The NFL is on to 2024
The 2023 NFL season officially came to an end on Feb. 11, when the Chiefs defeated the 49ers in overtime at Super Bowl 58 to earn the Kansas City franchise its second consecutive NFL title.
Now the focus for fans and teams shifts to the new campaign. The 2024 season is officially underway, and one of the most exciting — and chaotic — portions of the offseason is about to commence.
Yes, we're talking about free agency. Each club has the chance to sign new talent to its roster or to keep elite players already in the building.
A number of big names will be available in free agency, including quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield and wide receivers Tee Higgins, Mike Evans and Michael Pittman Jr. But the real intrigue is on the defensive side of the ball, with defensive linemen Chris Jones, Justin Madubuike and Danielle Hunter available, as well as secondary members L'Jarius Sneed and Jaylon Johnson.
Here's what to know about free agency in 2024, including the latest rumors about some top potential targets.
IYER: Ranking the top 75 free agents by position in 2024 offseason
When does NFL free agency start in 2024?
- Legal tampering period: March 11-13
- Start of NFL free agency: 4 p.m. ET Wednesday, March 13
The NFL's new league year will start at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 13. As per usual, free agency will begin at the same time.
But teams "are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with, the certified agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents" during the two-day period ahead of free agency, per the NFL. The so-called "legal tampering window" will open at noon ET Monday, March 11.
Teams must choose before the start of free agency whether to use their franchise tag. The tag period runs through 4 p.m. ET Tuesday, March 5. A player must be tagged — or agree to a contract extension — before then to avoid becoming a free agent.
Other notable happenings that will occur on March 13:
- At 4 p.m. ET, all 2023 player contracts expire.
- Prior to 4 p.m. ET, teams must be under the 2024 salary cap of $250 million (top-51 rule begins).
- Prior to 4 p.m. ET, teams must exercise options for 2024 on all players who have option clauses in their 2023 contracts.
- Prior to 4 p.m. ET, teams must submit qualifying offers to restricted free agents with expiring contracts in order to retain a right of first refusal/compensation.
- Prior to 4 p.m. ET, teams must submit a minimum salary tender to retain exclusive negotiating rights to their players with expiring 2024 contracts who have fewer than three accrued seasons of free agency credit.
- The first day of the 2024 league year will end at 11:59:59 p.m. ET on March 13. Teams receive a personnel notice that includes all transactions submitted to the league after 4 p.m. ET that day.
MORE: Most likely NFL players to be franchise tagged in 2024
NFL free agency rumors tracker
Danielle Hunter talks 'on hold' for Vikings, gaining interest from Bears, Jaguars
The Vikings have a number of high-profile free agents this summer, but the top priority remains Cousins. As a result, contract talks with edge rusher Danielle Hunter have been "put on hold," according to ESPN's Dan Graziano.
Minnesota is unlikely to sign both Cousins and Hunter due to the prohibitive cost. If Hunter is the one to hit the market, the Bears and Jaguars have been reported as two teams to watch in the Hunter sweepstakes.
Vikings want to keep QB Kirk Cousins
Minnesota quarterback Kirk Cousins is set to hit free agency this summer, but the Vikings are hoping to keep the services of the veteran, according to NFL Network. Cousins is expected to have a strong market, even after suffering a torn Achilles that ended his 2023 season early. Cousins will be 36 years old when the 2024 season commences, but he performed at a high level in Minnesota's offense.
Top NFL free agents available in 2024
SN's Vinnie Iyer ranked the 75 best available free agents entering the 2024 offseason. Here are his 15 best players available:
1. Chris Jones, DT, Chiefs (age: 29)
The Chiefs used the franchise tag on Jones, and he played for $15.9 million in 2023. It would be very expensive for them to do it again in 2024, as the number will escalate to $32-33 million. Kansas City has some salary-cap room, but if it can't strike an agreement on a long-term deal for Jones again, he has a good chance to leave for the biggest payday ever for an elite interior defensive lineman.
2. Kirk Cousins, QB, Vikings (age: 35)
Cousins is coming off a midseason torn Achilles, and before that, there was the thought Minnesota would move on from him despite strong play in recent seasons based on his near top-market price tag. The Vikings should think about landing a franchise first-round QB in the draft for Kevin O'Connell, while another QB-needy team will consider him as an immediate established upgrade vs. going the rookie or bridge route.
3. Justin Madubuike, DT, Ravens (age: 26)
Madubuike had a breakout season as an interior pass rusher with a team-high 13 sacks as part of a league-high 60 sacks as a whole from Baltimore. He's a solid run-stopper, as well, but his explosive disruption vs. quarterbacks is what will get him paid big-time just behind Jones.
4. L'Jarius Sneed, CB, Chiefs (age: 27)
Sneed has made a smooth transition from slot to perimeter and established himself as an elite, versatile corner with his aggressive, borderline shutdown coverage. The Chiefs won't be able to keep him and Jones.
5. Josh Allen, EDGE, Jaguars (age: 26)
He became the "other" first-round superstar with this name after exploding for a 17.5-sack season to tap into his full potential while in his prime. He wreaked terror at the highest level and will likely get tagged by Jacksonville.
6. Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Buccaneers (age 25)
Winfield has proved to be an exceptional playmaking cover man inside, from short to deep. He also is an important team leader in Todd Bowles' secondary. He's likely to be tagged, as Tampa Bay can easily afford to do it.
7. Christian Wilkins, DT, Dolphins (age: 28)
Wilkins is a stout run-stopper, and in 2023, he became a dominant interior pass rusher, recording nine sacks. He's another rare disruptor in the mix behind Jones and Madubuike.
8. Jaylon Johnson, CB, Bears (age: 24)
Johnson was a little hampered by injuries in 2023, but when he was on the field, he flexed his physical and mental advantage in coverage, consistently quieting receivers behind an improved pass rush. He should be tagged, too.
9. Danielle Hunter, EDGE, Vikings (age: 29)
Hunter turned in another monster pass-rushing season with 16.5 sacks. He is just a durable, relentless QB pursuer who is versatile enough to be productive at multiple positions in any scheme.
10. Jonathan Greenard, EDGE, Texans (age: 26)
Greenard posted 12.5 sacks for DeMeco Ryans playing opposite No. 3 overall pick Will Anderson Jr. He may be short of spectacular, but he's a well-rounded producer, including vs. the running game.
11. Michael Pittman Jr., WR, Colts (age: 26)
Pittman is a reliable short-to-intermediate target all over the field and positions his frame well to also be effective when needed as a big slot. He's not a big scorer or field-stretcher, but is a different type of No. 1 coming off a 109-catch, 1,152-yard season. Indianapolis, with plenty of cap space, should tag him to keep him with Anthony Richardson.
12. Mike Evans, WR, Buccaneers (age: 30)
Evans looked rejuvenated in churning out yet another big season, making big plays and racking up yards and TDs with a most impressive 79-1,255-13 line working with Baker Mayfield. The Bucs have the money to reward him with one last big deal that he desires.
13. Tee Higgins, WR, Bengals (age: 25)
The Bengals have the money to franchise him, but they also may decide to pass on keeping him, short or long-term, given his injury-riddled, inconsistent 2023 and the fact they need to pay Ja'Marr Chase at the top of the market soon. Higgins is best at using his size well for big plays and red-zone work, and he will hope to get a shot as a No. 1 elsewhere.
14. Tyron Smith, OT, Cowboys (age: 33)
The Cowboys are in a tough cap situation but will do everything they can to keep their long-time left tackle as an elite pass-protecting anchor for Dak Prescott. He might need to give them a "hometown" discount, which is possible given his age.
15. Bryce Huff, EDGE, Jets (age: 25)
Huff has proved to be a pass-rush specialist with his versatility in getting to the QB, and the undrafted gem is going to get paid well elsewhere out of Robert Saleh's rotation coming off a 10-sack breakout.
