NFL free agency is nearly upon us. Deals can’t become official until 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday. However, the legal tampering period begins at noon on Monday, when teams can negotiate directly with agents or unrepresented players. Expect a flurry of agreements to be reported during this 52-hour window.
With that in mind, and with some notable players already off the board, we came up with 10 last-minute free agency predictions.
10 Last-Minute NFL Free Agency Predictions
Again, some players already have agreed to new contracts. Quarterback Baker Mayfield reportedly will re-sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Russell Wilson is joining the Pittsburgh Steelers. But there still are plenty of good players set to hit the open market.
New England Patriots Sign WR Calvin Ridley
The world knows the Patriots need help at receiver. And we already know New England reportedly was in on Jerry Jeudy before he was traded to the Cleveland Browns.
But the Patriots reportedly also plan to “swing big” on Ridley, who’s the top wideout set to hit free agency. Ridley isn’t a true No. 1 receiver, which is good news for him and bad news for teams who’ll be forced to overpay. The Patriots, with all that cap space, can afford it.
Philadelphia Eagles Sign RB Saquon Barkley
A recent report indicates there’s mutual interest between the Eagles and Saquon Barkley, who seems unlikely to return to the New York Giants. Philly’s offense requires strong play from running backs, and few in the NFL are better than Barkley. Yes, paying for running backs is bad business in today’s NFL — but Barkley is worth it.
Atlanta Falcons Sign QB Kirk Cousins
The Minnesota Vikings reportedly still hope to re-sign Kirk Cousins before free agency starts, but all signs point toward the veteran QB testing the open market. And the Falcons, who desperately need an upgrade at quarterback, reportedly are considered the favorites.
At this point, it would be a surprise if Cousins doesn’t land in Atlanta.
Cincinnati Bengals Sign DE Danielle Hunter
He’s a bit of a headache, but Danielle Hunter is also really, really good.
Hunter averaged 11.6 sacks per season over the last seven campaigns, including 16.5 sacks in 2023. He’s a total force and one of the best free agents available. The Bengals might need to save their money for Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase’s contracts, but they also can’t neglect the defense. Hunter would make this group significantly better.
Houston Texans Sign RB Derrick Henry
Derrick Henry honestly feels like a great fit for either Texas-based franchise, but we’re going with Houston. As good as their C.J. Stroud-led passing game is, the Texans need a strong running game to take the pressure off their franchise quarterback.
Signing Henry would give the Texans one of the NFL’s top running backs and also solidify its identity as a hard-nosed, physical team.
Baltimore Ravens Sign WR Marquise Brown
Are there too many hard feelings after Baltimore surprisingly traded Marquise Brown two years ago? Maybe. But Brown’s chemistry with Lamar Jackson was legit, and he still is just 26 years old.
Brown’s raw talent doesn’t match his athleticism, but the Ravens need receivers, and he’s one of the best available.
Detroit Lions Sign DT Christian Wilkins
There’s a chance that Christian Wilkins returns to the Miami Dolphins, but the writing appears to be on the wall. He’ll be a hot commodity if he hits free agency, as every team wants defensive tackles who can rush the passer.
The Lions don’t need to tweak their offense much this offseason, but the defense needs work, making Wilkins an intriguing option.
Kansas City Chiefs Sign OT Trent Brown
Over the weekend, Trent Brown essentially confirmed he won’t return to the Patriots, making him arguably the best offensive tackle set to hit free agency. Brown can be a major headache off the field, but when he’s locked in and healthy, he’s one of the best left tackles in the game.
The Chiefs, who need help at tackle, probably could get the best out of him.
Buffalo Bills Sign CB Stephon Gilmore
Yes, we’re calling for a reunion. Stephon Gilmore is still a starting-caliber corner at 34 years old and is no stranger to playing Buffalo after spending the first five seasons of his career with the Bills.
Buffalo is trying to get younger on defense, but signing Gilmore still would make a ton of sense.
Indianapolis Colts Sign WR Gabe Davis
The Colts ensured that Michael Pittman Jr. will be back on the roster next season, but they still need more help at receiver. Gabe Davis isn’t a star, but he’s a strong deep threat and has a flair for big moments. Adding him to the offense would be great news for sophomore quarterback Anthony Richardson.
KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Top 100 Free Agent Rankings
Every move. Every team. Don’t miss a thing with PFN’s NFL Free Agency Tracker.