2024 NFL Free Agency: Top Targets and Potential Deals
As the 2024 NFL free agency period approaches, team executives are gearing up to make some big moves. With a solid class of free agents available, there will be plenty of options for teams to fill holes in their rosters and upgrade their personnel. Mike Tannenbaum, former NFL executive with the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins, shares his insights on the top targets he would pursue if he were running a team.
Kirk Cousins: The Top Quarterback Option
Tannenbaum believes that Kirk Cousins is the top quarterback option in this year’s free agent class. Despite being 36 years old and coming off an Achilles tendon tear, Cousins has proven to be incredibly productive. In just eight games with the Minnesota Vikings last season, he threw 18 touchdown passes and finished seventh in Total QBR. With over 4,200 passing yards in each of his past three full seasons, Cousins has consistently performed at a high level. Tannenbaum suggests offering him a three-year deal worth $120 million, with $80 million guaranteed. This deal would account for his age and recent injury history while still recognizing his value as one of the top 12 passers in the league.
Derrick Henry: A Value Deal for a Productive Running Back
Despite not being what he once was, Derrick Henry still has plenty to offer as a running back. Tannenbaum points out that Henry rushed for over 2,000 yards and scored 17 touchdowns just four seasons ago. While he may be 30 years old now, he was still very productive for the Tennessee Titans last season, averaging 4.2 yards per carry and gaining 1,167 yards. Tannenbaum suggests offering Henry a one-year deal worth $8 million, fully guaranteed. This value deal could be a steal for any team looking to add a productive front-line starter to their roster.
Tyron Smith: A Solid Option for Offensive Line Help
Tyron Smith presents an interesting free agent situation. Despite being one of the best left tackles in the NFL over the past decade, he is 33 years old and has not played a full season since 2015. However, Smith’s pass block win rate and run block win rate still show that he is a solid option for teams in need of offensive line help. Tannenbaum suggests pursuing Smith on a short-term deal with low guarantees. A one-year deal worth around $5 million guaranteed could be a steal for a team willing to take a chance on his durability concerns.
Andrew Van Ginkel: An Underrated Defensive Player
According to Tannenbaum, Andrew Van Ginkel is one of the most underrated players in the NFL. Despite turning 29 years old in July, Van Ginkel has played in every game over the past four seasons and has consistently produced on the field. In 2023, he had a career year with 69 tackles, 6 sacks, 32 pressures, and 6 pass breakups. His pass rush win rate and pressure rate were both in the top 30 leaguewide. Tannenbaum suggests offering Van Ginkel a three-year deal worth $36 million, with $25 million guaranteed. This deal recognizes his upside, reliability, and versatility as a defensive player.
Bobby Wagner: A Veteran Leader on Defense
Bobby Wagner may be undervalued in free agency due to his age, as he will be 34 years old when the 2024 season kicks off. However, he has proven to be ageless on the field, playing in every game for the past two years and at least 15 games every season since 2014. Wagner was incredibly productive last season, leading the NFL in tackles with 183 and recording 3.5 sacks for the Seattle Seahawks. Tannenbaum believes that Wagner’s great intangibles and on-field play make him an exciting addition to any team, even if it’s just for one season.
As the 2024 NFL free agency period begins, teams will have the opportunity to make significant moves to improve their rosters. With top targets like Kirk Cousins, Derrick Henry, Tyron Smith, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Bobby Wagner available, there will be plenty of options for teams to consider. While each team has its own set of needs, these players offer a mix of productivity, reliability, and leadership that can make a significant impact on any roster. As team executives scramble to fill holes and upgrade their personnel, expect to see some big money flying around in this year’s free agency market.