NFL Free Agency 2024: 1 Player Each Team Shouldn't Re-Sign
Most of the talk around NFL free agency is how a team can upgrade its roster, no matter if a player is a star.
Every addition, however, requires a subtraction.
All around the league, front offices are—or should be—coming to terms that it's probably best not to re-sign several players from the 2023 team. They could be veterans or franchise staples. They might be too expensive to keep or recent signings that simply didn't work out.
As the beginning of 2024 free agency beckons, we've identified one replaceable player for each franchise.
AFC East
1 of 8
Buffalo Bills: Gabe Davis, WR
Between an extension for Mike Evans and franchise tags for Tee Higgins and Michael Pittman Jr., Gabe Davis is only higher on the list of available free agents. He seems destined to ink a big-money, long-term contract from a receiver-needy team. But the cash-strapped Bills should not be that destination. Factor in his highly inconsistent 2023 season, and it's time for a change—for both sides.
Miami Dolphins: Eli Apple, CB
Nearing his age-29 season, Eli Apple is still a potential contributor. However, the Dolphins should be looking for an alternative to hold significant snaps. Apple provided cover as the position dealt with injuries, but he performed at a replacement level. Cam Smith, a second-round pick in 2023, is a prime candidate to occupy a similar role in 2024.
New England Patriots: Mike Gesicki, TE
Mike Gesicki had a disappointing 2022 campaign with the Miami Dolphins, but it made sense for a New England offense desperate for playmakers to take a $4.5 million gamble. Could he become a glorified wide receiver and provide, say, 600 yards? Well, that answer was no. Gesicki finished with 29 catches for 244 yards and two touchdowns.
New York Jets: Carl Lawson, Edge
Signed to a $45 million deal in 2021 free agency, Carl Lawson fell short of his hoped impact in New York. He missed that first season with an Achilles injury, notched seven sacks as a full-time starter in 2022 and logged just 101 snaps in six appearances last year.
AFC North
2 of 8
Baltimore Ravens: Patrick Queen, LB
The player is not the problem. Rather, the issue is his next contract. Baltimore, which is facing a cap crunch, made Roquan Smith the highest-paid inside linebacker last year. Doubling down at the position is an awfully bold proposition, especially given the Ravens' absolute need to improve the receiving corps for Lamar Jackson.
Cincinnati Bengals: Chidobe Awuzie, CB
Wide receiver Tyler Boyd fits in the same category as Chidobe Awuzie. At the right price, the Bengals certainly should keep them. The issue is that younger players have surpassed Boyd and Awuzie, and the veterans—both at least 29 by Week 1—are worth more than a hometown discount, even as Awuzie struggled in 2023 after returning from an ACL injury.
Cleveland Browns: Jordan Elliott, DT
Jordan Elliott put together an encouraging rookie year in 2020 but never really demanded a long-term job despite his playing time. Elliott has consistently been available, and that's a legitimate plus. Still, he's not a dominant run-stopper and rarely makes a pass-rushing impact; taking a swing on a rookie is a fine option instead of paying his second contract.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Markus Golden, Edge
Once released last offseason, Markus Golden stood out as a respectable low-risk addition. He'd notched 11 sacks in 2021, after all. Pittsburgh scooped him up, and Golden provided four sacks in limited time. No complaints, really. But the Steelers should be preparing to give 2023 fourth-rounder Nick Herbig more snaps next season. Golden showed he has some spark left, but Pittsburgh can save money and sign a fourth edge-rusher elsewhere.
AFC South
3 of 8
Houston Texans: George Fant, OT
George Fant provided invaluable cover at right tackle and helped the Texans make the playoffs in 2023. But if the team is committed to Laremy Tunsil on the left and Tytus Howard on the right, Fant is simply the odd man out. As he approaches his age-32 season, Fant should be eyeing a starting job—and a salary too high for Houston to pay a backup.
Indianapolis Colts: Zack Moss, RB
On a similar note, the Colts received a great season from Zack Moss while he stepped in for Jonathan Taylor. After handing JT a $45 million extension, however, it's not sensible for Indy to pay Moss' deserved raise when Taylor theoretically will be heavily featured. Indy should move on with Evan Hull and a late 2024 draft pick.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Jamal Agnew, WR
The idea of Jamal Agnew—a talented returner who can play a little receiver—is pretty fun. Paying someone nearly $5 million per season to occupy such a limited role is less than ideal. Agnew had a nice three-year run in Jacksonville, but 2023 sixth-rounder Parker Washington can replace him.
Tennessee Titans: Derrick Henry, RB
In fairness, there's a logical path for a reunion with Derrick Henry. But the Titans are nowhere close to contending for a Super Bowl, and Henry—now 30 years old—is running out of time to chase one. Tennessee, meanwhile, should not be devoting cap space to a luxury-type player, beloved as Henry is, when 2023 third-round selection Tyjae Spears is capable of handling the starting job.
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AFC West
4 of 8
Denver Broncos: Adam Trautman, TE
Sean Payton loves his guys, and Adam Trautman clearly is one. Payton drafted the tight end in 2020 with the New Orleans Saints and traded for him after accepting the Denver gig. Trautman is a fine blocker but produced just 22 catches for 204 yards and three touchdowns last year. Unless he signs a low-dollar deal, Trautman is expendable.
Kansas City Chiefs: Donovan Smith, OT
While a sensible addition in free agency last year, Donovan Smith more repeated a mediocre 2022 than returned to his 2021 form. He played every snap at left tackle when healthy but endured several rough performances, including an uninspiring day in the Super Bowl.
Las Vegas Raiders: Austin Hooper, TE
The franchise is facing a good problem. With the price-tag asterisk, as always, each of the Raiders' top free agents would be worth re-signing. That brings us to Austin Hooper, who started nine games in what should be his lone season with Las Vegas. Michael Mayer, a second-round pick in 2023, is the present and future at the position.
Los Angeles Chargers: Austin Ekeler, RB
Jim Harbaugh has inherited a messy cap situation, and there's not much sense in clogging the sheet with a substantial contract for a running back. Austin Ekeler can catch on elsewhere in hopes of a resurgent year, but it shouldn't be with the Chargers.
NFC East
5 of 8
Dallas Cowboys: Jayron Kearse, S
Only three Dallas players registered more tackles than Jayron Kearse in 2023, so he'd leave a substantial void in the box score. The reality is, however, than the veteran safety navigated a disappointing year, and the Cowboys have plenty of young depth at the position to step in.
New York Giants: Parris Campbell, WR
While the team's major decision is about Saquon Barkley's future, there's a decent argument either way. The conversation is far more straightforward regarding Parris Campbell, who seemed like a wise $4.7 million signing last offseason. Instead, he was basically a non-factor and turned in just 20 catches for 104 yards and zero touchdowns.
Philadelphia Eagles: The No. 3-ish Receivers
On paper, the position looked stacked in 2023. Behind stars A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, the Eagles returned Quez Watkins and signed Olamide Zaccheaus. Both of them offered little production, so Philly tried to find a midseason solution with Julio Jones. They combined for 36 receptions and 380 yards. Clearly, finding a reliable, complementary target isn't easy, but it's time to move in new directions.
Washington Commanders: Curtis Samuel, WR
The expectation is Washington will select a quarterback early in the 2024 NFL draft. Knowing that, it may seem backward to let a starting-caliber wide receiver leave. Curtis Samuel may command around $10 million annually in a thin market, however, and the Commanders have Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson to lead the pass-catching corps anyway.
NFC North
6 of 8
Chicago Bears: Lucas Patrick, IOL
In five seasons with the Green Bay Packers, Lucas Patrick showed off attractive versatility. That made him a sensible target for the Bears, who have dealt with an eternal need to upgrade the offensive line. But, uh, safe to say Patrick won't be back in Chicago after two dismal years—especially after the dismissal of offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, who previously coached Patrick in Green Bay.
Detroit Lions: Halapoulivaati Vaitai, OG
Perhaps the asterisk is whether the Lions decide to re-sign Jonah Jackson. If he leaves, it's more logical for Detroit to give Halapoulivaati Vaitai a short-term contract and hope he can stay healthy. Otherwise, the Lions can prioritize a younger option on the offensive line.
Green Bay Packers: AJ Dillon, RB
At this point, anything but this conclusion would be surprising. AJ Dillon handled 178-plus carries in each of the last three seasons, and his efficiency tumbled from 4.3 yards per carry to 4.1 and 3.4. While that's not entirely on Dillon, the Packers can pivot to a cheaper and more explosive rookie for depth behind Aaron Jones.
Minnesota Vikings: Marcus Davenport, Edge
Were you expecting a proclamation about Kirk Cousins? As with any number of big-name free agents, both options are reasonable. Marcus Davenport's future isn't as complicated, though. Minnesota hoped a change of scenery would spark the edge-rusher, but ankle injured ruined his year. Davenport still has upside, but his injury history and the Vikings' cap issues are a bad combination.
NFC South
7 of 8
Atlanta Falcons: Mack Hollins, WR
New coordinator Zac Robinson must develop a functional passing game in Atlanta. Outside of Drake London, however, the Falcons should not be tied to anyone at receiver. Mack Hollins had an encouraging 2021 with the Raiders but managed 18 catches for 251 yards last season. Entering his age-31 season, Hollins likely isn't a priority for Atlanta.
Carolina Panthers: C.J. Henderson, CB
Early in the 2021 campaign, the Panthers took a rational gamble on first-round talent C.J. Henderson. Unfortunately, it just never paid out as Carolina hoped. He's surrendered at least eight yards per target in all three seasons with the Panthers and lost his starting job in 2023.
New Orleans Saints: Zack Baun, Edge
Zack Baun racked up 12.5 sacks during his final season at Wisconsin. So, naturally, the Saints didn't use the 2020 draft pick in pass-rushing situations until 2023. It's something close to unconscionable usage. If the Saints actually plan to let Baun get after the quarterback, keep him! If not, why bother?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Devin White, LB
Following a strong rookie year in 2019 and an All-Pro sophomore season, Devin White looked like the future of the Bucs' defense. Fast-forward to 2023, and White's time in Tampa is probably over. The money presumably needed to sign White is more than the Bucs should be prepared to offer in hopes of revitalizing the 26-year-old's career.
NFC West
8 of 8
Arizona Cardinals: Elijah Wilkinson, LG
In short, it was a tough season for Elijah Wilkinson. Injuries robbed him of seven games, and the veteran didn't play well regardless. Arizona should not keep Trystan Colon and Wilkinson, and the former is three years younger. Wilkinson is probably headed for his fifth team in five seasons.
Los Angeles Rams: Troy Reeder, LB
Across four seasons and two stints with the Rams, Troy Reeder has started 31 games in 66 appearances. He's consistently been a part of special-teams units, too. Between his shaky coverage and tackling, though, the Rams should take a fresh chance on a role player.
San Francisco 49ers: Chase Young, Edge
Hey, it was worth a shot. San Francisco dealt a third-round selection to Washington for Chase Young and his expiring deal. The hope was the Niners' star-studded pass rush would unlock the former top pick's upside. Long story short, that didn't happen. But another team is expected to take a similar risk in free agency, and that contract might even net San Francisco a compensatory third-round choice in 2025.
Seattle Seahawks: Noah Fant, TE
In fairness to Noah Fant, new coordinator Ryan Grubb regularly used his tight ends as a college play-caller. There is hope for a resurgent year. Fant, however, just recorded a career-low 414 yards and scored zero touchdowns in 2023. That might not prevent him from attracting a hefty salary, but a big-money offer from Seattle should not happen.
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