NFL Free Agency Update: Top Available Players at Each Position
As the NFL free agency period has moved beyond its second wave, the landscape of player movement is becoming clearer. The marquee names have all but settled into new or familiar homes, and attention is turning towards the draft. However, there is still talent to be found in the free agency pool, with several veterans and potential impact players waiting for their next opportunity. Here, we take a closer look at the top available free agents at each position as teams prepare for the third wave of signings.
Quarterback Spotlight
The quarterback market features some intriguing options, including Ryan Tannehill, who, after being benched last season in Tennessee, is on the lookout for a chance to regain a starting role. Tannehill, with 151 career starts and a respectable 91.2 passer rating, certainly has the experience to offer value. Brian Hoyer, although released by the Las Vegas Raiders, showed he could still contribute as he made a start last season, adding to his 41 career starts. Meanwhile, Blaine Gabbert, once of Kansas City, with 49 games started, is also seeking a new beginning.
Running Back Prospects
The running back position is not short of talent, with players like J.K. Dobbins, Ezekiel Elliott, and Kareem Hunt available. Dobbins, remembered for his standout rookie season, has the potential to rejuvenate a backfield. Elliott, with 642 rushing yards and three touchdowns last season, and Hunt, who notched nine touchdowns in 15 games, are also valuable assets for teams needing an experienced rusher.
Wide Receivers on the Market
At wide receiver, Tyler Boyd stands out as a reliable third option, having amassed 6,000 receiving yards and 31 touchdowns in his career. D.J. Chark, with 35 catches for 525 yards and five touchdowns last season, and Odell Beckham Jr., who was productive in Baltimore, can offer teams big-play potential and veteran presence.
Tight End Talent
In the tight end group, Logan Thomas, Robert Tonyan, and C.J. Uzomah represent the top available talents. Thomas, with 55 catches for 496 yards and four touchdowns last season, shows his capability as a receiving threat. Tonyan, known for his 11 touchdown catches in 2020, and Uzomah, despite a quieter season with New York, are both poised for potential bounce-back years.
Tackling the Tackle Market
David Bakhtiari, despite missing a significant amount of time over the past three seasons, remains one of the top tackles available. Mekhi Becton and Donovan Smith, who allowed 12 sacks and 47 pressures, and two sacks and 36 pressures, respectively, last season, offer teams the chance to bolster their offensive line with experience and potential upside.
Guards and Centers
Andrus Peat, with the versatility to play both left tackle and guard, coupled with Dalton Risner, who did not allow a sack in 459 pass-blocking snaps last season, and Laken Tomlinson, despite allowing the most sacks and pressures among the group, are the top guard options. At center, Max Williams, Tim Patrick, and J.C. Allen, who allowed minimal sacks and pressures last season, are available to solidify the interior offensive line.
As teams transition their focus towards the NFL Draft, the third wave of free agency presents an opportunity to fill roster gaps with experienced and potentially impactful players. Although the compensatory pick considerations no longer apply, the talent pool still offers plenty of options for teams looking to address specific needs or add depth. In a league where the margin between victory and defeat can be razor-thin, these free agents could very well be the missing pieces for a successful 2024 campaign.
