NFL Free Agents 2024: Top Rumors and Predictions Before Week 18
For 14 NFL teams, the playoffs get underway next weekend. As for the league's other 18 teams, the offseason starts Monday.
Week 18 action is set to unfold over Saturday and Sunday, and there are some teams that don't yet know which of those two groups they'll end up in. Everybody wants to make the playoffs, but there aren't enough spots for that to happen.
The teams that miss out can start looking ahead to free agency, which begins March 15. And there will be some noteworthy players hitting the open market this year.
Here's a look at several players who will become free agents, along with predictions for where each will end up ahead of next season.
Chris Jones, DT
Chris Jones has spent his entire eight-year NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs. But in March, the 29-year-old defensive lineman will become a free agent. And the Chiefs are going to retain him, they'll likely need to pay up.
Jones is expected to sign a contract that "could flirt with" an average annual salary of $30 million, according to ESPN's Matt Bowen and Jeremy Fowler. Jones will also likely be inking a long-term deal, as Kansas City may not be able to afford to use the franchise tag on him.
A five-time Pro Bowler, one-time All-Pro selection and two-time Super Bowl champion, Jones could be well worth that type of money. He continues to play at a high level, as he has recorded 9.5 sacks in 15 games so far this season.
It's quite possible a team could outbid the Chiefs for Jones. One potential fit could be with the Chicago Bears, who should have the cap space and could use a boost to their defensive line as they look to continue progressing forward.
Prediction: Jones signs three-year deal with Chicago
Kirk Cousins, QB
The 2023 season took a tough turn for Kirk Cousins in Week 8, when the Minnesota Vikings quarterback suffered a season-ending Achilles tear. It's possible the 35-year-old has played his final game for the team, as he's set to hit free agency this year.
However, it appears the Vikings don't want that to be the case. They may want to bring him back, per The Athletic's Dianna Russini, who reported that there are "many in the building and locker room who want" Cousins to return.
Minnesota may not be alone in the Cousins market, though. He's been named as a potential target for the Atlanta Falcons in a report from ESPN's Fowler.
It makes sense for Cousins to return to the Vikings, his team of the past six seasons. He can start in the short term and then serve as a mentor to a youngster, helping to set up Minnesota for the future.
Prediction: Cousins signs two-year deal with Minnesota
Tee Higgins, WR
It's unlikely that Tee Higgins suits up for the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. The 24-year-old wide receiver is listed as doubtful for the Week 18 matchup vs. the Cleveland Browns, and because the Bengals have no stakes to play for, it would make sense for Higgins to sit out.
Will that be the end of Higgins' time in Cincinnati? He's been with the team for his entire four-year NFL career, but he's set to hit free agency for the first time later this year.
It's possible Higgins never hits the market, though. The Bengals could use their franchise tag on the talented playmaker, who is a "strong candidate" to receive it, according to a recent report by ESPN's Dan Graziano.
A lot of teams would surely have interest in Higgins if he's a free agent. And that's why Cincinnati isn't going to allow that to happen.
Prediction: Higgins receives franchise tag from Cincinnati