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2024 NFL free agency is rapidly approaching, bringing with it a plethora of high-profile names up for consideration.
The legal tampering period kicks off on Monday, March 11 at noon EDT, allowing teams to commence contract negotiations with unrestricted free agents. While talks can occur during this period, signings must wait until the 2024 league year officially commences on March 13 at 4 p.m. EDT. Nevertheless, as we've seen over the last few years, numerous agreements are often reached during the initial day of the tampering period.
Let's delve into five predictions for this year's free agency, spotlighting one quarterback, two running backs, and two wide receivers.
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While predicting Kirk Cousins to return to the Vikings might not seem particularly bold, recent rumors have stirred the pot, suggesting a potential move to the Falcons. Sportsbooks even reflect this, with Atlanta emerging as the front-runner at -225 odds (on DraftKings), compared to +150 for a return to the Vikings. Snagging this value now could prove wise, given how quickly things could change in the coming days.
The belief surrounding the Falcons is that they intend to acquire a young quarterback, one they envision leading their team for years. Whether they pursue a quarterback through the draft or in a trade for someone like Justin Fields, Cousins doesn't quite align with that vision, especially given his recent injury. Conversely, the Vikings have expressed a desire to keep Cousins, who has emphasized that winning, not money, is his main priority.
Considering Cousins' character, I think it's likely that he'll strive to reach a deal to conclude his career in Minnesota, aiming to fulfill his longstanding quest for a Super Bowl victory with the Vikings.
RB Derrick Henry: Baltimore Ravens
Derrick Henry stands out as one of the premier names in this year's free-agency pool, and his potential move to the Ravens has been a topic of discussion since even before the trade deadline. Rumors swirled suggesting a near deal with Baltimore during this past season. Here we are now, just a few days away from free agency beginning, and the Ravens are the +110 favorite to land him this season.
Henry has made it clear that he wants to go somewhere that gives him the best shot of winning a Super Bowl. The Ravens aimed to win it last season, but their hopes were cut short by the inevitable force of Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. They now rank as the third favorite to win it this upcoming season, trailing only the 49ers and Chiefs.
A move to the Ravens seems like a perfect fit for both sides. With the Ravens' run-first approach and a strong offensive line, Henry could thrive as their new bell-cow running back alongside MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson. This is the prediction I am most confident in for this free agency.
“The Ravens are going to try to correct the curse and the guy they have been connected the most with is Derrick Henry…”@FG_Dolan believes the Ravens are going shopping for a running back in free agency: pic.twitter.com/Xw5TiLaww2
— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) March 7, 2024
RB Josh Jacobs: Chicago Bears
This is my big bold prediction for this year's free-agency pool, as the Raiders are the clear-cut favorite to bring back Jacobs (-320 on DraftKings). Nonetheless, there has reportedly been a mutual interest from both sides in a deal for Jacobs to become the Bears' next feature running back. I'm not sure how far those discussions have gone, but it's definitely worth noting.
THE CHICAGO BEARS PODCAST @ChicagoBears and Josh Jacobs have a mutual interest 👀
full show: https://t.co/neQ9rnTBPo pic.twitter.com/LRnzNEPDsw
— ESPN 1000 (@ESPN1000) March 6, 2024
Despite Jacobs' eagerness to play for head coach Antonio Pierce, the running back has faced challenges in contract negotiations with the Raiders in the past, as there was a real chance of him being traded last year after holding out for most of the offseason.
Add Zamir White's resurgence to the mix, and there's a genuine chance Jacobs doesn't receive the money he believes he deserves. The Bears (fifth highest in cap space) swoop in to secure the former rushing champ.
Jacobs is currently listed at +2000 on DraftKings to join the Bears, which certainly warrants a sprinkle at those odds.
WR Marquise Brown: Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are going to do everything they can to bring in offensive help for their 2023 first overall pick, Bryce Young. Without any first-round selections this time around due to a trade with the Bears last year, the Panthers will likely have to rely on free agency. In a narrower wide receiver market than anticipated, Marquise Brown stands out as one of the best free agents available.
I expect Brown to seek the best contract possible, with the Panthers appearing as a likely candidate to offer him a substantial deal to bolster their offensive arsenal alongside Bryce Young. Additionally, the Panthers lacked a big-play threat like Brown last season, so it makes sense for them to prioritize adding a player with his explosiveness to their roster.
WR Darnell Mooney: Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs always seem to maximize the potential of their wide receivers and Mooney could contribute to that trend this year. Despite his difficulties this past season, he has shown the capability to potentially serve as a reliable second option for most teams.
Moreover, Mooney likely won't command top-tier money due to his recent regression, and the Chiefs are dealing with limited cap space this year. It seems like the perfect fit considering both factors and the type of receiver the Chiefs tend to pursue.
While this prediction is more of a gut feeling than anything else, it would epitomize the Bears' luck to see Mooney excel with another team once he leaves.
𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭: Keep an eye on the #Chiefs and #Titans who 'could be players' for #Bears WR Darnell Mooney, per @JFowlerESPN pic.twitter.com/XxPzBnJO24
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 3, 2024
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