NFL Free Agent Pairings 2024
KIRK COUSINS
ATLANTA FALCONS
Since the departure of former MVP QB Matt Ryan, the Atlanta Falcons have had a revolving door at QB. With the hiring of new HC Raheem Morris, Atlanta could look for a legit veteran presence like Kirk Cousins. While Cousins is an aging QB at 35 years old, he is still a reliable passer who at the very least can operate a good offense and would have a group of talented young weapons like WR Drake London and TE Kyle Pitts. Atlanta is in a vulnerable division with no clear alpha and adding Cousins to the mix could give them the advantage they need to reclaim the division in 2024.
SAQUON BARKLEY
BALTIMORE RAVENS
The Baltimore Ravens have an explosive offense led by MVP QB Lamar Jackson and the one thing they could add to make them over the top is a dynamic RB with pass catching ability like Saquon Barkley. The athletic RB looks to be hitting the market after another season of over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in New York and pairing him with the league’s best running QB could cause even more problems for AFC defenses.
DERRICK HENRY
DALLAS COWBOYS
Dallas could look to re-sign their own RB Tony Pollard but could also see them go for a big name in free agency, preferably Derrick “King” Henry. The massive RB seems to be on the outs in Tennessee and if they decide to part ways, Henry in Dallas seems like a natural fit and another big name added to the Cowboys big play offense.
MIKE EVANS
CAROLINA PANTHERS
The Carolina Panthers hired former Tampa Bay Buccaneers OC Dave Canales as their new HC and if he wants to get the most out of #1 overall pick Bryce Young, then no better move may make him happier than acquiring veteran WR Mike Evans. The massive pass catcher has been the Buccaneers #1 target since he was drafted back in 2014 and could be that guy for the Panthers along with earning himself another big contract. Evans could decide to remain in Tampa Bay, but if he wants a change of scenery then reuniting with his OC in Carolina may be his best option.
CHRIS JONES
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
After winning their second consecutive championship, the Kansas City Chiefs top priority should be re-signing their best defensive player in DL Chris Jones. The 30 year old lineman has been one of the league's most dominant defenders and with the Chiefs entering a near dynasty era, they would be wise to retain the services of the All-Pro lineman for the remainder of his career.
CHASE YOUNG
DETROIT LIONS
The NFL’s Cinderella team of 2023, the Detroit Lions, have one of the league’s best pass rushers in Aidan Hutchinson and could look to pair him with another high upside talent in Chase Young. The 24 year old pass rusher has had an up and down career since being drafted by Washington in 2020 but could look for a rebound year in Detroit.
CHRISTIAN WILKINS
MIAMI DOLPHINS
The Miami Dolphins have begun to shed some serious cap space with the releases of CB Xavien Howard and pass rusher Emmanual Ogbah, which should open them up to re-sign their star DL Christian Wilkins. Not only is Wilkins a talented interior lineman but he is just entering his prime and already established as one of the team’s captains. If Miami wants to continue to build off their strong 2023 season, bringing back Wilkins would be a good start.
BRIAN BURNS
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
Washington traded away their two top pass rushers in Chase Young and Montez Sweat and if new HC Dan Quinn wants to build his defense in Washington, Brian Burns should be his top target. The 25 year old edge rusher has been a force for the Panthers and it seems like he could be on his way out of Carolina giving the Commanders a chance to pounce. Washington is entering free agency with the most cap space and looking to make a splash, and adding Burns to Quinn’s defense would be a fantastic start.
JOSH ALLEN
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Jacksonville saw a career year for pass rusher Josh Allen, but with the slow development of former #1 overall pick Travon Walker, the Jaguars would be wise to invest in their own talent and lock up Allen’s services for the foreseeable future. Not only is Allen one of the league’s best pass rushers but is a franchise defender for the Jaguars and would be a huge loss should be test the free agent market this off-season.
JAYLON JOHNSON
CHICAGO BEARS
Chicago had a rebound season after finishing 2022 with the league’s worst record and one of the key pieces for their turnaround is lockdown CB Jaylon Johnson. Johnson, only 24 years old, finished 2023 as one of the league’s highest ranked CBs and with the Bears on the rise and entering free agency with a ton of cap space, Johnson could cash in this offseason as a building block for the future.
L’JARIUS SNEED
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Kansas City has some tough decisions this off-season on who to re-sign and if they choose to let a top CB like L’Jarius Sneed test the market, the Indianapolis Colts should be a top destination. The young team had a good season with first year HC Shane Steichen and could be looking to add a legit lockdown CB like Sneed who would add much needed help to their secondary.