NFL free agency begins on Monday, March 11. It marks the first staging point for the 2024-25 NFL season. Teams will chase top players to reload their rosters. But which players and teams would fit perfectly together? Here is DAZN's guide to the best free agency fits.
1. Kirk Cousins - Atlanta Falcons
Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons might be a match made in heaven. Cousins' experience and wealth of offensive systems make him the right candidate to guide Atlanta's young offense.
Furthermore, the Falcons are desperate for reliable quarterback play. Last season, Atlanta endured erratic and inconsistent play from Taylor Heinicke and Desmond Ridder. Neither will start for Atlanta this season.
Additionally, Cousins has strong connections to new Falcons head coach Raheem Morris. Morris worked in Washington when Cousins was a young player. Morris is also a product of the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree. That coaching tree developed Cousins into the quarterback that he is now.
Cousins understands the system and has a working relationship with Morris. The Falcons require a quarterback, and Cousins needs a new team. This move is a no-brainer.
2. Derrick Henry - Baltimore Ravens
Per NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, Derrick Henry seems unlikely to re-sign with the Tennessee Titans. At 30, Henry is entering the twilight of his career and may want to play on a contending team.
With Keaton Mitchell and Justice Hill on the roster, the Ravens already have two younger running backs. Therefore, Henry could come in as Baltimore's power-back, playing in short-yardage situations and goal-line formations.
Henry is no longer in his physical prime, but he still scored 12 rushing touchdowns last season and played all 17 games for the Titans in 2023. He is a reliable presence, and a shared workload may improve his effectiveness. Henry's move to Baltimore could be a marginal gain in taking the Ravens to the Super Bowl.
3. Saquon Barkley - Philadelphia Eagles
While it might be controversial, Saquon Barkley to the Philadelphia Eagles could be just the move to turbocharge the 2024-25 campaign.
All signs point to Barkley not re-signing with the Giants. The Eagles are letting D'Andre Swift hit the open market, meaning there is a roster spot for Barkley.
Moreover, Barkley grew up in Pennsylvania. He played for the Penn State Nittany Lions, and his friends and family are Eagles fans. Philadelphia's lack of a running game was crucial to its late-season collapse. Barkley averaged over 90 yards per game in 2023 and still clocked runs at over 20mph.
At 27, Barkley still has his best years ahead of him. And he knows the NFC East division. Barkley could electrify Philadelphia's run-based offense and unlock even more performance from quarterback Jalen Hurts.
4. Russell Wilson - Pittsburgh Steelers
Russell Wilson hit the market when the Denver Broncos cut him last week. Wilson is one of the best quarterbacks available. And the Pittsburgh Steelers badly need a new starting quarterback.
Kenny Pickett has not shown enough to be the long-term starter, while Mason Rudolph is out of contract. Wilson experienced two difficult years in Denver, but he would be an upgrade over Pittsburgh's current options.
Wilson finished seventh in passer-rating rankings and threw 26 touchdowns in 2023. Furthermore, he confirmed that he wants to play for five more years and win more championships. He is healthier following knee surgery and can bring experience and leadership to a young Steelers roster.
Wilson is available at a low price and has already met the Steelers.
5. Danielle Hunter - Los Angeles Rams
The Rams have cash to burn and need a defensive edge. Los Angeles released Michael Hoecht earlier last week, leaving a roster spot open.
Danielle Hunter is the best pass-rusher on the market. The 29-year-old enjoyed a career-best year in 2023, recording 16.5 sacks. Hunter is an explosive, disruptive defender capable of wrecking offenses.
With a high-flying offense in San Francisco, the Rams' defense must be potent to win the NFC West.
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