
The 2024 NFL season has concluded, marking the beginning of an intense offseason for 31 teams as they strive to enhance their rosters and challenge the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. Meanwhile, the Eagles will aim to keep their status as the premier team in football.
The offseason’s first phase is the free agency period, which kicks off in just a few weeks. During the early days of March, expect a flurry of activity as teams engage in significant spending to acquire top talent. Many players on our list of the top offensive free agents are poised to see their fortunes increase dramatically.
Speaking of top talent, here are the 25 most sought-after offensive free agents…
Tee Higgins will likely be franchise-tagged for a second consecutive year, which technically removes him from the open market. However, history shows that teams can still acquire franchise-tagged players if they are willing to part with enough draft capital and offer a competitive contract. If the Bengals decide against paying him his true value, another team could very well step up to meet both his financial and playing expectations, keeping him as the standout player available.
Following closely behind is Smith, who will almost certainly don a new uniform next season due to Kansas City’s salary cap constraints. Teams in search of a top interior lineman should prioritize him. There is also a robust pool of talented guards available, including Fries, Zeitler, Becton, Jenkins, Martin, Daniels, and Scherff. While some of these players face age or injury concerns, the depth at this position remains promising.
The same holds true for the receiving corps. Both Godwin and Diggs are returning from notable knee injuries but have demonstrated their ability to perform at a high level this past season. Godwin offers less risk due to his younger age, while Diggs might intrigue teams looking for a more affordable option given his injury history. Beyond these two stars, the receiver market is rich with talent.
Notably, both wide receivers from the Chiefs are on the market this offseason, and their age (Hopkins) and injury (Brown) issues may minimize acquisition costs. Hollywood could emerge as a smart low-risk investment, similar to how he was viewed by the Chiefs last year, though his preseason shoulder injury prevented him from making an impact. Meanwhile, Cooper’s limited contributions in Buffalo could lower his market value despite his strong performance history in Cleveland. Lastly, while Allen may not be the player he once was, he still offers reliability as a slot receiver.
The running back market doesn’t present a wealth of options, but it isn’t bleak either. Players like Harris and Jones can still contribute in backfield rotations, alongside others such as Rico Dowdle and J.K. Dobbins. Recently released Raheem Mostert is now available, and some teams might consider taking a chance on reviving Javonte Williams’s potential as he returns from injury.
The quarterback market, however, is not particularly robust. Darnold’s playoff performances may have damaged his earning potential, leaving him as the top option but likely now viewed more as a mid-tier bridge quarterback rather than a franchise starter. After him, teams may turn to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterbacks. While Wilson’s potential seems limited, Fields could appear more appealing, though perceptions may vary throughout the league. Should those options not pan out, teams can also consider younger prospects like Trey Lance, Mac Jones, and Zach Wilson, or reliable backups like Jacoby Brissett and Marcus Mariota. And don’t overlook the possibility that someone may take another chance on Jimmy Garoppolo.
