2024 NFL Free Agency Matchmaker for NFC Teams: Kirk Cousins Boosts Falcons, Justin Simmons Bolsters Panthers, and More
The NFL free agency period is quickly approaching, and teams are preparing to make moves to strengthen their rosters. In this article, we will analyze the potential free agent signings for NFC teams and explore how these acquisitions could impact their upcoming seasons.
Dallas Cowboys: Javelin Guidry, LB
Is this one going to happen? Probably not! The Cowboys don’t really spend money on outside free agents anymore. But they self-professedly want to get bigger bodies at linebacker after hiring Mike Zimmer to replace the departed Dan Quinn as defensive coordinator, and Guidry has the type of pass-rush ability that Zimmer can make strong use of from that position.
New York Giants: Frank Ragnow, OL
New York desperately needs help along the offensive line, and especially on the interior. Ragnow seems unlikely to be retained by Detroit given the Lions’ outlay elsewhere along the front, and he is a quality starter who would be a big help at a position of major need for the Giants.
Philadelphia Eagles: DeShon Elliott, S
The Eagles typically do not invest many resources at safety, but maybe that changes with a new defensive coordinator in Vic Fangio. Elliott was pressed into more action than expected last season in Baltimore and played really well, and his versatility could be a plus on the back end of Philly’s defense.
Washington Commanders: Jonah Williams, OT
Washington’s offensive line is in really rough shape, and after cutting ties with Charles Leno, the Commanders need a new left tackle. Williams played better on the left side of the line before the Bengals moved him over to the right, and Washington could use a long-term answer at that spot.
Atlanta Falcons: Kirk Cousins, QB
There’s been a lot of talk about how the Falcons are close to contending because they are only a quarterback away from being good. If you’re a quarterback away, you’re not actually that close; because it’s the only thing you can’t win without, as we saw in Atlanta last year. But if the Falcons land Cousins, things become much more interesting.
Carolina Panthers: Justin Simmons, S
We previously had Michael Pittman Jr. in this spot, but the Colts used their franchise tag on him earlier this week. Instead, we will pivot to giving the Panthers a tremendous safety in Simmons, who would reunite with his former defensive coordinator in Ejiro Evero. The Panthers have Vonn Bell and Xavier Woods, but Simmons is a better, more versatile player than both.
New Orleans Saints: Kyle Fuller, CB
The Saints will have to create plenty of cap space once again to sign Fuller, but with Tyrann Mathieu heading into his mid-30s and many of the depth safeties on the roster set to hit free agency, they could use some youth at the position.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kam Curl, S
Both of Tampa’s starting safeties are free agents this offseason. They’d be smart to make re-signing Antoine Winfield Jr. a priority, and Curl would be a good fit alongside him.
Chicago Bears: Connor Williams, C
The Bears have gobs of cap space and need to fortify the group in front of whomever is behind center for them next season. Williams’ move from guard in Dallas to center in Miami resulted in his playing his best football. He’s coming off a torn ACL, but he’s the best player of the bunch.
Detroit Lions: Kyle Fuller, CB
Detroit spent some money to improve its secondary last offseason. Fuller is a very good, experienced corner who can play on the perimeter and give Aaron Glenn a solid duo alongside Cam Sutton.
Green Bay Packers: Julian Blackmon, S
The Packers have several safeties hitting free agency this offseason. Blackmon is coming off what might have been his best season, and he showcased the versatility to play in different positions.
Minnesota Vikings: Greedy Williams, CB
Brian Flores massively overhauled his defense last year in Minnesota, and if the Vikes can land some more talented corners, that would allow Flores to get more creative on the back end. Williams was PFF’s No. 5 coverage corner last season.
San Francisco 49ers: Calais Campbell, DL
The Niners love signing flexible veteran defensive linemen and getting the best out of them. Campbell can still play on both the edge and the interior, and joining a Super Bowl contender could give him an opportunity to put a feather in the cap of his eventual Hall of Fame case.
Seattle Seahawks: Jadeveon Clowney, EDGE
New Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald got the best out of Clowney last season in Baltimore, and you can never have too many flexible edge players. This would make for a good fit.
As the NFL free agency period approaches, teams in the