Best Remaining 2024 NFL Free Agents Still Available Entering June
With the 2024 NFL draft in the books and organized team activities (OTAs) well underway, free agency may feel like an afterthought. However, as the calendar flips to June, many quality free agents as still unsigned and are likely to find new homes in the coming weeks.
The list of notable players who signed last June included pass-rusher Leonard Floyd, cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon and receiver Demarcus Robinson.
Our initial free-agency big board has largely been exhausted, but a handful of top options from our March 14 rankings list remains available. Here, we'll reassess the market and dive into the top 20 available free agents based on factors like past production, upside, age, positional value and injury concerns.
All players scouted and ranked by B/R NFL Scouting Department contributor Kris Knox.
20. RB Kareem Hunt
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A surprisingly active early market for running backs has left virtually no starting-caliber options. A few former starters, like Dalvin Cook, Cam Akers and Marlon Mack, are out there. However, Kareem Hunt is the top available back based on skill sets and 2023 production.
Hunt was brought back by the Cleveland Browns following Nick Chubb's season-ending knee injury in Week 2. While he has clearly lost the burst he had early in his career, he showed that he can still be a capable dual-threat and handle a significant workload—something backs like Cook and Akers didn't do last season.
While he averaged just 3.0 yards per carry, Hunt recorded 135 rushes, tallied 495 scrimmage yards and found the end zone nine times. He'll turn 29 in August, but he can still serve as a high-end short-yardage or goal-line back who isn't a liability on passing downs. After playing on a one-year, $1.4 million deal in 2023, Hunt should also be an affordable late addition.
Teams staring down a questionable backfield committee entering the summer should think long and hard about adding Hunt.
Hunt would be a solid insurance addition behind Gus Edwards and the oft-injured J.K. Dobbins for the Los Angeles Chargers. He'd make a lot of sense for the Dallas Cowboys too, who are set to rely on Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle and Royce Freeman.
Best Fits: Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Chargers
19. OT D.J. Humphries
2 of 20
To be fair, teams aren't likely to pursue former Arizona Cardinals starting left tackle D.J. Humphries with the intention of playing him early in 2024. The 30-year-old suffered a torn ACL on New Year's Eve and then had his surgery delayed by an MCL injury, which makes a return by Week 1 highly unlikely.
Still, the word on Humphries' recovery hasn't been all negative.
"Still looking good, the swelling is way down, moving good past 90 degree flexion, got my extension back, we're rolling," Humphries told the NetWorth with Justin Pugh podcast in March (h/t Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official website).
There's a chance that Humphries will be ready to contribute before the midpoint of the season, which makes him an intriguing insurance option for teams that need one at left tackle.
While Humphries has never been an elite tackle, he was a Pro Bowler in 2021 and has 98 starts on his resume. Expect teams to at least check in on his recovery between now and the start of training camp and to consider scooping him up if they aren't thrilled with their left-tackle situations in camp.
The Washington Commanders could show interest, as they're likely to start either Cornelius Lucas—who was largely a backup in 2023—or rookie third-round pick Brandon Coleman in Week 1. Humphries previously played under new Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury in Arizona.
Dallas may also want to consider Humphries after losing Tyron Smith in free agency. Dallas is chasing a deep playoff run, and its best current option at left tackle is rookie first-round pick Tyler Guyton—whose college experience came at right tackle.
Best Fits: Dallas Cowboys, Washington Commanders
18. C Mason Cole
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Former Miami Dolphins interior lineman Connor Williams was ranked highly on our last free-agent board of early free agency despite coming off a torn ACL. However, an ensuing injury update from Williams' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, suggests that the 27-year-old isn't likely to return to the field at all in 2024.
Williams' situation makes Mason Cole the top center remaining on the 2024 market. The Pittsburgh Steelers released the 28-year-old, who started all 17 games last season, in a cap-savings move.
Like Humphries, Cole has never been among the best players at his position. However, he's started 34 games over the past two years and has 73 starts on his resume. He's still young enough to be considered a viable long-term option too.
There are two fairly obvious landing spots for Cole, both involving rookies at the same position.
The Steelers drafted Zach Frazier in the second round to replace Cole. However, if Frazier doesn't develop as quickly as Pittsburgh had hoped, a reunion would make plenty of sense. The Steelers are trying to earn their first playoff win since 2016 and have quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields for one year to try to make it happen.
The Cowboys, who lost Tyler Biadasz in free agency, are in a similar situation, as quarterback Dak Prescott and receiver CeeDee Lamb are both impending 2025 free agents.
Dallas used a third-round pick on Cooper Beebe to fill its void at center, but Beebe has never played the position before. If Guyton doesn't quickly adapt to playing on the left side—and the Cowboys don't find a veteran alternative—they may have to consider moving Tyler Smith from guard to tackle and starting Beebe at left guard. Adding Cole would then help round out Dallas' line.
Best Fits: Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers
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17. OT David Bakhtiari
4 of 20
Longtime Green Bay Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari, a two-time first-team All-Pro, has been among the best players at his position before. Unfortunately, back and knee injuries have limited the 32-year-old to just 13 games over the past three seasons.
Unlike Humphries, though, Bakhtiari appears likely to be available at the start of the season.
"Bakhtiari, who is recovering from knee surgeries, had a positive follow-up exam with expert Dr. Brian Cole, and Cole proclaimed him on schedule for a 2024 season return," NFL Media's Ian Rapoport posted on X on May 21.
While there's no guarantee that Bakhtiari will return to pre-injury form, his past production should make him incredibly enticing to tackle-needy teams who believe they can win this season.
The Kansas City Chiefs, who have won back-to-back Super Bowls, are clearly ready to win now. However, they have some uncertainty at left tackle after not retaining 2023 starter Donovan Smith.
Kansas City is primed to hold a competition between second-round rookie Kingsley Suamataia and 2023 third-round pick Wanya Morris, who played just 37 percent of the offensive snaps as a rookie.
The New Orleans Saints should also consider taking a flier on Bakhtiari. New Orleans won nine games in 2023 and could make a run in the NFC South this season.
Trevor Penning hasn't panned out as a starting left tackle, and while the Saints used a first-round pick on Taliese Fuaga, Fuaga was a right tackle in college and could potentially play inside as well.
Adding Bakhtiari could allow the Saints to transition Fuaga into the left-side role slowly and/or use him as insurance at other positions. It's worth noting that right tackle Ryan Ramczyk's ongoing knee issues leave some uncertainty about his future.
Best Fits: Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints
16. S Micah Hyde
5 of 20
The value of safety Micah Hyde might be a bit lower than it was when our last big board was constructed. The draft has come and gone, and it feels increasingly likely that the 33-year-old will either return to the Buffalo Bills or not play in 2024.
"I'm enjoying my time with the family. And if there's a case where I can get back on the football field, I would love to do it. Especially in this uniform, in front of these fans," Hyde said earlier this month during his charity softball game, per Jonah Bronstein of WIVB 4 Buffalo.
However, Hyde is still a starting-quality safety. This past season, he started 14 games and finished with 54 total tackles, seven passes defended and two interceptions.
A return to Buffalo would make the most sense, for Hyde and for the Bills. Buffalo did extend safety Taylor Rapp and use a second-round pick on Utah's Cole Bishop. However, Hyde's former running mate, Jordan Poyer, joined the rival Dolphins in free agency.
Bringing back Hyde would give the Bills some continuity on the back end. And if Hyde does consider playing elsewhere, the New York Giants could provide a logical fit.
Giants head coach Brian Daboll, who previously served as Buffalo's offensive coordinator, has never shied away from signing former Bills. The Giants are also facing the challenge of replacing standout safety Xavier McKinney, who departed in free agency.
Best Fits: Buffalo Bills, New York Giants
15. WR Michael Thomas
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Former Saints star Michael Thomas hasn't played a full season or been a Pro Bowler since 2019. The injuries that have plagued him ever since make it hard to believe that the 31-year-old will ever be an elite wideout again.
However, Thomas is still a 6'3", 212-pound target and one of the top route-runners in the NFL. He showed flashes of his previous form in 2023, finishing with 39 catches for 448 yards and a touchdown in 10 games.
Thomas is very much worth a flier based on his experience, route-savvy and measurables alone. He'd be particularly valuable to a team with an underwhelming receiving corps and a young quarterback who could benefit from said experience.
The Denver Broncos are a logical fit for Thomas for a few reasons. For one, Denver employs longtime Saints head coach Sean Payton and offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael. Secondly, the Broncos are looking to develop rookie quarterback Bo Nix.
Lastly, Denver lacks proven talent at the receiver position behind Courtland Sutton and free-agent addition Josh Reynolds. Thomas might not be a particularly prolific receiver in Denver, but he'd help Nix acclimate to Payton's offense.
Thomas could also aid the New England Patriots, who still have arguably the league's most lackluster receiving corps, even after using a second-round pick on Ja'Lynn Polk.
The Patriots may start the season with journeyman Jacoby Brissett at quarterback, but at some point, they're likely to turn the page to rookie third overall selection Drake Maye.
Best Fits: Denver Broncos, New England Patriots
14. WR Hunter Renfrow
7 of 20
We're giving former Las Vegas Raiders receiver Hunter Renfrow an edge over Thomas because he's younger (28) and has been more productive more recently. Renfrow was a Pro Bowl receiver in 2021 before a concussion and an oblique injury marred his 2022 campaign.
Renfrow fell out of favor in the Raiders offense last season and was released this offseason.
While Renfrow doesn't possess the raw physical attributes of a receiver like Thomas, he's shown that he can be an effective playmaker out of the slot. There's little reason to believe he can't return to his 2021 form, and he remains one of the most intriguing players available.
The Saints would be a logical fit for Renfrow, as they now employ his former quarterback Derek Carr. New Orleans has capable receivers in Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, but it could still benefit from giving Carr a target with whom he has previously thrived.
The Patriots would also be a sensible suitor for Renfrow. New England's top returning receiver, DeMario Douglas, had just 561 receiving yards last season. Their second-most productive wideout, Kendrick Bourne, is recovering from a torn ACL.
While the Patriots did add Polk and former Minnesota Vikings receiver K.J. Osborn this offseason, they should be eyeing every option for upgrading Maye's supporting cast during his rookie campaign.
Best Fits: New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints
13. Edge Emmanuel Ogbah
8 of 20
Pass-rushers, even complementary ones, remain extremely valuable in the NFL. Emmanuel Ogbah has never registered a double-digit-sack season but has been a reliable contributor at every stop.
Ogbah spent time with the Cleveland Browns and the Chiefs before settling in with the Dolphins over the past four seasons. During his career, the 30-year-old has rushed from both the linebacker and defensive end spots. While Ogbah has been most productive as an end—he had 18 sacks in his first two years with the Dolphins—versatility is important.
Last season, Ogbah was used as more of a rotational defensive lineman and still registered 5.5 sacks and 15 quarterback pressures.
Just about any defense could use a consistent defender who can get after opposing quarterbacks and set the edge. However, two stand out because of Ogbah's skill set and experience.
The Philadelphia Eagles added edge-rusher Bryce Huff this offseason but also traded Haason Reddick. A team with Super Bowl aspirations can never have too many edge-rushers, and Ogbah spent last season playing for new Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
The Saints tend to rush from the end position, which would make Ogbah a natural fit. New Orleans also just lost defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon to a torn Achilles.
The Saints still have Cameron Jordan and Carl Granderson. They also added Chase Young in free agency. However, replacing Kpassagnon, who appeared in 32 games over the past two seasons, is now a priority. Ogbah could help New Orleans do just that.
Best Fits: New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles
12. S Jayron Kearse
9 of 20
While safety isn't a premier position like offensive tackle, edge-rusher or cornerback, it's starting to trend in that direction. Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. recently reset the defensive-back market with an extension worth just over $21 million annually.
Jayron Kearse isn't on Winfield's level, but the eight-year veteran has been an extremely valuable defender during his career. Injuries impacted his 2023 campaign with the Cowboys, but he still finished the season allowing an opposing passer rating of just 79.6 in coverage.
Instinctual, versatile and with terrific length (6'4", 215 lbs), Kearse should interest several teams that need help on the back end.
A return to Dallas is unlikely because of the Cowboys' cap situation ($1.9 million available), uncertainty along the offensive line and looming extensions with Prescott, Lamb and Micah Parsons. However, a return to the NFC East could be in Kearse's future.
As previously mentioned, the Giants are in the process of replacing Xavier McKinney at safety. New York did use a second-round pick on Tyler Nubin, but Kearse would provide a tremendous bit of veteran insurance to the secondary.
The Commanders would make even more sense for Kearse, as former Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is now the head coach. Washington added Jeremy Chinn to its safety room this offseason but also lost standout Kamren Curl.
Kearse could help reload Washington's secondary while helping to install Quinn's defense alongside former Cowboys teammates Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr.
Best Fits: New York Giants, Washington Commanders
11. S Jamal Adams
10 of 20
The play of safety Jamal Adams has fallen off considerably in recent years. He was an All-Pro with the Jets in 2019 and returned to the Pro Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks the following year. However, injuries and inconsistent play have diluted Adams' impact over the last three seasons.
Even in 2020, Adams shined as more of a hybrid linebacker/edge-rusher than a true safety. He allowed an opposing passer rating of 104.7 that season but also recorded 9.5 sacks and 26 quarterback pressures.
There's value to be found in adding a versatile defender like Adams, even if he never returns to an elite level of play.
A return to Seattle—where he could be utilized by new head coach and former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald—would be logical. Macdonald will be tasked with turning around a defense that ranked 30th overall last season. A defender who can get after opposing quarterbacks and provide serviceable second-level defense would be a boon.
Adams would also make sense for the rival San Francisco 49ers, who appear to be a piece or two away from finally knocking off the Chiefs and lifting the Lombardi Trophy. Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times reported last month that the 49ers are interested in adding Adams.
"Sources said the San Francisco 49ers are one of a handful of teams who have kept in touch with Adams, so the Seahawks could have some competition for the former All-Pro safety."
San Francisco should indeed be interested in adding its own defensive chess piece while potentially weakening a division rival.
Best Fits: San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks
10. Edge Yannick Ngakoue
11 of 20
Yannick Ngakoue is a fairly one-dimensional edge defender, as run support has never been his strongest attribute. However, the 29-year-old has been consistently good at getting after opposing quarterbacks.
Prior to his 2023 campaign with the Chicago Bears, which was ended prematurely by a broken ankle, Ngakoue had recorded at least eight sacks in every pro season. He had 10 sacks for the Raiders in 2021 and 9.5 sacks for the Indianapolis Colts in 2022.
While the ankle injury does carry some level of risk, a workout video Ngakoue posted on May 2 suggests that he could soon be back to pre-injury form. Teams probably shouldn't target Ngakoue as a full-time starter on the edge, but he should draw heavy interest as a situational pass-rusher.
Coincidentally, two of his former teams are among those that should be most interested in adding Ngakoue.
The Raiders have Maxx Crosby and ascending edge-rusher Malcolm Koonce. However, those were the only edge defenders to record four or more sacks for Las Vegas last season. 2023 first-round pick Tyree Wilson remains a project, and the Raiders could use a deeper pass-rush rotation in a division that features Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert.
The Ravens, who employed Ngakoue for nine games in 2020, should also be interested. While defensive tackle Justin Madubuike led Baltimore with 13 sacks last season, Jadeveon Clowney led the edge-rushing rotation with 9.5 sacks.
Baltimore retained Brent Urban and Kyle Van Noy this offseason, but it has yet to replace Clowney. Ngakoue could help fill that void.
Best Fits: Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders
9. OT Charles Leno Jr.
12 of 20
No one is going to argue that Charles Leno Jr. is among the NFL's top left tackles. His only Pro Bowl came in 2018, and the Chicago Bears parted with Leno just two years later.
However, Leno does have extensive experience playing left tackle, recording 141 starts with the Bears and Commanders. He's also been fairly durable, starting 34 games between 2021 and 2022 and 13 games in 2023 before landing on injured reserve with a calf injury.
Though he'll turn 33 in October, Leno is still a serviceable starter. Last season with Washington, he was responsible for 10 penalties but only three sacks allowed, according to Pro Football Focus.
At this point in his career, Leno should be an affordable option well-suited to fill an insurance role for a playoff hopeful.
Leno would be another strong option for the Cowboys as a backup to or competition for Guyton. Leno has spent the last three seasons battling NFC East pass-rushers, and that experience could be very valuable in Dallas.
The Ravens might also want to consider Leno as insurance behind Ronnie Stanley.
Ankle injuries ended Stanley's 2020 and 2021 campaigns prematurely, and the 30-year-old battled a knee issue for much of 2023. Baltimore is primed for a Super Bowl push but will already have a new starter at right tackle in rookie second-round pick Roger Rosengarten. Losing Stanley for any length of time could prove disastrous.
Baltimore also happens to now employ Washington's 2023 offensive line coach, Travelle Wharton, as its assistant offensive line coach.
Best Fits: Baltimore Ravens, Dallas Cowboys
8. Edge Calais Campbell
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Calais Campbell is 37 years old, but he's still one of the best available defenders at any position. Capable of rushing the quarterback from the edge or stonewalling running backs as a down lineman, the six-time Pro Bowler is a productive and versatile playmaker.
Last season with the Atlanta Falcons, Campbell recorded 56 tackles, 6.5 sacks and 24 quarterback pressures. While he hasn't fully committed to playing in 2024, Campbell hasn't shut the door on the idea either.
"I'm gonna go through my process, but I'm leaning toward playing again," Campbell told Kelly Price of Fox 5 Atlanta in January.
Campbell, who played for the Ravens from 2020 to '22, is another pass-rusher who would make sense for Baltimore. While Mike Macdonald is no longer the defensive coordinator, new defensive coordinator Zach Orr was a Ravens linebackers coach in Campbell's final year with the franchise.
Baltimore is seeking a Super Bowl in 2024 and needs a deeper pass-rushing rotation.
The rival Cincinnati Bengals would also be a logical fit for Campbell. Cincinnati lost standout defensive tackle D.J. Reader in free agency. While it took steps to replace him—signing Sheldon Rankins and drafting Kris Jenkins and McKinnley Jackson—it added nothing to an edge rotation that lacked depth behind Trey Hendrickson.
Hendrickson recorded 17.5 of Cincinnati's 44 sacks in 2023 and was the only Bengal to record more than six quarterback takedowns.
Cincinnati is hoping that a healthy Joe Burrow will make it a Super Bowl contender in 2024, but bolstering a defense that ranked 31st overall last season couldn't hurt.
Best Fits: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals
7. QB Ryan Tannehill
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Realistically, Ryan Tannehill won't be in demand this late in the offseason unless there's a significant injury at the position. The former Dolphins starter revived his career with the Tennessee Titans but has regressed in recent seasons.
Tannehill's career peaked in 2019, when he made the Pro Bowl in his first season with Tennessee. He's been above-average at best since then and lost his starting job to second-round pick Will Levis last season.
While the 35-year-old has never been a particularly cerebral signal-caller, his combination of athleticism and arm talent has led to spurts of high-level play. He's unlikely to recapture his 2019 magic at this stage in his career, but Tannehill is the best potential bridge option available should any team need one.
Barring an injury, though, it's hard to identify a firm fit for Tannehill. New England might consider him if Brissett doesn't thrill in training camp and Maye appears unprepared to start in Week 1.
Like Tannehill, Maye possesses a great blend of athleticism and arm talent, though he's a bit unpolished. Theoretically, the Patriots could install plays for Tannehill that would also play to Maye's strengths if and when the rookie is prepared to take over.
The Steelers could also be a fit for Tannehill, if they covet more veteran depth behind Wilson and Fields. Pittsburgh has Kyle Allen on its roster, but Tannehill is already familiar with new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith—who held the same role in Tennessee in 2019.
Tannehill's true best fit, however, will be with the first team that finds itself in need of a starting quarterback. In a veteran player pool that includes the likes of Brian Hoyer, Trevor Siemian and Blaine Gabbert, Tannehill is the best signal-caller available.
Best Fits: New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers
6. CB Patrick Peterson
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Patrick Peterson spent some time at safety with Pittsburgh last season, but it doesn't sound as if the eight-time Pro Bowler is eager to make a full-time position switch.
"I don't want to start at safety because that's a different animal back there," Peterson told the NFL on Fox podcast in April (h/t NFL.com's Bobby Kownack).
As a cornerback, Peterson still has something left in the proverbial tank. He'll turn 34 in July, but he was a 16-game starter in 2023 and allowed an opposing passer rating of 91.5 in coverage—not great, but not terrible either.
Still, Peterson's age may limit his market to teams looking to make a run this season. A return to Pittsburgh would make sense, assuming the Steelers are willing to keep him at cornerback.
"Hopefully I can get something done with the Steelers," Peterson told The Jim Rome Show on May 21 (h/t Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports).
Pittsburgh traded for Donte Jackson this offseason, but it doesn't exactly have a glut of depth behind Jackson and Joey Porter Jr.
Peterson would also make plenty of sense for the Chiefs, who traded L'Jarius Sneed this offseason. Kansas City has a couple of talented young corners in Jaylen Watson and Trent McDuffie. However, a championship-caliber defense can never have too much cornerback depth.
And if Peterson is looking to finish his career with a ring, there isn't a more attractive team for him than the Chiefs.
Best Fits: Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs
5. OT Donovan Smith
16 of 20
Donovan Smith isn't an elite left tackle, and he certainly hasn't performed better than Bakhtiari when both have been healthy. Over the past two seasons, Smith was responsible for 21 penalties and eight sacks allowed, according to Pro Football Focus.
That said, Smith doesn't carry significant injury concerns and has an enviable amount of postseason experience—having won Super Bowls with both the Buccaneers and the Chiefs.
Set to turn 31 next month, Smith should have a few good seasons left in the proverbial tank.
A return to Kansas City would make plenty of sense, if the Chiefs' competition between Suamataia and Morris doesn't yield a clear-cut starter by mid-training camp. Smith would also be a logical addition to the Patriots.
New England lost Trent Brown in free agency and doesn't have an established starting left tackle on the roster. Its options include former Steelers starting right tackle Chukwuma Okorafor and rookie third-round pick Caedan Wallace.
It's not an ideal situation for the Patriots, who are looking to develop Maye at quarterback this season.
New England is entering a new era with Maye and rookie head coach Jerod Mayo. While Mayo experienced his fair share of winning as a player with the Patriots, many members of the new-look roster haven't.
Smith may be an average-to-above-average starter, but he can help show a rebuilding roster what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
Best Fits: Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots
4. CB Xavien Howard
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Xavien Howard, who will turn 31 in July, is younger than Peterson but is coming off a foot injury. His play over the past couple of seasons has also been a bit on the inconsistent side.
While Howard was a Pro Bowler in 2022, he allowed an opposing passer rating of 101.2 in coverage. He was more reliable in 2023 (81.3 opposing passer rating), but he was also limited to 13 games.
Still, Howard's release in Miami had far more to do with his $25.9 million cap hit than his on-field performance. For him, it'll be all about finding the right opportunity.
The Eagles and a reunion with Vic Fangio could make plenty of sense for Howard. Former Dolphins teammate Jalen Ramsey appeared to criticize Fangio's use of Ramsey and Howard on social media back in February, but there's no guarantee that Howard feels similarly.
It's also worth noting that Howard's 2023 rebound came under Fangio. The Eagles took significant steps to reload their cornerback room this offseason, using their first two draft picks on Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. Adding a seasoned veteran like Howard, though, couldn't hurt.
The Houston Texans appear poised for a serious playoff run and would also make sense for Howard. Houston added Jeff Okudah and C.J. Henderson before drafting cornerback Kamari Lassiter, but a veteran of Howard's caliber couldn't possibly hurt. And Howard, who was born in Houston, is interested in being that missing piece.
"I wouldn't say I've always been a Houston Texans fan, but this offseason, I'm a Houston Texans fan," Howard said, per Matt Young of the Houston Chronicle.
Best Fits: Houston Texans, Philadelphia Eagles
3. CB Steven Nelson
18 of 20
While Steven Nelson isn't as big of a name as Howard, he's been far more consistent over the past couple of years while also being incredibly reliable. The 31-year-old allowed an opposing passer rating of 80.5 in 2022 and an opposing passer rating of 73.3 in 2023.
It's worth noting that Nelson played in two very different defensive systems in 2022 and 2023. He also played at least 92 percent of the defensive snaps in games in which he appeared over the past six seasons.
Nelson's schematic versatility and availability should be two huge selling points at this time in the offseason. Teams should view him as a player who can provide immediate depth while working his way into a prominent role quickly.
The Packers would be wise to consider adding Nelson before the start of training camp. Jaire Alexander is a proven No. 1 corner, but Eric Stokes has yet to solidify his role. Stokes showed flashes as a 2021 rookie but was limited to 12 games over the past two seasons by ankle and hamstring injuries.
Nelson would also be a very sensible fit for the 49ers, who struggled against elite quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson last season. Nelson thrived under DeMeco Ryans in 2023, and one can assume that he'd find many similarities between Ryans' scheme and San Francisco's.
New 49ers defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen was a defensive assistant under Ryans in 2022 before being promoted to defensive pass game specialist last year.
Best Fits: Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers
2. CB Stephon Gilmore
19 of 20
Even though he'll turn 34 in September, Stephon Gilmore is the top cornerback left on the market. He was fantastic with the Cowboys last season, starting all 17 games and playing 94 percent of the defensive snaps.
Gilmore allowed an opposing passer rating of only 82.7 in coverage in 2023 despite being targeted 95 times. The Cowboys never seemed to make re-signing Gilmore a priority, so the five-time Pro Bowler has been eyeing other opportunities.
"I'm still focused on playing, but it has to be the right opportunity," Gilmore told reporter Josina Anderson in a phone interview. "I feel like it's the age thing with some of these teams. If I was 28, I would already have been signed by now."
Indeed, Gilmore may be valued most by teams in a win-now window.
The Chiefs would be an ideal fit for Gilmore, given their status as defending champions. Gilmore could likely step right into a starting role and would likely thrive under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
The Bengals should also be interested in Gilmore. Cincinnati has one ascending star in Cam Taylor-Britt and a solid nickel corner in Mike Hilton. However, the Bengals secondary was a lackluster unit overall last season.
No defense allowed more net yards per pass attempt than Cincinnati did in 2023. Gilmore could help improve the Bengals defense and help get Cincinnati back on a Super Bowl track.
Best Fits: Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals
1. S Justin Simmons
20 of 20
While former Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons never quite lived up to the then-record four-year, $61 million contract he signed in 2021, he was never a complete disappointment either.
Simmons earned his second Pro Bowl selection last season and was a second-team All-Pro selection in both 2022 and 2021. He finished his 2023 campaign with 70 tackles, a sack, three interceptions and an 89.1 opposing passer rating.
While the 30-year-old safety might not be a clearly better player than Gilmore at this point in their respective careers, he gets the nod in our rankings because of the lingering free-agent landscape.
Simply put, the gap between Simmons and the rest of the safety market is quite substantial.
That's why Simmons should be high on the Ravens' wish list. Baltimore has two solid starters in Kyle Hamilton and Marcus Williams, but it regularly used a three-deep rotation in 2023. The Ravens, who lost Geno Stone in free agency, are apparently looking to maintain that formula and have been hunting for more safety depth.
The Ravens recently brought in Jamal Adams for a visit. However, Simmons' status as a deep playmaking safety makes him an even better fit for Baltimore.
The Eagles should also consider bringing in Simmons, even after bringing back safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson in free agency. Reed Blankenship (99.9 opposing passer rating) was mostly just OK last season, and Philly could use more help on the back end.
Simmons' penchant for game-changing plays would be huge for the Eagles defense, and he would bring some schematic familiarity. Vic Fangio was Denver's head coach in 2020, when Simmons earned his first career Pro Bowl nod.
Best Fits: Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles
*Cap and contract information via Spotrac. *Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference unless otherwise noted.
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