Chris Jones was ecstatic about playing in Week 18 while many of his Kansas City Chiefs teammates rested to prepare for the postseason. He danced and grinned from ear to ear after earning $1.25 million in an otherwise meaningless game.
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Jones hit his seven-figure bonus for recording at least 10 sacks in 2023, making up some of the money he lost from his messy contract holdout last offseason. And the star defensive tackle will definitely recoup all of his money in the coming weeks as the top free agent on most pundits’ best available board.
If Jones resets the market for interior defensive linemen, he might top that dance he did after sacking Los Angeles Chargers backup Easton Stick in the regular-season finale and do a few backflips.
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If the Chiefs decide to let their two-time first-team All-Pro walk, or don’t pay him Aaron Donald–like money, Jones will likely find it elsewhere. But Jones isn’t the only top free agent with an intriguing situation.
Before the 2023 season, the Minnesota Vikings appeared ready to move on from quarterback Kirk Cousins, declining to pursue a contract extension with the veteran signal-caller. But then Cousins played some of the best football of his career … and then he tore his Achilles tendon midway through the season, adding more unknowns to the quarterback’s future in Minnesota.
Those are just two of 50 pending free agents we will be keeping tabs on this offseason. It’s shaping up to be a good year for wide receiver-needy teams, as players such as Calvin Ridley could become available once the legal tampering period begins March 11.
There could also be a handful of dominant pass rushers available, such as Danielle Hunter and Christian Wilkins.
Many of the top players available may not hit free agency though; the franchise tag was applied to some of them before Tuesday’s deadline, and teams can still re-sign their own players before March. But every free agency is filled with surprises.
Here are the top 50 pending free agents ahead of the new league year in the NFL. Sports Illustrated spoke to NFL agents as well as current and former league executives to help provide contract projections.
1. Chris Jones, DL, Chiefs
Projection: Four years, $112 million
Jones, 30, is going to get a massive payday, whether it be in Kansas City or elsewhere. After earning first-team All-Pro for the second straight year with 10.5 sacks, Jones is slated for unrestricted free agency, something he’s never enjoyed before. Expect there to be many teams making inquiries for the future Hall of Famer.
2. Kirk Cousins, QB, Vikings
Projection: One year, $40 million
Cousins played some of the best football of his career before sustaining the season-ending Achilles injury in Week 8 vs. the Green Bay Packers. The quarterback probably would have landed another lucrative long-term contract extension had he never gotten hurt. But the 35-year-old could take a one-year, prove-it deal to possibly set himself up for a bigger payday in the foreseeable future, if he makes a full recovery from the significant injury. Also, don’t rule out Cousins staying in Minnesota at least another season. Coach Kevin O’Connell saw first-hand what life is like without Cousins after a QB rotation of Joshua Dobbs, Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall to end the 2023 season.
3. Danielle Hunter, edge, Vikings
Projection: Three years, $54 million
Hunter has been one of the most consistent pass rushers since entering the league in 2015. At age 29, Hunter recorded a career-high 16.5 sacks thanks to defensive coordinator Brian Flores’s blitz-heavy scheme. The Vikings, however, nearly let go of Hunter during last year’s trade deadline. Perhaps that’s a sign that Minnesota might not be willing to come to terms on a lucrative contract extension with Hunter. But it will be tough for the team to let go of their most productive edge rusher in ’23.
4. Christian Wilkins, DT, Dolphins
Projection: Four years, $80 million
Wilkins should be the Miami Dolphins’ top priority this offseason. However, Miami is facing a significant cap crunch with a litany of large contracts coming up, including Jaelan Phillips, Jaylen Waddle, Tua Tagovailoa and others. If Wilkins gets to the open market, expect him to get paid $20+ million annually.
5. Calvin Ridley, WR, Jaguars
Projection: Three years, $60 million
There’s no question that Ridley is a talented wide receiver, but he’s coming off a disappointing first season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, which could lead to his availability in free agency. Trevor Lawrence struggled to develop chemistry with Ridley and had more success throwing in Christian Kirk’s direction. Perhaps coaching and injuries to key players could be why Ridley had quiet stretches in 2023. He recorded 76 catches for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns.
6. Baker Mayfield, QB, Buccaneers
Projection: Three years, $75 million
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It seemed Mayfield was going to be out of the league in a few years, and then he revived his career with the Buccaneers. The 2018 No. 1 pick threw for 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns, setting him up to receive a multi-year deal at a reasonable rate.
7. Mike Onwenu, OG, Patriots
Projection: Four years, $48 million
The versatile Onwenu might have found his ideal position after flourishing as the Patriots’ starting right tackle last season. Reliable tackles are hard to find, which could mean a nice payday for the 2020 sixth-round pick. Before moving back to right tackle, Onwenu made a name for himself as a productive offensive guard the past few seasons. He has appeared in 64 career games with 56 total starts.
8. Chase Young, edge, 49ers
Projection: Five years, $105 million
This might seem like a huge projection for Young based on his play, but let’s consider a few factors. For starters, he’s a former No. 2 pick who is 24 years old and coming off a 7.5-sack season. Furthermore, top edge rushers are now getting more than $30 million annually. Despite being without elite production, Young’s a good player with upside. It’s all about the guarantees.
9. Leonard Williams, DT, Seahawks
Projection: Four years, $80 million
At 29 years old, Williams has an intriguing situation. He’s hitting free agency in a year loaded with defensive tackles, potentially hurting his leverage. Still, he played well in 2023 with 5.5 sacks on the interior, totaling 10 tackles for loss and 15 quarterback hits. We could see a deal similar to Javon Hargrave’s from a year ago.
10. Jonathan Greenard, edge, Texans
Projection: Three years, $51 million
After three inconsistent seasons, Greenard found his stride for the Houston Texans under the watch of first-year coach DeMeco Ryans. Greenard developed into a productive edge rusher and also formed a dominant duo with rookie Will Anderson Jr. The defensive end put aside his injury-riddled 2022 and recorded a career-high 12.5 sacks in 15 games this past season. The ’20 third-round pick is on the verge of receiving a hefty pay raise.
11. Kevin Zeitler, G, Ravens
Projection: Two years, $16 million
Turning 34 years old this offseason, Zeitler is nearing the end of his career. Still, he’s one of the better guards in the league and should get a nice payday, even if it’s on a short-term deal. The Baltimore Ravens are going to have trouble keeping their team together considering they have a hoard of high-end free agents, so Zeitler could be changing zip codes.
12. Marquise Brown, WR, Cardinals
Projection: Two years, $22 million
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Brown had a rough two years in Arizona, failing to reach 800 receiving yards in each of his two seasons since being traded by the Ravens. But Brown didn’t have quarterback Kyler Murray for nine games in 2023, and there were many issues with the offensive scheme the prior year under former coach Kliff Kingsbury. Brown has had disappointing numbers, but many teams would welcome his elite speed. The ’19 first-round pick recorded 51 catches for 574 yards and four touchdowns this past season.
13. Lavonte David, LB, Buccaneers
Projection: One year, $6 million
David has been one of the league’s best linebackers for a decade. He’s also 34 years old and likely looking at a one-year deal, whether it’s for a return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or elsewhere. He remains a very productive player, having totaled 134 tackles and 4.5 sacks to help lead Tampa Bay to an NFC South title, but anything more than a very short-term deal would be surprising due to his age.
14. Saquon Barkley, RB, Giants
Projection: Three years, $28 million
Barkley could play for a new team after he and the New York Giants failed to agree on a long-term contract extension before the 2023 season. Both sides avoided a lengthy contract holdout after the Giants added incentives to Barkley’s one-year deal. But the running back didn’t meet all of his incentives due to a poor season for the Giants. The running back, now heading into his age-27 season, rushed for 962 yards and averaged only 3.9 yards per carry in ’23. He also recorded 41 catches for 280 yards and four touchdowns. A change in scenery could benefit one of the most versatile running backs in the league.
15. Kendall Fuller, CB, Commanders
Projection: Three years, $24 million
Fuller is looking for his third contract, hitting the market at 29 years old. After two stops with the Washington Commanders and one with the Chiefs, Fuller is a well-traveled and versatile defensive back who can play both in the slot and as a safety in a pinch. He’ll be a value add for someone after totaling nine passes defensed, two interceptions and 79 tackles in 2023.
16. Bryce Huff, edge, Jets
Projection: Three years, $48 million
The 2020 undrafted free agent had a breakout season as one of the New York Jets’ most reliable pass rushers, despite only playing in 42% of the defensive snaps. Huff recorded career highs in sacks (10), QB hits (21) and total tackles (29). Don’t expect the Memphis product to give the Jets a hometown discount.
17. D’Andre Swift, RB, Eagles
Projection: Two years, $14 million
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Swift finished fifth in the rushing title race with 1,049 yards on 4.6 yards per carry. However, he could be looking for his third team in as many years with the running back market continuing to depreciate. Last offseason, Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman was correct to let Miles Sanders get paid by the Carolina Panthers. Swift might see the same fate, and should prove a nice find on the market.
18. Patrick Queen, LB, Ravens
Projection: Four years, $60 million
Queen saw his fifth-year option declined last offseason, and it appeared to motivate him. The 24-year-old made second-team All-Pro by notching 133 tackles and 3.5 sacks, playing an integral role in Baltimore’s top-tier defense. With the Ravens already having paid Roquan Smith, it’s likely Queen gets to market and gets a good deal after playing a career-high 97% of the defensive snaps in 2023.
19. Kenny Moore II, CB, Colts
Projection: Two years, $14 million
The Indianapolis Colts’ nickel cornerback made drastic improvements after a shaky 2022 season. Moore made the most of his opportunities and gained trust from first-year head coach Shane Steichen and defensive coordinator Gus Bradley. Moore, who has spent the past seven seasons in Indianapolis, recorded 93 total tackles, 1.5 sacks and three interceptions in ’23.
20. Stephon Gilmore, CB, Cowboys
Projection: One year, $10 million
The Cowboys have a host of younger players in their secondary to lock up, meaning Gilmore will likely be looking for his fifth team in as many seasons. Still a good cover corner entering his age-34 season, he’s a good bet for a one-year deal at a decent price.
21. Za’Darius Smith, edge, Browns
Projection: One year, $12 million
Smith, 31, proved he still has plenty to offer after a productive first season in Cleveland as Myles Garrett’s running mate. The ninth-year veteran might no longer produce double digit sacks in a season, but he can still win his matchups and make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks. Smith recorded 5.5 sacks, 20 QB hits and played 59% of the defensive snaps for the Cleveland Browns.
22. Josh Jacobs, RB, Raiders
Projection: Three years, $30 million
Jacobs’s market is going to be very interesting. After winning the league’s rushing title in 2022 with 1,653 rushing yards, Jacobs fell off the proverbial cliff in ’23. The Las Vegas Raiders star ran for just 805 yards on 3.5 yards per carry, putting a big contract in serious doubt. At 26 years old, age isn’t a problem, but recent production and a series of injuries are.
23. Derrick Henry, RB, Titans
Projection: One year, $10.5 million
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Henry’s dominant stint with the Tennessee Titans appears to have come to an end after he grabbed the microphone at Nissan Stadium following the regular-season finale to tell the fans thank you for supporting him the past eight seasons. Henry has plenty of mileage, but he was still a productive running back in 2023, rushing for 1,167 yards, 12 touchdowns and averaged 4.2 yards per carry. The 30-year-old bruiser could have plenty of interest in free agency.
24. Tyron Smith, LT, Cowboys
Projection: One year, $12.5 million
The 33-year-old Smith proved he still has plenty to offer on the field, but injuries continue to be an issue for one of the premier left tackles of the past decade. Smith missed four games in 2023 and hasn’t played in more than 13 games in a season since ’15. But if the Dallas Cowboys decide to let Smith walk, he should have plenty of suitors because standout offensive tackles aren’t easy to find. The eight-time Pro Bowler received an offense grade of 83.7 from Pro Football Focus.
25. Devin White, LB, Buccaneers
Projection: One year, $8 million
White had a rough 2023 season, from being benched to becoming a key player during Tampa Bay’s postseason run. White lost snaps to K.J. Britt this fall, but it also wasn’t that long ago when the linebacker had three consecutive seasons of at least 120 total tackles and 16 QB hits. If the Buccaneers let White walk in free agency, perhaps another team bets on the ’19 first-round pick to have a bounce-back season. White recorded 83 total tackles, nine QB hits and two interceptions in 14 games played this past season.
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26. Josh Uche, edge, Patriots
Projection: One year, $4 million
This is a tough projection for Uche, who looked like one of the league’s burgeoning pass rushers only a year ago. Unfortunately, the 25-year-old couldn’t back up his 11-sack campaign in 2022, totaling just three sacks this past season. The best-case scenario for Uche might be getting a short-term deal heavy on incentives, giving him a chance to reestablish his value.
27. Kristian Fulton, CB, Titans
Projection: One year, $8 million
Fulton struggled on the field and had his 2023 season cut short because of injury. Now with a new coach in Tennessee, Fulton might be heading to a different team in free agency. He displayed promise as a No. 1 outside cornerback after the Titans drafted him in the second round in ’20. But the cornerback hasn’t played a full season in his four years in the NFL, totaling 37 career starts with four career interceptions.
28. Frankie Luvu, LB, Panthers
Projection: Two years, $20 million
Luvu was one of the few bright spots during a miserable season for Carolina. The linebacker had his best season in his six-year career, which first started as an undrafted free agent for the Jets. He set career highs in total tackles (125), QB hits (11) and forced fumbles (2). Luvu has played in 88 career games with 39 total starts.
29. Russell Wilson, QB, Broncos
Projection: One year, league minimum
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For Wilson, the offset language in his contract with the Denver Broncos allows him to be paid like a top-end player while keeping his next team’s cap situation flexible. After bouncing back from a horrid 2022 with 26 touchdown passes against eight interceptions, Wilson should have suitors, especially considering the financial situation.
30. Jadeveon Clowney, edge, Ravens
Projection: One year, $10 million
Clowney, 31, has been playing on one-year deals for a while. The Ravens got their money’s worth, with Clowney tying a career-high 9.5 sacks while playing only 57% of the defensive snaps. However, it’s important to note Clowney played all 17 games this season after missing contests in each of the last five campaigns.
31. Tyler Boyd, WR, Bengals
Projection: Two years, $14 million
Boyd didn’t have the spotlight playing behind Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but he was a reliable playmaker for Joe Burrow the past few seasons. It will be tough seeing Boyd in a different uniform, but the Bengals also need to pay Higgins and Chase. Contending teams might line up to add the 29-year-old Boyd, who has 513 receptions for 6,000 yards and 31 touchdowns in eight seasons.
32. Jordyn Brooks, LB, Seahawks
Projection: Four years, $56 million
Brooks has been a tackling machine throughout his rookie deal with the Seattle Seahawks. In 2021, he led the NFL with 109 solo tackles, and then notched a career-high 4.5 sacks this past season. If he gets out of Seattle, a team will be getting an experienced linebacker at just 26 years old. Because he plays off the ball, the money shouldn’t be exorbitant.
33. Xavier McKinney, S, Giants
Projection: Three years, $35 million
McKinney had a career year and played a complete season after missing eight games in 2022. The ’20 second-round pick flourished as a do-it-all safety in Wink Martindale’s defensive scheme. McKinney, one of the best safeties in coverage, recorded a career-high 116 total tackles, 11 passes defended and three interceptions.
34. Tony Pollard, RB, Cowboys
Projection: Three years, $20 million
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Pollard got the franchise tag last year, making it very likely he’s going to free agency this time around. After breaking his fibula in the 2022 playoffs, the 26-year-old bounced back with 1,005 rushing yards and six scores for Dallas in ’23. Considering the running back market in recent years, combined with the glut of big-name veterans available, expect an affordable contract.
35. Denico Autry, DL, Titans
Projection: One year, $8 million
In his 10th season, Autry proved he can still rush the passer at a high level. Heading into his age-34 season, Autry recorded a career-high 11.5 sacks, 17 QB hits and two forced fumbles in 2023. Autry has played for the Raiders, Colts and Titans, where he spent the past three seasons.
36. Jeremy Chinn, S, Panthers
Projection: Four years, $58 million
Chinn has been a solid safety for the Panthers throughout his first four seasons, albeit as a lesser contributor in 2023 due to injury. After seeing Jessie Bates III get $16 million from the Atlanta Falcons last year before thriving in Atlanta, Chinn might follow that route elsewhere.
37. Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Bengals
Projection: Two years, $18 million
Awuzie was instrumental in helping the Bengals become Super Bowl contenders after leaving the Cowboys as a free agent in 2021. But the 28-year-old cornerback had a rocky third season in Cincinnati, starting only 10 games and playing 73% of the defensive snaps. If the Bengals let him walk, he should have a healthy market as a quality outside cornerback.
38. Kevin Dotson, G, Rams
Projection: Four years, $64 million
Dotson was dealt away from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Los Angeles Rams last offseason for a measly fifth-round pick. After a middling three seasons in Pittsburgh, Dotson thrived in Sean McVay’s offense, starting 14 games and establishing himself as one of the bigger Pro Bowl snubs. Los Angeles would likely want to retain Dotson, but he’ll have ample suitors.
39. Odell Beckham Jr., WR, Ravens
Projection: One year, $8.5 million
Beckham, 31, is no longer an elite wide receiver, but he found a role as a downfield threat during his first season in Baltimore. After missing the entire 2022 season due to injury, Beckham recorded 35 receptions, 565 yards, three touchdowns and averaged 16.1 yards per catch in ’23.
40. Geno Stone, S, Ravens
Projection: Three years, $36 million
Stone was fantastic this past season, helping Baltimore lead the league in defense by totaling seven interceptions after nabbing just one through his first years in the league. Stone, 24, should see a nice payday on the open market if Baltimore doesn’t retain him for a second deal.
41. C.J. Gardner-Johnson, S, Lions
Projection: Two years, $15 million
Gardner-Johnson had an injury-riddled 2023 season with the Detroit Lions, but he proved his value during the team’s three playoff games. He has a nose for the ball and remains a reliable defender in coverage. With a limited amount of free-agent safeties, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Gardner-Johnson has plenty of interest after a quiet free agency last offseason.
42. Gabe Davis, WR, Bills
Projection: Four years, $60 million
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A 225-pound receiver with deep-ball speed, Davis is a unique talent. However, he’s never amassed 850 receiving yards in a season, despite playing with Josh Allen for his entire career. Likely having played his last down with the Buffalo Bills, Davis will slot into the second tier of receivers behind the likes of Ridley.
43. Lloyd Cushenberry, C, Broncos
Projection: Three years, $33 million
Cushenberry has gotten better each year and should cash in after having a nice 2023 in Denver. The Broncos are cap-strapped and might have a hard time retaining him, making Cushenberry the best free-agent center on the market. With center still being one of the league’s cheapest positions, Cushenberry might represent an affordable piece who provides real value.
44. Robert Hunt, OG, Dolphins
Projection: Three years, $33 million
Hunt is best remembered for his diving touchdown catch on Thursday Night Football in 2021 (it didn’t count, but it was still an incredible play). He was also a rugged bodyguard for Tagovailoa the past few seasons. Hunt played in 61 games and started 55 during his four seasons in Miami.
45. Kamren Curl, S, Commanders
Projection: Three years, $30 million
Curl was a lone bright spot for one of the worst secondaries in the league last season. The 2020 seventh-round pick flashed versatility as a safety who can line up in the box and from the slot. Curl had a career-high 115 total tackles with five passes defended last season.
46. Jonah Williams, OT, Bengals
Projection: Three years, $21 million
Williams had a tough situation in 2023, having to move from left tackle to the right side to accommodate the arrival of Orlando Brown Jr. to the Cincinnati Bengals. After a rocky adjustment, Williams found his footing and could now use his versatility to cash in during free agency. Quality tackles, especially left tackles, are hard to find in the NFL.
47. Curtis Samuel, WR, Commanders
Projection: Two years, $18 million
Samuel didn’t live up to the high expectations he had in Washington after leaving the Panthers in free agency; he signed a three-year, $34.5 million contract in 2021. But Samuel didn’t have the best surroundings and often showed he’s still a dangerous downfield threat. He recorded at least 60 receptions and 600 receiving yards the past two seasons.
48. Quandre Diggs, S, Seahawks
Projection: Two years, $16 million
Diggs being released was a bit of a surprise. Although he’s 31 years old, Diggs is coming off a stellar run in Seattle, where he was one of the league’s best safeties for five seasons after being traded there from Detroit. During that span, Diggs never missed a game and amassed 15 interceptions.
49. Austin Ekeler, RB, Chargers
Projection: One year, $5 million
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Ekeler didn’t have a great 2023, rushing for only 628 yards on 3.5 yards per carry. However, he’s 28 years old and should be affordable on a shorter-term deal, just one season removed from notching 107 receptions. Ekeler is a smart bounce-back candidate provided he plays behind a better offensive line.
50. Andrew Van Ginkel, edge, Dolphins
Projection: One year, $6.5 million
Van Ginkel stepped up after the Dolphins lost their standout edge rushers in Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips. The 28-year-old edge rusher probably isn’t an every-down player, but he would be a quality rotational player for a Super Bowl contender next season. He recorded six sacks and 69 total tackles last season.
