The NFL is one of the world’s most popular sports leagues, and this is especially true in the USA. Although the league may currently be in the off-season, plenty is still happening for fans to catch up on.
The annual NFL Draft is a good example to focus on come April, but before that, there is the free agency period to mull over.
This officially begins on the 13th of March 2024, and players who are not contracted with an NFL team can move to another.
Each year’s free agency period generates media interest and gets football fans talking.
For sports bettors who like to follow the latest NFL matchups each season, keeping an eye on which free agents go where is an excellent way to gauge which teams might be strongest to back.
The buzz around free agency signings is as strong as ever this year, and some outstanding players are set to become available. But who are the top free agents in 2024?
Kirk Cousins
Although his exit from the Vikings is not yet confirmed, it is starting to look like a good bet that Kirk Cousins will test out the free agency market when his current deal expires.
This would make him one of 2024’s top NFL free agents and a player many teams looking for an experienced quarterback may target.
Although his age and injury record may put some sides off, Cousins still has plenty to offer as a consistent playmaker and a great pocket passer.
He also has a good eye for the big play and has passed for at least 4000 yards in seven of eight seasons.
Danielle Hunter
There is no doubt that following the latest sports news is a great way to find out what is happening in leagues like the NFL.
Current headlines are filled with free agency deals, and another top NFL pro who is expected to come onto the market in 2024 is Danielle Hunter.
Hunter is one of the most dominant defensive players in his position and could also be leaving Minnesota just like Cousins.
If this happens, his outstanding sacking ability and sheer physical presence could see him in demand. His recent form has been impressive, and he has also seemed to put the last couple of injury-plagued seasons behind him.
Christian Wilkins
Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins is already confirmed to be on the free agency market and is another physically imposing athlete who could beef up the defense of many NFL teams.
With this in mind, he should be snapped up before too long and certainly makes the grade for top NFL free agents for 2024.
Rock-steady as a run defender, Wilkins has developed from a decent pass rusher to an effective gap plugger since turning pro.
Saquon Barkley
One of the biggest names who is set to become a free agent in 2024 is New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley.
It is important to remember that he was a top prospect in his position when turning pro and went at pick number two in the 2018 draft.
Although injuries and brief periods of poor form have impacted his career, Barkley’s sheer dynamism makes him someone many teams will be watching.
An extension with the Giants doesn’t seem likely, so it will be interesting to see where he lands.
Calvin Ridley
When NFL teams dive into the free agency market, they often gamble. They can help players with plenty of talent get their careers back on track.
Calvin Ridley is an excellent example of this and someone who has everything it takes to be an elite-level wide receiver.
He had a strange 2021 at the Falcons, though followed up by a yearlong suspension for gambling in 2022 and an inconsistent season with the Jags in 2023.
Despite this, his speed, catching ability, and big-play experience make him a free agent many NFL teams could value.
Top free agents for NFL teams in 2024
As in all other sports, NFL teams use some of their time in the off-season to sign new players, plug gaps in their roster, and generally become better.
A good way of bringing older talent and experience into any NFL team is by picking up free agents each year.
If these new players can be combined with the top young prospects picked up via the draft and the current players a team has, their fortunes can be greatly changed.
Undoubtedly, the free agents above are some of the best to know about in 2024 and will surely pick up massive amounts of attention from multiple teams.