2024 NFL offseason: Free agency, draft questions for 32 teams

Now that the 2023 NFL season is behind us and the 2024 offseason has begun, each staff has a giant query to face.

Can the Bengals discover a technique to hold Tee Higgins? How will the Broncos, Bears, Commanders, Falcons, Giants and Vikings deal with their quarterback conundrums? And which groups might shock the league and launch veterans to assist get beneath the wage cap?

We requested our NFL Nation reporters to take a more in-depth have a look at the largest query every staff will face this offseason and provides their perception on what might occur over the following few months.

Leap to:ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CINCLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | INDJAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MINNE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SFSEA | TB | TEN | WSH

AFC EAST

How will the Payments hold their roster aggressive and attempt to compete with the Chiefs regardless of a tricky cap scenario?

The problem for the Payments this offseason is continuous to construct a roster that may compete in a tricky division and convention, whereas not pushing an excessive amount of cash down the street or creating future points. Whereas the official cap quantity for 2024 hasn’t come out but, the Payments are estimated to be $51.8 million over, in keeping with Roster Administration System, with massive contracts that might be restructured and a few robust choices to be made.

There are at present a wide range of key contributors set to depart in free company, together with defensive finish Leonard Floyd and defensive sort out DaQuan Jones. It is a staff that’s going to be making an attempt but once more to get previous the Chiefs within the postseason, and constructing the roster amid their cap considerations might be fairly the duty. — Alaina Getzenberg

Will the Dolphins prolong quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s contract?

The NFL’s 2023 passing yards chief says he expects a deal to get accomplished, and basic supervisor Chris Grier stated the aim is to have Tagovailoa taking part in with the Dolphins at a excessive stage for a very long time. However the Dolphins are at present $56.7 million over the projected wage cap getting into the ultimate 12 months of his rookie contract and have a number of crucial gamers set to be free brokers.

Tagovailoa’s efficiency in opposition to Miami’s higher opponents this season was suboptimal, and his bodily limitations had been obvious late within the season. However he’s able to working the Dolphins’ offense with machine-like precision, and his accuracy and anticipation are among the many finest within the league. We’ll see precisely how a lot the Dolphins worth these qualities. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

Editor’s Picks

2 Associated

What place will the Patriots goal with the No. 3 choose?

In a letter to season-ticket holders, proprietor Robert Kraft and staff president Jonathan Kraft referred to as 2024 the “most anticipated NFL draft of our [31-year] tenure” — primarily as a result of they’ve by no means had a choose as excessive as No. 3. The opportunity of a quarterback generates probably the most buzz, however the Patriots’ offensive wants are wide-ranging. They usually even have signal-callers Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe beneath contract, with Jones understanding repeatedly on the staff facility this offseason. — Mike Reiss

Can the Jets restore their damaged offense sufficient to avoid wasting coach Robert Saleh’s job?

A wholesome quarterback Aaron Rodgers is a giant step in the appropriate path, however the offensive line wants an overhaul. They possible want two tackles and a guard, so search for them to signal at the very least one starter in free company. They’ll draft a sort out with the No. 10 choose, maybe Penn State’s Olumuyiwa Fashanu or Oregon State’s Taliese Fuaga.

The Jets additionally want a WR2, who might are available in free company or through commerce. They’ve two younger stars in working again Breece Corridor and broad receiver Garrett Wilson. In the event that they fail to construct round them and take a significant leap from final season — they ranked thirty first in complete yards — Saleh will possible be out of a job. — Wealthy Cimini

AFC NORTH

How way more change will the Ravens’ protection bear?

The Ravens, who led the NFL in fewest factors allowed, have a brand new defensive coordinator in Zachary Orr after Mike Macdonald turned the Seahawks’ coach. Baltimore additionally misplaced defensive position coach Anthony Weaver (new Dolphins defensive coordinator) and defensive backs coach Dennard Wilson (new Titans D-coordinator). Now, the Ravens have to determine how a lot of their defensive personnel they’ll retain. There are 13 unrestricted free brokers on the Baltimore protection, together with two Professional Bowl gamers (defensive sort out Justin Madubuike and linebacker Patrick Queen) and their two best edge rushers (Jadeveon Clowney and Kyle Van Noy). — Jamison Hensley

What is going on to occur with broad receiver Tee Higgins?

Since drafting Ja’Marr Chase in 2021, the Bengals have boasted one of many league’s finest receiver tandems. That future is in jeopardy, nevertheless, with Higgins set to enter free company. How the Bengals method his employment standing — franchise tag, long-term deal, no motion — will form the way forward for a Cincinnati franchise that has one of many few quarterbacks (Joe Burrow) who can go toe-to-toe with Patrick Mahomes and Kansas Metropolis. A number of different groups ought to be maintaining tabs on this case. If Higgins is accessible through free company or commerce, he might develop into a staff’s No. 1 choice in 2024 and past. — Ben Child

Can the Browns land one other big-time playmaker?

Final offseason, the Browns targeted on bolstering what was the league’s worst run protection in 2022. They achieved simply that, signing free agent defensive sort out Dalvin Tomlinson, who performed an enormous function of their defensive turnaround. This offseason, they might deal with including a outstanding receiver. The Browns have already got two Professional Bowl pass-catchers in Amari Cooper and David Njoku. Cooper, nevertheless, will flip 30 this summer season. Getting another confirmed receiver might be what helps quarterback Deshaun Watson regain his kind and elevate the Cleveland offense to a different stage. — Jake Trotter

Who might be Kenny Pickett’s competitors for QB1?

Coach Mike Tomlin and proprietor and president Artwork Rooney II expressed a need to usher in competitors for his or her 2022 first-round choose to raise the staff’s general quarterback play. Although Tomlin stated Pickett would resume his standing as QB1 within the offseason, he was additionally fast to say that nobody is “anointed” the starter — meaning new O-coordinator Arthur Smith ought to have the chance to fill out the quarterback room.

The staff already mutually parted methods with Mitch Trubisky, and late-season hero Mason Rudolph is scheduled to be a free agent. Count on new gamers to be added via the draft and/or free company at a place that has been largely unchanged the previous two seasons. — Brooke Pryor

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Justin Fields or Russell Wilson: Who’s a greater match for the Steelers?

The “Get Up” crew examines the potential quarterback choices for the Pittsburgh Steelers subsequent season.

AFC SOUTH

Will the Texans pay Jonathan Greenard?

The sting rusher led the staff in sacks (12.5), and coach DeMeco Ryans loves him. It is extra concerning the value, nevertheless. Groups covet pass-rushers, and those that can get double-digit sacks and are of their mid-20s might demand contracts within the vary of $20 million yearly.

For instance, Carl Lawson acquired a three-year, $45 million take care of the Jets in 2020 regardless of by no means having a 10-plus-sack season. Final offseason, the Seahawks signed Dre’Mont Jones to a three-year, $51 million contract, and he has by no means had greater than 6.5 sacks in a season. Will the Texans pay up for Greenard? — DJ Bien-Aime

How will negotiations with Michael Pittman Jr. play out?

The Colts have a number of free brokers, together with defensive sort out Grover Stewart and cornerback Kenny Moore II. However with practically $57 million in wage cap area projected to be at their disposal, they’ll actually retain Pittman, their high broad receiver. The query, nevertheless, is what a possible new deal will appear like. Basic supervisor Chris Ballard has not often invested closely at receiver. In the meantime, Pittman is cognizant of his worth and is trying to maximize his deal. Can the 2 sides discover widespread floor? — Stephen Holder

Welcome to the NFL offseason

• Group-by-team offseason information (ESPN+)• Key individuals (ESPN+) | Priorities, dates• Monitoring coach openings, hirings• Rating high 50 free brokers (ESPN+)• NFL draft order | High draft prospects

How do the Jaguars deal with free brokers Josh Allen and Calvin Ridley?

Allen had a franchise-record 17.5 sacks final season, and Ridley caught the second-most passes (76) for the second-most yards (1,016) in his profession. There’s just one franchise tag, so which participant is basic supervisor Trent Baalke keen to let hit free company? If he will get a long-term contract accomplished with both participant earlier than the tag window expires March 5, he might use the tag on the opposite, however that is unlikely. He’ll must threat dropping one. With pass-rushers at a premium, it is prone to be Ridley, however how would being tagged impression negotiations with Allen’s camp? — Michael DiRocco

Has Derrick Henry performed his final recreation for the Titans?

Henry’s 9,502 profession dashing yards are 507 behind Eddie George for probably the most in Titans/Oilers franchise historical past. At 30 years outdated, he’s set to hit free company for the primary time. The Titans have a brand new employees with a brand new offensive philosophy that may deal with passing the ball extra. New coach Brian Callahan stated Henry might completely match into the scheme, although. Henry’s quest for a Tremendous Bowl ring is one thing he has talked about regularly when requested about free company. He added that he would like to win with the Titans. Will the 2 events have the ability to come to an settlement? — Turron Davenport

AFC WEST

What’s the plan at quarterback?

The Broncos have stated a number of occasions, most lately on the Tremendous Bowl, {that a} formal choice on quarterback Russell Wilson will come “sooner somewhat than later.” And whereas nearly nobody within the league believes that may imply something aside from the Broncos releasing Wilson, doing so would go away loads of wage cap harm — $85 million in lifeless cash, in keeping with Roster Administration System — and an infinite query mark at quarterback.

Within the brief time period, the massive subject can be whether or not the Broncos can discover an improve over Wilson’s 26 landing passes in 15 video games in ’23. The long-term query is whether or not a squeezed wage cap and simply six picks in April’s draft will permit them to discover a everlasting resolution. — Jeff Legwold

Can the Chiefs hold their protection collectively?

Kansas Metropolis ranked second in scoring protection this season however might be dropping a number of key gamers. Defensive sort out Chris Jones, finish Mike Danna, linebackers Willie Homosexual and Drue Tranquill and cornerback L’Jarius Sneed are free brokers, and the Chiefs will not have the ability to retain all of them. They would not give Jones the contract extension he sought final 12 months when he was holding out, so there isn’t any motive to imagine they might do it in March, that means Jones — who will flip 30 in July — might be shifting on. — Adam Teicher

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How will the Chiefs method free company this offseason?

The “Get Up” crew wonders how the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs can discover the cash to maintain their staff among the many NFL’s elite subsequent season.

How will basic supervisor Tom Telesco and coach Antonio Pierce vibe in Las Vegas?

Raiders proprietor Mark Davis informed ESPN that the final supervisor may have closing say on all personnel choices, and the largest one is at quarterback, the place rookie Aidan O’Connell was inconsistent after taking on for Jimmy Garoppolo midseason. Pierce needs a franchise signal-caller, and he has a relationship with Heisman winner Jayden Daniels (LSU) from once they had been each at Arizona State. However leaping from the No. 13 choose within the draft to No. 2 or No. 3 is perhaps too wealthy for Telesco’s style. — Paul Gutierrez

How will the Chargers navigate their wage cap constraints?

The Chargers are projected to be $55 million over the wage cap, in keeping with Roster Administration System, with edge rushers Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa and broad receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams projected to have cap hits upward of $30 million subsequent season.

These 4 are among the many Chargers’ finest gamers and can be important to turning this staff round rapidly beneath new coach Jim Harbaugh, however bringing all of them again is not financially possible. How the Chargers navigate the cap and what they do with these gamers would be the focus of this offseason. — Kris Rhim

NFC EAST

How will staff proprietor Jerry Jones outline ‘all-in’ in 2024?

Jones informed reporters on the Senior Bowl in January that the Cowboys might be all-in and considering much less concerning the future once they’re placing collectively their 2024 roster. Does that imply taking a bigger curiosity in key gamers in free company somewhat than filling holes with low-cost fixes? Does that imply being extra proactive in giving extensions to their very own gamers early, resembling wideout CeeDee Lamb, quarterback Dak Prescott and edge rusher Micah Parsons?

With coach Mike McCarthy within the closing 12 months of his contract, Prescott set to develop into a free agent after the 2024 season and the lack to make use of the franchise tag on their quarterback, Jones might view this because the final finest likelihood to get a Tremendous Bowl he so craves. — Todd Archer

What to know for the 2024 NFL draft

• Mocks: Yates | Kiper | Miller | Reid• Ranks: Kiper | Yates | Reid | Miller• QB Scorching Board | First-rounders• Place ranks | Grades | Order | Extra

What’s going to the Giants do at quarterback?

Daniel Jones is not going wherever this season, however the Giants arrange his contract to allow them to get out after 2024. It is arduous to construct a staff round a quarterback who has had three comparatively severe accidents in three years. With the No. 6 choose, will the Giants move on a signal-caller in what is taken into account a powerful quarterback draft? Or will they use their two second-round picks to maneuver into the again finish of the primary spherical for a QB? The place is, on the very least, on the desk for the Giants on this draft. — Jordan Raanan

Can the Eagles retool on the fly beneath coach Nick Sirianni?

Sirianni’s employees has been overhauled, most notably with offensive coordinator Brian Johnson and defensive coordinator Sean Desai being changed by Kellen Moore and Vic Fangio. It could possibly take as much as a full season for gamers to regulate to new schemes, but time is of the essence for the Eagles and Sirianni, whose seat has warmed up following a 1-6 end.

It’s significantly necessary that quarterback Jalen Hurts and Moore sync up after a 12 months through which Hurts, Sirianni and Johnson weren’t in full lockstep, which negatively impacted the offense. — Tim McManus

Which quarterback will they aim to be their new starter?

Washington employed a brand new basic supervisor (Adam Peters) and coach (Dan Quinn) however now wants its quarterback. The Commanders maintain the No. 2 choose, which suggests they might keep put and certain select between Jayden Daniels (LSU) and Drake Maye (North Carolina). Or they might discover shifting into the highest spot to take Caleb Williams (USC) — if the choose is even on the market and in the event that they really feel like parting with the mandatory draft capital to maneuver up a spot.

A seemingly much less possible choice — if they do not like these quarterbacks — can be to signal a free agent, let him compete with incumbent Sam Howell, then commerce again and purchase extra draft picks to allow them to strive once more in 2025. However with a decades-long want for a steady quarterback scenario, it is arduous to think about the Commanders passing on a QB. — John Keim

NFC NORTH

What would it not take for the Bears to not draft a quarterback at No. 1?

The Bears are the primary staff of the widespread draft period to land the No. 1 choose one 12 months after buying and selling it away. In 2023, Chicago handed on drafting quarterback C.J. Stroud, who went on to develop into the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the 12 months. Can the Bears afford to not take a QB at No. 1, particularly with USC’s Caleb Williams headlining a powerful class?

If the Bears are lifeless set on drafting a QB, the asking value for the No. 1 choose will inevitably be larger than what they bought from Carolina in 2023 (4 picks and broad receiver DJ Moore). If one other staff is audacious sufficient to mortgage its future for the highest choose, how far is Chicago keen to maneuver again within the first spherical, and will that current a path for the franchise to nonetheless draft a QB on Day 1? — Courtney Cronin

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McAfee: ‘There’s a whole lot of smoke’ with Caleb Williams, Bears

Pat McAfee and A.J. Hawk talk about current rumors concerning Caleb Williams and his staff preferences forward of the NFL draft.

Will the Lions prolong Jared Goff’s contract?

Coming off the most effective seasons of his profession, Goff might be a free agent in 2025. Basic supervisor Brad Holmes stated throughout his end-of-season information convention that the staff hasn’t began speaking about Goff’s future but, however it’ll be fascinating to see whether or not they lock him down as their man for the brief time period or the long run primarily based on his current play.

He is undoubtedly deserving of an extension, although. Goff turned the third quarterback in franchise historical past to file a number of playoff wins (in addition to the staff’s first playoff wins in additional than three many years) in main the Lions to an NFC Championship Recreation look. — Eric Woodyard

What to do with David Bakhtiari?

When wholesome, Bakhtiari confirmed he is nonetheless one of many league’s high left tackles. The issue, nevertheless, is his well being: particularly, his left knee. This fall, he had his fifth surgical procedure on the knee since he tore his ACL on Dec. 31, 2020, and he most likely will not have the ability to get again on the sphere till coaching camp on the earliest.

He is additionally set to value $40.57 million in opposition to the cap subsequent season, in keeping with Roster Administration System, though none of it’s assured and the Packers would choose up $21.5 million in cap area in the event that they moved on. Rasheed Walker was a serviceable substitute after Bakhtiari’s season ended after the 2023 opener, however it’s not a certain factor that he is the long-term reply. “We’re nonetheless on the very starting phases of taking a look at how we’re going to transfer ahead with all of that,” Packers GM Brian Gutekunst stated lately. — Rob Demovsky

What’s the future at quarterback?

The Vikings have a two-front problem on the recreation’s most necessary place. First, they should discover out whether or not they’ll have the ability to re-sign incumbent Kirk Cousins, whose contract routinely voids on March 13. If they can not, they will possible must discover a veteran to function at the very least a short-term starter. And whether or not they convey again Cousins, they must determine whether or not the time has come to determine and (attempt to) purchase a longer-term reply via the draft. Cousins might be 36 this summer season. — Kevin Seifert

NFC SOUTH

What’s going to the Falcons do at quarterback?

One factor turned apparent from coach Raheem Morris’ introductory information convention on Feb. 5: Atlanta is available in the market for a quarterback, and maybe a brand new quarterback room completely. The Falcons have not had many massive discussions but concerning the place — Morris was engaged on filling out his employees and shifting throughout the nation — however he stated they will discover free company, trades and the draft to search out an improve at QB. A signal-caller’s capacity to course of choices might be a first-rate issue for the Falcons in deciding which path to go. — Michael Rothstein

How will Dave Canales repair Bryce Younger?

Younger had a traditionally dangerous rookie season for quarterbacks taken with the highest choose. His 11 landing passes had been tied for the fewest of any quarterback with at the very least 500 move makes an attempt, and he had eight video games with no landing move, the second most ever for a No. 1 choose.

Canales, his new coach, has a observe file of getting the very best out of quarterbacks. Geno Smith (with Seattle) and Baker Mayfield (with Tampa Bay) had profession years beneath his steerage. The Panthers want a whole lot of new gamers offensively, so the main target might be on what Canales does to provide Younger what he must succeed. — David Newton

Will the Saints commerce cornerback Marshon Lattimore?

The staff restructured Lattimore’s contract “for a motive,” in keeping with basic supervisor Mickey Loomis. Whereas Loomis did not give particulars, the restructure paved the way in which for the Saints to probably commerce their star cornerback, who was damage for a good portion of the previous two seasons. If Lattimore goes to a brand new staff, it’s going to characterize a big defensive shift for the Saints, because the 2017 Defensive Rookie of the 12 months has began 90 video games in New Orleans. — Katherine Terrell

Will the Bucs re-sign broad receiver Mike Evans?

Regardless of Evans and his agent urgent the Bucs to get a brand new contract earlier than the beginning of the 2023 common season, no deal was supplied. Evans tied for a league-leading 13 touchdowns in 2023, so the worth possible went up. The Bucs most actually need him again, and Evans needs to return, too — if the compensation is correct. Additionally they nonetheless have to find the money for to re-sign quarterback Baker Mayfield, security Antoine Winfield Jr. and linebacker Lavonte David. — Jenna Laine

NFC WEST

Will the Cardinals draft Marvin Harrison Jr. with the No. 4 choose?

The Cardinals want a high broad receiver who can immediately improve the offense alongside Kyler Murray. Since Arizona is about at quarterback, it will not be within the dialog to commerce as much as get one and might stand pat at No. 4.

Ought to quarterbacks go within the high three picks, Arizona will possible discover itself wanting on the star Ohio State receiver at No. 4. The one motive Arizona would not be round at No. 4 to take him can be if basic supervisor Monti Ossenfort trades down for what might be a haul of picks, each on this draft and in 2025. — Josh Weinfuss

How will the Rams construct on their 2023 season?

The Rams stunned many individuals outdoors the constructing by making the 2023 playoffs, particularly doing it in a 12 months through which they took on a whole lot of lifeless cash and did not have the monetary flexibility they’d up to now. Now, they must determine how they need to construct on that success.

They nonetheless have their three “weight-bearing partitions” — quarterback Matthew Stafford, defensive sort out Aaron Donald and broad receiver Cooper Kupp — and added promising younger expertise as nicely. Basic supervisor Les Snead stated he would not anticipate making important strikes instantly in free company, however that the Rams do have the flexibleness to “have a look.” The Rams additionally — at the very least for now — have a first-round choose for the primary time since 2016. — Sarah Barshop

What can the 49ers do to recover from the hump and eventually win the Tremendous Bowl?

If this seems like a repeat of current years, it is as a result of it’s. However the clock is ticking on the Niners’ possibilities at successful the franchise’s sixth Lombardi Trophy with this core of gamers, particularly as a result of quarterback Brock Purdy might be eligible for an extension in 2025. They’re unlikely to spend massive cash to make any massive additions in free company, however they will must discover each attainable avenue to attempt to conquer the ultimate boss: Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. — Nick Wagoner

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Schefter to McAfee: Purdy’s contract ‘an enormous benefit’ for 49ers

Adam Schefter explains how Brock Purdy’s rookie contract offers the 49ers flexibility for another season earlier than he’s eligible to signal a long-term deal.

What’s going to GM John Schneider and new coach Mike Macdonald do at quarterback?

The Seahawks have a brand new coach and a brand new high decision-maker, with Schneider now holding closing say over personnel choices of their post-Pete Carroll energy construction. Might that imply a brand new quarterback in 2024? Geno Smith is about to make an affordable $22.5 million subsequent season and has been wonderful in spurts, however he was up and down final season and not has Carroll — maybe his greatest supporter within the group — calling the photographs. The hiring of former College of Washington offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb has led to hypothesis that the Seahawks might draft Michael Penix Jr., but when they do transfer on from Smith, do not low cost Drew Lock being within the combine to switch him. — Brady Henderson