As we enter the final week of June and the mandatory minicamps are over, there are still some NFL free agent names that can make an impact on a team. Whether it be waiting for a specific contract demand or the right situation to fit in, there are some quality players on the open market.
Let’s highlight five players who currently remain unsigned and could assist your favorite team during the 2024 NFL season.
NFL Free Agent #1: Justin Simmons
Free safety Justin Simmons was released by the Denver Broncos ahead of the offseason and still has not found a new team to call home. He has showcased his abilities to be one of the best defenders in the league and was named as a Pro Bowler as well as a second-team All-Pro for the fourth time in five seasons. With teams needing a legitimate option in the secondary, Simmons would be a perfect fit for a contending team like the Houston Texans.
NFL Free Agent #2: Eddie Jackson
Another safety who is still without a job is a former All-Pro with the Chicago Bears Eddie Jackson. Granted, he is coming off a pedestrian season for his standards and has not played in more than 14 games since the 2020 season, but he is a veteran leader in the secondary who can really step up and make plays.
With teams needing secondary help like the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins, there is no reason he should still be without a team right now.
NFL Free Agent #3: Hunter Renfrow
Wide receiver Hunter Renfrow was a fifth-round pick in the 2019 NFL draft and has not signed with a team after his rookie contract expired with the Las Vegas Raiders. Last season, he only had 25 receptions on 37 targets for 255 yards and zero touchdowns, so the production was not there. However, he did make the Pro Bowl back in 2021.
There is no reason why Renfrow is not under contract with some wide receivers that are signed right now. It appears that he will be waiting for an injury to pop up and be picked up but teams like the Buffalo Bills and the Pittsburgh Steelers still need weapons out wide right now.
NFL Free Agent #4: Connor Williams
The ability to get a premier center on the open market does not happen often but it did this offseason as the Miami Dolphins let Connor Williams go. Pro Football Focus rated Williams as the second-best center in the NFL last season as he had an 86.5 offensive grade and has improved every season thus far in his career.
The biggest concern was the fact he tore his ACL in December and is evaluating if he will be able to play . With teams needing offensive line help and seeing guys like Jason Kelce retire, there are definitely some needs for a quality center.
NFL Free Agent #5: Xavien Howard
Connor Williams is not the only player who is still a free agent after being part of the 2023 Miami Dolphins team. Cornerback Xavien Howard is still on the market and the former All-Pro is looking to continue his career after spending his first eight years with the Dolphins.
However, it looks like he will need to find a new home if he wants to continue playing and there are teams that need some help in their cornerback rooms that could use a veteran like him.
About the Author
Vincent Pensabene graduated from Saint Leo University in 2019 with a B.A. in Sport Business and has focused on the media side of sports. He writes for multiple publications and is interested in the reasoning of why things happen. Feel free to follow him on social media @TalkVinTalk and discuss all things sports.
