The 2024 NFL Free Agency Period has been the frenzy everyone expected and many players are getting new jerseys this upcoming season. There were many record-breaking deals and surprise negotiations but the original top 5 free agent prospects have all landed.
#1: DE Chris Jones
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Ranking #1 is defensive end Chris Jones who played the 2023-24 season with the Kansas City Chiefs and before the negotiation period, fans speculated that it was time for Kansas City to propose a long-term deal or suffer the consequences. The 6’6″ powerhouse re-signed with the Kansas City Chiefs for a five-year contract, $101M guaranteed. Jones was quoted after agreement news had dropped saying he “never thought he’d be anything other than a Kansas City Chief” and is excited to chase the three-peat with returning teammates and friends, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
#2 Kirk Cousins
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The NFL’s second most sought-after free agent is quarterback, Cousins who has played for the Washington Commanders (formerly known as Washington Redskins), and the Minnesota Vikings. The experienced quarterback has found a new home in Atlanta, signing a four-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons. This left Minnesota to scramble and fans are curious how his departure will affect the Vikings’ offense for the 2024-25 season.
#3 Josh Allen
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There was huge speculation regarding linebacker Josh Allen and where he might end up after the free agency period. The Jacksonville Jaguars saw the writing on the wall and decided to put a franchise tag on Allen on the last day before negotiations began, solidifying his position on the roster for next season. With the franchise tag barring any further negotiations with other teams, Jacksonville feels comfortable taking its time to decide on the details of Allen’s contract. The fan-loved linebacker will be welcomed back with open arms by Jaguars fans.
#4 Christian Wilkins
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After Jones, defensive lineman Wilkins was viewed as the best prospective interior lineman in the 2024 Free Agency and he cashed out as such. The Las Vegas Raiders jumped at the opportunity to join Wilkins and Maxx Crosby on their defensive line and offered Wilkins a whopping four-year deal with $57.5M guaranteed at signing. Peter Schrager of Good Morning Football speculated that Wilkin will be a great fit for this team stating, “Christian Wilkins is a perfect Raider. Beloved by teammates, the ultimate antagonist to opponents. His game, with Crosby and that motor, is very silver and black. I love this fit.”
#5 Brian Burns
Brian Burns had arguably the most interesting negotiation period this year. The Panthers were made aware of interest in Burns by the Giants and Rams early on and decided to place a non-exclusive franchise tag on Burns on March 5th. After huge offers continued to be discussed, the Panthers decided to trade Burns to the Giants for a 2024 second-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick.
This decision has garnered criticism amongst Panthers’ fans who believe the better option was to trade with the Los Angeles Rams for a first-round pick opportunity in the 2024 draft. Giants’ fans, on the other hand, are speaking high praise on the addition of the star pass rusher and have high hopes for their upcoming season.