2024 NFL Free Agency Mock Draft: Kirk Cousins to Patriots, Mike Evans to Bears, and 30 Other Big-Name Moves
Every year, NFL fans eagerly await the draft to see where the next generation of stars will land. But what if we applied the mock draft format to free agency? In this 2024 NFL free agency mock draft, we imagine where some of the best available veterans might end up if teams were allowed to “sign” them in a designated order.
Reimagining the Draft Order
Instead of listing teams based on their previous season’s records, we’ve created the draft order based on projected 2024 salary cap space. This way, teams with more money to spend get the first pick of this year’s top free agents. We’ve excluded players who are expected to re-sign with their current teams or receive a franchise tag.
The Big Moves
1. Kirk Cousins to the New England Patriots
A reunion with Kirk Cousins would be intriguing for the Washington Commanders, but they look to address their pass rush instead. The Patriots, led by Dan Quinn, are looking to replenish their stripped-down pass rush with the best edge presence available. While Cousins might be hesitant to join a rebuilding organization, New England’s historic reputation and reliable defense make it an attractive destination.
2. Mike Evans to the Chicago Bears
The Tennessee Titans secure a No. 1-caliber wide receiver in Tee Higgins, reuniting him with his former Bengals offensive coordinator, Brian Callahan. Meanwhile, the Bears address their need for a formidable wide receiver duo by adding Mike Evans to pair with D.J. Moore.
3. Jerod Mayo, Robert Kraft, and Co. Burn Some Cash on Kirk Cousins
While drafting a quarterback feels more likely for the Patriots, they might prefer a more proven technician like Kirk Cousins. The historic reputation and reliable defense of the Patriots make them an enticing destination for Cousins, despite being a rebuilding organization.
4. Bengals Secure the Best Right Tackle in Free Agency
After paying Orlando Brown Jr. to protect Joe Burrow’s blind side, the Bengals shore up the other bookend spot with the top right tackle in free agency.
5. Colts Bolster Their Secondary with a Proven Playmaker
With Chris Jones becoming expensive for the Chiefs, the Colts are eager to inject some proven playmaking into their secondary. They target Sneed, making him their No. 1 cover man.
6. Texans Add Hollywood for Young QB C.J. Stroud
The Houston Texans, in need of additional weapons for young quarterback C.J. Stroud, go after Hollywood, who brings elite downfield ability to the team.
7. Lions Rob Vikings for an Impressive Pass Rusher
The Detroit Lions, led by head coach Brian Callahan, address their need for more edge presence by acquiring Hunter from their division-rival Vikings.
8. Cardinals Prioritize More Weaponry for Kyler Murray
Even with Marquise Brown’s return, the Cardinals prioritize more weaponry for Kyler Murray. Ridley, a slippery big-play threat, fits the bill.
9. Buccaneers Stick with Mayfield at QB
After Baker Mayfield’s resurgence in 2023, the Buccaneers decide to stick with him, providing short-term peace of mind at the quarterback position.
10. Raiders Strengthen Their Secondary with Fuller
New defensive coordinator Antonio Pierce needs help at every level of the defense. Fuller provides instant improvement on the back end, becoming Vegas’ top corner.
11. Panthers Address Gaping Hole at Edge Rusher
With Brian Burns leaving in free agency, the Panthers quickly address their need for an edge rusher by betting on the ascending Huff.
12. Rams Find a Plug-and-Play Starter for Their Edge Rush
The Rams, in need of edge-rushing help, acquire Smith, a plug-and-play starter who could help them return to the playoffs.
13. Falcons Reunite Floyd with Old Defensive Coordinator
The Falcons reunite Floyd, an underrated sack artist, with old Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, who is now running the show in Atlanta.
14. Vikings Add Strength in the Trenches
The Vikings, led by Brian Flores, could use more strength in the trenches. Williams offers positional versatility to help improve the entire front against both the run and pass.
15. Eagles Bolster Their Pass Rush
With Haason Reddick’s future uncertain, the Eagles opt to bolster their pass rush by adding one of Vic Fangio’s high-effort standouts from the Dolphins.
16. Giants Add Explosiveness to Their Receiving Corps
The Giants desperately need more juice out wide. Davis, with his ridiculous speed on the perimeter, provides explosive playmaking ability.
17. Chiefs Secure Another Blind-Side Protector for Mahomes
The Chiefs, in need of another blind-side protector for Patrick Mahomes, acquire Smith, who is more talented than their previous left tackle and offers stability.
18. Jaguars Upgrade Their Offensive Line