NFL free agency has turned the page into the second wave, and there are still several teams with significant cap space at their disposal to continue filling needs with players who may ultimately be viewed as value signings, or veterans betting on themselves with “prove it” deals.
Here’s a breakdown of the five best remaining free agents and one perfect fit for each.
1. Chase Young, EDGE
Chase Young has never quite lived up to the expectations of being a former No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, but, seemed to find a home with the San Francisco 49ers and his lasting impression is a dominant performance in a Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Pass-rush remains a premium position, but as the NFL free agency market turns over from some of the gangbuster contracts handed out in the first week to a focus on value deals, Young could be a signing with plenty of upside.
Last season, Young posted 25 total tackles with 7.5 sacks while adding 66 total quarterback pressures.
Perfect Fit: New England Patriots
New Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo aims to restore New England to its past glory, and that is going to start with building out a pass rush capable of slowing Josh Allen, Tua Tagovailoa, and Aaron Rodgers, in the AFC East alone. If Young is the same player he was in the Super Bowl, where he logged a sack and one sack, two tackles, and spent plenty of time in Kansas City’s backfield, he’s the type of signing — especially a one-year deal who can make a significant impact.
2. Justin Simmons, Safety
Simmons remains one of the premier safeties in the NFL, despite the Denver Broncos releasing him in a cost-cutting move before NFL free agency began.
Perhaps the influx of veteran talent — including Simmons and Jordan Poyer who were released just prior to the new league year beginning have suppressed the safety market, but there’s little reason to doubt that the four-time All-Pro will make a strong impact in 2024.
Simmons is coming off a 2023 campaign in which he produced 53 total tackles, two forced fumbles, intercepted three passes, and broke up eight more. the fact that Simmons remains available in NFL free agency is a bit puzzling.
At this stage of his career, Simmons might not be a long-term solution but could be the type of player that elevates a defense significantly.
Perfect Fit: Washington
Sure, general manager Adam Peters and Washington have been spending money hand-over-fist in NFL free agency, but the Commanders entered the offseason with the most cap space in the need and a roster leakier than a decades-old rowboat. After adding Jeremy Chinn, signing Simmons who held opposing quarterbacks to an 85.9 passer rating when targeting him, would create one of the stingiest secondary duos in the sport. Good luck throwing deep against Chinn and Simmons.
3. Trent Brown OT
Brown is always going to be a bit of a gamble, given his struggles throughout his career keeping his weight under control. However, when healthy, the veteran is capable of being a legitimate stalwart and anchor along an offensive line.
With the versatility to play right tackle or left tackle, Brown could be a fit for several teams across the league. During the 2023 campaign, Pro Football Focus awarded Brown an elite 80.2 overall grade while charging him with surrendering only three sacks and 17 pressures in 346 pass-protection snaps.
Perfect Fit: Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati seems intent on maximizing the shrinking Super Bowl window around Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and perhaps Tee Higgins before needing to make significantly difficult salary cap decisions. Brown, especially on the lower end of the salary scale, could be a perfect fix at right tackle to help keep Burrow upright in a division that’s loaded with elite pass-rushers.
4. Stephon Gilmore, CB
Gilmore remains among the most accomplished players still available in NFL free agency.
Last season, Gilmore intercepted two passes while adding 68 total tackles, providing real veteran stability to the Cowboys’ secondary.
PFF points out that opposing quarterbacks logged a paltry 83.3 passer rating when targeting Gilmore, who garnered a strong 74.4 overall grade from the outlet.
While playing a premium position, Gilmore is the type of player who can serve as an immediate upgrade for a contending team looking for a strong veteran presence in its secondary.
Perfect Fit: Philadelphia Eagles
Because of his contract situation, the Philadelphia Eagles are saddled with James Bradberry for at least one more season, but the defense would benefit from an upgrade opposite Darius Slay. After addressing the pass-rush by signing an ascending talent like Bryce Huff, and upgrading the linebacking corps significantly by adding Devin White and Zack Baun, adding a veteran ballhawk like Gilmore — especially on a one-year contract, screams “Howie Roseman move.” After all, the Eagles still have upwards of $39 million in cap space …
5. Kevin Zeitler, OG
The second wave of NFL free agency is where teams can easily find offensive line signings with upside, and a player with Zeitler’s experience seems to fit that bill.
Last season, Zeitler was as steady as they come along a dominant Baltimore Ravens offensive line, allowing only two sacks while garnering an elite 82.5 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus.
Perfect Fit: Seattle Seahawks
Few things matter more to the Seattle Seahawks making strides towards challenging the San Francisco 49ers than fortifying the offensive line. Zeitler would provide some veteran stability with the versatility to play either guard position, in a pinch.
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