The 2024 NFL free agency period is quickly approaching, and fans are eagerly waiting to see which big names will hit the open market. On March 11, all 32 teams will have the opportunity to negotiate contracts with these players. However, before that date, 37 veterans will see their contracts officially voided, paving the way for free agency. Among these players are notable names like Baker Mayfield, the quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and wide receiver Mike Evans.
One interesting case is Vikings linebacker Marcus Davenport, whose contract renegotiated the void date to March 11. This change allows him to join the other players in becoming a free agent. The reason behind these voided contracts lies in the inclusion of “dummy years” in their current agreements. While these years were never intended to be part of the deal, they technically void at 4 p.m. ET on Monday.
Teams are highly motivated to strike new deals with these players before the deadline. By doing so, they can delay potential salary-cap charges to future years. After the deadline passes, negotiations can still continue, but any agreement reached will be considered a new contract rather than an extension.
To give you an overview of the players whose contracts will void on Monday, here is a list compiled by Over the Cap:
– Atlanta Falcons: RB Cordarrelle Patterson
– Baltimore Ravens: RB Gus Edwards, WR Nelson Agholor (re-signed), OG Kevin Zeitler, CB Rock Ya-Sin, S Geno Stone
– Buffalo Bills: DL DaQuan Jones, DL Tim Settle, OLB Leonard Floyd, LB Tyler Matakevich, S Micah Hyde
– Carolina Panthers: WR D.J. Chark, CB Shaquill Griffin, S Sam Franklin
– Dallas Cowboys: OT Tyron Smith, DE Dorance Armstrong Jr.
– Green Bay Packers: OT Yosh Nijman, CB Keisean Nixon, S Darnell Savage
– Houston Texans: TE Dalton Schultz, DT Sheldon Rankins, DE Jerry Hughes, DE Derek Barnett, CB Steven Nelson
– Minnesota Vikings: OLB Marcus Davenport* (renegotiated void date on deal to March 11)
– New England Patriots: OT Trent Brown
– Philadelphia Eagles: QB Marcus Mariota
– San Francisco 49ers: DE Randy Gregory
– Tampa Bay Buccaneers: QB Baker Mayfield, WR Mike Evans, OG Matt Feiler, DL Greg Gaines, LB Lavonte David, S Antoine Winfield Jr.
– Tennessee Titans: QB Ryan Tannehill, RB Derrick Henry, LB Azeez Al-Shaair, CB Sean Murphy-Bunting* (renegotiated void date on deal to March 11)
As of early Monday afternoon, only one player, Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor, has agreed to a new deal. He reached a one-year extension with Baltimore late Sunday. This leaves fans wondering which other players will secure new contracts before the void deadline.
The 2024 NFL free agency period promises to be an exciting time for football enthusiasts. With so many big names hitting the market, teams will have ample opportunities to strengthen their rosters. As negotiations unfold and contracts are signed, fans will eagerly anticipate the impact these players will have on their respective teams in the upcoming season. Stay tuned for more updates as the free agency period progresses.
