RADIO
Mike Fanelli outlines which players at each skill position will be some of the most sought after in free agency this off-season.
The 2023 NFL regular season is over. While 14 teams made the playoffs, 18 have turned their attention to the offseason.
While the NFL Draft is the highlight of the offseason, free agency plays a significant role in building championship-caliber teams.
Let’s look at the top five free-agent quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends and briefly examine their free-agency outlook.
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Free Agent Quarterbacks
Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings
Despite tearing his Achilles in Week 8, Cousins should have a strong market this offseason. A return to the Vikings isn’t out of the question and arguably the most likely outcome.
Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mayfield is coming off a Week 18 win that clinched the NFC South for the Buccaneers. It also gave the quarterback a $1 million bonus, and he will want to cash in even more during the offseason.
Gardner Minshew, Indianapolis Colts
The veteran was expected to be Anthony Richardson’s backup this season. However, the rookie suffered a season-ending injury early in the year, forcing Minshew to become the guy under center. He almost led the Colts to the playoffs and could return as the backup in 2024.
Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans
Tannehill likely has played his final game with the Titans. While his days as the starter are over, someone will want him as their backup or potential bridge-gap guy until their rookie quarterback is ready to play.
Jacoby Brissett, Washington Commanders
While Brissett never got a chance to start for the Commanders, the veteran played well in 2022 for the Cleveland Browns. He might not get a starting job this offseason, but the veteran will be one of the top-paid backups.
Free Agent Running Backs
Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
Last year, Barkley and the Giants had an offseason full of drama surrounding the franchise tag. The superstar running back still isn’t happy about the situation. Unfortunately, he likely will get slapped with the tag again this offseason.
Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders
Jacobs also had an offseason full of drama after receiving the franchise tag. While he had an impressive 2023 season, the growing belief is that the Raiders will let the star running back walk this offseason after seeing how Zamir White played as the starter the past month.
D'Andre Swift, Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia got Swift for next to nothing during the 2023 NFL Draft. The former Georgia Bulldog had his first career 1,000-rushing yard season this year. However, the Eagles will likely let Swift test the open market before offering him a new contract.
Tony Pollard, Dallas Cowboys
Unlike Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs, Pollard signed the franchise tag last offseason without any drama. Unfortunately, he struggled in his first year as the starting running back, barely reaching the 1,000 rushing-yard mark for the second consecutive season. The Cowboys could opt for a cheaper and young rookie running back.
Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans
Henry might go down as the greatest running back in franchise history. However, he recently turned 30 years old. Expect the star running back to play elsewhere in 2024, with the Titans entering a rebuilding phase.
Free Agent Wide Receivers
Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
While many expected Evans to struggle in his first season without Tom Brady since 2019, the star wide receiver had arguably a career year. However, the Buccaneers are more likely to franchise tag Evans than sign him to a long-term deal.
Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts
Despite playing most of the year with a backup quarterback, Pittman was outstanding. He had his first season with over 100 receptions and more than 1,100 receiving yards. The Colts don’t have many proven options at wide receiver on the team, meaning Pittman likely will get the franchise tag if a long-term deal can’t be reached.
Calvin Ridley, Jacksonville Jaguars
Many had high hopes for Ridley in his first season with the Jaguars. While he wasn’t awful, the wide receiver was inconsistent. Despite leading the NFL in end zone targets, Ridley finished eighth in the league with eight receiving touchdowns. The Jaguars have a massive decision to make this offseason. If they re-sign Ridley, Jacksonville has to send the Atlanta Falcons a second-round draft pick.
Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals
Unfortunately, Higgins didn’t have the contract year he wanted because of Joe Burrow’s injuries. Yet, the former Clemson star will likely either receive the franchise tag from the Bengals or be the highest-paid free agent wide receiver this offseason.
Marquise Brown, Arizona Cardinals
Brown struggled with injuries in the second half this year, impacting his free agency value. The Cardinals don’t have a proven No. 1 wide receiver on the roster and should try to keep the former first-round pick. The franchise tag is also an option for Arizona.
Free Agent Tight Ends
Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans
After five years with the Dallas Cowboys, Schultz had a solid first season with the Texans. He had a massive impact on C.J. Stroud’s rookie year. However, the tight end fell one reception short of cashing a $250k bonus in Week 18. Hopefully, Schultz can make it up this offseason in free agency from Houston.
Hunter Henry, New England Patriots
When Henry signed his contract with the Patriots in 2021, many called it an overpay. While they were correct, the veteran tight end had a solid year despite playing on a dysfunctional offense. Henry likely won’t be back in New England next season.
Gerald Everett, Los Angeles Chargers
Everett has played well with the Chargers over the past two years. He isn’t a difference-maker and won’t get paid as such this offseason. The tight end could return to Los Angeles, but it will depend on the price.
Mike Gesicki, New England Patriots
Despite having Hunter Henry on the team, the Patriots signed Gesicki to a one-year deal last offseason. Unfortunately, he didn’t make much of an impact. The tight end had only 29 receptions on 15 targets in 17 games this year. Gesicki likely has to sign a one-year deal in free agency.
Tanner Hudson, Cincinnati Bengals
While many had high hopes for Irv Smith Jr., Hudson was the best Cincinnati tight end in 2023. He had a career-high 39 receptions on 50 targets for 352 yards and a touchdown in 12 games. Hudson is a restricted-free agent and likely will be back with the team on a one-year deal.
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