The 2024 NFL offseason has consisted of many big-ticket signings, from quarterback Kirk Cousins and running back Saquon Barkley, to Brian Burns. There have been numerous impactful signings off of the free agent market. With rookie minicamps going on, there is not much time to acquire the last of the high-upside free agents left. Although, there are multiple decorated players ready to sign to a new team.
#1 Micheal Thomas: OPOTY To Free Agent
Michael Thomas burst into the NFL in 2016 with four consecutive 1,000+ yard seasons, including an Offensive Player of the Year award in 2019. After dealing with injuries and shaky quarterback play with the New Orleans Saints, Thomas was released after he could not come to a renegotiation on his contract.
Michael Thomas still displays top-tier route running, hands catching, and space-finding in his seventh year of NFL football. In the 2023-24 season, Thomas found his best statistical season since his 149 catch Offensive Player Of The Year campaign in 2019. Only playing in 10 games before suffering a season-ending injury, there are concerns for health as he has only played in 20 total games in the three seasons since his OPOY campaign. Thomas could potentially be a budget option for a team ready to make a move for a championship.
#2 David Bakhtiari: Future HOF Offensive Lineman May Still Have More In The Tank
David Bakhtiari was the Green Bay Packers left tackle for 11 years, he will likely make the Pro Football Hall Of Fame for his efforts. Bakhtiari battled injuries in his last couple of years with the team, culminating with his release from the team in the 2024 off-season. Despite his injuries, Bakhtiari intends to continue playing football and believes he can still do so at a high level.
“Because I’m different,” he said on Oct. 10. “I have an unparalleled work ethic. I’m stubborn as f**k and I’m not going to let someone else write my story. This is me taking control of what I need to do. When I want to look back, do I want to look at the guy who got injured and was like ‘Ah, that’s good enough?’ If that’s me, then the future, older me is going to be pissed at the younger me like, ‘You f**king quitter.’
“When times are tough, for sure. I’m sure plenty of you guys don’t want to come into work anymore. I’m sure there’s been tough days at work, at home, where you’re like, ‘Screw it.’ But take that same mentality and you put it here, gravity can be different and it can weigh more, but it just shows that’s also what makes us human beings special is our ability to preserve and to push. And I want to do that.”
After proving his abilities with over five All-Pro selections in his decade-old career. If David Bakhtiari can put together some healthy seasons, he would be a legitimate weapon for any team.
#3 Justin Simmons: Elite Safety Remains On Free Agent Market
Justin Simmons experienced the brutal side of the business that is the NFL in the 2024 offseason when he was cut by the Denver Broncos. After an impressive season in Simmons’s consistent career, it will be interesting to see who acquires the 30-year-old safety. In his eight-year career, he has only had one season under a 65 PFF grade.
The 6’2 200 pound safety is a proven ballhawk, the only player to have three-plus interceptions in each of the last six seasons. After being a four-time All-Pro selection and the leader in interceptions just two seasons ago, expect a playmaker-needy defense to make a late off-season push for his abilities.
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