NFL free agency will open its floodgates in March, as each team aims to either find the missing pieces to challenge the Kansas City Chiefs for the Lombardi Trophy in 2024 or the veteran players who can anchor a rebuild with sights set on Super Bowls down the line.
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However, all 32 teams face some difficult decisions about veteran players on their own rosters. Whether it's at quarterback, pass-rusher or deciding whether star running backs are worth paying a premium to keep in the building, every general manager and head coach has daunting decisions to make.
Ahead of the new league year getting underway, here's a breakdown of each team's impending free agent that they simply cannot afford to lose.
Arizona Cardinals - Marquise Brown
Over the second half of the 2023 season, the Cardinals' offense showed signs of life following quarterback Kyler Murray's return. Slated to pick No. 4 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Cardinals are in prime position to add generational wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. out of Ohio State; and pairing him with Marquise Brown would form one of the most dynamic receiving duos in the league.
Atlanta Falcons -Bud Dupree
Bud Dupree experienced a bit of a resurgence in 2023 as he produced 6.5 sacks, his highest total since the 2020 campaign. The Falcons are likely to experience a roster overhaul this offseason. But with new and defensive-minded head coach Raheem Morris in place, Dupree is the kind of veteran playmaker on that side of the ball the Falcons should lean on while developing young players at the position.
Baltimore Ravens - Justin Madubuike
The Ravens have some monumentally difficult decisions to make this offseason, with 23 players set to hit free agency when the new league year begins. However, re-signing three-year veteran defensive lineman Justin Madubuike needs to be the organization's top priority. Madubuike is an ascending talent and one of the premier young players at his position. Coming off a career-high 13 sacks, Madubuike is the kind of cornerstone player championship defenses are built around.
Buffalo Bills - Daquan Jones
Daquan Jones' value to the Bills' defense was equally evident when he was on the field as it was in the precipitous decline in Buffalo's run defense after he suffered a season-ending injury. In addition to being one of the game's more dominant run-stuffers, he's also capable of providing a consistent interior pass rush, producing 17 pressures in 114 pass rush snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. Buffalo is projected to be $54 million over the cap this offseason, but finding a way to retain Jones would be a big step toward preserving some stability on defense.
Carolina Panthers - Brian Burns
Allowing a homegrown talent such as Brian Burns to leave would be a colossal organizational blunder. He is arguably as vital to the Panthers' rebuild on defense as quarterback Bryce Young is on offense. Burns could covet finally playing for a contender, especially after producing 20.5 sacks over the past two seasons while winning nine games over that span. But, whether it is using the franchise tag or breaking the bank on an extension, the Panthers must find a way to keep the 25-year-old in place for the best years of his prime ahead.
Chicago Bears - Jaylon Johnson
Only five teams have more cap space than the Bears' $34.7 million in effective spending flexibility this offseason. That means there is no reason that general manager Ryan Poles can't keep a premier young player at a premium position in Chicago. Jaylon Johnson, 24, held opposing quarterbacks to an elite 33.3 passer rating when targeting him in 2023, and he is a prototypical cornerback. The Bears will likely be rebuilding the offense around USC quarterback Caleb Williams, but Johnson is a cornerstone of a defense that's also a work in progress.
Cincinnati Bengals - Tee Higgins
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Given that Joe Burrow is set to return, fully healthy, in 2024, the Bengals should do everything possible to keep as many of the star quarterback's weapons in place as they can. As FanBuzz previously reported, Tyler Boyd is likely to test free agency. But retaining Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase in place would keep two of Burrow's most dynamic weapons in place for the 2024 campaign. Higgins could command upward of $12 million annually, but the Bengals could also use the franchise tag to keep the band together one more season.
Cleveland Browns - Sione Takitaki
The Browns' front seven was one of the most disruptive in the NFL in 2023, and Sione Takitaki had a career season. The former third-round pick posted a career-high two sacks, and intercepted the first pass of his career, while logging 66 total tackles. In a division loaded with offensive talent, Browns general manager Andrew Berry would be wise to keep a young culture driver of the defense in place.
Dallas Cowboys - Stephon Gilmore
Dallas has built one of the NFL's premier and stingiest secondaries, with a mix of homegrown talent and dominant veterans. Stephon Gilmore fits the latter category and remains one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL, holding opposing quarterbacks to a meager 83.3 passer rating when targeting him. A five-time Pro Bowler, Gilmore is exactly the kind of lockdown veteran cornerback the Cowboys need to retain on the back end of a defense that finished in the top 5 against the pass in 2023.
Denver Broncos - Lloyd Cushenberry
The Broncos could see some significant roster turnover this offseason and will in all likelihood be breaking in a new quarterback in 2024. However, one area where Denver would benefit from some continuity is along the offensive line, where center Lloyd Cushenberry proved his value last season. Cushenberry only allowed one sack and was an anchor of the Broncos' offensive line, which should make him a priority to bring back next season.
Detroit Lions - Josh Reynolds
In 2023, the Lions emerged as one of the more explosive offenses in the league, and Josh Reynolds became a prolific and favorite target of quarterback Jared Goff. As a consistent big-play threat, Reynolds not only caught 40 passes for 608 yards with five touchdowns, but Goff also posted a 118.8 passer rating when targeting him. At age 28, Reynolds still has plenty of upside and has carved out a real niche in a receiving corps that also includes Amon-Ra St. Brown and emerging threat Jameson Williams.
Green Bay Packers - Darnell Savage
Darnell Savage's strong finish to the 2023 season — including an interception returned for a touchdown in the Packers' playoff victory over the Dallas Cowboys — should ensure his Green Bay return in 2024. A homegrown talent and mainstay on the back end of the Packers' defense, Savage allowed just 8.7 yards per reception to opposing wide receivers in 2023. That showed marked improvement in coverage after already being a stout defender in run support up near the line of scrimmage.
Houston Texans - Jonathan Greenard
While the Texans knocked it out of the park, trading up to select Will Anderson with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Jonathan Greenard was downright dominant in 2023. The former third-round pick posted a career-best 14 sacks while adding 48 total pressures as an emerging talent at one of the most vital positions on an NFL roster. Given a relatively weak class of edge rushers both in the draft and free agency, Texans general manager Nick Caserio would be wise to keep his prolific duo of rushers intact.
Indianapolis Colts - Michael Pittman Jr.
Indianapolis was one of the league's biggest overachievers in 2023, despite losing rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson early in the season. While sources inside the league believe Michael Pittman Jr. is one of the free agents most likely to sign a massive contract this offseason, the Colts would be wise to do everything possible to keep the prolific wide receiver. Pittman accounted for 1,152 receiving yards and four touchdowns. But more importantly, Gardner Minshew posted an 86.9 passer rating when targeting him. That kind of big-play reliability will be an asset with a healthy Richardson back on the field.
Jacksonville Jaguars - Josh Allen
Josh Allen is about to cash in this offseason, and there is no reason that it shouldn't be the Jaguars who hand him a colossal new contract. Allen, 26, produced 19 sacks while continuing to emerge as one of the premier pass rushers in the sport. A bit of a late bloomer, the former No. 7 overall draft pick also added 90 pressures in 2023. Losing a young talent at one of the most important positions on the field would be a big blow to the Jaguars' defense.
Kansas City Chiefs - Chris Jones
Chris Jones will be the most sought-after free agent across the league this offseason, and for good reason. Jones' return after a brief holdout sparked the Chiefs' defense, and he's the most prolific run stopper and interior pass rusher in the NFL. As the Kansas City Chiefs look to make a run at a third consecutive Super Bowl victory, there might not be a player more vital to their championship aspirations not named Patrick Mahomes than Jones.
Las Vegas Raiders - Josh Jacobs
Josh Jacobs is just one year removed from winning the rushing title; and while running backs have never been valued less across the NFL, his role in the Raiders' offense is fairly pivotal. Beyond adding balance to an offense that's built around Davante Adams stretching the field on the perimeter, bringing back Jacobs would alleviate some pressure on whoever replaces Jimmy Garoppolo at quarterback while also telegraphing to the rest of a veteran locker room that the organization is committed to building around its homegrown stars.
Los Angeles Chargers - Gerald Everett
Gerald Everett has the potential to be one of the more vitally important pieces of quarterback Justin Herbert's supporting cast. He's not just a more-than-capable run blocker, which will be critical in new head coach Jim Harbaugh's offense. And Everett isn't just a security blanket in the passing game. He's also a yards-after-the-catch machine. As Pro Football Focus points out, Everett averaged 5.4 yards after the catch per reception, and Herbert had a 95.6 passer rating when targeting him. Keeping Everett in Los Angeles should be a top priority for the Chargers this offseason.
Los Angeles Rams - Kevin Dotson
The Rams were one of the biggest surprise contenders in 2023, likely about a year ahead of schedule as general manager Les Snead began a bit of a rebuild on the fly. But if Los Angeles' offense is going to take another step in 2024, keeping Matthew Stafford upright will remain paramount, which makes keeping stalwart offensive guard Kevin Dotson a top priority. Dotson is one of the most dominant and consistent guards in the league, only allowing four sacks in 881 snaps last season.
Miami Dolphins - Christian Wilkins
Christian Wilkins is one of the most dominant interior defenders in the NFL, and he is coming off a career-high nine sacks while adding 65 total tackles with one forced fumble. If the Dolphins are serious about taking the next step and pushing for a Super Bowl berth, keeping Wilkins in place along the defensive line should sit atop this offseason's to-do list.
Minnesota Vikings - Kirk Cousins
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Minnesota isn't anywhere near striking distance of one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft, and they have a roster that is capable of making a push for the NFC North championship as soon as next season. Put simply, even though Kirk Cousins is primed to be the top quarterback available on the open market, the Vikings cannot afford to lose him.
New England Patriots - Mike Onwenu
It isn't often that teams allow 26-year-old offensive tackles, who have consistently played at a high level, to hit free agency. The Patriots shouldn't buck that trend with Mike Onwenu. Last season, Onwenu flashed his versatility by also playing 194 snaps at right guard, while only allowing three sacks all season. New England will likely be dropping a rookie quarterback into the offense, which makes high-end offensive line play all the more important, and Onwenu is a massive pice of that puzzle.
New Orleans Saints - Andrus Peat
Andrus Peat is a versatile offensive lineman who showed his value to the New Orleans Saints in 2023 by only allowing two sacks in 715 snaps. Peat seems like the caliber of player that the Saints may want to try to work out a deal with before the new league year even begins.
New York Giants - Saquon Barkley
One year after the Giants applied the franchise tag to keep Saquon Barkley in New York for the 2023 season, general manager Joe Schoen would be wise to lock the star running back up long-term. In 2023, Barkley proved that he's still one of the most explosive backs in the NFL by rushing for 962 yards and six touchdowns. Beyond his on-field production, Barkley commands serious respect within the Giants' locker room, and re-signing him would send a message to the rest of the roster that this is an organization that values and ultimately takes care of its star players.
New York Jets - Bryce Huff
The Jets' top organization priority has to be building an offense this offseason that's a worthy complement of its stifling defense. For general manager Joe Douglas, the easiest way to focus on Aaron Rodgers' supporting cast is to keep the defense's young playmakers in place. Bryce Huff has emerged as a building block-type player and is coming off a 10-sack campaign in 2023. Given that top pass rush options will be tough to come by this offseason, keeping Huff is vitally important.
Philadelphia Eagles - Jason Kelce
If Jason Kelce decides he isn't ready to retire, the Eagles should move mountains to ensure he finishes his Hall of Fame career in Philadelphia. Kelce remains one of the most consistently dominant centers in the league. In addition to only allowing one sack during the 2023 season, Kelce is instrumental to the "Tush-Push" becoming an automatic conversion for the Eagles. Re-signing Kelce would also preserve continuity along one of the NFL's premier offensive lines.
Pittsburgh Steelers - Miles Killebrew
Miles Killebrew is coming off one of the strongest seasons of his career, garnering First-Team All-Pro honors and strengthening his reputation as a special-teams ace. In addition to his special-teams role, Killebrew was also pressed into action on defense, where he produced 13 total tackles while holding opposing receivers to just 10.8 yards per reception when he was targeted. A vital special teams contributor with upside on defense, the Steelers would be wise to bring Killebrew back.
San Francisco 49ers - Chase Young
Acquired at the NFL trade deadline, Chase Young quickly forged a strong relationship with Nick Bosa and ultimately rounded out one of the league's most disruptive pass-rush duos. Young will likely cash in as the top available pass rusher if the 49ers allow him to hit free agency. But after a dominant performance in the Super Bowl, San Francisco might opt to lock the former No. 2 overall pick before the new league year even begins.
Seattle Seahawks - Leonard Williams
Following his arrival ahead of the NFL trade deadline, Leonard Williams became an ideal fit along the Seahawks' front seven. Williams went on a tear over the final 10 games of the season, producing four sacks and 26 total tackles upon arriving in Seattle. Given new head coach Mike MacDonald's arrival, after leading a swarming defense in Baltimore, Williams is the caliber the Seahawks could build the rest of the defense around, schematically.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield experienced a career renaissance in his first season in Tampa Bay, guiding the Buccaneers to a playoff victory while passing for a career-high 4,044 yards with 28 touchdowns to 10 interceptions. The Buccaneers don't have a long-term solution at quarterback on the roster; but at age 28, Mayfield has plenty of upside ahead of him and seems to be capable of getting the most out of the weapons Tampa has in place offensively.
Tennessee Titans - Azeez Al-Shaair
Importing Azeez Al-Shaair from the San Francisco 49ers' dominant defense was a major step forward for the Titans' defense in 2023. With Al-Shaair likely to be one of the more coveted players in free agency this offseason, Tennessee would be wise to keep him in place long-term — especially after he posted a career-high 173 total tackles and two sacks last season.
Washington Commanders - Kendall Fuller
One of the few bright spots of a moribund recent era for Washington is cornerback Kendall Fuller. He is among the more consistent players across the league at a premium position. Last season, Fuller intercepted a pair of passes and broke up nine more. The Commanders have upward of $80 million in cap space this offseason, are armed with the No. 2 overall pick, and have the ammunition to quickly make over the roster. However, Fuller has done enough in recent years to be a cornerstone player on an about-to-be-rebuilt defense.
