2024 NFL Free Agency Predictions: Kirk Cousins, Josh Jacobs, and Mike Evans Each Sign With New Teams

2024 NFL Free Agency Predictions: Falcons Sign Kirk Cousins, Ravens Land Josh Jacobs, Bears Add Mike Evans, and More

NFL free agency is nearly here. The legal tampering period will open on March 11, while the official start of the free agent period will kick off on March 13. With so much on the horizon, let’s run through the top NFL free agents and make one prediction for each club.

We’ve attempted to make these predictions as realistic as possible. Teams with large swaths of cap space will dominate the offseason, while clubs with limited funds will have to sit back and choose from the leftovers.

Here’s our best guess as to how the 2024 NFL offseason could play out.

NFL Free Agency Predictions

Arizona Cardinals | Sign DT Justin Madubuike

With six selections in the first three rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Cardinals are set up to add a talented collection of young players to their rebuilding roster. But Arizona also has over $40 million in cap space, allowing the second-year general manager Monti Ossenfort to bring in several established veterans.

The Cards’ defensive line was among the weakest units in the league last season, and three members of that uninspiring group are pending free agents. It’s time for Arizona to reset by signing Justin Madubuike, assuming the Baltimore Ravens don’t franchise him.

Madubuike won’t turn 27 until November, so he fits with the Cardinals’ youthful core. After setting new career highs with 13 sacks and 33 QB hits, the second-team All-Pro can give Arizona’s interior defensive line a pass-rushing element that it sorely missed in 2023.

Atlanta Falcons | Sign QB Kirk Cousins

While Kirk Cousins is 36 and coming off a torn Achilles, he should still be able to land between $30 million and $40 million annually on the open market. He could re-sign with the Minnesota Vikings, but they cannot franchise-tag him this offseason. Cousins will hit the open market, and the Falcons stand out as an obvious suitor.

New Atlanta OC Zac Robinson comes from the Los Angeles Rams and will run a Sean McVay-inspired scheme that Cousins is already intimately familiar with, thanks to his time with Vikings head coach (and former Rams staffer) Kevin O’Connell.

MORE: What Did Justin Fields Have To Say About the Falcons as a Possible Landing Spot?

The Falcons have $25 million in cap space, can rework existing contracts to create more room, and could structure Cousins’ deal to ensure his 2024 cap figure is limited.

With RB Bijan Robinson, WR Drake London, TE Kyle Pitts, an underrated offensive line, and a talented defense already in place, Atlanta is a quarterback away from contending next season — and Cousins is their best choice.

Baltimore Ravens | Sign RB Josh Jacobs

The Ravens boasted one of the NFL’s most efficient rushing attacks in 2023, but their backfield could look quite a bit different next season. Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins, Melvin Gordon, and Dalvin Cook are scheduled to reach the open market in March, while rookie phenom Keaton Mitchell will be recovering from a torn ACL.

Lamar Jackson’s gravity as a ground threat means Baltimore doesn’t necessarily have to spend on running back talent. But the Ravens could dip into a deep free agent RB class to find a long-term option like Josh Jacobs, who was franchised in 2023 but appears likely to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason.

Jacobs earned first-team All-Pro honors after leading the league in yards from scrimmage in 2022, but everything fell apart in 2023. Baltimore’s offense line is better than the Las Vegas Raiders OL Jacobs played behind last season, while his pass-catching prowess could work for the Ravens if Lamar stops scrambling as often as he ages.

Buffalo Bills | Sign EDGE Mike Danna

The Bills are in salary cap hell. Even after pulling every financial lever available this offseason, Buffalo still might only have $10 million to $15 million to spend in free agency.

While the Bills have needs elsewhere, defensive line help is a requirement given that eight members of the club’s DL rotation are on expiring contracts. We’re sending Mike Danna to Buffalo with the idea that he could be relatively cheap and offer the ability to slide inside on passing downs. He’s hardly a star, but Danna is productive and available — and that’s what the Bills need.

Carolina Panthers | Sign WR Marquise Brown

While the Panthers were reportedly eyeing a trade for a wide receiver before last year’s deadline, Bryce Young never saw any new options hit his pass-catching corps. Tee Higgins and Michael Pittman Jr. are nominally free agents this offseason, but Carolina will have to look farther down the WR board, with both likely to be franchised.

An average 2022-23 line of 59-642-4 isn’t the best platform for Marquise Brown’s free agency, but NFL teams are constantly looking for explosive plays in the passing game. The former first-rounder offers speed on the perimeter and is only 26 years old, aligning him with the Panthers’ rebuild.

Chicago Bears | Sign WR Mike Evans

The Bears will likely have Caleb Williams or Drake Maye under center next season, and enveloping either rookie quarterback with surrounding talent is a must for Chicago GM Ryan Poles. DJ Moore is a WR1, but there’s no reason the Bears shouldn’t examine bringing in another veteran pass catcher in March.

Assuming Tee Higgins and Michael Pittman Jr. are franchise-tagged, Mike Evans will be the top wide receiver on the market. That shouldn’t scare Chicago, which has nearly $70 million in cap space and could afford to give the 30-year-old a two-year deal in the $50 million range.

One of the most consistent players in NFL history, Evans has famously eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards in every season of his decade-long career. His penchant for winning contested catches could perfectly complement Moore’s yards-after-catch prowess, and adding Evans wouldn’t prevent the Bears from drafting an early-round WR in April.

Cincinnati Bengals | Sign DT Grover Stewart

The Bengals allowed the NFL’s second-worst rushing success rate on defense in 2023, and their performance against the run will only worsen if D.J. Reader — who tore his quad tendon in December — departs as a free agent.

Defensive tackle is arguably Cincinnati’s greatest need, as B.J. Hill and Zach Carter are the club’s current projected starters. Grover Stewart could buoy that interior rotation, and his age (30) and six-game PED suspension could reduce his asking price. He’s still a top run defender on the inside and can offer a bit of pass-rushing juice in the right situations.

Cleveland Browns | Sign LB Frankie Luvu

Cleveland’s defense was historically elite last season, and many of the unit’s key pieces will return in 2024. However, linebacker is one potential area of concern, as Sione Takitaki, Anthony Walker Jr., and three depth assets are hitting free agency.

The Browns tried to find a veteran LB to pair with incumbent Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah during the 2022 campaign, when they acquired Deion Jones from the Falcons. That move didn’t work out, but targeting Frankie Luvu might. A late-career breakout, Luvu was primarily a special teamer at the beginning of his NFL career but has since become a dominant force at the second level.

Dallas Cowboys | Re-Sign CB Stephon Gilmore

While the Cowboys rarely enter the market to sign external free agents, they made two significant trades last offseason, adding WR Brandin Cooks and CB Stephon Gilmore in low-cost moves.

MORE: Top Free Agent Cornerbacks

Gilmore is now a free agent, and his return couldn’t be more critical with fellow cornerback Trevon Diggs recovering from a torn ACL. The former Defensive Player of the Year will be 34 years old next season but still proved capable of playing single coverage last season. DaRon Bland could return to the slot if Gilmore re-signs and Diggs is ready for Week 1.

Denver Broncos | Sign CB Jeff Okudah

Denver is roughly $25 million over the salary cap, and 2024 is already looking like a rest season for Sean Payton and Co. The Broncos will likely release Russell Wilson and could draft a quarterback in the first round, but free agent additions will probably be few and far between.

If Denver spends a little bit of money, it might be at corner, where Fabian Moreau is a pending free agent after starting 11 games opposite Patrick Surtain II last season.

Jeff Okudah has often flashed after entering the league as a No. 3 overall selection in 2020, but injuries and ineffectiveness have largely derailed his career. The Broncos could take a chance, hoping Okudah can thrive alongside one of the NFL’s top CBs.

Detroit Lions | Sign EDGE Bryce Huff

The Lions could move in various directions this offseason, with free agent additions at WR, G, DT, and CB all in play over the next month. Detroit could also keep a strength a strength by bolstering its already-talented pass-rushing corps, which includes 11.5-sack artist Aidan Hutchinson and a host of other complementary talents.

Bryce Huff ranked top-two in pressure rate in each of the past two seasons, but he was never a full-time player for the New York Jets. He’s never played 500 defensive snaps in a single campaign. The Lions have the depth to account for Huff’s lack of availability, but they might also see if he could be similarly effective in an expanded role.

Green Bay Packers | Sign S Xavier McKinney

Youth reigns supreme in Green Bay, where the Packers have ascending talent on both sides of the ball and seem ready to compete for years to come. But safety is the club’s most apparent weak point heading into free agency, while Darnell Savage Jr., Rudy Ford, and Jonathan Owens are all on expiring contracts.

The Packers will create additional cap space by releasing OT David Bakhtiari this offseason, enabling them to add at least one high-end free agent. Xavier McKinney should be in consideration for Green Bay after posting the best season of his career with the New York Giants in 2023. But this year’s safety class will give the Packers options like Kamren Curl, Kyle Dugger, and Julian Blackmon.

Houston Texans | Sign DT Chris Jones

With C.J. Stroud, young weapons, and a solid offensive line in place, where will the Texans spend their $55 million in cap space? Let’s give DeMeco Ryans one of the premier free agents of this year’s class.

Chris Jones will hit unrestricted free agency after posting 26 sacks over the past two seasons. He tied for the league lead in pass rush win rate among defensive tackles (20%) in 2023 while being double-teamed at a higher clip than any other DT.

Jones is looking for one more massive payday, and Houston can afford it. With the reigning Offensive (Stroud) and Defensive (Will Anderson Jr.) Rookies of the Year on cheap contracts, the Texans could sign Jones and retain DE Jonathan Greenard, creating one of the most terrifying fronts in the league.

Indianapolis Colts | Sign CB Kendall Fuller

Although the Colts have historically been reticent to actively participate in free agency, this might be the time for GM Chris Ballard to make a move. Indianapolis has the sixth-most cap space in the NFL, Anthony Richardson on a rookie quarterback contract, and clear needs on its depth chart.

Adding a veteran cornerback to complement a young group of defensive backs might be the play, and Kendall Fuller stands out as a fit for Indy. No defense played more Cover 3 than Gus Bradley’s Colts last season, while Fuller’s passer rating allowed was nearly 50 points better in zone coverage versus man.

Jacksonville Jaguars | Sign EDGE Andrew Van Ginkel

Former No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker spent only 30 snaps on the interior in his second NFL season despite Jacksonville suggesting he would play more. With Walker and franchise-tag candidate Josh Allen on the edge, the Jaguars might not have room for an established pass rusher like Danielle Hunter.

But Andrew Van Ginkel would give Jacksonville options, thanks to his ability to work as an edge rusher or off-ball linebacker. Consistently asked to play multiple roles for the Miami Dolphins, Van Ginkel could help the Jaguars get after the quarterback while giving them insurance on former first-round LB Devin Lloyd, who has struggled in coverage.

Kansas City Chiefs | Sign OT Tyron Smith

Everyone wants to send a wide receiver to Kansas City — and maybe the Chiefs will sign a veteran pass catcher this offseason. But general manager Brett Veach has repeatedly spent heavily on protecting Patrick Mahomes, so we’re giving KC one of the best offensive tackles on the market.

MORE: Chiefs’ Opponents 2024

Tyron Smith managed to suit up for 13 games in 2023, his highest total since 2019. Health will always be a concern for the 33-year-old, but he still offers high-end play when he’s on the field. Smith could be willing to accept a discount to join a proven championship contender like the Chiefs.

Las Vegas Raiders | Trade for Dolphins DT Christian Wilkins

Although the Dolphins can hardly let Christian Wilkins walk for nothing, they’ll be hard-pressed to retain the standout DT, given that they’re more than $50 million over the salary cap. Instead, Miami could franchise tag Wilkins (price: $20.943 million) before attempting to find a trade partner.

The Raiders should be willing to look into a Wilkins acquisition, which would allow Antonio Pierce and Co. to supplement a defense that rapidly improved over the second half of the 2023 season. Wilkins, who played more snaps than any DT last year, might be a perfect fit alongside Maxx Crosby, who’s topped 900 snaps in four consecutive campaigns.

Las Vegas could offer the 42nd overall pick in exchange for Wilkins. The Dolphins, who would receive just a 2025 third-round compensatory selection if Wilkins departed as a free agent, would likely accept.

Los Angeles Chargers | Sign WR Gabe Davis

The Chargers will likely release WR Mike Williams to save $20 million in cap space this offseason, while Keenan Allen could be a trade candidate. Add in 2023 first-rounder Quentin Johnston’s struggles, and Jim Harbaugh’s club may need to fortify its pass-catching depth chart.

Gabe Davis could be the type of speed merchant that Justin Herbert’s arm has been looking for. Davis is just as likely to be held without a catch — something that happened five times last season — as he is to enter the end zone. But that volatility could work in the Chargers’ offense and make Davis affordable, a critical distinction for the cap-strapped Bolts.

Los Angeles Rams | Trade for Panthers EDGE Brian Burns

Brian Burns has been on the Rams’ radar for quite a while. Los Angeles reportedly offered two first-round picks and a second-round selection for Burns before the 2022 trade deadline, but the Panthers rejected the proposal. (Whoops.)

Burns has 1.5 years of contractual control remaining during those prior negotiations. Now, he’s a pending free agent. Carolina will franchise tag Burns and could finally extend him on a long-term deal, but there’s been no movement in talks for months.

If the Panthers are ready to move on, the Rams could again jump to the front of the line. While LA won’t be willing to offer anywhere near the sort of package for Burns this time around, its first-round pick (No. 19) could do the trick.

Miami Dolphins | Sign G Ezra Cleveland

While the Dolphins should be in the offensive line market this offseason, their salary cap situation will make any maneuvers a challenge. Miami is projected to be $50 million in the red heading into 2024, so general manager Chris Grier might have to shop in the discount aisle.

MORE: A Word of Caution With Miami Dolphins Set To Clear Cap Space Ahead of Free Agency

Given that Miami could lose its entire interior OL to free agency, guard or center seems like a decent starting point. Ezra Cleveland can play both guard spots (and tackle in a pinch) and was a serviceable starter for the Minnesota Vikings from 2020 to 2022. Traded to the Jaguars at midseason, Cleveland struggled in Jacksonville and might be looking for a one-year deal to re-establish his value.

Minnesota Vikings | Sign EDGE Chase Young

Chase Young was dominant during the first half of the 2023 season, showing why the Washington Commanders made him the second overall pick of the 2020 draft. But he slowed down after being traded to the San Francisco 49ers, and his market value remains unclear.

In the spirit of their “competitive rebuild,” the Vikings have been willing to take chances on younger players, doing so with pass rusher Marcus Davenport and cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. last season. Minnesota may not want to sign Young to a long-term deal. But a one-year pact for a defensive end who’s not yet 25 years old might make sense.

New England Patriots | Re-Sign OT Mike Onwenu

The Patriots have the second-most projected cap space in the NFL but few prominent areas to spend it. New England seems unlikely to sign a veteran quarterback, talented pass catchers might now want to join the Pats’ offense, and the club’s defense is already elite.

New England’s best option might be buttressing its offensive line, a major weakness in 2023. Mike Onwenu, one of the unit’s few reliable stalwarts, played almost every snap at right tackle this past season but also has experience at guard. There’s no reason for the Patriots to let him get away.

New Orleans Saints | Sign OL Josh Jones

When your salary cap situation is as tight as the Saints’, you don’t get to sign top-end free agents. Josh Jones can play every offensive line spot except for center, and New Orleans’ rocky front five could use the extra depth.

He’d be a pure flier for the Saints, who are still waiting on former first-round OT Trevor Penning to develop into a competent starter.

New York Giants | Sign G Jonah Jackson

It’s safe to say the Giants should strengthen their offensive line this offseason after ranking dead last in adjusted line yards and sack rate in 2023. Both tackle spots and center are spoken for in New York, but guard can be addressed.

Detroit, already spending heavily on OL, may be unable to afford Jonah Jackson. But the Giants could use a veteran guard like Jackson, who should be comfortable in any scheme after playing in Ben Johnson’s creative Lions offense.

New York Jets | Trade for Raiders WR Davante Adams

Aaron Rodgers is already trying to recruit Davante Adams to the Jets, and while reports have suggested the Raiders don’t intend to trade the star wideout, that could always change. Las Vegas might need a reset season, which could make a 31-year-old pass catcher earning $28 million annually an odd fit.

New York would get Adams for an affordable $17 million or so in 2024 before reworking his contract in the following seasons, when his cap charge is scheduled to eclipse $40 million. Gang Green will have to restructure a few contracts to fit Adams in their budget this year, but they’ll have the room to pair him with Garrett Wilson and give Rodgers the best WR corps of his career.

Philadelphia Eagles | Sign CB Chidobe Awuzie

The Eagles’ cornerback situation was a mess in 2023, and GM Howie Roseman has some decisions to make this offseason. Darius Slay seems likely to return, but James Bradberry could be a candidate for a post-June 1 release.

MORE: Eagles 2024 Free Agents

Either way, Philadelphia needs to add bodies in the secondary after ranking bottom-five in pass defense efficiency. Chidobe Awuzie was a legitimate CB1 as recently as 2021; while a torn ACL slowed him down over the next two years, he’s still only 28. If the Eagles are looking for potential surplus value, Awuzie could be on their list.

Pittsburgh Steelers | Sign S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson

Steelers slot corner Chandon Sullivan is on track for free agency, while Pittsburgh might try to find a better second safety to play opposite Minkah Fitzpatrick this offseason.

Chauncey Gardner-Johnson could compete for both roles and shouldn’t cost much after missing most of the 2023 campaign with a pectoral injury. Another one-year contract in the $6-8 million range could make sense.

San Francisco 49ers | Sign G Robert Hunt

Kyle Shanahan’s scheme has typically been enough to hide subpar offensive linemen in San Francisco, but it might be time for the 49ers to contemplate an upgrade along their front five.

Finding a new right tackle might be on the agenda, but interior linemen are more accessible on the free agent market. Robert Hunt has injury concerns, but he’s already played in the Shanahan offense in Miami. His movement skills and athleticism would make him a natural fit in San Francisco’s rushing attack.

Seattle Seahawks | Sign LB Patrick Queen

New Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald will bring his outstanding defensive concepts from Baltimore to Seattle in 2024, and he might need a connector to help the rest of the club learn his scheme.

Patrick Queen played the best football of his career under Macdonald (and alongside Roquan Smith) and could follow his former DC to the Seahawks. Incumbent Seattle LBs Jordyn Brooks and Bobby Wagner are pending free agents, and Macdonald could be more comfortable with a player he knows wearing the green dot.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Re-Sign QB Baker Mayfield

The Buccaneers struck gold with Baker Mayfield last season, inking the veteran to a one-year, $4 million contract before watching him post career-highs in completion rate (64.3%), passing yards (4,044), and passing touchdowns (28).

Tampa Bay is drafting too late in the first round to land a franchise quarterback, so Mayfield is likely the team’s best option. A three-year, $75 million contract that follows Geno Smith’s template with the Seahawks (and allows the Bucs to easily exit after one season) could be in play. But TB could also use the franchise tag on Mayfield if the two sides can’t reach an agreement.

Tennessee Titans | Sign OT Jonah Williams

This one almost seems too easy. The Titans hired former Bengals OC Brian Callahan as their head coach this offseason and desperately need offensive line reinforcements. Jonah Williams has never been a Pro Bowler, but he’s a former first-round pick who can play a reliable left or right tackle.

Maybe Callahan doesn’t think Tennessee needs to bring in offensive line help because he added his father — Bill Callahan, arguably the NFL’s best OL coach — to the Titans’ staff. If the Callahans believe they can develop front-five talent, Tennesee could use its $65 million in cap space elsewhere.

Washington Commanders | Sign G Kevin Dotson

The Commanders project to have more cap space than any team in the NFL. With an eye toward selecting a quarterback with the No. 2 pick in the upcoming draft, Washington can push in now and surround that first-year signal-caller with a bevy of talent.

While they can add at multiple positions, the offensive line should be a priority for the Commanders. Kevin Dotson rejuvenated his career with the Rams in 2023 and appears poised to land a hefty multi-year commitment on the open market.

KEEP READING: Top 100 NFL Free Agents in 2024

Washington could take the leap, hoping an athlete like Dotson can help keep Caleb Williams or Drake Maye upright in their NFL debut.

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