NFL Analysis
10/25/24
5 min read
Ranking NFL's Best Free Agents On The Market Nearing Midseason
The 2024-25 NFL season is close to the midpoint of the year already, and injuries have ravaged teams. A few trades have helped contenders beef up positions of need, but there are only so many deals to be made. Instead, the NFL's best remaining free agents could be the way to go.
There are still several big-named familiar faces on the market for one reason or another. Obviously, players who aren't on a roster now have some baggage that has to be accounted for. We're not expecting any of these individuals to be All-Pro-level contributors.
However, these individuals have had enough success throughout their careers to have confidence in their ability to contribute in a specific role. Which NFL free agents should your team consider?
Ranking NFL's Best Available Free Agents
David Bakhtiari, OT
While the 11-year Packer has had significant injuries that have taken a toll on his availability since 2020, it's impossible to deny just how well he's played when he's on the field. Much like Tyron Smith, rostering Bakhtiari has meant elite left tackle play. The question is whether his body can hold up for any extended amount of time.
Despite tearing his ACL early in 2023, he was supposed to be back on the field by now in 2024. Teams must clear him medically and weigh his likelihood of staying on the field. He played only 27 snaps in 2021 and 55 in 2023. In 2020, Bakhtiari logged 758 plays, and then 597 in 2022.
PFF had Bakhtiari graded as an elite pass-blocker in nine of his 11 seasons, so there's a reason why Green Bay continued to give him the chance to see the field despite setbacks. Now, if he's ready to get back into the action, he'd be the first call every team should make.
Possible Fits: Chiefs, Seahawks, Commanders, Ravens
🎥 Xavien Howard's 2020 season was SPECIAL
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) February 23, 2024
➖ 10 interceptions (led NFL)
➖ 20 passes defended (led NFL)
➖ 1 forced fumble
➖ 51 total tackles
➖ 1st team All-Pro
➖ 3rd in DPOY voting
➖ Pro Bowl selection
One of the best DB seasons in recent memory. #FinsUp pic.twitter.com/JpUtJJD37Z
Xavien Howard, CB
Since entering the NFL, Xavien Howard has been one of the league's premier ballhawks. His career has gone through multiple stages. The 31-year-old racked up 27 interceptions from 2016 through 2021 but then logged only one each in 2022 and 2023. With his athleticism and speed dropping, it's not hard to see why Miami opted against paying his high salaries in future years.
That said, the cornerback market is bare, and no corner has the upside to create turnovers like Howard can. Primarily an off-ball defender with great 6-foot-1 size, zone assignments can help protect Howard from being beaten over the top on deep routes. Teams could certainly do worse for a depth piece and rotational starter.
Possible Fits: Bills, Commanders, Rams, Steelers
D.J. Humphries, OT
The New York Giants just worked D.J. Humphries out, so we'll see how long the former Cardinals tackle is on the market. The 30-year-old tore his ACL in Week 17 of the 2023 season but has experience at both tackle positions. He's graded as an average to slightly above-average option throughout his career.
An average NFL tackle has his flaws, and Humphries is no different. He's vulnerable to power rushers pushing him into the pocket, and he commits more penalties than what's ideal. However, he's generally dependable and effective, and that has helped Humphries stick around as a starter for eight years.
Possible Fits: Giants, Cowboys, Seahawks, Browns
ALL 149 catches from @cantguardmike’s record-breaking 2019 season! 🎂🥳 pic.twitter.com/oma4XTf6xE
— NFL (@NFL) March 3, 2021
Michael Thomas, WR
While a one-game suspension made it understandable as to why Michael Thomas wasn't on a Week 1 roster, the 31-year-old is still on the market. He's another player who has struggled with availability but not production. Thomas has played in 20 games since the 2019 season ended.
Still, it's hard to get over that he's not worthy of being a slot possession receiver or depth option. The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder was one of the most trustworthy playmakers at the catch point, reeling in 76 percent of his targets. While he's far from the player who averaged 107 yards per game in 2019, he was good for four catches for 45 yards in 2023.
Possible Fits: Vikings, Ravens, Steelers, Chiefs, Chargers, Cowboys
Ryan Tannehill, QB
The lack of quarterback depth throughout the league means that just being functional at all can guarantee passers a roster spot. Ryan Tannehill is certainly worthy of being a backup for contenders, even at 36 years old. Maybe he was holding out for a starting job to open up, but it'd be worth kicking the tires to get him in the building to learn the playbook before he's truly needed.
Throughout his six years in Miami and five years in Tennessee, Tannehill proved to be a capable game manager. Although his athleticism is mostly gone, he still boasts a good arm and the experience needed to keep the chains moving with an efficient completion rate. Tannehill hasn't completed under 64.2 percent of his attempts since 2015 and would be a top-tier backup immediately.
Possible Fits: Lions, Ravens, Dolphins
