Bargain Free-Agent Contracts for Teams to Fill Needs Before 2024 NFL Draft

While the 2024 NFL draft ascends on the horizon, free agency has slowed to a relative crawl around the league.

Every roster has needs to fill, but most franchises are content to wait for the results of the draft before addressing them. That is, of course, a perfectly sound strategy.

Still, there are some potential bargains worth pursuing right now.

For each of these free agents, they are connected to a place that has playing time available at their respective position. The projected contracts and landing spots are subjective.

Quick note: Remember that a bargain is relative to the position. Wide receivers are more expensive than offensive linemen, for example.

J.K. Dobbins, RB

Patrick Smith/Getty Images

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: J.K. Dobbins #27 of the Baltimore Ravens runs the ball past Derek Stingley Jr. #24 of the Houston Texans for a touchdown during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 10, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Injuries, man. The worst.

J.K. Dobbins put together a strong debut in 2020, rushing for 805 yards at 6.0 per carry and scoring nine touchdowns. He looked like he'd be a regular contributor for the Baltimore Ravens in future years.

Instead, two significant knee injuries and an Achilles tear have limited him to nine appearances over the last three seasons.

That injury history is a concern, for sure. Dobbins is only 25, though, and he excelled when available in 2020 and 2022. It's too early for everyone to look past a runner of his caliber, especially a playoff/Super Bowl contender that can afford the attached risk.

Dobbins likely won't command a multi-year offer, but he could put himself back in that picture with a healthy and productive 2024.

Contract: 1 year, $2 million with Kansas City Chiefs

Michael Thomas, WR

Perry Knotts/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS, LA - OCTOBER 19: Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Caesars Superdome on October 19, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

At this point, it would be sensible for Michael Thomas to wait until the 2024 NFL draft is complete. The class is strong at the position, so plenty of teams will be picking a receiver early on.

One rookie wideout won't fix several receiving corps, though.

For example, the Los Angeles Chargers are incredibly thin after releasing Mike Williams and trading Keenan Allen. Both the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers have suspect depth in the wake of shipping out Stefon Diggs and Diontae Johnson, respectively.

Given that Thomas has only played 20 games during the last four seasons, the injury risk is apparent. However, he played reasonably well in 2023 and still has upside at 31 years old.

The three-time Pro Bowler needs a prove-it contract and playing time to rehab his value, and the cap-strapped Chargers can offer exactly that.

Contract: 1 year, $5 million with Los Angeles Chargers

Chris Hubbard, OT

Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images

CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 24: Chris Hubbard #66 of the Tennessee Titans blocks Grant Delpit #22 of the Cleveland Browns during the first half at Cleveland Browns Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)

While it is possible to have too many starting-caliber linemen, it's realistically near-impossible to achieve.

That's the long version of saying Chris Hubbard should be able to catch on somewhere soon. He signed with the Tennessee Titans shortly before training camp in 2023, earned a starting role at right tackle and quietly assembled a solid nine-game run before a biceps injury.

Even if the 32-year-old is viewed as a swing tackle, that opening sentence is important. Injuries are inevitable during the season, and he's good enough to hold a first-string job.

One coach in particular should know it well.

Tim Kelly coordinated the Tennessee offense in 2023, and he's now an assistant with the New York Giants—a roster that needs reinforcements up front.

Contract: 1 year, $1.8 million with New York Giants

Brian Allen, C

Ric Tapia/Getty Images

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 8: Brian Allen #55 of the Los Angeles Rams on the sideline during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at SoFi Stadium on October 8, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images)

The starting center of the Los Angeles Rams' run to a Super Bowl in 2021, Brian Allen has faded in recent years.

In 2022, he only played in five games because of knee and thumb injuries. Last season, he mustered just 34 snaps in five appearances after Coleman Shelton landed the starting nod at center.

Still, Allen's resume is screaming bounce-back candidate.

While the Dallas Cowboys may have a rookie in mind—Jackson Powers-Johnson looks appealing at No. 24 overall—adding a player like the Michigan State product can reduce the make-or-break feel around the position.

Allen, who turns 29 this season, deserves at least one more opportunity to anchor an offensive line.

Contract: 1 year, $3 million with Dallas Cowboys

Markus Golden, Edge

Joe Sargent/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 02: Markus Golden #44 of the Pittsburgh Steelers sacks Will Levis #8 of the Tennessee Titans in the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium on November 02, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

Bargains don't need to become surprise every-down stars.

The best production of Markus Golden's career is likely in the past, yet he can still be an effective pass-rusher.

Last season, he only played 22 percent of snaps in Pittsburgh. He managed four sacks—and a fifth in the postseason—showing he can offer valuable depth at a particularly vital position.

Now, the main question is whether Golden wants to prioritize playing time or a playoff run. If the former, the Denver Broncos are an appealing spot; if the latter, the Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins are among the several landing spots that make sense.

Consider it a suspicion that the 33-year-old—one with four career playoff games—will be eyeing a Super Bowl.

Contract: 1 year, $1.5 million with Miami Dolphins