With free agency underway, we take a look at who are the top free agents left on our board
Following the conclusion of the NFL season and Kansas City conceivably establishing a dynasty, all attention is pointed toward kickoff in September. Every team will be given a clean slate and the opportunity to bring their franchise to the Super Bowl. But before we get there, there is lots of work to be done. The first important date coming up is March 13th: free agency.
Once free agency opens up, teams will have the opportunity to take on some new faces and have a better idea of what they will need for the upcoming draft. During this time, we expect some big names to find a new home and try to make a run for the Super Bowl. So who should teams be on the lookout for? The following players are my top 5 players hitting free agency on March 13th.
5. Danielle Hunter (Signed by Texans)
2023 Stats: 83TOT, 16.5 SACK, 4FF
Danielle Hunter led a career year in his 2023 campaign with the Vikings. Additionally, the 29-year-old third-round pick has consistently proven his worth as a defensive leader throughout his time in Minnesota. With the Viking’s offseason strategy being unclear, Hunter is a likely candidate to find himself in free agency come March 13th. Reports indicate that Hunter is asking Minnesota for 20 million a year, and for good reason. Hunter held the fifth most sacks in the regular season and played a vital role in Minnesota’s defensive improvements this year. Teams looking for a defensive game-changer must be on the lookout for Hunter in the coming weeks. While the price tag is hefty, signing Hunter will add immense value to any defense in the league for years to come.
Danielle Hunter has a projected market value of 3 years, 20 million
4. Calvin Ridley
2023 Stats: 1,016 YDS, 13.4 YPC, 8TD
Calvin Ridley made his comeback to the NFL after being suspended in 2022 for gambling and missing most of 2021 to focus on mental health. In November of the 2022 season, the Jaguars traded a 2023 fifth-round pick and a 2024 conditional pick in exchange for Ridley. What makes Ridley so interesting for the Jaguars is the conditional pick that they still owe the Falcons. According to the conditions, the Jaguars currently owe the Falcons a third-round pick after Ridley hit certain trade incentives. However, this pick would turn into a second-rounder if the Jaguars decide to grant Ridley a contract extension. Because of this, Ridley will likely find himself looking for a new home. Although he is more under the radar than many free agents, Ridley proved that his time away from football did not drastically hinder his abilities. Fighting through poor quarterback play and a few tough games, he still managed to break 1000 yards and find himself as a WR1 for the Jaguars. I believe Ridley still has plenty more in the tank, and with a new team, he could be an excellent addition to a stacked offense.
Calvin Ridley has a projected market value of 4 years, $70,340,880
3. Christian Wilkins (Signed by Raiders)
2023 Stats: 65 TOT, 9 SACK, 1 FF
After the Dolphins reported that they would not franchise tag him, Christian Wilkins is expected to find himself in free agency. The 28-year-old interior defensive lineman led an impressive season, racking up 9 sacks for the team. While he has not been selected for the Pro Bowl or an All-Pro team, Wilkins has quietly made his mark on the league with his impressive pass rush, holding a 13% win rate with a 65% double team rate. He also made history during the 2021 season, racking up 82 tackles and leading the NFL in single-season tackles from the defensive tackle position. This year was unique for Wilkins because his 9-sack season marks a career-high, doubling his formerly best season (4.5 sacks). In addition to his pass rush, Wilkins is also an impressive run-stopper, as the 310-pounder has made his presence felt more and more every year with the Dolphins. Wilkins is a versatile asset for any defense looking to improve their interior defensive line. Teams should stay confident that his production is only going to continue for the coming years.
Christian Wilkins has a projected market value of 4 years, $80,988,580
2. Chris Jones (Resigned by Chiefs)
2023 Stats: 30 TOT, 10.5 SACK, 4 PD
Following his third Super Bowl victory with the Chiefs, Chris Jones may end up a free agent after all. While he seemingly announced his return to the Chiefs at the Super Bowl Parade a couple of weeks ago, the Chiefs have yet to make any moves with the 29-year-old defensive tackle. Contract issues are not new to Jones, who sat out Week 1 in the league opener loss to the Lions. In response, the Chiefs signed Jones to a deal worth up to 25 million and the option to place a franchise tag. With those issues aside, Jones is a difference-maker when he is on the field. He racked up 10.5 sacks this year, all while facing immense pressure from opposing offenses. Jones was the most double-teamed DT in the league, with a 72% double-team rate through the 2023 season. Teams willing to cough up some cash for an elite defensive tackle need to pursue Jones before he resigns. It seems like Jones is willing to go wherever the money is, so teams should not pass up on this great opportunity to completely change their defense.
READ MORE ON JONES: It Might Be Time For Chris Jones to Walk; The Chiefs’ Refusal To Pay Speaks Volumes
Chris Jones has a projected market value of 3 yrs, $85,450,884
1. Kirk Cousins (Signed by Falcons)
2023 Stats: 2,331 YDS, 18 TD, 5 INT, 69.5% Completion (8 Games Played)
After a tragic end to his season following a torn Achilles, Kirk Cousins found himself in an interesting situation. The 35-year-old quarterback and his team were gaining some momentum before a series of injuries swept over the Vikings. Cousins fell as the latest victim against the Packers, in a similar nightmare scenario as we saw with Aaron Rodgers in Week 1. Before this, Cousins was on track to have a career year, throwing for over 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns in only eight games. With his contract reaching an end, the Vikings have yet to decide what to do at the quarterback position. Superstar Justin Jefferson has vouched for Kirk Cousins’ return, but things are still looking uncertain for the veteran quarterback. With the 11th overall pick, Cousins may find himself looking for a new team. Luckily, his outstanding performance over the past couple of years in Minnesota has almost guaranteed that he will continue to lead a team come September. The question is, where? Teams that are struggling at the quarterback position and are looking to push for the playoffs now must keep an eye on Kirk Cousins. While he isn’t getting any younger, there is no doubt that he can still execute at a high level.
Kirk Cousins has a projected market value of 3 yrs, $118,145,778
