2024 NFL Free Agents: Rumors, Predictions for Dalvin Cook, Justin Simmons, More
The 2024 preseason will pick back up on Thursday night, as the NFL continues to inch closer toward real, meaningful football. However, this doesn't mean that the offseason player movement has reached its conclusion.
While much of the recent buzz has surrounded contract holdouts and potential trade candidates like Brandon Aiyuk and Matthew Judon—who the New England Patriots dealt to the Atlanta Falcons on Wednesday—some solid veterans remain unsigned on the open market.
Many of the top remaining free agents are likely to find homes in the coming weeks, as training camps reveal weaknesses, injuries mount and roster cuts commence.
Here, you'll find a look at some of the latest free-agent buzz, along with a few predictions.
RB Dalvin Cook
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There was a time when Dalvin Cook was regularly mentioned among the league's top running backs. But the four-time Pro Bowler with the Minnesota Vikings has lost a lot of luster over the past year or so.
The 29-year-old joined the New York Jets late in 2023 free agency and never earned a prominent role in the offense. He tallied just 292 scrimmage yards and 3.2 yards per carry before being released after 15 games.
While Cook saw a handful of carries in the postseason with the Baltimore Ravens, he's been on the open market all offseason and hasn't generated a ton of buzz. He could still provide some value, though, especially since he wasn't heavily used last season.
In 2022, his final year as a full-time starter, he topped 1,400 scrimmage yards and scored 10 touchdowns.
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Cook "has shown interest" in playing for the Dallas Cowboys. It's a pairing that, on paper, would make sense. Dallas brought back Ezekiel Elliott to lead an underwhelming backfield committee that also includes Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn and Royce Freeman.
However, it doesn't feel like Cook is the sort of high-profile player the Cowboys would want to add. They haven't made any moves to upgrade their backfield since Elliott was signed post-draft. If they do add another running back, a more budget-friendly option after August 27 roster cuts feels like the most likely outcome.
The prediction here is that Cook does find work in 2024 but not in Dallas.
Prediction: Cook Does Not Sign With the Cowboys
S Justin Simmons
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Cook's lengthy stay on the free-agent market isn't altogether unsurprising, given the fact that he didn't sign with New York until mid-August last year. However, few would have expected to see Justin Simmons still available this late in the offseason.
Simmons started 15 games for the Denver Broncos last season, snagged three interceptions and earned his second career Pro Bowl nod. Though he'll turn 31 in November, he was widely viewed as one of the top safeties in this year's free-agent class and can likely provide a big defensive boost in 2024.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Monday that, per a source, Simmons was set for a two-day visit with the Atlanta Falcons. the Boston College product had previously met with the New Orleans Saints.
Atlanta's interest in Simmons is logical, as DeMarcco Hellams suffered an ankle injury in the preseason opener.
"He'll be out for a little bit," head coach Raheem Morris said, per Daniel Flick of SI.com.
In theory, pairing Simmons with Jessie Bates III would give Atlanta a terrific tandem on the back end of the defense. The potential problem is that the Falcons acquired Judon for a third-round pick, according to Rapoport, which, for now, puts them over the salary cap.
Teams regularly find ways to manipulate the salary cap—extending/restructuring Kyle Pitts could for Atlanta—but the Falcons may not be able to splurge on two big defensive additions this close to final roster cuts.
And if the Saints were close to securing Simmons, he probably wouldn't have made his way out of New Orleans and into Atlanta.
The prediction here is that his search for the right fit will continue.
Prediction: Simmons Does Not Sign With the Falcons or Saints
CB Stephon Gilmore
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Simmons isn't the only Pro Bowl defensive back still available. Cornerback Stephon Gilmore has been on the market all offseason after spending 2023 with the Dallas Cowboys.
While Gilmore's last Pro Bowl campaign was in 2021, he was a very reliable player in Dallas. He started all 17 games last season and allowed an opposing passer rating of only 82.7 in coverage.
The 33-year-old met with the Minnesota Vikings on Monday but left without a contract. Based on comments from head coach Kevin O'Connell, it sounds as if it was a very preliminary meeting.
"I always think it's a positive when we can just allow guys to get a little sneak preview, sneak peek of what they may be joining if all things work out." he said, per Andrew Krammer of the Star Tribune.
Gilmore might still end up in Minnesota, though a lot may hinge on any other offers—or a lack thereof—that come his way before the end of the preseason.
"I'm just being patient and waiting for the right opportunity," Gilmore said in June, per Nick O'Malley of MassLive.
Presumably, he would prefer to land with a contender at this stage in his career. The closer he gets to the regular season, though, the more willing Gilmore may be to accept a starting opportunity—and the rebuilding Vikings can offer him that.
With $16.7 million in effective cap space, they can also offer him a starting-caliber contract.
Prediction: Gilmore Signs with the Vikings Before Week 1
*Cap and contract information via Spotrac. Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference.
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