2024 NFL free agency primer: When it begins, a list of the top-5 players available & more
The 2024 NFL offseason is in full swing.
Organizations have already begun making their own moves internally leading up to this week's NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indiana.
The Bengals became the first team to use the franchise tag as they've officially put it on wide receiver Tee Higgins. Panthers defensive end Brian Burns and Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield are two players reportedly expected to receive the tag by next Tuesday's Mar. 5 deadline.
Giants general manager Joe Schoen made headlines at the Combine on Tuesday morning that while he'd not rule out free-agent-to-be running back Saquon Barkley being franchise tagged for a second consecutive season, he'd prefer to not go down that route as he talks with Barkley and his representatives later this week in Indianapolis.
When the Combine wraps up on Sunday afternoon, free agency in the NFL will be the next big domino this offseason to get the gears in motion for how teams will look heading into training camp this summer.
Here's when free agency gets underway, a list of the top-five players available and how much cap space each organization currently has with the calendar about to flip to March.
When does 2024 NFL free agency begin?
The beginning of free agency, also known as the official start to the new league year, starts this year on Mar. 13 at 4 p.m. ET.
Two days prior, on Mar. 11 at noon ET, aka the "legal tampering period," is when clubs can negotiate with free agents so contracts can be all squared and ready to go a little over 48 hours from then.
Who are the top five available players in free agency for 2024?
1. Chris Jones, DL, Chiefs: Jones was the heartbeat of the Chiefs defense. He hands down was the team's important defensive player and was a crucial part in Kansas City winning back-to-back Super Bowls. Expect a big payday wherever the 29-year old lands as he ranked top-10 in the NFL in sacks (10.5), hurries (42), knockdowns (16) and pressures (67) last season.
2. Kirk Cousins, QB, Vikings: Cousins was on his way to record one of his best seasons in the NFL until he tore his Achilles against the Packers on Oct. 29. While it might seem risky given the significant injury and his age (will be 36 in August), there's no doubt he's the best signal caller on the market and could turn most teams into contenders if he's under center.
3. Josh Allen, DE, Jaguars: After putting together some good years, Allen was great in 2023. He was tied for second in the NFL in sacks (17.5) and had a career-high 85 pressures (third most in the NFL). Teams can never have enough good pass rushers and Allen proved he's worthy of being the top defensive end to be paid in free agency.
4. RB Saquon Barkley, RB, Giants: Arguably the most valuable offensive playmaker on the market is Barkley. While he regressed from one of his best campaigns in 2022, there's no denying the impact and interest the dual-threat running back will have if Schoen and Barkley's representatives can't come to an agreement over the next 14 days.
5. Christian Wilkins, DT, Dolphins: If not for Jones, Wilkins could be in the argument as the best available free agent defender. The 28-year-old had more sacks last year (nine) than he did in 2021 and 2022 combined (eight). Wilkins also finished with 62 pressures, the third most for an interior lineman behind the aforementioned Jones and Rams DT Aaron Donald.
How much cap space does each team have heading into 2024 NFL free agency?
Teams will likely be eager to potentially spend more than ever this free agency period after the reported historic $30 million jump from $224.8 million in 2023 to $255.4 million in 2024.
Here's where each organization currently stands in order of available cap space, per OverTheCap.com:
1. Titans: $78.5 million
2. Bears: $78.3 million
3. Patriots: $78 million
4. Commanders: $77.9 million
5. Colts: $72 million
6. Texans: $67.3 million
7. Lions: $56.4 million
8. Cardinals: $51.1 million
9. Bengals: $50.6 million
10. Buccaneers: $43.6 million
11. Raiders: $42.9 million
12. Rams: $39.9 million
13. Vikings: $35.8 million
14. Panthers: $34.5 million
15. Falcons: $32.8 million
16. Giants: $30.6 million
17. Eagles: $27.4 million
18. Jaguars: $24.4 million
19. Chiefs: $16.9 million
20. Ravens: $16.6 million
21. Jets: $12.7 million
22. Seahawks: $12.5 million
23. Steelers: $8.9 million
24. Packers: $7.1 million
25. 49ers: $-5 million
26. Browns: $-7.7 million
27. Cowboys: $-9.8 million
28. Broncos: $-16.8 million
29. Chargers: $-25.6 million
30. Dolphins: $-29 million
31. Saints: $-32.6 million
32. Bills: $-40 million
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NFL free agency 2024: Start date, best players available
