One free agent each NFL team should re-sign in 2024

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The Cardinals’ free agents are mostly journeymen and middling players who could be easily replaced by another. While some might be surprised not to see receiver Hollywood Brown here, the whole receiver room needs remaking and if they get an upgrade over Brown or he gets a big deal elsewhere, the Cardinals shouldn’t get into a bidding war. Swaim is coming off a season-ending calf injury and played an important role on offense last season as the team’s top blocking tight end. Trey McBride is about to be a star and Elijah Higgins showed promise late in the year. Swaim was a great influence on both with his veteran presence and solid on-field play. They need a veteran blocking tight end and Swaim is already that guy. No need to let him go. – Jess Root, Cards Wire

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Even though he will be 38 years old when the 2024 season begins, Campbell is still a highly productive player. The veteran defensive lineman led the team with 6.5 sacks in 2023 and still defends the run at a high level. With the Falcons set to run a 3-4 base under defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake, Campbell’s experience and versatility would help ease the transition. Cornerback Jeff Okudah and running back Cordarrelle Patterson were also considered, but Campbell makes the most sense, assuming he doesn’t retire or sign elsewhere this offseason. I expect ERFA linebacker Nate Landman to be back as well. – Matt Urben, Falcons Wire

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The running mate for Roquan Smith, Queen made his first Pro Bowl this season after logging a career-high 125 tackles (78 solos) and matched a career-high with six passes defended while adding 3.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery for the best defense in the league. Queen is the only NFL defender to produce at least 400 tackles (445), ten sacks (13.5), and ten takeaways (four interceptions and six fumble recoveries) since he entered the league in 2020. With Baltimore likely to place the franchise tag on DT Justin Madubuike, Queen is a must-get for a Ravens team looking to reach the Super Bowl. – Glenn Erby, Ravens Wire

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The Bills have all kinds of cap space issues in the new league year, and it’s going to take some major machinations — primarily with Josh Allen’s contract — just to get the team in line with the NFL’s requirements. That probably leaves veteran Micah Hyde on the outside looking in, as Hyde had great seasons in 2023. Jordan Poyer is a free agent in 2025, and the Bills are hoping for better work in coverage than Poyer had last season.

So re-signing Rapp, who played well on a one-year, 41.77 million deal in 2023, would make a ton of sense. Rapp allowed nine catches on 17 targets for 139 yards, 34 yards after the catch, one touchdown, one interception, one pass breakup, and an opponent passer rating of 75.4 — which was far better than what Hyde or Poyer were able to put up. Rapp did deal with injuries, especially down the stretch, but who wasn’t injured on that defense last season? He brings youth, technique, and energy to a defense in need of all three of those things. — Doug Farrar, Touchdown Wire

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Shocker, right? After reportedly turning down two first-rounders and a second-rounder for Burns in 2022, the Panthers really can’t afford to lose their top pass rusher for nothing. Oh, and the fact that he’s the team’s only good pass rusher doesn’t really help either. As solid as they were by season’s end, the Carolina defense struggled mightily to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. The Panthers, with Burns, finished last in the NFL in sacks (27) and last in pressures (90). Imagine how much worse they’d be without him. – Anthony Rizzuti, Panthers Wire

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Johnson has been instrumental in the success of the Bears’ ascending defense, and there’s no bigger free agent priority this offseason for Chicago. Johnson is coming off a career year, where he established himself as one of the league’s best cover cornerbacks, set a career-high in interceptions (4) and earned his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro nods. But while Johnson has only just now started to get national recognition, he’s been a solid contributor since his rookie season, where he was a Day 1 starter. Johnson is the team’s best defensive back, and the team can’t afford to lose him as a contributor and a veteran leader, especially following the release of long-time veteran Eddie Jackson. GM Ryan Poles has made it clear that Johnson isn’t going anywhere in 2024. But the hope is that translates to getting a long-term deal worked out rather than simply using the franchise tag. – Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire

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This will register as controversial with some fans. But Jonah Williams admirably handled the first position change of his career, moving to right tackle and solidifying a position previously mishandled by the likes of Bobby Hart. With Tee Higgins tagged, Tyler Boyd likely gone because they have to pay two other wideouts big cash and DJ Reader’s torn quad making his status an unknown, paying up for Williams would be a smart move to keep the draft wide open. Granted, his ability to play left tackle might balloon his market price far above what they’re willing to pay. But the widespread offensive line problem league wide is something the Bengals should want to avoid and even if they draft a Round 1 tackle, it will be a downgrade in the short-term as Joe Burrow comes off another season-ending injury. – Chris Roling, Bengals Wire

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The Browns had a great thing going along their defensive line in 2023. Why not run it back? They have all but two of their defensive tackles to re-sign in that room as well, but bringing them back on one-year deals won’t be a hard move to make. Bringing back Za’Darius Smith to bookend that line with Myles Garrett, however, may be a bit more difficult. However, Smith put up pressure numbers as the Browns expected, but will test the market. If Smith does not price himself out of Cleveland, the Browns would love to have him back as he tests the market. The Browns have a competitive roster, and keeping a quality starter on their team must be a priority. – Cory Kinnan, Browns Wire

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The Cowboys finally figured out the formula, it seems. Smith is a sure-fire Hall of Famer, and quite possibly on a first-ballot trajectory. The issue is that over the last half of his career, injuries have robbed him of the ability to complete seasons. Whether it be for three or four games, or the majority of a season, Smith is going to miss games. However the club decided to just stop making him practice, and he was able to play in 13 of 17 games last season. Now, finally out of his mammoth 10-year extension, Smith is a free agent for the first time in his career. Even if Dallas drafts his eventual heir in April, having Smith remain on board is a no brainer. – K.D. Drummond, Cowboys Wire

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Kareem Jackson has left the team (and might retire?) and Caden Sterns is coming off a serious knee injury. The Broncos need a reliable safety to pair with Justin Simmons in 2024 and Locke should be a priority to re-sign before the NFL’s negotiating window opens next Monday (March 11). Locke earned eight starts last year due to Jackson’s suspension (and eventual release) and Sterns’ injury. The 27-year-old safety totaled 53 tackles, five pass breakups, three sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception last season. – Jon Heath, Broncos Wire

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Detroit’s high-powered offense is built on a foundation of a fantastic offensive line, but there is some uncertainty going forward with that group. Both starting guards from 2023, Graham Glasgow and Jonah Jackson, are unrestricted free agents, as are reserves Halapoulivaati Vaitai and Dan Skipper. Glasgow carries the biggest priority for his ability to also play center, as he had to do last season when Frank Ragnow was injured. Glasgow is a rock-solid lineman who fits the scheme well and offers positional versatility and a popular style of personal leadership in the locker room. – Jeff Risdon, Lions Wire

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The Packers lack depth at cornerback, and Nixon’s game-changing ability as a kick returner has been reflected in back-to-back All-Pro selections. Does new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley and the Packers want an upgrade at slot corner? Possibly. But losing Nixon would leave the secondary desperately thin while also directly impacting field position and the special teams. For a team that wants to win big in 2024, bringing back Nixon makes a lot of sense, especially if the Packers can upgrade the supporting cast at cornerback and lessen Nixon’s need to be on the field every play. He’s a plus player in the right role. – Zach Kruse, Packers Wire

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The Houston Texans have a cast of impending free agents starters including DE Jonathan Greenard, DT Sheldon Rankins, CB Steven Nelson and LB Blake Cashman. However, tight end Dalton Schultz on the offensive side likely represents the right blend of talent, need, age, and price point that they’ll prioritize bringing back. The 27-year-old tight end, a free agent acquisition from Dallas last year, had 59 catches for 635 yards and 5 touchdowns last year with rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. He may not be the league’s best blocker, but it will be hard to upgrade from his receiving profile compared to the market. Look for general manager Nick Caserio to lock down a 2-year extension for the pass catcher or potentially even use the franchise tag to lock in Schultz for 2024 at around $12M. – John Crumpler, Texans Wire

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The obvious choice here is Michael Pittman Jr. but he is likely to return either on a long-term extension or the franchise tag. Stewart would be the next in line as the top priority. Though the value of a one-technique interior defender may not be all that high, Stewart is a vital cog in the Colts defense. His presence alone has a major impact against the run, and he’s developed into a quality pass rusher in his own right. He served a six-game suspension for PED violations in 2023, but it may have helped his case in free agency. During that stretch, the Colts allowed 153 rushing yards per game. In the 11 games he was active, that number dropped to 107.9 rushing yards per game allowed. The Colts don’t have an immediate replacement on the roster, and the options in free agency would be either a downgrade or a gross overpay. Stewart is vital to the defense’s success. A three-year deal around $30-35 million should get it done, and the Colts should be more than willing to pay it. – Kevin Hickey, Colts Wire

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It’s the obvious choice and the only no-brainer for the Jaguars after Allen racked up 17.5 sacks, second most in the NFL in 2023. While other impending free agents like Calvin Ridley and Ezra Cleveland come with question marks, Allen checks all the boxes as a defensive leader and a player the team should be building around. The fact that the Jaguars have very little pass rushing depth outside of Allen and Travon Walker only increases the need to bring their top edge player back. – Adam Stites, Jaguars Wire

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Jones has been one of Kansas City’s most valuable players in recent years and was a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ outstanding defense in 2023. While the team may have to get creative to put together an offer with enough guaranteed money to satisfy Jones, early indications are that both sides want to see the star lineman retire in Kansas City. If the Chiefs don’t make a move to lock him up long-term, the loss of Jones could affect Kansas City’s defense for years to come. – John Dillon, Chiefs Wire

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It’s hard to find quality offensive linemen in the NFL, especially when they are as young (26) and as productive as Andre James. While James might not be a top-five center in the NFL, he has started 48 games over the past three seasons and has improved each year. The Raiders will likely lose starting right tackle Jermaine Eleumunor in free agency, but expect them to try to hold onto their starting center. Antonio Pierce can’t let 40% of his offensive line walk out the door in free agency this offseason. – Marcus Mosher, Raiders Wire

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The Chargers’ safety room is mightily thin, with Derwin James being the only one in there. And with defensive coordinator Jesse Minter being a secondary guy, he will require play-makers on the back end. Gilman became a starter for the first time in his career and took every bit of his opportunities, amassing career-high numbers in tackles (73), interceptions (2) and forced fumbles (3). He was always around the football to make a play and at only 26, Gilman has plenty of good football left in the tank. – Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire

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The Rams acquired Dotson from the Steelers last summer and while he didn’t immediately step into a starting role, he was an absolute stud once he did. He replaced Joe Noteboom at right guard and quickly became one of the better players at his position anywhere in the NFL. Sadly for the Rams, he’s a pending free agent after just one season in Los Angeles but he’s someone they have to make a concerted effort to re-sign. Letting him walk would be a mistake and a sizable blow to the offensive line, which finally had some continuity and success last season after a disastrous 2022 campaign. Dotson should be the Rams’ top priority this offseason, and ideally, they’ll sign him before he can field offers from other teams in free agency. – Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire

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Miami has quite a few free agents who would be a huge loss if they signed elsewhere, but Christian Wilkins would certainly be the largest. Not only has he been one of the league’s best interior defensive linemen over the last few seasons, but he’s also been a perfect role model for young players in the organization. His work ethic and routine are unmatched around the team’s facilities, and the Dolphins should be paying him not only for his work on the field but to show others that if they were like Wilkins, they wouldn’t have to go elsewhere to receive what they’re owed. – Mike Masala, Dolphins Wire

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The obvious answer here is Danielle Hunter. The Vikings could very well lose him to free agency as he’s likely to take the best offer. Let’s look in a different direction with Davenport. He signed a one year, $13 million deal last year with four void years at $1.7 million per. With $6.8 million in dead cap for 2024 if he doesn’t sign an extension by 3 p.m. on March 13th, there is a really nice opportunity for the Vikings to save money with a new deal that is $5 million or less in 2024. With the Vikings needing to bring in three edge rushers this offseason, it’s a great potential value. – Tyler Forness, Vikings Wire

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Mike Onwenu is one of the most versatile offensive linemen in the NFL, which is exactly the kind of player a rebuilding team in search of a rookie quarterback should probably be looking to keep. Bill Belichick’s personnel blunders, particularly along the offensive front, were partially shielded by Onwenu’s ability to switch from guard to right tackle on the fly. Things were already catastrophic in New England, but without Onwenu, they would have been much worse. Keeping any other in-house free agent should be considered a luxury in comparison. Onwenu is clearly a must sign player for the Patriots in the post-Belichick era. – Jordy McElroy, Patriots Wire

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Peat emerged as the team’s best option at left tackle last year after spending most of his career at left guard — and after they forced him to accept a pay cut last summer, having benched him going into training camp. But it shouldn’t be hard to re-sign Peat. Offensive linemen with his age and production are only seeing about $3 million per year. That’s a price the Saints should be eager to pay for a good backup plan if Trevor Penning never develops into a reliable starter. – John Sigler, Saints Wire

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Running back Saquon Barkley and safety Xavier McKinney are the obvious answers here but we can only go with one. The debate then becomes, which player is more valuable? The answer isn’t going to sit well with many Giants fans but it’s not Barkley. McKinney, despite his faults, was a key piece to the Giants’ defense in 2023, taking every single snap on the season while producing career-best numbers. Allowing him to walk would create another massive hole GM Joe Schoen has to plug and with limited money to spread around, it’s better suited for an every-snap player than an oft-injured running back looking for an above-market salary. – Dan Benton, Giants Wire

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There’s a few names you could put here for the Jets. Ashtyn Davis, Greg Zuerlein and Thomas Morstead all come to mind. But if the Jets lose Huff, they’ll take a big hit in the pass-rush game. Huff led the Jets with ten sacks, 2.5 more than any other player. However, the Jets seem to have a set price, or at least a roundabout value on Huff and it’s not enough to slap the franchise tag on him. The Jets missed the boat by not signing Huff before the season. Fortunately for them, the boat came back to the dock. Will they jump aboard this time? – Billy Riccette, Jets Wire

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The Eagles don’t invest heavily at the running back position, and with D’Andre Swift set to have a host of suitors, the punter becomes the player that has to return. Braden Mann replaced Arryn Sippos in the lineup prior to Week 3 of the 2023 NFL season and all he did was set Eagles franchise records by averaging 49.8 yards per punt (7th best) with a 43.9-yard net average (5th best). Mann had 15 punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard line and should be a priority during free agency. – Glenn Erby, Eagles Wire

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I’m not sure there is a true “must sign” guy among the Steelers free agents. But if I am making sure one guy comes back it’s safety Miles Killebrew. Killebrew only played 111 defensive snaps last season but there’s no better special teams player in the NFL and that alone makes it worth signing him back. – Curt Popejoy, Steelers Wire

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The 49ers badly need depth at defensive end. Ferrell, Chase Young and Randy Gregory are all soon-to-be free agents, and third-year DE Drake Jackson is coming off quad surgery. It’s likely Young gets a deal beyond what the 49ers can afford, and it’s unclear whether they’ll want Gregory back. Ferrell injured his knee in Week 18 and didn’t get to return for the postseason, but he put together a really nice year for San Francisco. He started all 17 games, posted 3.5 sacks and was one of their best edge setters in the run game. It’s unlikely the 49ers will be able to find a player as productive as Ferrell was this season, and he doesn’t figure to break the bank in free agency. If they can re-sign Ferrell and work in Jackson along with other DEs as rotational pieces it should set the 49ers up to have a strong defensive line once again. If they try starting Jackson or another unproven player, things could get dicey. – Kyle Madson, Niners Wire

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There’s a case for allowing Williams to leave and getting a comp pick next year. However, Seattle’s chances of landing an equally disruptive interior lineman in the draft are slim to none. While the terms of the trade with the Giants itself may not have been great, one can’t put any blame on Williams, who was the team’s best defender in the second half of 2023. In 10 games with the Seahawks he totaled four sacks, 11 QB hits and nine tackles for a loss and that’s while getting double teamed on most of his snaps. John Schneider should be spending resources at iDL anyway, so paying to keep Williams and not allowing the defense to fall off at an important position is the right call. – Tim Weaver, Seahawks Wire

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There are a few names I could have picked here given Tampa Bay’s number of free agents, and while many Bucs fans probably would point to Mike Evans in this spot here, I’ll play Devil’s Advocate. Yes, Evans coming back would be great for the community and fans in Tampa Bay and he is still an incredible receiver, but Winfield Jr. is the future. He single handedly made numerous game-saving plays across the year and made First-Team All-Pro for an incredible season that saw him pick off three passes, force six fumbles and sack the quarterback six times. Winfield Jr. has been often discussed as a tag candidate, but at least in my eyes, he should be priority No. 1 for Tampa Bay. – River Wells, Bucs Wire

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The Titans need two starters along the defensive line to go with Jeffery Simmons, assuming they stick with a 3-4 defense. They can address one of those needs by simply bringing back Denico Autry, who is turning 34 but showed he still has plenty of gas left in the tank after a career-high 11.5 sacks in 2023. In a market where pass-rushers will come at a high price, Autry figures to garner a reasonable salary that will be well worth it based on what he has produced over three years with the Titans (28.5 sacks). – Mike Moraitis, Titans Wire

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The Commanders have multiple free agents, with Kam Curl, Kendall Fuller and Curtis Samuel atop the list. Fuller is the team’s best cornerback, but age and injuries are a concern. Samuel’s production can be replaced in the NFL draft. That leaves us with Curl. Ron Rivera’s best draft pick in four years, the 2020 seventh-round selection has been excellent for the Commanders. Curl doesn’t make a ton of big plays or force turnovers. However, he can play multiple roles and thrive wherever Washington uses him. New GM Adam Peters spoke of how San Francisco had to game plan around Curl when the 49ers played Washington. While it would make sense to get a deal done before free agency opens, the Commanders may allow Curl to test the market. He will not get top-of-the-market money, but he is in line for a significant raise, which he has earned. – Bryan Manning, Commanders Wire