In the NFL, the depth of a team often proves as critical to winning Super Bowls as the star players at the top of the roster. Last year, the Baltimore Ravens exemplified this by signing linebackers Kyle Van Noy and Jadeveon Clowney after the June 1 deadline, a move that propelled them to the first seed in the AFC and the league’s top defense.
Been spending the past off season pushing the limits with NFL free agents and fellow D1 athletes. I understand in order to achieve it, I have to become it first. The lifestyle, the work, the mindset. pic.twitter.com/rROtAinHZA
— Galih Gibran Sukawanto (@galihgibrans) May 31, 2024
The post-June 1 period is crucial because it allows teams to manage their cap space more effectively, often targeting established veterans to strengthen their squads. This year, ten teams will gain additional cap space starting June 2, which could significantly impact their ability to sign key players.
Here’s an overview of the top available free agents by position as of June 2024:
The available quarterbacks include Ryan Tannehill, A.J. McCarron, Blaine Gabbert, Brian Hoyer, and Trevor Siemian. Tannehill, despite being 35 and coming off an injury-riddled season, remains the standout, suitable for a play-action heavy offense or as a reliable backup.
Top free agents include Jerick McKinnon, Damien Harris, Kareem Hunt, Latavius Murray, and Cam Akers. McKinnon, notable for his pass protection and effectiveness in the passing game, tops the list. Harris and Murray offer strong early-down options, while Akers has potential despite consistency issues.
Russell Gage, Hunter Renfrow, Sterling Shepard, Michael Thomas, and Jamal Agnew make up the best of the remaining wide receivers. This group offers potential for solid secondary options, though injury concerns are prevalent, especially with Thomas and Gage.
Veterans like Marcedes Lewis and Jimmy Graham are available alongside Logan Thomas, Blake Bell, and Shane Zylstra. The group offers limited excitement, with Lewis at 40 years old being a testament to the slim pickings at this position.
16 #NFL Free Agents Who Should Interest the New England #Patriots#NEPats https://t.co/dXq2kEdtCN
— Dan Kelley (@DanKelley66) May 30, 2024
D.J. Humphries, Charles Leno, David Bakhtiari, Donovan Smith, and Duane Brown are on the market, providing a blend of experience and reliability, particularly for teams needing to bolster their left tackle position.
The guard market includes Halapoulivaati Vaitai, Phil Haynes, Trai Turner, Mark Glowinski, and Matt Feiler. At center, Connor Williams and Connor McGovern lead a group that also includes Mason Cole, James Ferentz, and Scott Quessenberry, with the top two offering versatility and experience in zone blocking schemes.
Defensive tackle free agents like Al Woods and Linval Joseph focus on run stopping, while edge rushers such as Carl Lawson and Emmanuel Ogbah could provide significant impact similar to Clowney or Van Noy in the right systems.
The linebacker market is thin, with Kwon Alexander and Zach Cunningham being the highlights. They, along with Shaq Leonard and Anthony Barr, offer specialized skills that could enhance a team’s run defense or blitzing capability.
The cornerback group led by Stephon Gilmore and Adoree Jackson, and safeties like Justin Simmons and Quandre Diggs, are seasoned veterans who could start immediately and add significant value, particularly in specific defensive schemes.
This array of available talent highlights that while the remaining free agents may not always be superstars, their roles are crucial for teams aiming to deepen their roster for a potential Super Bowl run.
Major Points
- The Baltimore Ravens’ strategic signings of linebackers Kyle Van Noy and Jadeveon Clowney after June 1 significantly contributed to their top defense and AFC first seed achievement last year.
- The post-June 1 period is crucial for NFL teams, allowing them to manage cap space more effectively and often target seasoned veterans to enhance team depth.
- Notable free agents in 2024 include quarterbacks like Ryan Tannehill, running backs such as Jerick McKinnon, and wide receivers including Michael Thomas, all bringing varying levels of experience and potential impact.
- Defensive positions also see valuable free agents with players like Carl Lawson and Emmanuel Ogbah on the edge, and veterans like Stephon Gilmore in the cornerback group.
- These signings can be pivotal, turning good teams into great ones by filling crucial roles, especially for those aiming for a Super Bowl victory.
Conner T – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
