2024 NFL Free Agency Big Board: Best Available Players After Day 3
After a fast-paced legal-contact period, NFL free agency officially opened at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday. While it was hard to top the action from Monday and Tuesday, Day 3 did not disappoint.
Quality players like Jonah Williams, Sheldon Rankins, Jordan Whitehead and Bobby Wagner found their way to new teams. We also saw a couple of surprises, as the Dallas Cowboys lured Eric Kendricks away from the San Francisco 49ers, while the Tennessee Titans swooped in from seemingly nowhere to land wide receiver Calvin Ridley.
Bleacher Report's grades for free-agent signings and trades on Day 3 can be found here.
While the initial wave of free agency is starting to wane, a ton of valuable talent is still available. Below, we'll dive into the top 30 remaining free agents based on factors like past production, upside, age, positional value and injury concerns.
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.
Nos. 30-26
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30. 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.
29. 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.
28. 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.
27. 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.
26. 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.
Nos. 25-21
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25. 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.
24. 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.
23. 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.
22. 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.
21. 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.
Nos. 20-16
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20. Arik Armstead, DL, San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers released defensive lineman Arik Armstead on Wednesday after failing to work out a restructured contract with him, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Now that his release is 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.
19. 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.
18. Mike Williams, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
Mike Williams was released on Wednesday in a cap-saving move. The Los Angeles Chargers receiver is coming off a torn ACL and will turn 30 in October. However, he's a proven perimeter receiver with high-end No. 2 potential.
Williams had 895 yards and four touchdowns in 13 games in 2022 and 1,146 yards and nine touchdowns the previous season.
Recent injuries and age will cause some teams to have questions about Williams, but the free-agent receiver pool is no longer deep. If the 2024 draft class wasn't as promising at the position as it is, Williams might already have a new home.
17. 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.
16. 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.
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Nos. 15-11
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15. 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.
14. 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.
13. 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.
12. 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.
11. 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.
10. Marquise Brown, WR, Arizona Cardinals
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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.
With Calvin Ridley now off the board, Brown becomes the top receiver available.
9. Connor Williams, OL, Miami Dolphins
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Connor Williams may have started free agency in the top 10 if he weren't coming off a torn ACL that he suffered in December. With the player pool dwindling, he's there now.
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.
That said, now that the guard market has already begun drying up—Jon Runyan, Graham Glasgow, Kevin Dotson and Robert Hunt are among those who signed new deals before the start of free agency—Williams becomes a top option to consider.
8. Stephon Gilmore, CB, Dallas Cowboys
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If Stephon Gilmore was a couple of years younger, he would likely have entered free agency as a top-10 target.
Now that cornerbacks like Jaylon Johnson, L'Jarius Sneed, Chidobe Awuzie and Kenny Moore II are unavailable to sign, Gilmore is a top-tier 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.
7. Justin Simmons, S, Denver Broncos
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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.
6. Kamren Curl, S, Washington Commanders
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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.
5. Chase Young, Edge, San Francisco 49ers
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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.
With pass-rushers like Danielle Hunter, Jonathan Greenard, Za'Darius Smith, Brian Burns and Josh Allen off the table, Young becomes a top target for defense-needy teams.
4. Trent Brown, OT, New England Patriots
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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. With tackles Jermaine Eluemunor and Chukwuma Okorafor off the board, interest in Brown should be on the rise.
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.
3. D.J. Reader, DT, Cincinnati Bengals
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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.
2. Devin White, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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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.
There has been an early run on linebackers, with players like Patrick Queen, Lavonte David, Anthony Walker and Frankie Luvu getting gobbled up over the first two days. White shouldn't be available for long.
1. Kendall Fuller, CB, Washington Commanders
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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 player available at a very premium position.
*Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference unless otherwise noted.
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