NFL free agency is in full swing, with the legal tampering window opening Monday and the new league year beginning Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.
These are my updated rankings and scouting reports of the top 150 free agents available, shaped by a ton of film work and perspective from many years leading NFL personnel departments. This might not be exactly how you see it, but that’s why Baskin-Robbins has 31 flavors.
The ages listed are as of Sept. 5, the scheduled date of the 2024 season opener. At each position, I’ve included some stats I find valuable. At some positions, I’ve estimated play speed from what I can see on tape (not timed 40-yard dash speed — there is a difference). You can read more about my criteria and how an NFL GM approaches free agency here.
This page will be updated with reported agreements and contract details after the legal tampering window opens Monday at noon ET, so you can track all of the action right here.
Live updates: Free-agent news from across the NFL
Best available players: Who’s still on the market?
Grades: Best and worst of free-agent deals
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Prev. team: Vikings Age: 29 Ht: 6-5 Wt: 263
Hunter has been used from various alignments and is effective rushing the passer from all of them. He has upfield burst and countermoves to keep blockers guessing. He also understands how to set the edge with length and get off of blocks against the run. His skill set is hard to find, and despite entering his 10th season, he doesn’t turn 30 until October. Franchise tags thinned out the top group of pass rushers, so he should be coveted.— Randy Mueller
Prev. team: Vikings Age: 29 Ht: 6-5 Wt: 263
Hunter has been used from various alignments and is effective rushing the passer from all of them. He has upfield burst and countermoves to keep blockers guessing. He also understands how to set the edge with length and get off of blocks against the run. His skill set is hard to find, and despite entering his 10th season, he doesn’t turn 30 until October. Franchise tags thinned out the top group of pass rushers, so he should be coveted.— Randy Mueller
Hunter’s signing essentially replaces Houston’s loss of edge Jonathon Greenard to Minnesota, so let’s just make it a trade. Hunter is 29, two-and-a-half years older than Greenard, and thus will get two fewer years, but there are similarities to their games. Hunter piled up 16.5 sacks and 80 pressures in 2023 from a variety of alignments, in both two- and three-point stances. When healthy — which was an issue earlier in his career — he has ability to dominate a game. At the very least, he will require every opposing offense to game plan how to handle him. Not only does he have a complete pass rush package in his toolbox, but he also plays the run with very good hands and leverage. This takes an already good Texans defense to the next level. To be honest with you, I thought the contract numbers would be even higher.— Mueller
Prev. team: Giants Age: 27 Ht: 6-0 Wt: 232
Barkley’s natural instincts and vision to create beyond the play’s design make him special. He finishes like a 232-pound back should, with power and lean, but has the rare trait to make defenders miss as well. He’s also detailed and controlled as a route runner, which makes him the best three-down back available, even with durability concerns (25 games missed in six seasons, three in 2023). More than just a running back, he is a weapon. Other teams might value him more than the Giants do. — Mueller
Prev. team: Giants Age: 27 Ht: 6-0 Wt: 232
Barkley’s natural instincts and vision to create beyond the play’s design make him special. He finishes like a 232-pound back should, with power and lean, but has the rare trait to make defenders miss as well. He’s also detailed and controlled as a route runner, which makes him the best three-down back…
This article was originally published by a theathletic.com . Read the Original article here. .