Houston Texans

The obvious choice is the Texans, they made it to the Divisional Round with a rookie quarterback. C.J. Stroud is now heading into his second year. The acquisition of Stefon Diggs certainly boosts the offensive firepower. If Stroud continues on this track I certainly expect Super Bowl contention.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns have had an elite defense for a couple years now. The problem has been offensive production, with Deshaun Watson struggling a bit and the injury to Nick Chubb it wasn’t very good last year. This year Watson can deliver and make this team a Super Bowl caliber one. Kevin Stefanski will find a way to bring some sort of production out of Watson.

Chicago Bears

By no means is Chicago a sure-fire Super Bowl contender. I do think they have the pieces to be a serious playoff contender and even in a weak NFC conference anything can happen. Caleb Williams has all the tools needed to perform in Keenan Allen, D.J. Moore, D’Andre Swift and two stud tackles. Regarding the defensive the Bears locked down cornerback Jaylon Johnson earlier this year. 

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#1 – Chris Jones (DT)

Defensive tackle Chris Jones is the clear-cut top dog in this year’s free agency class. Jones is set for a big payday on the open market as it’s hard to see the Chiefs tagging him. If Kansas City does decide to tag him they will be on the hook for $33 million. I just don’t see them shelling out that kind of money for Jones.

There will be plenty of suitors for Jones who is one of the best defensive players in the NFL today. Jones finished last season with 10.5 sacks and 39 QB pressures.

#2 – Josh Allen (EDGE)

Speaking of defensive stars, Jaguars defensive end Josh Allen will be in hot demand this offseason. Allen finished with a career-best 17.5 sacks in 2023 which was good enough for 2nd overall in the league.

Allen is still only 26 years old and is just entering his prime. He will not come cheap but Allen could change the entire identity of a defense if signed.

#3 – Kirk Cousins (QB)

It’s very likely that Kirk Cousins has played his last game as a Minnesota Vikings. Cousins 2023 campaign was cut short due to an Achilles injury. Despite the injury, there will still be plenty of QB-needy teams ready to pounce on the 35-year-old quarterback.

Even at his age, Cousins is still a top-10 quarterback in the league and in the right system, he could really flourish. At this point in his career Cousins should take less money and sign on with a contender.

#4 – Brian Burns (EDGE)

Brian Burns is another elite defender who is set for a big payday. Burns didn’t quite have the year that Josh Allen had but the star defensive end has loads of potential and is still only 25. It’s hard to judge Burns’ 2023 campaign as the Panthers were a mess on both sides of the ball.

As a two-time Pro Bowler, Burns has had plenty of trade offers over the years but they never materialized. If he isn’t tagged Burns will finally get the contract he deserves.

#5 – Christian Wilkins (DT)

Defensive tackle Christian Wilkins is coming off his best season in Miami. Wilkins had 9.0 sacks, 30 QB pressures and 23 QB hits. Wilkins is also an excellent run defender with the ability to quickly attack holes and stuff running backs.

Before the release of cornerback Xavien Howard it was hard to see the Dolphins tagging Wilkins. Now that seems more likely but $22 million is a lot to shell out for a DT.

#6 – Justin Madubuike (DT)

The Ravens Justin Madubuike is another impressive defensive tackle that could hit the market. It would seem likely that Baltimore would tag the 5th year player but if they don’t Madubuike should cash in big time. He is coming off an All-Pro caliber season where he set career highs in most defensive categories including sacks with 13.0.

#7 – Antoine Winfield Jr. (S)

Antoine Winfield is coming off his best season as a pro and rightfully earned his first All-Pro selection. Winfield is the prototypical modern-day Safety that many teams are craving. He can line up all over the field and is an excellent ball hawk. Winfield forced a league-high 6 fumbles for the Buccaneers in 2023.

Tampa Bay will have a tough decision to make this offseason in terms of who to franchise tag. It will likely come down to either Winfield or Mike Evans. If either walk they will be in high demand.

#8 – L’Jarius Sneed (CB)

L’Jarius Sneed will be the best cornerback available if he hits the open market. Sneed has stated that he wants to stay in Kansas City but we will see if that pans out. In terms of coverage ability, it’s hard to find a better corner than Sneed. He has excelled in Steve Spagnuolo’s system where he can be aggressive and attack the ball.

Like the Buccaneers, the Chiefs will have some tough decisions to make this offseason. If they do decide to tag Sneed it will cost them about $18 million and of course, there is the Chris Jones situation.

#9 – Michael Pittman Jr. (WR)

As of now, it looks like Michael Pittman will hit the open market and if he does he will have plenty of suitors. Pittman is coming off a career-high 1,152 receiving yards in 2023 and 109 receptions. If there is one weakness to his game it’s the lack of receiving touchdowns. Pittman had just 4 in 2023. That to me will be improved in a new offensive system.

Pittman is a tag candidate for the Colts but Indianapolis has been reluctant to use the tag in the past. This one will be worth watching as we get closer to the free agency period.

#10 – Jaylon Johnson (CB)

Rounding out our list of the best free NFL agents available is cornerback Jaylon Johnson. The Bears cornerback had his best season in Chicago with 4 interceptions and a Pro Bowl nod. At just 24 years old, Johnson has the makings of a lock-down corner with excellent coverage ability.

Johnson is a likely franchise tag candidate for the Bears as they will look to solidify their secondary.

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