Matt Bowen, ESPN Staff Writer 2d

Ranking best remaining 2024 NFL free agents: Who's unsigned?

NFL, Tennessee Titans, Miami Dolphins

The main 2024 NFL free agency period (which officially opened at 4 p.m. ET on March 13) is behind us, and we've seen plenty of stars land big-money deals. But there are still quite a few talented players out there, and teams still need to plug holes and fill needs. Who are the best remaining free agents?

We ranked the top unsigned players -- including a few cuts -- factoring in age, positional value, expected future production and scheme versatility. Let's jump in, starting with a veteran cornerback.

Last update: April 30

See more from ESPN+:
Original top 100 free agents list
Grading the top deals of free agency

1. Xavien Howard, CB

2023 team: Miami Dolphins | Age in 2024 season: 31

Howard was officially released at the start of the league year by the Dolphins. He will have interest from multiple teams, too, due to his perimeter coverage traits and on-the-ball production. Howard has 29 interceptions in eight seasons, and he can elevate a contending secondary.


2. Connor Williams, C

2023 team: Miami Dolphins | Age in 2024 season: 27

A torn ACL suffered in December drops Williams here, but he was stellar for the Dolphins with a 93.9% pass block win rate before the injury. He counters his lack of power and anchor with the movement skills to play as a positional blocker. Williams is also very good in space, creating positive angles to cut off defenders.


3. Justin Simmons, S

2023 team: Denver Broncos | Age in 2024 season: 30

Simmons is a high-level communicator in the secondary, with deep range and great ball skills. He has at least three interceptions in six straight seasons, and he is a productive starter who is strong in run support and will land his hits. Simmons should be seen as an upgrade for multiple teams.


4. Stephon Gilmore, CB

2023 team: Dallas Cowboys | Age in 2024 season: 33

Gilmore, who will turn 34 a few weeks into the 2024 season, played productive football for the Cowboys last season, grabbing two interceptions and breaking up 10 passes. You can still see the physical coverage skills on tape, and Gilmore plays with veteran technique. He's a fit for a contending team looking to add a corner with inside/outside ability.


5. Steven Nelson, CB

2023 team: Houston Texans | Age in 2024 season: 31

Nelson tied his career high with four interceptions last season in Houston and broke up seven passes. He's at his best in a zone-heavy scheme where he can use his backfield vision to get a jump on the ball, and Nelson plays with a veteran savvy in the secondary. He could help a contender.


6. Ryan Tannehill, QB

2023 team: Tennessee Titans | Age in 2024 season: 36

In 10 games played with the Titans last season, Tannehill completed 64.8% of his passes for 1,616 yards, 4 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. He fits best in a play-action-heavy offense where he can target the intermediate windows on defined throws or attack the edges off boot concepts. And for whatever team signs him, Tannehill would bring veteran experience to the quarterback room.


7. Dalton Risner, G

2023 team: Minnesota Vikings | Age in 2024 season: 29

Risner's pass block win rate of 95.5% ranked fifth among guards in 2023, and he allowed two sacks on the season. He can anchor in pass protection and displays a strong and rugged play style as a run-blocker. Gap run teams should take a look at his tape.


8. Odell Beckham Jr., WR

2023 team: Baltimore Ravens | Age in 2024 season: 31

Beckham caught 35 passes for 565 yards and three touchdowns with the Ravens, including 10 receptions of 20 or more yards. He can create separation both at the line of scrimmage and at the top of his route due to his refined route-running skills.


9. Adoree' Jackson, CB

2023 team: New York Giants | Age in 2024 season: 28

Jackson had five pass breakups last season, and he returned his lone interception for a touchdown. He's an aggressive cover corner with greedy eyes, and he can play either on the perimeter or in the slot.


10. Tyler Boyd, WR

2023 team: Cincinnati Bengals | Age in 2024 season: 29

A fit for offenses that major in 11 personnel, Boyd can win inside matchups and move the chains. He has been a consistent pro and wins with detail in the route tree. Boyd caught 67 passes for 667 yards in 2023, and he has 31 career touchdowns.


11. Calais Campbell, EDGE

2023 team: Atlanta Falcons | Age in 2024 season: 38

Campbell can still play a productive role on a defensive front. Last season, he had 6.5 sacks and 28 pressures, while using his play strength and 6-foot-8, 282-pound frame to hold the point of attack.


12. Hunter Renfrow, WR

2023 team: Las Vegas Raiders | Age in 2024 season: 28

Renfrow is a slot target with the traits to uncover and make himself available to the quarterback, but his production declined over the past two seasons after posting 1,038 receiving yards and nine TDs in 2021. He could help a club looking to add a third receiver who can work the underneath levels of the field.


13. DJ Chark Jr., WR

2023 team: Carolina Panthers | Age in 2024 season: 27

Chark is a No. 3 receiver with the traits to work vertically on the boundary and find open turf on intermediate in-breakers. In six pro seasons, he has 23 touchdown receptions, and he caught 35 passes for 525 yards and five touchdowns last season.


14. Michael Thomas, WR

2023 team: New Orleans Saints | Age in 2024 season: 31

Thomas can still uncover and be a productive receiver on multiple levels of the field. But he has played in only 13 games over the past two seasons, and he'll be 31 years old at the start of the 2024 season.

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