1 NFL Veteran Free Agent That Could Help Each Super Bowl Contender in 2024

With the 2024 NFL draft in the books, teams have turned back to the veteran free-agent market to address needs. Over the past week, we've seen a few notable players sign new deals.

The Dallas Cowboys brought back longtime running back Ezekiel Elliott, while the Miami Dolphins added wideout Odell Beckham Jr. The Los Angeles Chargers added receiver DJ Chark Jr.

These are moves that can help push teams into playoff contention, and perhaps further. More veteran signings are sure to come between now and the start of organized team activities later this month.

Here, we'll examine the top 10 2024 Super Bowl favorites—according to DraftKings Sportsbook, as of Sunday, May 5—and one remaining free agent who should be on the radar of each.

Factors like team needs, past production, player upside and salary cap space were all considered here.

Super Bowl Odds: 19-1

Remaining Cap Space: $20.4 Million

The 2023 Green Bay Packers made some noise in the postseason as the NFL's youngest team. They then added the likes of running back Josh Jacobs and safety Xavier McKinney before filling a few key needs in the 2024 draft.

First-round pick Jordan Morgan has the potential to be Green Bay's left tackle of the future, while second-round linebacker Edgerrin Cooper will help boost a defense that ranked 28th against the run last season.

However, Green Bay could use more cornerback depth and didn't address the position until using a seventh-round flier on Penn State's Kalen King. Adding a high-end veteran to the secondary would make plenty of sense, and the Packers have the cap space to make it happen.

Patrick Peterson may be 33 years old, but he's still capable of playing at an above-average level. He was a 16-game starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers last season, primarily at corner, though he did spend some time at safety. The eight-time Pro Bowler believes he can still help a contender.

"I do feel like I still have a lot left in the tank and can provide, not only leadership, but playmaking ability to whatever team desires to have me on their roster," Peterson told the NFL on Fox podcast (h/t NFL.com's Bobby Kownack).

Peterson could provide depth behind Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes while bringing additional veteran leadership to one of the NFL's youngest rosters. It would be a smart signing for a team with an opening Super Bowl window.

Super Bowl Odds: 17-1

Remaining Cap Space:$4.5 Million

While the Packers' window is just opening, the Cowboys' could be closing. Dallas was embarrassed by Green Bay in the wild-card round, and it could potentially lose starting quarterback Dak Prescott in 2025 free agency.

Yet, the Cowboys didn't take an aggressive win-now approach to free agency. They were largely quiet, though they did address some key needs in the draft.

Rookies Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe should help reload an offensive line that had plenty of questions following the departures of Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz.

Bringing back Elliott will also help fill a need at running back, but the Cowboys could stand to further improve their backfield. 2023 starter Tony Pollard is now a Tennessee Titans, and the depth behind Elliott—led by Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, and Royce Freeman—is questionable at best.

We originally pointed to the speedy Rashaad Penny as a budget option for Dallas, but Penny plans to sign with the Carolina Panthers after the team's rookie minicamp, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. With Penny off the table, the Cowboys should shift their attention to Jerick McKinnon.

A capable change-of-pace and receiving back, McKinnon could fill a valuable role in the Cowboys' backfield rotation. He has thrived as a pass-catcher with the Kansas City Chiefs, hauling in 94 regular-season passes over the last three years.

McKinnon has also been valuable in the postseason, recording 74 touches for 477 yards in seven playoff appearances with Kansas City. His experience in win-or-go-home games could be very valuable for a Cowboys team that keeps going home early.

Super Bowl Odds: 17-1

Remaining Cap Space: $26.6 Million

The Eagles had a Super Bowl-caliber defense in 2022 and a borderline laughable one a year ago. Philly struggled down the stretch and finished the year ranked 26th in total defense and 30th in points allowed.

Unsurprisingly, general manager Howie Roseman attacked the defense throughout the offseason. The Eagles hired Vic Fangio as defensive coordinator before adding veterans like C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Bryce Huff and Devin White. Roseman then landed cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean early on draft weekend.

While the defense's back seven should be vastly improved, the Eagles may not be any better up front. Defensive tackle Fletcher Cox retired in the offseason, and while Huff is a terrific and ascending edge-rusher, he's largely replacing the traded Haason Reddick.

Improving the pass rush would be a great way to get the Eagles defense closer to its 2022 form. Philadelphia notched a league-best 70 sacks that season before recording a good-but-not-great 43 sacks in 2023.

Veteran pass-rusher Emmanuel Ogbah could help reload the Philly front. At 6'4" and 275 pounds the 30-year-old primarily plays at end but has rushed from the linebacker spot and can kick inside to tackle on occasion.

Ogbah also remains a productive rotational sack artist. He finished last season with 5.5 sacks and 15 quarterback pressures while playing just 25 percent of the defensive snaps for the Miami Dolphins.

Notably, Ogbah's 2023 production came under the Eagles' new defensive coordinator. He's already familiar with Fangio's scheme, meaning he could help Philadelphia in both this summer's implementation process and during the regular season.

Super Bowl Odds: 16-1

Remaining Cap Space: $23 Million

Like the Packers, the Houston Texans appear to be just opening a Super Bowl window. Houston experienced a massive 2023 turnaround under head coach DeMeco Ryans and with rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. This offseason, it has embraced a win-now mentality.

The Texans' notable additions include pass-rusher Danielle Hunter, running back Joe Mixon, wide receiver Stefon Diggs, cornerback Jeff Okudah and cornerback C.J. Henderson. General manager Nick Caserio further addressed last year's 23rd-ranked pass defense in the draft.

Rookie corner Kamari Lassiter and rookie safety Calen Bullock have the potential to make a fairly substantial Year 1 impact. However, if the Texans are truly chasing a Lombardi Trophy—and their offseason suggests they are—then they could afford more talent on the back end.

Interestingly, Houston has a four-time Pro Bowl corner already eager to latch on.

"I would love to do that. Especially back at home, the crib," Xavien Howard said, per Matt Young of the Houston Chronicle. "I wouldn't say I've always been a Houston Texans fan, but this offseason, I'm a Houston Texans fan."

It's rather remarkable how much the Texans changed their narrative over the past year. One of the league's worst teams in 2022, Houston is now a premier destination for top-tier free agents.

Landing a player of Howard's caliber would help add to the perception that the Texans are now a top-tier franchise. More importantly, though, it would help Houston on the field. While the 30-year-old was hampered by a foot injury in Miami last season, he was still a quality starter who allowed an opposing passer rating of just 81.3 in coverage.

Super Bowl Odds: 13-1

Remaining Cap Space: $24.1 Million

The Cincinnati Bengals should return to contender status in 2024, as long as quarterback Joe Burrow returns to pre-injury form and stays there. Cincinnati was good enough to win nine games in 2023 while only having a healthy Burrow for a handful of games.

Burrow will make the offense go, and first-round rookie Amarius Mims may finally help solidify one of the league's most underwhelming offensive lines. If the Bengals hope to actually win the Super Bowl, though, they need to continue improving a defense that ranked 31st overall last season.

The Bengals have taken steps there. They added defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins and safety Geno Stone in free agency before drafting defensive linemen Kris Jenkins and McKinnley Jackson. Cincinnati didn't add to its pass rush, though, and with Trey Hendrickson requesting a trade, bolstering the edge depth would be wise.

Cincinnati could find a valuable rotational piece in veteran Calais Campbell. While Campbell wouldn't be a long-term addition at 37 years old, he's still a productive player. He recorded 6.5 sacks and 24 quarterback pressures with the Atlanta Falcons last season.

Campbell also appears to be interested in playing at least one more season, though he hasn't fully committed to it.

"I'm gonna go through my process, but I'm leaning toward playing again," Campbell told Kelly Price of Fox 5 Atlanta.

If the Bengals can convince Campbell to play for them, they could add another potent pass rusher who can provide leadership and a little divisional familiarity. Campbell played for the rival Baltimore Ravens from 2020 to 2023.

Super Bowl Odds: 12-1

Remaining Cap Space: $3.6 Million

The Buffalo Bills certainly aren't rebuilding, but they did some reloading in the offseason. General manager Brandon Beane parted with veterans like Jordan Poyer, Micah Hyde and Stefon Diggs while largely looking to the draft for reinforcements.

Incoming rookies like receiver Keon Coleman and safety Cole Bishop should help maintain Buffalo's status as an AFC contender.

Still, it was surprising to see the Bills not do more to aid quarterback Josh Allen. Coleman might be an adequate replacement for Diggs as a No. 1 target, but Buffalo didn't add another receiver in the draft and has only added the likes of Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins in free agency.

There's room for another receiver in Buffalo's lineup, specifically one who can stretch the field as Diggs once did. Scooping up former conference rival Marquez Valdes-Scantling would be a great move for the Bills.

Valdes-Scantling wasn't particularly consistent in his two years with the Chiefs, but he came up big during the 2023 postseason—including two catches for 62 yards against Buffalo in the divisional round.

After winning back-to-back Super Bowls with the Chiefs, Valdes-Scantling could also help show the Bills what is required to take that proverbial next step. Plus, any insight he might provide on how to beat Kansas City in the postseason would be remarkably valuable.

The challenge, of course, would be adding Valdes-Scantling on a contract that fits Buffalo's cap situation. The 29-year-old earned just under $9 million with Kansas City last year and might not be eager to take a substantial pay cut. At this point in the offseason, though, he might not have a choice.

According to ESPN's Marcel Louis-Jacques, Beckham's deal with the Dolphins has a base value of only $3 million.

Super Bowl Odds: 12-1

Remaining Cap Space: $26.2 Million

The Detroit Lions were narrowly outlasted by the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC title game and may have already added the pieces to go further in 2024.

Detroit's offseason has seen the additions of veterans D.J. Reader, and Carlton Davis. The Lions further addressed their 27th-ranked pass defense by adding rookie cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. in the draft.

With an improved secondary, the Lions will carry few question marks into offseason workouts. However, they could still use another piece in the pass-rushing rotation.

Standout edge-rusher Aidan Hutchinson led the Lions with an impressive 11.5 sacks last season However, he was the only player to top five sacks. Defensive lineman Alim McNeill was second on the team with five.

While Detroit added Marcus Davenport in free agency and should have James Houston (ankle) healthy again next season, there's room for another rotational edge. The Lions should take a long look at Bud Dupree, who revitalized his career a bit with the Falcons after a couple of disappointing campaigns with the Tennessee Titans.

Dupree finished the 2023 season with 6.5 sacks and 24 quarterback pressures to go with two forced fumbles and eight tackles for loss. His best season came in 2019, when he logged 11.5 sacks while playing opposite star sack artist T.J. Watt. By partnering with Hutchinson, Dupree would again benefit from having an elite pass-rushing complement.

At 31 years old, Dupree might not be a long-term addition for the Lions, but he could help the team make a serious run at its first-ever Super Bowl appearance.

Super Bowl Odds: 9-1

Remaining Cap Space: $6.6 Million

Like the Lions, the Baltimore Ravens came excruciatingly close to reaching Super Bowl LVIII. Baltimore's problem was that it just couldn't contain Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.

Getting past the Chiefs in 2024 could be a difficult task. While Baltimore reloaded its secondary and offensive line with rookie lineman Roger Rosengarten and rookie corner Nate Wiggins, it has yet to adequately replace pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney.

While defensive tackle Justin Madubuike led the Ravens with 13 sacks last season, Clowney led the edge-rushing rotation with 13.5. Baltimore will likely look to replace his production with a committee that includes rookie third-round pick Adisa Isaac.

How that committee fares without former defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald—now the Seattle Seahawks' head coach—remains to be seen. It would behoove the Ravens to add another piece to the puzzle before training camp.

Bringing back Yannick Ngakoue would make a ton of sense for the Ravens, who don't have a ton of cap space remaining. While Ngakoue doesn't offer much as a run defender, he's been consistently productive for most of his career as a situational rusher.

Ngakoue, who spent nine games with Baltimore in 2020, had recorded at least eight sacks in every pro season before 2023—a campaign that was ended prematurely by a broken ankle.

A workout video Ngakoue posted on May 2 suggests that the 29-year-old will soon be back to pre-injury form. Because of the injury uncertainty, though, Ngakoue may be willing to sign a team-friendly deal after playing on a one-year, $10.5 million contract last season.

Super Bowl Odds: 6-1

Remaining Cap Space: $6.3 Million

The 49ers came closer than any other team to winning Super Bowl LVIII—well, except for the Chiefs, who actually won it. San Francisco took Kansas City into bonus time in the Super Bowl and even held an early overtime lead.

Then, Mahomes and Co. did what they do and drove down the field for a game-winning touchdown.

Unsurprisingly, San Francisco made a few moves to upgrade its defense this offseason. Added defensive tackle Maliek Collins, pass-rusher Leonard Floyd and linebacker De'Vondre Campbell before using a second-round pick on cornerback Renardo Green.

First-round rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall might help the 49ers match points with teams like Kansas City, but San Francisco should be—and reportedly is—interested in adding a few more defensive pieces.

According to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times, the 49ers are interested in signing former division rival Jamal Adams, who could also return to the Seattle Seahawks.

"Sources said the San Francisco 49ers are one of a handful of teams who have kept in touch with Adams, so the Seahawks could have some competition for the former All-Pro safety, who is still just 28 years old," Condotta wrote.

While Adams never truly flourished with Seattle after being acquired in a 2020 trade, his positional versatility would add an intriguing dynamic to the 49ers defense. Adams is a starting-caliber box safety who can moonlight as a situational pass-rusher.

In Adams' lone Pro Bowl season with Seattle, he recorded an impressive 9.5 sacks. As a hybrid safety/linebacker/edge, Adams could create a few more options for new defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen—while keeping opposing quarterbacks like Mahomes guessing.

Super Bowl Odds: 11-2

Remaining Cap Space: $15.3 Million

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach has done an admirable job of reloading for a potential three-peat in 2024. While he did trade cornerback L'Jarius Sneed, he managed to retain Chris Jones and add wide receiver Marquise Brown in free agency.

In the draft, Veach added speedy receiver Xavier Worthy and offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia—a potential replacement for Donovan Smith, who remains unsigned.

With Kansas City's core of Mahomes, Jones and Travis Kelce intact—and head coach Andy Reid now under contract through 2029—the Chiefs' dynasty should continue rolling for the foreseeable future.

The only real question remaining for Kansas City is whether it can adequately replace Sneed. Trent McDuffie is a budding star, but Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams have only really shown glimpses to this point. Kansas City didn't add to its cornerback room before taking a sixth-round flier on Tennessee's Kamal Hadden.

Bringing back Steven Nelson, who spent his first four years with the Chiefs, could make some sense. However, Nelson noted on social media that he didn't like Steve Spagnuolo's system upon his departure, so there may not be mutual interest.

Kansas City could instead turn to Stephon Gilmore, who spent last season with Dallas. Gilmore was a strong performer for the Cowboys in 2023 and allowed an opposing passer rating of only 82.7 in coverage while starting all 17 games.

A reunion with Dallas could still happen, but "nothing imminent," according to Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News.

While Gilmore, a five-time Pro Bowler and the 2019 Defensive Player of the Year, might not be available at a bargain, the Chiefs have the financial flexibility to land him.

*Cap figures estimated using the top 51 contracts. Cap and contract information via Spotrac. Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference.

Gambling problem? Call (877-8-HOPENY) or text HOPENY (467369).

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 888-789-7777/visiting ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-877-770-STOP (7867) (LA), visiting OPGR.org (OR), or calling/texting TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) or 1-888-532-3500 (VA).

Odds and lines subject to change. 21+ (18+ NH/WY). AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/LA/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.