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2024 NFL Free Agency: Way too early look at next year

By Lou Scataglia

NFL picks; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) looks on after the game against the New York Jets at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
NFL picks; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) looks on after the game against the New York Jets at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 2024 NFL free agency period is nine months away, but even though it’s an early look, let’s look at some of the top projected players to hit the market.  Right now, the 2024 NFL free agency class looks stacked.

There are projected to be elite-level players on both sides of the ball.  Sure, some may be re-signed and may not hit the market, but a lot of these players will indeed hit free agency next year for many reasons.

The 2024 offseason may end up being a huge time for some teams who need to put the finishing touches on their roster.  With the salary cap set to increase as usual and many teams wanting to move quickly to build a competitive team, next year’s free agency class may end up being massive.

Let’s look at some of the top players on both sides of the ball.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 15: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up prior to the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 15: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up prior to the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /

2024 NFL Free Agency: Way too early look at next year – Offense

Kirk Cousins, QB

Kirk Cousins may yet again beat the system and sign another one-year deal that is virtually fully guaranteed, or, the Minnesota Vikings could simply let him hit the market in 2024, where he’d be entering his age-36 season.  As a pure pocket passer, Cousins could feasibly remain efficient as he approaches 40 and may be a top-level bridge QB for certain teams.

Ryan Tannehill, QB

Also set to enter his age-36 season next year, Tannehill is about a tier below Cousins but is still similar in that he could serve as a bridge QB for a team.  The Tennessee Titans may not even carry Tannehill on their roster through the 2023 season.

Mike Evans, WR

Mike Evans, a future Hall of Fame wide receiver, has had at least 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first nine seasons and is a free agent at the end of the 2023 season.  I truly do not think he re-signs with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  At this point, he’s got the Super Bowl, so maybe he’d rather be a stat-chaser at this point in his career.

Derrick Henry, RB

Henry is going to be 30 late in the 2023 season, and that’s usually the age when running backs begin to fall off.  Henry likely won’t be retained by the Titans, and I think he’d latch on with a true Super Bowl contender, but may not be a bell-cow RB at this stage of his career.

Tyron Smith, LT

Tyron Smith has been a Hall of Fame tackle in the NFL for years and is set to hit the market next year.  With the ability to play both tackle spots, Smith could easily find a home in 2024, but given his age and injury history, he may simply decide to just hang it up and retire.

The 2024 NFL free agency period may be quite stacked on the offensive side of the ball.

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