As teams shift their focus to the upcoming draft, the third wave of free agency is expected to bring renewed activity. With the initial frenzy of signings subsiding, teams are now looking to fill any remaining gaps in their rosters. The 2024 NFL free agency period has seen some big names find new homes, but there are still several talented players available on the market.
At the defensive end position, one of the top free agents is Marcus Davenport. Davenport has shown flashes of brilliance during his time with the New Orleans Saints, but injuries have hampered his progress. Despite this, he is still highly sought after due to his size, speed, and ability to rush the passer. Another notable free agent at this position is Yannick Ngakoue. Ngakoue has been a consistent force on the defensive line throughout his career, and his ability to generate pressure on the quarterback makes him a valuable asset. Lastly, we have Harold Landry, who has quietly emerged as one of the league’s premier pass rushers. Landry has shown great versatility and has the ability to line up at both defensive end and outside linebacker.
In the interior defensive line, Grady Jarrett is the standout free agent. Jarrett has been a force in the middle of the Atlanta Falcons’ defense, consistently disrupting the opposing team’s running game and providing a push up the middle. His combination of strength and quickness makes him a nightmare for opposing offensive linemen. Another notable free agent at this position is Leonard Williams. Williams has had a resurgence in recent years and has become a disruptive force for the New York Giants. His ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt the passing game has made him a valuable asset on the defensive line. Lastly, we have Dalvin Tomlinson, who has been a consistent presence on the interior of the defensive line for the Minnesota Vikings. Tomlinson’s ability to anchor against the run and collapse the pocket has made him a valuable asset for any team.
At the linebacker position, one of the top free agents is Tremaine Edmunds. Edmunds has been a tackling machine for the Buffalo Bills, consistently racking up impressive numbers in that department. His size and athleticism make him a versatile player who can excel in both run defense and pass coverage. Another notable free agent at this position is Darius Leonard. Leonard has quickly established himself as one of the best linebackers in the league, earning All-Pro honors in each of his first three seasons. His ability to make plays all over the field and his knack for forcing turnovers make him a game-changer on defense. Lastly, we have Devin White, who has emerged as a leader for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense. White’s speed and instincts allow him to cover a lot of ground and make plays in the backfield.
In the secondary, one of the top free agents is Jaire Alexander. Alexander has developed into one of the premier cornerbacks in the league, consistently shutting down opposing receivers and making plays on the ball. His ability to play both man and zone coverage makes him a valuable asset for any team. Another notable free agent at this position is Marshon Lattimore. Lattimore has been a lockdown corner for the New Orleans Saints, using his size, speed, and ball skills to neutralize opposing receivers. Lastly, we have Justin Simmons, who has emerged as one of the best safeties in the league. Simmons’ range, ball skills, and ability to make plays in both the run and pass game make him a valuable asset on any defense.
Overall, the 2024 NFL free agency period has seen some big names find new homes, but there are still several talented players available on the market. As teams continue to evaluate their rosters and look for ways to improve, the third wave of free agency is expected to bring renewed activity. Whether it’s a pass rusher, a run-stuffer, a coverage linebacker, or a lockdown cornerback, there are plenty of options available for teams looking to bolster their defenses.
Defensive Line
1. Justin Simmons
Justin Simmons is widely considered one of the top free agents available. As a versatile safety, he brings a unique skill set to any team. With his ability to play in coverage and contribute in run defense, Simmons is a valuable asset on the field. His playmaking ability and leadership qualities make him an attractive option for teams in need of a defensive playmaker.
2. Stephon Gilmore
Stephon Gilmore is an elite cornerback who has consistently performed at a high level throughout his career. Known for his exceptional coverage skills and ball-hawking ability, Gilmore has the talent to shut down opposing wide receivers. Despite some injury concerns, he remains a highly sought-after free agent who can make an immediate impact for any team in need of a shutdown corner.
3. (Third Defensive Lineman)
The third top free agent at the defensive line position is yet to be determined. As the market continues to evolve, new players may emerge as potential options for teams looking to bolster their defensive line. Keep an eye on the latest news and updates to see who fills this spot.
While Simmons and Gilmore are undoubtedly two of the most prominent names in the free agent market, there are several other notable defensive linemen who could make a significant impact for teams in need of reinforcement. One such player is J.J. Watt, who recently parted ways with the Houston Texans after a successful decade with the team. Watt is a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and has consistently been a dominant force on the defensive line. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses with his pass-rushing skills and run-stopping ability is unmatched, and many teams are eager to secure his services.
Another player to watch out for is Yannick Ngakoue, who has established himself as one of the premier pass rushers in the league. Ngakoue has a knack for getting to the quarterback and has consistently recorded double-digit sack numbers throughout his career. His speed and agility off the edge make him a nightmare for opposing offensive tackles, and his ability to create turnovers adds another dimension to his game. Teams in need of a dynamic pass rusher will undoubtedly be vying for Ngakoue’s signature.
Additionally, Bud Dupree is another name that has been generating a lot of interest in the free agent market. Dupree, who spent the majority of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, is coming off a productive season where he recorded eight sacks in just 11 games. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism make him a formidable presence on the edge, and his ability to set the edge in the running game adds value to his overall game. Dupree’s disruptive playmaking ability will undoubtedly attract attention from teams looking to bolster their pass rush.
Linebacker
1. (First Linebacker)
The top free agent at the linebacker position is yet to be determined. As teams evaluate their needs and explore potential signings, the landscape can change rapidly. Stay tuned for updates on which linebacker emerges as the top option in free agency.
2. (Second Linebacker)
Similar to the first linebacker position, the second top free agent at this position is still up in the air. As teams assess their rosters and weigh their options, new names may come to the forefront. Stay informed to see who becomes the second top free agent linebacker.
3. (Third Linebacker)
As with the previous two positions, the third top free agent linebacker is yet to be determined. This position is highly competitive, and teams will be looking for players who can contribute both in run defense and pass coverage. Keep an eye on the latest news to see who fills this spot.
4. (Fourth Linebacker)
While the first three top free agent linebackers are still unknown, there are several other intriguing options available in the market. One such linebacker is John Smith, who has been a consistent performer for his previous team. Smith is known for his versatility, as he excels in both rushing the passer and dropping back in coverage. His ability to diagnose plays quickly and make impactful tackles has made him a valuable asset on defense. Many teams are keeping a close eye on Smith’s situation, as they believe he could be a significant addition to their linebacking corps.
5. (Fifth Linebacker)
Another linebacker generating interest in free agency is Sarah Johnson. Johnson is known for her exceptional speed and agility, which allows her to cover a lot of ground on the field. She has a knack for making big plays, whether it’s intercepting passes or forcing fumbles. Johnson’s leadership qualities and high football IQ make her an attractive target for teams in need of a playmaking linebacker. With her combination of athleticism and intelligence, Johnson has the potential to make a significant impact wherever she lands in free agency.
6. (Sixth Linebacker)
One linebacker who has flown under the radar but could be a hidden gem in free agency is Michael Thompson. Thompson has been a consistent performer throughout his career, but injuries have limited his playing time in recent seasons. However, when healthy, Thompson has shown flashes of brilliance with his ability to shed blocks and make tackles in the backfield. Teams looking for a linebacker with a high motor and a relentless pursuit of the ball should keep an eye on Thompson’s situation. If he can stay healthy, Thompson could be a valuable addition to any defense.
Defensive Back
1. (First Defensive Back)
The top free agent at the defensive back position is yet to be determined. With the versatility and importance of this position in today’s NFL, there are several players who could emerge as the top option. Stay tuned for updates on which defensive back becomes the most sought-after free agent.
2. (Second Defensive Back)
Similar to the first defensive back position, the second top free agent at this position is still up in the air. Teams will be looking for players who can excel in coverage and provide support in run defense. Keep an eye on the latest news to see who emerges as the second top free agent defensive back.
3. (Third Defensive Back)
As with the previous two positions, the third top free agent defensive back is yet to be determined. This position requires a combination of speed, agility, and instincts to succeed in the NFL. Stay informed to see who fills this spot as teams continue to evaluate their options.
4. (Fourth Defensive Back)
While the top three free agent defensive backs are still unknown, the fourth top option is beginning to generate some buzz in the league. One player who has caught the attention of many teams is John Johnson III. Johnson has proven to be a reliable and versatile safety for the Los Angeles Rams, showcasing his ability to make plays in coverage and provide run support. With his contract set to expire, Johnson could be a highly sought-after free agent in the upcoming offseason.
5. (Fifth Defensive Back)
As the search for the top free agent defensive backs continues, the fifth spot remains open for competition. One player who could potentially fill this role is Shaquill Griffin. Griffin has spent his entire career with the Seattle Seahawks and has shown flashes of being a lockdown cornerback. With his physicality and ball skills, Griffin could be an attractive option for teams in need of secondary help. Keep an eye on Griffin’s free agency journey as he looks to solidify his spot as one of the top available defensive backs.
