Finding a perfect free-agent fit for each NFL team
With NFL free agency set to open next week, every club will be searching for veteran additions in hopes of reaching the next level. Below, we match each team with an ideal free-agent fit after considering roster needs, projected salary-cap space, and the player's market.
Arizona Cardinals: DL Christian Wilkins
With over $50 million in available cap space, the Cardinals will be able to open their wallets this offseason. There isn't a more obvious target than star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins after the Dolphins opted not to franchise tag him. Wilkins, who's coming off a career-high nine sacks and 23 quarterback hits, is the force Arizona needs on its front seven.
Atlanta Falcons: QB Kirk Cousins
Cousins could still go back to Minnesota, but he's the top quarterback available and should be the Falcons' main target. The 35-year-old tore his Achilles in Week 8 but is planning to return for OTAs. Cousins averaged 4,494 yards and 33 touchdowns against 11 interceptions with a 67.9% completion rate per 17 games played with the Vikings. He's only 1-3 in the playoffs but would still be a major upgrade at football's most important position for the Falcons, who started Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke in 2023.
Baltimore Ravens: RB Derrick Henry
Henry topped 2,000 rushing yards in 2020 but has since shown signs of decline, averaging 4.2 yards per carry in 2023. That said, the 30-year-old was healthy last season and rushed for 1,167 yards and 12 touchdowns. He'd be a great addition to the Ravens' backfield and would take some pressure off Lamar Jackson. Henry led the NFL in rushing attempts in four of the last five seasons. The Ravens had a league-high 541 carries in 2023.
Buffalo Bills: DE Chase Young
With three sacks in 12 games (including the playoffs), Young didn't really stand out on the 49ers in 2023 and isn't in a position to demand a huge contract. The 2020 No. 2 pick has also had injury issues. The Bills would need to do some serious salary-cap rearrangement to land Young, but it would be worth it. The former Defensive Rookie of the Year is only 24 and would tackle a major need for Buffalo's pass rush, which lacks star power.
Carolina Panthers: WR Calvin Ridley
Bryce Young needs serious receiving help if he's to bounce back from a rough rookie campaign. Adam Thielen was sneakily brilliant for the Panthers in 2023 but will be 34 years old when the season kicks off, which is just too old for a No. 1 receiver. However, adding a wideout like Ridley would instantly add more flair to Carolina's bland offense. Ridley showed he hardly lost a step in 2023 despite being out for over a year, catching 76 passes for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns.
Chicago Bears: DE Danielle Hunter
Ryan Poles will have a lot of money in his the Bears' wallet this offseason. With over $70 million in available cap space, don't be surprised to see Chicago splurge. Though the Bears already acquired Montez Sweat midseason, their work to boost the pass rush shouldn't be over. Bringing Hunter to Chicago from the division rival Vikings would be a huge boost not only on the field but in team morale. The pass-rusher recorded a career-high 16.5 sacks last year.
Cincinnati Bengals: DL Grover Stewart
The Bengals will need an anchor on the defensive line if D.J. Reader - who tore his quad in December - isn't retained. A suitable replacement comes in the form of Stewart. The 30-year-old has been marvelous and an under-the-radar piece of the Colts' defense for seven seasons. Stewart was PFF's fifth-highest-graded DT in run defense last year.
Cleveland Browns: WR Gabe Davis
Cleveland could use another weapon opposite Amari Cooper, and Davis is one of the best deep-ball wideouts available. The 24-year-old, who enjoyed a career year with Ken Dorsey as his offensive coordinator in Buffalo in 2022, has averaged 16.7 yards per catch and almost seven TD grabs per season since entering the NFL. Reuniting him with Dorsey - now the Browns' OC - would be great for the AFC North club.
Dallas Cowboys: RB Saquon Barkley
Nothing says "going for it" like stealing the top free-agent running back from a division rival. The Cowboys don't typically make splashes like this, but with Jerry Jones' "all-in" comments and the departure of Tony Pollard, Barkley is exactly what they need. Dallas has always loved having a running back to rely on, and there's no bigger fish in the pond than Barkley, a two-time Pro Bowler who can be the game-changer the franchise needs.
Denver Broncos: QB Gardner Minshew
The Broncos' salary-cap situation makes it difficult to move for a top free-agent quarterback to replace Russell Wilson. So, pursuing a reliable backup who started 13 games for the Colts and even made the Pro Bowl in 2023 would be the best Sean Payton's outfit can do. Minshew would have a legitimate chance to start for Denver while competing with Jarrett Stidham.
Detroit Lions: CB Chidobe Awuzie
The Lions employed one of the NFL's worst pass defenses last season, ranking 27th. The free-agent addition of Cameron Sutton didn't have its desired impact. However, Detroit shouldn't be shy to take another swing at a cornerback this offseason. A veteran piece like Awuzie could shore up the secondary. The 28-year-old was ordinary in 2023, but his 2022 and 2021 campaigns were mighty for the Bengals.
Green Bay Packers: OT Jonah Williams
Green Bay saw what it needed to see from Jordan Love in 2023; now it's time to bolster the supporting cast around him. Williams played right tackle for the Bengals this past season, but the 26-year-old previously spent three years as Cincinnati's left tackle and could be an interesting option to protect Love's blind side.
Houston Texans: G Kevin Dotson
The Texans have their franchise quarterback in C.J. Stroud, so now their job is to protect their biggest investment. That means going out and landing one of the biggest free-agent offensive linemen on the market in Dotson. He became one of the NFL's standout guards after being traded to the Rams last offseason, earning the second-highest grade at the position by PFF. His presence in Houston would go a long way in ensuring Stroud doesn't rank in the top eight for most sacked QBs again.
Indianapolis Colts: S Xavier McKinney
Secondary might be Indianapolis' biggest need this offseason, and there aren't many available safeties better than McKinney. When healthy, he has proved to be an explosive defensive back with solid coverage skills and tackling ability. He set career highs with 116 tackles and 11 pass breakups to go along with three interceptions for the Giants in 2023.
Jacksonville Jaguars: OL Robert Hunt
The Jaguars desperately need to improve the offensive line. The group surrendered 41 total sacks last season, while the running game's 3.6 yards per carry ranked 30th in the NFL. The main focus should be the line's interior. Ezra Cleveland is a pending free agent and Brandon Scherff is a release candidate. Hunt, who was graded as PFF's sixth-best guard, would immediately improve the unit.
Kansas City Chiefs: RB Austin Ekeler
Playing running back for the Chiefs means being an important part of the passing game. There's no better fit for the reigning champions than Ekeler, one of the game's most dynamic and versatile backs. The 28-year-old has accumulated over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in his last three seasons while catching over 50 passes in each of the last four years, including a career-high 107 in 2022.
Las Vegas Raiders: DL Leonard Williams
The Raiders are lacking a serious pass-rush threat on the interior of their front seven. Williams, who recorded four sacks over his last nine games in 2023 with the Seattle Seahawks, could be the big fish to land in free agency. The 29-year-old is strong both against the run and getting after the quarterback, making him a seamless fit for any defense. The Raiders had an opportunity to draft Williams in the 2015 NFL Draft and now they could finally welcome him to the team.
Los Angeles Chargers: RB Josh Jacobs
It's no secret that Jim Harbaugh loves himself a running game, and offensive coordinator Greg Roman has already fantasized about how Justin Herbert would be with a great rushing attack. It wouldn't get much better than signing one of the league's best rushers from your division rival. Jacobs is one year removed from leading the NFL in rushing (1,653 yards) and would easily replace the departing Ekeler.
Los Angeles Rams: DE Jonathan Greenard
Bringing in a promising pass-rusher coming off a career year is the best way the Rams can tackle their issues at edge rusher. Granted, Greenard has a history of injuries. But the 26-year-old recorded 52 tackles (15 for loss), 22 QB hits, and 12.5 sacks in 2023. He also appeared in 17 games, including the playoffs.
Miami Dolphins: OL Jonah Jackson
Jackson has missed nine games through injury since earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2021, but he's one of the top interior linemen available. The 27-year-old has primarily played left guard but also has experience at center and right guard. He'd fit like a glove for the Dolphins, whose main interior blockers - C Connor Williams, RG Robert Hunt, and LG Isaiah Wynn - are all set to hit free agency.
Minnesota Vikings: DE Bryce Huff
Minnesota is looking for a pass-rusher after its main edge rushers, including Danielle Hunter, hit the open market this offseason. Huff was part of the Jets' pass-rush rotation in 2023 but broke out with 21 QB hits and 10 sacks despite playing just 42% of New York's defensive snaps. The 25-year-old has a high ceiling and would be key for Brian Flores' defense.
New England Patriots: WR Marquise Brown
Baker Mayfield would be an obvious pick, though we'd put our money on him re-signing with Tampa Bay. Another area of need for the Patriots is wide receiver. A speedy, big-play threat like Brown is exactly what this stale offense needs. Brown will still only be 27 years old when the 2024 season kicks off and has been a consistent producer throughout his career, though his 2023 campaign with inconsistent quarterback play due to Kyler Murray missing half the season.
New Orleans Saints: WR Odell Beckham Jr.
Beckham finally comes home to New Orleans in this scenario. The Saints are in cap trouble - they're no stranger to that - but should be able to afford Beckham, who has seemingly settled in as a No. 2 option at this stage of his career. He caught just 35 passes for 565 yards last season but could be a perfect veteran piece who possibly takes a hometown discount to replace Michael Thomas, who's expected to be released.
New York Giants: OL Michael Onwenu
The Giants allowed 85 sacks in 2023. No other team allowed more than 65. Clearly, addressing the offensive line is priority No. 1 for Brian Daboll's club. Bringing in a four-year starter like Onwenu would be a massive step in fixing an O-line that was practically nonexistent last season. Not only does Onwenu bring experience, but he also has the versatility to play guard or tackle. If the Giants want to salvage Daniel Jones, a piece like Onwenu becomes crucial.
New York Jets: OT Tyron Smith
The Jets have an abundance of offensive needs, ranging from another high-caliber receiver to a backup quarterback to the offensive line. However, the top priority should be keeping Aaron Rodgers upright after his debut year in New York was abruptly ended by a torn Achilles after four plays. A veteran like Smith could be the dependable piece at left tackle that Rodgers needs. The eight-time Pro Bowler has battled injury concerns over the years, but when healthy, he's a major upgrade over Mekhi Becton.
Philadelphia Eagles: LB Patrick Queen
After an inconsistent start to his NFL career, Queen enjoyed his best pro seasons in 2022 and 2023. The 2020 first-round pick was a second-team All-Pro last year after amassing 133 tackles, 3.5 sacks, six pass breakups, and one interception while playing in Baltimore's No. 1 defense alongside Roquan Smith. Now the best off-ball linebacker in free agency, Queen could be exactly what the Eagles need at linebacker to fix their defense.
Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Russell Wilson
The Steelers promised to bring in competition at quarterback. Wilson would seriously challenge Kenny Pickett for the starter's job. Perhaps the former Super Bowl champion can be added for cheap, too, since the Broncos will be on the hook for $39 million minus whatever his next contract is. It's fair to acknowledge Wilson's limitations and decline, but it's hard not to think he still wouldn't be an upgrade over Pickett. Arthur Smith's run-first offense that utilizes play-action could also be of great help to Wilson's current capabilities.
San Francisco 49ers: LB Josh Uche
The 49ers will be on the hunt for more pass-rushing depth with Chase Young and Randy Gregory scheduled for free agency. A versatile pass-rusher like Uche could be the perfect solution. The 2020 second-round pick finished with only three sacks last season but tallied a career-high 11.5 in 2022. He would be a quality addition to an edge group that also features Nick Bosa and Drake Jackson.
Seattle Seahawks: LB Jadevon Clowney
Mike Macdonald might be bringing reinforcements. An obvious free-agent fit for the Seahawks would be reuniting with Clowney. The veteran, who spent 2019 in Seattle, enjoyed one of his finest seasons in Baltimore under Macdonald with a career-high 9.5 sacks. The Seahawks also could use another proven edge rusher alongside Boye Mafe.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: OL Cody Whitehair
Fixing the offensive line is one of the most important things for the Bucs to do this offseason. Whitehair is coming off a down season but would upgrade Tampa Bay's interior O-line thanks to his experience and versatility. The former Pro Bowler, who turns 32 this year, has played 124 career games and has played at left guard, center, and right guard.
Tennessee Titans: WR Tyler Boyd
The Titans could use another reliable wide receiver, and Boyd's familiarity with new head coach Brian Callahan makes this a perfect match. Boyd may have taken a back seat to Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins in Callahan's offense in Cincinnati, but he was one of the Bengals' most consistent players. From 2019 to 2023, Boyd recorded no fewer than 667 receiving yards. He could be a very reliable target for Tennessee quarterback Will Levis.
Washington Commanders: DE Dorance Armstrong Jr.
This makes a lot of sense. The Commanders need to bolster their pass rush, and their new head coach, Dan Quinn, worked with Armstrong for multiple seasons in Dallas. An underrated defensive end who already has six NFL campaigns under his belt, Armstrong posted at least 7.5 sacks in each of the last two years. He'll be just 27 in 2024.