NFL free agency 2024: Where did former Ohio State players end up?
NFL free agency is well underway.
Starting March 13 at 4 p.m., NFL players were permitted to begin to sign contracts with new teams ahead of the 2024 season. And with that came movement from many former Ohio State football players. Twelve former Buckeyes have signed contracts ahead of the 2024 season including defensive end Chase Young, linebacker Jerome Baker and cornerback Jeff Okudah.
Former Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields also found a new home after being traded from the Chicago Bears to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick.
Here's a look at which Ohio State players signed during the first week of the NFL free agency period.
Ohio State WR Curtis Samuel
After three seasons with the Washington Commanders, Curtis Samuel signed a three-year, $30 million deal with the Buffalo Bills March 15, per his agency Athletes First.
Samuel has played for the Commanders and the Carolina Panthers, and has recorded 29 career touchdowns in seven NFL seasons. In 2023, Samuel recorded 652 total yards and averaged 9.4 yards per touch — his highest total since 2019 — with five touchdowns.
Ohio State WR Noah Brown
Noah Brown's run with the Houston Texans will continue in 2024.
The former Ohio State wide receiver, per multiple reports, signed a one-year deal to remain with the Texans March 11 with a maximum value of $5 million. Brown had a career year with former Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud and the Texans by recording 567 receiving yards and 52.7 yards per game. He also had two touchdown receptions.
In six seasons, Brown has five touchdown receptions, each of which have come in the past two seasons with the Texans and Dallas Cowboys.
Ohio State OG Jonah Jackson
A former Ohio State and Detroit Lions Pro Bowl guard is heading to Los Angeles.
The Rams announced that the team would sign guard Jonah Jackson to a three-year deal March 11 after he started all 57 career regular-season games he's played in for the Lions.
According to multiple reports, Jackson's deal is worth $51 million with $34 million guaranteed.
Ohio State DE Chase Young
Like many former Ohio State players before him, Chase Young is heading to New Orleans.
The former Washington Commanders and San Francisco 49ers signed a one-year contract with the Saints on March 18. According to multiple reports, the deal was for a fully guaranteed $13 million.
In four seasons, Young, a former Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year, has 100 tackles, 20 tackles-for-loss and 16.5 sacks.
Ohio State DE Tyquan Lewis
Tyquan Lewis is staying in Indianapolis.
After spending his first six NFL seasons with the Colts, Lewis re-signed with the team March 13 on a two-year, $12 million deal per multiple reports.
Lewis played in 17 games for the Colts in 2023 and recorded 25 tackles, nine tackles-for-loss and four sacks.
Ohio State DT Johnathan Hankins
Johnathan Hankins is heading to Seattle.
The former Ohio State defensive tackle and 11-year NFL veteran signed a contract to join the Seahawks: his fifth NFL team.
In 2023, Hankins started 14 games for the Cowboys and recorded three sacks and 27 tackles.
Ohio State LB Jerome Baker
After six seasons with the Miami Dolphins, former Ohio State linebacker Jerome Baker is getting a change of scenery.
Baker, a three-time 100-tackle linebacker, signed a one-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks March 16. According to multiple reports, Baker's deal is worth $7 million.
In 13 games for the Dolphins in 2023, Baker recorded 78 tackles and two interceptions.
Ohio State LB Malik Harrison
Malik Harrison is staying in Baltimore.
A former third-round pick, Harrison signed a one-year deal March 13 to remain with the Ravens after 61 career NFL games.
In four seasons, Harrison has 120 tackles and four tackles-for loss. He has played in all but six games in four seasons, while playing in 21% of all defensive snaps.
Ohio State CB Jeff Okudah
A former No. 3 overall pick is joining the Houston Texans.
Former Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah signed a one-year deal with the Texans March 11, according to multiple reports.
The Texans are Okudah's third stop across four seasons. He played in 38 and started 31 games between the Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons, recording 168 tackles, 13 pass deflections and two interceptions.
Ohio State SAF Vonn Bell
Vonn Bell is back with the Cincinnati Bengals.
After signing a contract with the Carolina Panthers ahead of the 2023 season, Bell is back with the Bengals after a one-year contract March 15. According to multiple reports, the Panthers will pay Bell's $6 million contract.
In three seasons with the Bengals from 2020-22, Bell started all 48 games and recorded 288 tackles, 12 tackles-for-loss and 21 pass deflections. He was a team captain in each of his three seasons.
Ohio State SAF Jordan Fuller
Jordan Fuller is moving to the Carolina Panthers after four years with the Los Angeles Rams.
The former Ohio State safety signed with the Panthers March 15, the team announced. According to multiple reports, Fuller's deal is for one year and for up to $5.25 million.
Fuller started 46 of 48 games for the Rams from 2020-23 and recorded 279 tackles and 17 pass deflections.
Ohio State P Cameron Johnston
After six seasons between the Houston Texans and the Philadelphia Eagles, Cameron Johnston is heading to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Steelers announced Johnston's three-year contract March 19, which is reportedly worth $9 million.
In 95 games, Johnston has a 42.4 net punt average with 182 punts downed inside the 20-yard line.
NFL free agency: Former Ohio State players still available
RB J.K. Dobbins
WR Michael Thomas
WR Parris Campbell
CB Eli Apple
TE Nick Vannett
DL Jalyn Holmes
LS Jake McQuaide
Get more Ohio State football news by listening to our podcasts
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: NFL free agency 2024 Ohio State football tracker
