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Mike Fanelli takes a look at the current free-agent market and predicts where the top-10 guys will land following the NFL Draft. Where are the best fits for them?
The 2024 NFL Draft is in the rearview mirror. While fantasy football players are knee-deep in dynasty rookie drafts, the NFL is preparing for minicamp and training camp this summer.
NFL teams add players in free agency after the draft every year. These players often fill needs that teams couldn’t plug during the NFL Draft, leading to the veterans playing a significant role in the upcoming season. Multiple veteran players recently signed with new teams, including Tyler Boyd, DJ Chark Jr., and Bud Dupree.
However, there are several talented free agents available on the open market. Let’s dive into the top-10 available free agents following the NFL Draft.
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No. 10 – Emmanuel Ogbah
Ogbah has bounced around the NFL during his eight-year career. After starting with the Cleveland Browns, the veteran has spent the past four years with the Miami Dolphins. He had a solid run with the team, totaling 24.5 sacks and 19 tackles for a loss in Miami. Unfortunately, injuries impacted his production over the past two years.
However, Ogbah was outstanding early on during his time with the Dolphins, totaling nine sacks during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. The ideal landing spot for him is the Baltimore Ravens, where he can replace Jadeveon Clowney.
emmanuel ogbah now has a .5 sack or more in 8 consecutive games. here is his 8th sack pic.twitter.com/0MJYpJQuK0
— josh houtz (@houtz) November 15, 2020
No. 9 – Logan Thomas
The college quarterback turned NFL tight end had a breakout year with the Washington Football Team in 2020. Thomas had 72 receptions on 110 targets for 670 receiving yards and six touchdowns that season, setting career highs in every category. Unfortunately, injuries limited him over the past few years, resulting in the veteran totaling only eight receiving touchdowns since his breakout season.
Last year, Thomas played in 16 contests, matching a career high. More importantly, he showed signs of his old self during the season. The ideal landing spot for Thomas is the Denver Broncos. They lack a reliable pass-catcher at the tight end spot.
No. 8 – David Bakhtiari
Bakhtiari was once arguably the top offensive tackle in the NFL. He made an AP All-Pro team every year from 2016 through 2020. Unfortunately, injuries have derailed his career. The veteran has played only 13 games over the past three years, including one contest in 2021 and 2023.
The Green Bay Packers released Bakhtiari earlier this offseason after 11 seasons with the team. His injury history made him too expensive to keep on the roster. While everyone thinks the veteran will eventually reunite with Aaron Rodgers in New York, a more likely landing spot is the Kansas City Chiefs. Wanya Morris or second-round rookie Kingsley Suamataia are currently the options to protect Patrick Mahomes' blindside.
No. 7 – Patrick Peterson
While the veteran isn’t the shutdown elite cornerback he once was, Peterson can still make an impact in any secondary. Last year, he had two interceptions for the Pittsburgh Steelers, ranking first on the team. More importantly, the veteran played multiple spots in the secondary, showcasing his ability to fill whatever hole is needed every week.
.@P2 the safety with the INT!
📺: #CINvsPIT on NBC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/yewPow3ekF pic.twitter.com/l4bwUcjliy— NFL (@NFL) December 23, 2023
After one year in Pittsburgh, the Steelers released Peterson earlier this offseason. The veteran has been one of the top cornerbacks during his NFL career. Therefore, expect him to wait for the right opportunity before signing with a new team. A potential landing spot is the Denver Broncos. Peterson played for defensive coordinator Vance Joseph during his time with the Arizona Cardinals.
No. 6 – Ryan Tannehill
Tannehill has never been a star quarterback. He has made only one Pro Bowl team in his 11-year career (2019). While the veteran’s time as a starting quarterback is over, Tannehill would be an excellent backup quarterback. There were over 60 starting quarterbacks in 2023.
Therefore, expect the veteran to land a backup job once we get closer to training camp. Many expected him to land with the Pittsburgh Steelers, reuniting with former offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. However, that won’t happen with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields on the roster. Instead, Tannehill could sign with the Chicago Bears and back up Caleb Williams.
No. 5 – Quandre Diggs
There were several changes for the Seattle Seahawks this offseason. Pete Carroll is no longer head coach and became part of the front office. Meanwhile, new head coach Mike Macdonald completely redid the safety position, releasing Diggs and Jamal Adams. Yet, Diggs has plenty of gas left in the tank.
The veteran spent the past five years with the Seahawks after spending the first five years of his career with the Detroit Lions. Diggs had 18 interceptions in his five seasons in Seattle, including four or more in three of the past four years. A possible landing spot is the Lions. While Kerby Joseph and Ifeatu Melifonwu are the starting safeties, the depth behind them is thin.
No. 4 – Yannick Ngakoue
After spending the first four years of his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Ngakoue has played for five teams over the past four years. Yet, the veteran has been productive every season of his career. Ngakoue had at least eight sacks every year of his career until 2023.
Last year, Ngakoue had a career-low four sacks with the Chicago Bears in 13 games. By comparison, he had 9.5 sacks in 2022 with the Indianapolis Colts and 10 in 2021 with the Las Vegas Raiders. The veteran reportedly could return to Chicago after the team didn’t invest a high pick in the NFL Draft on an edge-rusher.
The Chicago Bears have interest bringing back Yannick Ngakoue
Ngakoue has 69 career sacks pic.twitter.com/NkQoKYM4pI
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) May 5, 2024
No. 3 – Hunter Renfrow
Unfortunately, Renfrow’s career has been on a downward spiral over the past few seasons. He struggled with injuries in 2022, missing seven games. The veteran played in every contest but had only 37 targets last season, with Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers as the top two options in a limited passing attack.
The Las Vegas Raiders released Renfrow earlier this offseason. While he isn’t an elite wide receiver, the veteran is a solid slot option who could be a third-down go-to target for a young quarterback. Renfrow had 103 receptions in 2021, including 51 for a first down. He would be a perfect fit with the Minnesota Vikings as the slot receiver for J.J. McCarthy, with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison on the outside.
No. 2 – Stephon Gilmore
There are several appealing veteran defensive backs available on the open market. Gilmore isn’t the elite shutdown cornerback he was earlier in his career. However, the veteran had a productive 2023 season with the Dallas Cowboys, totaling two interceptions, 13 passes defensed, and 68 tackles.
Gilmore has made his money in the NFL. Therefore, expect him to wait for the ideal situation rather than the best financial offer. The best landing spot would be with the Washington Commanders. Head coach Dan Quinn was his defensive coordinator last season. The Commanders have one of the youngest cornerback units in the NFL.
No. 1 – Justin Simmons
Many are shocked that Simmons remains available on the open market. The veteran is on the wrong side of 30 but hasn't lost a step. However, he remains one of the top turnover makers in the NFL. Simmons had three interceptions in 2023, making it the sixth consecutive season that the veteran had at least three interceptions.
More importantly, Simmons is only one year out from leading the NFL in interceptions, totaling six in 2022. He has made an All-Pro or Pro Bowl roster in five consecutive seasons. The veteran has more career interceptions against Patrick Mahomes than anyone else in the league. Many teams should want him on their roster. However, the ideal landing spot is the Los Angeles Rams under new defensive coordinator Chris Shula.
No one has intercepted Patrick Mahomes more in his career than Justin Simmons.
Here's all of them: #BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/tDjwHOuJOC
— RG 📷 (@RyanGreeneDNVR) March 7, 2024
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