2024 NFL free agency: Five targets to sign, potential deals

The 2024 NFL free agent class looks strong and the league's team executives will have options in the coming days as they scramble to fill holes on their rosters and improve their personnel. We're going to see a lot of money moving around.

When I was an executive in the NFL with the New York Jets and the Miami Dolphins, I always left in March with a few players I absolutely wanted to sign. And that was especially true when I thought a free agent would outperform his contract. It's important to combine sensational moves with judicious value offers.

So for a third year in a row, I'm putting on my general manager hat and breaking down five current free agents that I would aim to sign next week if I were managing a team. These are players who I think can help any team, although of course each team has its own needs. Here are five names I would pursue, the deals I would give them, and why I think each would be worth it.

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The offer I would propose: Three years, $120 million ($80 million guaranteed)

Yes, he turns 36 in August, and yes, he just suffered a torn right Achilles tendon. These are obvious factors. But let's not forget that Cousins ​​has been incredibly productive. Despite being limited to eight games with Minnesota last season, Cousins ​​threw 18 touchdown passes. He finished seventh in Total QBR with 63.2. He has totaled more than 4,200 passing yards in each of his last three full seasons and his 44-to-15 touchdown-to-interception ratio since 2020 is fifth-best in the NFL.

Simply put, Cousins ​​is significantly better than any other quarterback available in free agency and when he's healthy – he recently posted video of himself throwing – he's l one of the 12 best passers in the league. Not every team needs a quarterback, but he is the best option. I would try to sign him to a three-year deal with similar guarantees to the deal Daniel Jones got in New York last March, but with a lower overall annual average to account for his age and recent injuries. .

The offer I would propose: One year, $8 million (fully guaranteed)

Henry may not be what he once was, but that's a difficult threshold for anyone to maintain. He rushed for over 2,000 yards and scored 17 touchdowns just four seasons ago. But now he's 30 years old and there's a good chance a team could sign him to a value deal given the running back market.

Henry was very productive for the Titans again last season, averaging 4.2 yards per carry, gaining 1,167 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns (along with 214 receiving yards). He had 23 carries for 10 yards or more. I believe he can still be a productive starter on the front line.

If you're looking for a running back this offseason, the free agent class is pretty strong. I like Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, Tony Pollard and Austin Ekeler, among others. But if I can offer Henry a one-year, fully guaranteed contract under $10 million, I'll jump at that chance. And remember, the draft class lacks high-end options and early selections at the position. So if I'm looking for help there, I'll take care of it in March.

The offer I would propose: One year, $15 million ($5 million guaranteed)

This is one of the most intriguing free agent situations we've seen in recent years. Smith has been one of the best left tackles in the NFL over the past decade – but he's 33 and hasn't played a full season since 2015.

Many teams need help on the offensive line and when Smith is on the field, the 6-foot-5, 320-pound blocker is tough to get around. His pass win rate still shows he's a solid option, ranking 26th out of 69 tackles last season with Dallas (89.1%). And if you have a heavy offense, you'll love Smith. He ranked fifth among tackles in block win rate last season (79%).

I would agree with Smith if I could offer him a short-term contract with low guarantees. Consider that his 13 games in 2023 were his most since 2019. The durability concerns are real. But if it's a one-year deal with around $5 million guaranteed, it could be a bargain.

The offer I would propose: Three years, $36 million ($25 million guaranteed)

In my opinion, he is one of the most underrated players in the NFL. Although Van Ginkel will turn 29 in July, he has played in every game the last four seasons and his production is certainly underrated.

In 2023, he had a career year, making 69 tackles, 6 sacks, 32 pressures and 6 assists – and his role expanded as he replaced injured Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips in Miami. His 17.8% win rate and 10.7% pressure rate were also in the top 30 in the league.

Huge amounts of money will be spent on Danielle Hunter and Jonathan Greenard, but I like Van Ginkel's upside, reliability and versatility at $12 million per year.

The offer I would propose: One year, $10 million ($7 million guaranteed)

Wagner will be undervalued in free agency because he will be 34 years old at the start of the 2024 season, but he appears to be ageless. He hasn't missed a game in two years and has played in at least 15 games every season since 2014. And Wagner was actually more productive last season than he was in 2022, leading the NFL in tackles with 183. (He also had 3.5 tackles and sacks for the Seahawks.)

Wagner is not only a great player but also a tremendous leader. If I manage a team, I would be happy to bring him in because of his excellent intangibles and his play on the field – even if I only commit to one season.