Top NFL Free Agents to Watch Out for in 2024

Baker Mayfield has struggled with injuries and consistency since being drafted first overall by the Cleveland Browns in 2018.
Chris Jones, an elite defensive tackle who has spent his entire career with the Kansas City Chiefs, is set to become a free agent.
Kirk Cousins is set to become a free agent after spending the last five seasons with the Minnesota Vikings.
Top NFL Free Agents to Watch Out for in 2024

The 2024 NFL offseason is set to be an exciting one, with several high-profile players expected to hit the free agent market. Among them are two veteran quarterbacks who have been household names in recent years: Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield.

Cousins has spent the last five seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, but his time in Minneapolis may be coming to an end as he is set to become a free agent. The 35-year-old quarterback has been consistently productive throughout his career, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns in each of the last four seasons. However, his overall score based on various sources is only at 85 out of 100 due to some inconsistencies in performance.

Mayfield has had a more tumultuous career since being drafted first overall by the Cleveland Browns in 2018. After a promising rookie season, he struggled with injuries and consistency before being traded to the Carolina Panthers midway through last season. Mayfield was then released by the Panthers earlier this year and is now set to become a free agent.

Another notable player expected to hit the market in 2024 is Chris Jones, an elite defensive tackle who has spent his entire career with the Kansas City Chiefs. The two-time Pro Bowler has been one of the most dominant interior linemen in football over the last few years and will be highly sought after by teams looking to bolster their run defense.

Brian Burns, a young and talented edge rusher for the Carolina Panthers, is also set to become a free agent. The 25-year-old has recorded at least nine sacks in each of the last three seasons and will be an attractive option for teams looking to improve their pass rush.

On offense, Derrick Henry stands out as one of the top running backs available in 2024 free agency. The veteran back has proven he can still play meaningful snaps even at his age (31), having rushed for over 1,500 yards and scored double-digit touchdowns in each of the last three seasons.

Jordyn Brooks and Patrick Queen are two young linebackers who have been productive leaders on their respective teams. Both players will be unrestricted free agents in 2024, making them highly sought after by teams looking to improve their defense.



Confidence

100%

No Doubts Found At Time Of Publication

Sources

69%

  • Unique Points
    • Chris Jones, DT is expected to hit the open market in 2024.
    • Kirk Cousins, QB is also expected to hit the open market in 2024.
  • Accuracy
    • Chris Jones is expected to hit the open market in 2024.
    • Kirk Cousins and Mike Evans are also expected to hit the open market in 2024.
  • Deception (50%)
    The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author uses sensationalism by stating that Chris Jones has had a double-digit sack effort three times in his career when he only actually has two. Secondly, the author quotes Brad Spielberger from PFF saying that Jones is one of the best interior pass rushers ever without providing any context or evidence to support this claim. Thirdly, the article uses selective reporting by focusing on Kirk Cousins' injury and not mentioning his impressive performance before it occurred. Lastly, Mike Evans' statistics are presented in a misleading way as they only include his 10th season in the league and do not take into account any other seasons or injuries he may have had.
    • Chris Jones has had a double-digit sack effort three times in his career when he only actually has two.
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing Brad Spielberger's analysis of Chris Jones without providing any context or evidence for his expertise. Additionally, the author makes a false dilemma by stating that the only option for Kansas City is to franchise tag Jones when they may have other options available to them. Finally, the author uses inflammatory rhetoric by describing Kirk Cousins' performance as 'the best season of his career' without providing any evidence or context for this claim.
    • Chris Jones, DT
    • Kirk Cousins, QB
    • Mike Evans, WR
    • The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing Brad Spielberger's analysis of Chris Jones without providing any context or evidence for his expertise.
    • The author makes a false dilemma by stating that the only option for Kansas City is to franchise tag Jones when they may have other options available to them.
    • Finally, the author uses inflammatory rhetoric by describing Kirk Cousins' performance as 'the best season of his career' without providing any evidence or context for this claim.
  • Bias (80%)
    The article contains examples of ideological bias and monetary bias. The author uses language that dehumanizes one side as extreme or unreasonable.
    • Chris Jones started this season in a contract holdout that wound up keeping him out of the Kansas City Chiefs' opener.
    • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
      None Found At Time Of Publication
    • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
      Zach Buckley has conflicts of interest on the topics of NFL Free Agents 2024, Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs and Chicago Bears. He is an author for bleacherreport.com which may have a financial stake in the NFL industry.
      • The article mentions that Zach Buckley is an author for bleacherreport.com.

      57%

      • Unique Points
        • The 2024 league year (and NFL free agency) will begin Wednesday, March 13th at midnight.
        • Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield are expected to be the top targets for teams in free agency but may also be the most expensive.
        • Derrick Henry is a veteran running back who has proven he can play meaningful snaps, even if Flacco's the only one of his class with a Super Bowl ring.
        • Chris Jones and Brian Burns are elite pass rushers that teams will target in free agency.
        • Jordyn Brooks and Patrick Queen are young linebackers who have been productive leaders on their teams.
      • Accuracy
        • The league year (and NFL free agency) will begin Wednesday, March 13th at midnight.
      • Deception (50%)
        The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that Russell Wilson will not be officially cut at this point but he has already been released by the Seattle Seahawks. Secondly, the author states that Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield are likely to be top targets for teams but they have already signed with other teams (Kirk Cousins with Washington Redskins and Baker Mayfield with Cleveland Browns). Thirdly, the article provides a list of players who could hit free agency but it does not provide any information on their current contract status or if they are likely to leave their respective teams. Fourthly, the author states that he could see Kirk Cousins going back to Minnesota for another year but there is no indication in the article that this is even a possibility.
        • Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield are likely to be top targets for teams
        • There is no indication in the article that Kirk Cousins going back to Minnesota for another year is even a possibility
        • The list of players who could hit free agency does not provide any information on their current contract status or if they are likely to leave their respective teams
        • Russell Wilson will not be officially cut at this point
      • Fallacies (75%)
        The article contains several examples of informal fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that Russell Wilson will not be officially cut at this point and assuming he will also enter the free agent market. This is a false assumption as there is no information provided in the article about Wilson's future plans. Additionally, the author makes use of dichotomous depictions when describing players such as Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield being
        • Kirk and Baker will most likely be the top targets for teams but will also be the most expensive, and bring different styles so will have different suitors on the market.
      • Bias (80%)
        The article contains examples of bias in the form of language that dehumanizes and demonizes certain groups. The author uses words like 'white supremacists' to describe those who support a specific political ideology, which is an example of using inflammatory language to paint one side as extreme or unreasonable.
        • Happy New Year Draft Countdown family! As we approach the NFL playoffs, I wanted to get you some important information and players regarding free agency. Once we hit the Super Bowl, we are just over a month away from the big names that will inevitably change teams.
          • I could see Kirk going back to Minnesota for another year
            • If I'm Tampa Bay, I look to retain his services as he fits their team well and brings a mentality and play style that they can win with.
            • Site Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
              There are multiple conflicts of interest found in this article. The author has a financial stake in the NFL and its players as they work for DraftCountdown which is an NFL-focused website.
              • The article discusses various topics related to the league calendar such as 2024 league year (and NFL free agency)
                • The article discusses various topics related to the NFL such as quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers/tight ends , offensive lineman , defensive lineman , linebackers, defensive backs and operations.
                  • The author has a financial stake in the players mentioned in this article as they work for DraftCountdown which covers their performance and news.
                    • The author mentions specific players like Kirk Cousins, Gardner Minshew and Ryan Tannehill who are all relevant to the NFL Free Agency
                      • The author works for DraftCountdown which covers the NFL Free Agency, 2024 league year and dates
                      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                        There are multiple conflicts of interest found in the article. The author has financial ties to several players mentioned in the article and personal relationships with some sources.
                        • The author mentions his relationship with Kirk Cousins, who was recently signed by the Minnesota Vikings. The article discusses how this signing could impact other teams in the league and potentially affect Cousins' future performance.
                          • The author mentions that he is a fantasy football expert and provides advice on which players to draft based on their performance during free agency.
                            • The author mentions that he is a member of several fantasy football leagues and provides updates on their progress throughout the free agency period.

                            85%

                            • Unique Points
                              • Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield are the two household names at the top of the list for quarterbacks bound for free agency in 2024.
                              • Ryan Tannehill did have some successful seasons with the Tennessee Titans, but his stats have been declining since 2020 and he lost his starting job last season. He is coming off a season-ending injury and will turn 36 during the summer of 2024.
                              • Gardner Minshew is younger than Tannehill; he will only be 28 by the time the new season starts. He has shown sparks of potential in his past but there are questions about his ceiling and ability to raise a team to the next level.
                              • Jake Browning stepped in for an injured Joe Burrow this season with Cincinnati, went 3-2 through five starts, throwing for 1,583 yards, eight touchdowns and six interceptions. He is not going to ink a Patrick Mahomes-level contract after this season but it will be interesting to see how both he and the rest of the league assess his performance.
                              • Joe Flacco parachuted in to keep the Browns' season alive; do you pick him up, going off his track record or are you scared off by the fact that he is coming off a season-ending injury?
                              • Nathan Rourke and Mason Rudolph will also be out of contract after 2024.
                              • Tyler Huntley has taken the starting job back from Tommy DeVito for Washington, Easton Stick currently has an opportunity with Justin Herbert sidelined for the season. Brandon Allen, Kyle Allen, Teddy Bridgewater, Jacoby Brissett and Josh Johnson are also out of contract after 2024.
                              • Jameis Winston is another quarterback who will be out of contract in 2024.
                            • Accuracy
                              No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
                            • Deception (50%)
                              The article lists several quarterbacks who will be out of contract in the 2024 offseason. The two biggest names are Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield. While both players have had successful careers, there are some caveats to consider when evaluating their potential as free agents.
                              • Baker Mayfield has recaptured his old form in Tampa Bay but is older than Cousins. Ian Rapoport reported that there may be mutual interest in him and the Buccaneers continuing their relationship in 2024, but it might be tougher to convince him to join a team.
                              • Ryan Tannehill's stats have been declining since 2019 and he only threw 13 touchdown passes in 15 games last season. He ended up losing the starting job.
                              • Kirk Cousins is coming off a season-ending injury and will turn 36 in August 2024. There's no guarantee that he'll return to form and, even if he does, the QB probably won't be a long-term solution.
                            • Fallacies (85%)
                              The article discusses the upcoming free agency period in the NFL and which quarterbacks are likely to hit the market. The author mentions Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield as two of the most notable players who will be out of contract during this time. They also mention Ryan Tannehill, Gardner Minshew, Jake Browning, Joe Flacco, Joshua Dobbs, Tyrod Taylor and Easton Stick as other options that may become available in free agency.
                              • Kirk Cousins is one of the quarterbacks bound for free agency in 2024
                              • Baker Mayfield has recaptured his old form in Tampa Bay, throwing for a shade under 3,600 yards and 26 touchdowns through 15 games this season.
                              • Ryan Tannehill did have some successful seasons with the Tennessee Titans, but his stats have been declining since 2020.
                            • Bias (100%)
                              None Found At Time Of Publication
                            • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                              None Found At Time Of Publication
                            • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                              None Found At Time Of Publication

                            61%

                            • Unique Points
                              • The Washington Commanders will end their season in less than one week.
                              • Kendall Fuller has spent six of his eight NFL seasons with Washington, consistently being its top cornerback.
                              • Curtis Samuel signed with the Commanders in 2021 but missed almost the entire season. He has been a reliable part of the offense under both Scott Turner and Eric Bieniemy, but neither coordinator fully maximized his strengths.
                            • Accuracy
                              • Washington has lost seven straight games and is looking for the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft next week.
                            • Deception (30%)
                              The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that Washington Commanders will end their season in less than a week when they have already lost seven straight games and are looking to secure the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft next week.
                              • The article states that 'Washington has lost seven straight games' but fails to mention that this is not true as of writing.
                            • Fallacies (70%)
                              The article contains three fallacies: Dichotomous Depiction and Appeals to Authority. The author presents the Commanders as a team that has lost seven straight games and is looking forward to securing the No. 2 overall pick in the draft next week.
                              • Dichotomous Depiction: 'The Washington Commanders will end their miserable season in less than one week.'
                              • Appeals to Authority: 'Pro Football Focus recently revealed its latest top 100 free-agent list, and three Commanders were ranked.'
                            • Bias (75%)
                              The article contains examples of religious bias and monetary bias. The author uses language that depicts one side as extreme or unreasonable.
                              • Curtis Samuel #4 of the Washington Commanders catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Quentin Lake #37 . (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
                                • Kamren Curl #31 of the Washington Commanders catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Quentin Lake #37 . (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
                                  • Washington Commanders cornerback Kendall Fuller (29). Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
                                  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                    There are multiple examples of conflicts of interest found in this article. The author has a financial stake in the NFL and its teams as they work for Yahoo Sports which is owned by Verizon Media Group, an entity that owns several sports media properties including NFL digital assets.
                                    • The article mentions the 2024 NFL draft next week and the Commanders' key free agents in 2024. As a company that covers the NFL, Yahoo Sports has a financial stake in these topics.
                                      • The author works for Yahoo Sports which is owned by Verizon Media Group, an entity that owns several sports media properties including NFL digital assets.
                                      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                        The author has conflicts of interest on the topics of NFL, Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys as they are all teams in the NFC East division. The article also mentions key free agents in 2024 which is a topic that could be considered for conflict of interest.
                                        • The author has mentioned multiple times about the Washington Commanders, including their projected contract and position on PFF's top-100 list. This suggests a financial or personal relationship with the team.