The 2023 NFL season is behind us, and the 2024 offseason activities are already underway. Free agency, where players are released or given freedom, marks one of the first major sessions on the calendar. In this column, I’ll take a look at top free agents in fantasy football positions: quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end (sorry kickers), along with some players who could be released or traded, along with notable teams in need at each position.
Note: Only unrestricted free agents are included (information courtesy of Over the Cap). Ages shown are as of 5/9/2024.
Notable unrestricted free agents: Saquon Barkley (NYG, 27), Josh Jacobs (LV, 26), Derrick Henry (TEN, 30), Austin Ekeler (LAC, 29), D’Andre Swift (DET, 25), Tony Pollard (DAL, 27), Devin Singletary (BUF, 27), Antonio Gibson (WAS, 26), J.K. Dobbins (BAL, 25), Ezekiel Elliott (DAL, 29), Javonte Williams (DEN, 26), AJ Dillon (GB, 26), Clyde Edwards-Helaire (KC, 25), Gus Edwards (BAL, 29), Damien Harris (NE, 27)
Running Backs
Like last year, running back fantasy free agency remains a highlight – and it’s not even close. Barkley’s skill and reliability have left much desired in recent years, but a struggling Giants offense hasn’t helped. At 27, it may be the last chance for a lucrative, multi-year cash-in… Jacobs remains in a similar position, returning as a feature back a year less skilled. He could still fit as a lead back for another season or two… Henry was dominant for the past five years, leading the NFL with another season battling for a title or two… Ekeler and Singletary were travelers who helped boost their stock with strong seasons in 2023… Pollard was frustrated in Dallas last season, so hopefully he’ll find a committee in 2024… Dobbins had a promising path last season until tearing his Achilles in Week 1.
Potential cut/trade candidates: Nick Chubb (CLE, 28), Aaron Jones (GB, 29), Alvin Kamara (NO, 29), Miles Sanders (PHI, 27), D’Onta Foreman (CAR, 27), Nyheim Hines (IND, 27)
Sanders had a terrible free agency flop last season, but he may be worth a try as a way to surpass Carolina’s demographic…
Notable unrestricted free agents: Kirk Cousins (MIN, 36), Baker Mayfield (CLE, 29), Gardner Minshew (IND, 28), Ryan Tannehill (TEN, 36), Joe Flacco (NYJ, 39), Jacoby Brissett (MIA, 31), Jameis Winston (NO, 30), Tyrod Taylor (NYJ, 35), Josh Dobbs (PIT, 29), Drew Lock (SEA, 27), Mason Rudolph (PIT, 29), Marcus Mariota (PHI, 30)
As usual, it’s not a very enticing class, and if Cousins and Mayfield re-sign with their current teams, it’ll become even thinner. Cousins performed at a high level before his season-ending injury, leading the league in TD passes, and Minnesota has been trying to bring him back… Minshew showed high productivity before his season-ending injury, and Indianapolis tried to bring him back… Mayfield returns to Tampa Bay fresh from a year and a good shot, but Carolina may have an ongoing re-signing with Camels (their 2023 controversy player)… Winston is coming back to Tampa Bay for a fresh and good shot, but possibly having a contract with the Daltons (their 2023 controversial player) in Carolina.
Arby-poor teams : Cowboys, Giants, Chargers, Eagles, Raiders, Texans, Ravens
It’s a buyer’s market, especially in the short-term option area. This offseason, the market is particularly weak, so despite recent huge salary cap increases, the preferences of Barkley and Jacobs could spell financial trouble. The Eagles, in particular, are ahead of the curve on the salary count. The Eagles, in particular, are ahead of the curve on the salary count.
Potential Free Agent/Cut Candidates:
1. Justin Fields (CHI, 25): Fields is a big name here, and his future will depend on whether the Bears prefer him or go for a quarterback in the first round of April’s draft (likely Caleb Williams).
2. Russell Wilson (DEN, 35): Wilson could be a good bet elsewhere after his spread in the last season.
3. Mac Jones (NE, 26): Jones may need to extend his contract soon, as he has also shown potential.
4. Jimmy Garoppolo (LV, 32): Garoppolo is another attractive option for teams seeking a quarterback upgrade.
5. Brian Hoyer (LV, 38): Hoyer’s future may depend on his cost, as his contract will also need to be extended soon.
6. Zach Wilson (NYJ, 25): Wilson’s performance will determine his fate, but the Jets might explore other options.
7. Andy Dalton (CAR, 36): Dalton could be a veteran presence for teams in need of a backup quarterback.
8. Taylor Heinicke (ATL, 31): Heinicke could be a valuable addition for teams seeking quarterback depth.
9. Davis Mills (HOU, 25) or **Case Keenum** (HOU, 36): Mills and Keenum could be potential options for teams looking to add depth at the quarterback position.
10. Malik Willis (TEN, 25): Willis could be a promising prospect for teams looking to invest in young talent.
QB-Needy Teams: Buccaneers, Vikings, Falcons, Steelers, Titans, Patriots, Commanders, Raiders, Giants
Several teams need a quarterback upgrade, but some of the above-mentioned franchises are likely to focus on the top prospects in the first round of the draft. The first three picks from the board will likely come from the first three teams mentioned, going to the Commanders, Patriots, and Bears or any team trading up to 1.1. The Falcons and Steelers might be attractive landing spots for Fields and Wilson.
Notable Unrestricted Free Agents: Michael Pittman Jr. (IND, 26), Mike Evans (TB, 31), Calvin Ridley (JAX, 29), Marquise Brown (ARZ, 27), Gabe Davis (BUF, 25), Michael Thomas (NO, 31), Tyler Boyd (CIN, 29), Curtis Samuel (WAS, 28), Odell Beckham Jr. (BAL, 31), DJ Chark (CAR, 27), Darnell Mooney (CHI, 26), Kendrick Bourne (NE, 29), Noah Brown (HOU, 28)
The top picks have already been franchise-tagged or pursued, leaving out two main veteran stars from the list. Evans remains an attractive option, having entered the 1,000-yard-plus range in 11 consecutive seasons and finishing in the top 25 fantasy finishes. As for Ridley, his situation might be tricky due to the Jaguars’ Atlanta tie, which would mean substantial compensation for his return. They could opt for a boom-or-bust loan season after Ridley led the NFL with 25 end-zone targets (five more than any other player) in his last full season. Marquise Brown has been a high-volume, low-efficiency producer over the past four seasons and should be a fit as a WR2 for teams. Believe it or not, Davis still holds a top-35 fantasy season (PPR) and has not finished outside the top 50 in points per game. He didn’t break out in Buffalo and is hoping for a more favorable market in a “Markquez Valdes-Scantling” role, which he showed glimpses of alongside the Bills. Boyd and Samuel would be suitable options for teams needing a strong No. 3 option/slot alternative.
Potential Cut/Trade Candidates:
1. Mike Williams (LAC, 29): Williams has a history of injuries, and his value may depend on his cost, as he has already been extended…
2. Tyler Lockett (SEA, 31): Lockett’s necessity took a hit after a tough season, and he might be expendable with Metcalf and Smith-Schuster soaking up targets and fantasy points.
3. Marquez Valdes-Scantling (KC, 29): There might be a big opportunity behind Rashod Bateman’s big breakout in KC’s WR room.
4. Cadarius Toney (KC, 25): The Giants might use some perimeter targets around D’Marcus Harris…
5. Hunter Renfrow (LV, 28): Renfrow might be a big splash behind Robby Anderson in Atlanta.
WR-Needy Teams: Cardinals, Colts, Patriots, Giants, Falcons, Panthers, Chiefs, Buccaneers, Buccaneers, Jets, Bears, Bills
The April draft’s fourth overall selection, Marvin Harrison Jr., has been paired with the Bengals, and several teams could find a high-impact player in one or two days. Jarrad Mayfield could use some perimeter targets, and the Giants might address a pass-catcher until the last round.
The Final Tight End:
Notable Unrestricted Free Agents: Dalton Schultz (HOU, 28), Hunter Henry (NE, 29), Noah Fant (SEA, 26), Gerald Everett (LAC, 30), Mike Gesicki (NE, 28), Irv Smith Jr. (CIN, 26), Austin Hooper (LV, 29)
Houston is the most desirable destination after a tough season, and Schultz is the most appealing name. The former Cowboy has yet to receive an extension in three seasons, finishing TE12 in every season in targets, touchdowns, and fantasy points. A reunion with C.J. Stroud could be his best move… Henry, who finished top-12 every season in targets and fantasy points per game, might move up New England’s depth chart after a strong postseason. Once a highly touted fantasy star, Fant has fallen out of favor in Seattle. Elsewhere, he has some untapped potential.
Potential Cut/Trade Candidates: Jonnu Smith (ATL, 29), C.J. Uzomah (NYJ, 31), Mo Alie-Cox (IND, 30), Logan Thomas (WAS, 33)
Smith’s cap number might be too high for the No. 2 tight end spot in Atlanta, and Arthur Smith has already been cut… Thomas might be an upgrade for Washington.
TE-Needy Teams: Bengals, Patriots, Chargers, Texans, Seahawks
The Bengals shifted their primary focus towards Tannar Hudson last season, leaving a single TE room at the end.
