury history isn't quite as concerning as that of Tyron Smith, who is also three years older.

A dependable pass protector, Brown can anchor either side of the line if needed, and his versatility puts him at the top of an underwhelming overall class.

Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle D.J. Reader would rank higher if he weren't coming off a torn quad that he suffered in December.

The 29-year-old is one of the best all-around interior defenders in the NFL. Though he won't wow with gaudy sack numbers, he can control the line of scrimmage and pressure quarterbacks inside. Against the run, he can swallow ball-carriers or command double-teams that allow linebackers to flow to the football.

Reader has never been a Pro Bowler but consistently plays at a Pro Bowl level. He may have to settle for a "prove-it" deal because of the injury, but that only makes him one of the top potential bargains of 2024.

The injury will be a concern, but teams should view Reader as just a notch below top defensive tackles like Chris Jones and Christian Wilkins—who already have new contracts in place.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Devin White was limited by a foot injury in 2023 and only appeared in 14 games. As a result, he had the most underwhelming statistical season of his career.

A "down" year for the 26-year-old still included 83 total tackles, five tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions and an opposing passer rating of only 65.5 in coverage.

While White's 2022 tape is more impressive than last year's, he's still one of the most physically gifted off-ball linebackers in the sport. Occasional lapses in coverage do crop up, but White is terrific at diagnosing plays pre-snap, pursuing ball-carriers all over the field and making high-impact plays.

White's down year did come at an inopportune time for him, and he undoubtedly would have drawn more interest a year ago. Still, the fact remains that the 2021 Pro Bowler has missed just four games over the past four seasons and has recorded more than 120 tackles in three of those campaigns.

Calvin Ridley's inaugural campaign with the Jacksonville Jaguars was promising. Despite stepping away from football in 2021 to focus on his mental well-being and then serving a suspension throughout 2022 for betting on NFL games, the 29-year-old didn't take long to make an impact in Jacksonville.

Ridley finished the 2023 season with 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns. He performed well enough that the Jags weren't concerned about sending extra draft compensation to the Atlanta Falcons if it meant keeping Ridley—an extension will earn Atlanta a second-round pick instead of a third.

"We're not real concerned with that, whether it's a second or third round," general manager Trent Baalke said, per John Oehser of the team's official website.

While Ridley isn't a legitimate No. 1 receiver, he has all of the traits needed to be a high-end second option in virtually any offense.

Like safety Kamren Curl, Washington Commanders cornerback Kendall Fuller was often overshadowed by a bad defense in 2023. He also saw a drop-off in efficiency (120.4 opposing passer rating) following three straight seasons of reliable coverage in Washington.

However, the 29-year-old remains a quality starting corner with enough schematic versatility to play inside, outside or at safety. That versatility should expand Fuller's market and give potential employers fallback options should Fuller start to lose some of his speed over the next couple of years.

Though Fuller isn't the biggest (511", 198 lbs) or fastest defensive back in the 2024 free-agent market, he possesses a solid blend of play strength, quickness and experience. He can also bring veteran leadership and a playoff pedigree, having won a Super Bowl with Kansas City in 2019.

Fuller should be valued as a Week 1 starter and should garner consideration from both playoff hopefuls and rebuilding teams alike. With L'Jarius Sneed and Jaylon Johnson both getting the franchise tag, Fuller becomes the top corner available.

2020 first-round pick Patrick Queen showed enough inconsistencies over his first three seasons that the Baltimore Ravens declined his fifth-year option and made a 2022 play for star linebacker Roquan Smith.

However, with Smith in the fold—and in his second season under Mike Macdonald—Queen exploded in 2023. The 24-year-old recorded his first Pro Bowl campaign by finishing with 133 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 10 QB pressures, six passes defended and nine tackles for loss.

Queen looks even better when one dives into his 2023 game film. Though not a true front-line disruptor or premium coverage linebacker, he does a little bit of everything well and is simply superb at diagnosing plays and using his elite closing speed to break to the football.

While Queen's career production isn't as impressive as that of some other free-agent linebackers, his combination of 2023 development, physical upside and youth makes him the premium target for teams in need of an off-ball linebacker.

In a vacuum, Minnesota Vikings star Danielle Hunter stands out as the top pure edge-rusher in the 2024 free-agent class. He has four Pro Bowls and five double-digit-sack seasons on his resume, and he's coming off arguably the best campaign of his career.

Hunter finished the 2023 season with 16.5 sacks, 41 quarterback pressures and a league-high 23 tackles for loss (tied with Maxx Crosby).

Dependable and productive as both a sack-artist and a run defender—he recorded a missed-tackle rate of 5 percent or lower in each of the past four seasons—Hunter can do a little bit of everything well. He's also versatile enough to be a fit in either a 3-4 or a 4-3 base scheme.

However, the fact remains that Hunter will turn 30 in October and is only a few years removed from a neck injury that erased his 2020 season and a pectoral tear that cost him the bulk of 2021.

Hunter can be valued as a top-tier defender and a potential Defensive Player of the Year candidate, but his age and injury history may concern teams that don't plan to be immediate contenders next season.

*Contract and market information via Spotrac. Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference unless otherwise noted.