Biggest Moves and Decisions Left to Be Made After 2024 NFL Draft

With the 2024 NFL draft now officially behind us, we have a chance to recalibrate and look ahead at the key scenarios that still contain plenty of mystery and intrigue throughout the league.

There are the obvious quarterback battles that have emerged post-draft, as well debates regarding what key contenders might do to put themselves over the top. Plus, several veterans could still be on the move or remain unemployed.

With that in mind, let's take a quick run through the key moves and decisions that lie ahead.

Patriots: They drafted Drake Maye third overall, so the obvious expectation is that the former North Carolina star will be the future under center. However, Jacoby Brissett and Bailey Zappe remain on the roster.

Per new Pats head coach Jerod Mayo, it'll at least be a competition this summer.

New England knows it likely isn't a Super Bowl contender this year, so it really couldn't hurt to play this slow.

Raiders: They did not draft a quarterback and instead used each of their top three selections on offensive players. That at least gives Aidan O'Connell and/or Gardner Minshew II added support in what is a pretty talented offense overall.

Still, despite having some nice moments in both Jacksonville and Indianapolis, Minshew's ceiling seems pretty obvious, and O'Connell was not particularly impressive overall as a rookie fourth-round pick in 2023.

Is the path still somewhat paved for Tom Brady?

Vikings: They used the 10th overall pick on J.J. McCarthy, but ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert writes that "all indications are the Vikings will stick with their original plan to open training camp with veteran Sam Darnold as the first-team quarterback."

I get it just as I do with Maye in New England, but I don't believe this one will last long. Darnold could still become a solid NFL quarterback, but the Vikes are inevitably going to become too curious to see what McCarthy can do with Justin Jefferson—ideally before the superstar receiver hits free agency next offseason.

Broncos: Denver is absolutely not going to be a factor in 2024, so there's little reason to rush top pick Bo Nix. Why not see if Zach Wilson can revive his career and at least act as a bridge or generate trade value? And ditto for Jarrett Stidham if that doesn't pan out.

Regardless, it'll be fun to see those three go at it this spring and summer.

They used the No. 11 overall pick on offensive tackle Olu Fashanu and took wide receiver Malachi Corley in Round 3 while also adding two running backs on Day 3, but it was sort of an odd approach considering the current makeup of a team that did add three veteran offensive linemen as likely starters earlier this offseason.

There's a good chance Fashanu doesn't get a lot of work early on, while someone like tight end Brock Bowers might have had more opportunities to make an immediate impact on behalf of Rodgers and the offense.

Gang Green has added Mike Williams to a group that already included Garrett Wilson and now also contains Corley, but you have to wonder if they're still holding out hope that Davante Adams could be up for grabs in Las Vegas for a potential reunion with Rodgers.

Of course, several other receivers are also potential trade candidates and could remain on the Jets' radar throughout the next phase of the offseason, if not in the lead-up to the trade deadline. For example...

Higgins: The disgruntled franchise-tag recipient reportedly requested a trade earlier this offseason. He has since admitted he anticipates playing for the Bengals in 2024, but the team obviously already has Ja'Marr Chase and it used a Day 2 pick on Jermaine Burton.

Burton was a four-year producer in the SEC who should be set to make an immediate impact in Cincinnati. Still, there's an element of unknown, of course, and Tyler Boyd is no longer on the roster. The Bengals will likely hold onto Higgins ahead of what is supposed to be a competitive season, but a trade can't be ruled out—especially if they start the regular season slowly.

Aiyuk and Samuel: The trade rumors surrounding both star receivers were coming in hot and heavy in the lead-up to the draft, but both remain on the roster for now. The 49ers insist they are satisfied with the current receiving group, but actions arguably spoke louder than those words when they drafted Florida product Ricky Pearsall in Round 1 and then took Jacob Cowing out of Arizona in Round 4.

Aiyuk is entering a contract year and Samuel is becoming quite expensive. That said, Pearsall could be somewhat of a work in progress, so the 49ers will likely bide their time here.

In any event, potential suitors for Higgins, Aiyuk, Samuel and Boyd include the Jets, Ravens, Chargers, Saints, Dolphins and Patriots.

The Chiefs managed to win a second consecutive title despite a lack of quality and depth in the receiving corps last year, but it's unlikely lightning will strike a third time if they can't get more out of that unit for Mahomes in 2024.

Enter first-round pick Xavier Worthy, who has the ability to make an immediate impact as a home run hitter within that offense.

The speedy Texas product joins Marquise Brown as a newcomer within a receiver group that already included Rashee Rice, Justin Watson, Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore. There's a lot of skill there, but there's reason to be concerned about all of the above.

This'll be a heck of a battle this spring and summer.

He's our No. 1 free agent still available, and for good reason.

Simmons is a frequent All-Pro who has intercepted at least three passes in six consecutive seasons and has missed only seven games over that span. He's also quite versatile and is a strong locker room leader at the age of 30.

There appears to be plenty of gas left in that tank, but it seemed a lot of teams wanted to see how things played out in the draft before committing to Simmons.

He's the type of player who could put a contender over the top. I'd keep an eye on the Jets and Eagles.