Josh Allen has a chance to hit it big during free agency. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
The first step NFL teams can take to prepare for the 2024 season comes with the start of the new league year. That’s when teams can go after free agents and entice them to sign new contracts with the idea that the team can turn a positional weakness into a potential strength. This year’s signing period begins March 13.
This year’s free agent market features four superstars on the defensive side of the ball in Brian Burns of the Carolina Panthers, Danielle Hunter of the Minnesota Vikings, Justin Madubuike of the Baltimore Ravens and Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs. On the offensive side, Kirk Cousins of the Minnesota Vikings and Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants appear to be the biggest difference makers.
Adding a superstar will give any team a chance to start the offseason on a positive note. However, the likelihood is that signing a big-money free agent may limit a team in the number of moves that it can make because the salary cap is always going to be an issue. Even though this year’s cap has gone up to $255.4 million – a $30 million increase over last season – signing multiple competitive players may be more advantageous than one big-money superstar.
These next-level players can mean the difference between a losing season and a winning one, or a non-playoff season and one that includes a run in the postseason.
Here’s a look at four players who have a chance to have huge seasons without breaking the bank:
Edge rusher Josh Allen, Jacksonville Jaguars
At 6-5 and 255 pounds, Allen has the ideal size and build to take over a game. He had 17.5 sacks last season, but he was not as consistent as he could be.
There were times when his get-off at the line of scrimmage was truly eye-catching, but that was not the case on an every-snap basis. This is one of the reasons the Jaguars may not make an offer that brings him back to Jacksonville.
Allen is 27 years old and he still has room to improve. He is the kind of player any top-level defensive coordinator wants to work with because his floor is solid and his ceiling can be spectacular.
Jaylon Johnson of the Bears have a chance to be one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL next season. ... [+]
Cornerback Jaylon Johnson, Chicago Bears
There is a chance that the Bears will hit Johnson with the franchise tag because it doesn’t seem likely he will sign with them before March 13. Johnson wants to see what the market will bear because he excels in both his technique and his coverage.
Johnson had four interceptions last year for the Bears, and he has the potential to double that total in the years to come. He appears to have an unlimited future at the age of 25.
Johnson has enough size at 6-0 and 196 to handle bigger receivers and also get the job done against the run. Johnson has the look of a future All-Pro performer.
Edge rusher Za’Darius Smith, Cleveland Browns
Smith has been an incredibly well-traveled player, as he has already been with the Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings and Browns. His best asset is his acceleration coming off the line, and he has a chance to win the battle against a majority of offensive tackles.
If Smith is the No. 2 pass rusher for the team that signs him, it could be a winning move. He is not likely to draw double-team blocking, and his speed at the snap can make him a dangerous performer.
He had back issues earlier in his career, but he has been healthy since he had surgery in 2021. He has had three double-digit sack seasons in his career, and there’s no reason he can’t get back to his best form in 2024.
DT Christian Wilkins, Miami Dolphins
Wilkins came into his own last season with the Dolphins, as he registered 9.0 sacks from his position in the middle of the defensive line.
Wilkins has the kind of frame at 6-4 and 310 pounds to win the battle on a consistent basis. His first job is stopping the interior run, and he can clearly do that. However, his ability to beat the double-team and pressure the passer could allow him to become a star in the years to come.
He is powerful at the point of attack, but he also has the athleticism to make the play when it is outside his frame.
