With the 2023 NFL trade deadline day drawing closer, the teams are busy in making last-minute tweaks. With the teams trying to improve their roster, the free agency plays a major role in the trade window. However, with several NFL stars in contention to become a free agent next year, let’s first understand what a free agent is.
Introduced in the NFL way back in 1947, a free agent refers to a player who can sign for any team without having any contractual obligation to one particular team. During a particular time frame, a player is allowed to negotiate with any team of his choice. However, it only happens when his contract expires after the end of the time frame.
NFL Trade Deadline: Best Potential Destinations for Players
Derrick Henry: Eagles
Jaylon Johnson: Ravens
Danielle Hunter: Jaguars
Jerry Jeudy: Panthers
Marquise Brown: Texans
Chase Young: Bears
Garrett Bolles: Bengals
Hunter Renfrow: Bills
Carl Lawson: Cardinals pic.twitter.com/6YqOnSfwLJ— ChillTakes (@chilltakes_) October 19, 2023
Moreover, while the player is allowed to negotiate a contract, he isn’t permitted to execute a contract. The player also isn’t allowed to visit any club or meet its members other than those from his club. Although there are two different kinds of free agents in the NFL. On one hand, there are the restricted free agents, who have received a qualifying offer having played three accrued seasons.
These players become restricted free agents at the start of the new league year. On the other hand, there are the unrestricted free agents. The unrestricted free agent has completed four or more accrued seasons. He is also free to negotiate with any team he wants without any draft-choice compensation.
10 players who will become free agents in 2024
Having understood what free agency in the NFL means, we will now take a look at the top 10 NFL stars who will become free agents next year. Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns is about to turn a free agent next year. The Panthers are yet to discuss a new contract with the 25-year-old star. Following burns, is the Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins who is yet to receive a contract extension from his side.
A big name to watch at the deadline is #Panthers DE Brian Burns. Both sides aren’t near a long-term extension and Burns will become a free agent at the end of the year.
Last year at the deadline, Carolina reportedly turned down 2 first round picks for the 25-year old… pic.twitter.com/PUc9p9ZXJI
— uSTADIUM App (@uSTADIUM) October 14, 2023
There are also tensions going on in Devin White’s camp, having yet not receive a contract extension offer from the Buccaneers. The Baltimore Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen will also not have a contract next year due to the club’s reported financial struggles. Having spent a chunk on Roquan Smith, Queen’s exit from the Ravens looks imminent.
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ wide receiver Calvin Ridley might also leave his side after missing last season due to suspension. However, Ridley has started this season in terrific form, as a way of proving his naysayers wrong. Another Jaguars star, Josh Allen, will also be out of a contract next season following his injury woes.
Some other players who will also become free agents in 2024 are the Seattle Seahawks linebacker Jordyn Brooks, the Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter, the Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans, and the Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins will also be out of a contract in the following year.