Picture Credit: All-Pro Reels
It’s no secret in the NFL that players elevate their performance in a contract year. As current contracts wind down, players have extra motivation to earn their next big payday. As the 2024 season progresses, I’ve put together a list of my top ten upcoming NFL free agents. Some of these players may yet earn extensions with their current teams. Others will hit the open market in search of life-changing deals. Which new star should your team sign in the offseason?
10. Amari Cooper, Bills WR
In just a few games with the Bills, Amari Cooper has made a major impact on the effectiveness of Buffalo’s offense. Though the veteran receiver may no longer be a primary target in the NFL, he’s a trusted option on third down at the very least. Cooper will be 31 at the beginning of the 2025 season, but a team like Denver with a young quarterback could benefit from his presence.
Team Fit: Denver Broncos
9. Sam Darnold, Vikings QB
In my preseason predictions, I said that Sam Darnold would become this season’s Baker Mayfield. While Darnold has continued to make a few inexplicable decisions each week, he’s clearly playing at a level above what we’ve seen from him so far in his career. He’s benefited greatly from Kevin O’Connell’s system, but he should be the top quarterback in free agency this year. A QB-needy team like the Raiders may see him as the perfect bridge option.
Team Fit: Las Vegas Raiders
8. Zack Martin, Cowboys G
Even in the latter stages of his career, Zack Martin is one of the best offensive linemen in football. He’s consistently played at a high level for over a decade, and he’ll surely be the target of a bidding war in the offseason. The Washington Commanders have found value in cheaper options on the offensive line, but Martin would give them an edge in both run blocking and pass protection.
Team Fit: Washington Commanders
7. Charvarious Ward, 49ers CB
Though the cornerback market is not progressing like other positions, Charvarious Ward is sure to be one of the top upcoming NFL free agents. His coverage grades are down this season, but most teams will still see him as a solid starting cornerback. A team like the New York Giants with a very weak secondary could look to Ward to bring needed experience and stability.
Team Fit: New York Giants
6. Chris Godwin, Buccaneers WR
Chris Godwin is the epitome of consistency. In his eight-year career, he’s never received a PFF receiving grade lower than 75. Godwin has posted five consecutive seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards, and he was on pace to do so again before an ankle injury derailed his season. Assuming he’s healthy, plenty of teams will be looking to sign the 28-year-old.
Team Fit: Las Vegas Raiders
5. D.J. Reed, Jets CB
The Jets defense as a whole has taken a step back this season, and D.J. Reed is no exception. His PFF coverage grade of 75.1 is the lowest it’s been since 2020. However, Reed remains one of the better cover corners in the league. He hasn’t allowed an opposing passer rating above 90 in any of his last five seasons. The Arizona Cardinals severely lack talent on defense, especially in the secondary. Reed would provide a huge boost to that unit.
Team Fit: Arizona Cardinals
4. Jevon Holland, Dolphins S
Jevon Holland, like a few others on this list, is having a relatively down year. He’s allowing an opposing passer rating of 128.3, which is by far the worst in his career. But he’s a proven and athletic safety just hitting his prime. Players like that rarely hit the open market. Holland will be 25 years old at the beginning of the 2025 season. He is sure to land one of the bigger contracts of free agency.
Team Fit: Washington Commanders
3. Ronnie Stanley, Ravens OT
At age 30, Ronnie Stanley remains one of the best offensive tackles in football. He hasn’t allowed a sack all season for the Ravens. Stanley would be an instant starter on almost any team in the NFL. I see the Patriots as the perfect fit for him. New England’s offensive line has been one of the worst in the league. They’ll need to make a move for a player like Stanley if they’re going to aid the development of quarterback Drake Maye.
Team Fit: New England Patriots
2. Trey Smith, Chiefs G
In a free agency class full of talented offensive linemen, Trey Smith tops the group. The current Kansas City guard is playing the best football of his career and should be just entering his prime at the age of 25. The price he’ll command will likely be too high for the Chiefs. Though many franchises will be interested in Smith, I see the Rams as a potential landing spot. Los Angeles has had their season derailed by injuries, especially along the offensive line. Smith would instantly become an anchor for the group, allowing other players to act as depth pieces.
Team Fit: Los Angeles Rams
1. Tee Higgins, Bengals WR
Tee Higgins will be the most coveted of the upcoming NFL free agents. When he’s been healthy this season, Tee Higgins has played as well as almost any receiver in the league. His PFF receiving grade of 90.1 ranks third among all receivers. Higgins is clearly ready to take on the role of a primary receiver after playing second fiddle to Ja’Marr Chase early in his career. The Los Angeles Chargers could give Higgins the chance to be the number one option for an elite quarterback.
Team Fit: Los Angeles Chargers
