The 2024 NFL Draft is approximately three weeks away. All 32 franchises still possess an opportunity to address roster-based needs in unrestricted free agency before heading into the draft.
Although the first, and arguably the second, wave of free agency has concluded, plenty of veterans remain available via the open market. We've identified the five best-remaining veterans in free agency.
ODELL BECKHAM JR. (WR)
Odell Beckham Jr. took an in-person visit with the Miami Dolphins, but the two sides haven't yet agreed to terms, leaving room for another potential suitor to swoop in. The aging Beckham Jr. is still an effective pass-catcher, totaling 35 receptions for 565 yards and three touchdowns for the Baltimore Ravens last season.
Beckham Jr.'s 565 yards was a personal-high output since his last 1,000-yard season in 2019. Beckham Jr. also averaged a career-best 16.1 yards per catch, showcasing he still has enough deep speed to burn opposing secondaries. A pass-happy team with Super Bowl aspirations should sign Beckham Jr. as their third receiver.
XAVIEN HOWARD (CB)
Once considered the best shutdown cornerback in the league, the Dolphins released Xavien Howard from his contract earlier this offseason. A two-time league interceptions leader (2018, 2020), Howard has struggled with injury in recent years. Groin and foot injuries limited Howard to 13 games in 2023.
The four-time Pro Bowler is a worthy reclamation project. Tre'Davious White, who's suffered from more serious injuries than Howard has, recently signed an incentivized one-year contract worth up to $8.5 million with the Los Angeles Rams. Howard should fetch a bit more earning potential than that via a one-year agreement.
JAMAL ADAMS (SAF)
The Seattle Seahawks released Jamal Adams, clearing $6 million in cap space. Adams missed the majority of the 2022 season with a torn tendon injury. He returned to play nine games in 2023, accumulating 48 tackles. Adams suffered a concussion and knee injuries this past season.
There are a ton of veteran safeties available on the market in addition to Adams, including Justin Simmons, Marcus Maye, Eddie Jackson, and others. That should drive Adams' asking price down, potentially making him a shrewd addition to the back-end of an NFL defense.
MICHAEL THOMAS (WR)
Who's going to take a chance on Michael Thomas? The league's all-time single-season receptions leader (149 in 2019) has suffered a slew of injury-related setbacks since rewriting the league's record books. Recurring lower-body setbacks derailed Thomas from 2020 to 2022.
Thomas played 10 regular-season games throughout 2023, matching the amount of contests he played across the previous three seasons (2020-22) combined. Thomas wasn't completely healthy, but he was effective enough to total 39 catches for 448 yards. Thomas' 11.5 yards per reception came close to matching his 11.6 mark in his stellar 2019 season, proving he's still apt enough to move the chains.
ADOREE’ JACKSON (CB)
Most available cornerbacks are 30 or older. I need help comprehending why 28-year-old Adoree’ Jackson is still available. Pro Football Focus credited Jackson with allowing 54 receptions on 82 targets last season. Opposing quarterbacks enjoyed a passer rating of 98.3 when targeting Jackson, who allowed 13.9 yards per catch.
It wasn't Jackson's best season, but he was hardly a massive liability. Jackson is merely one year removed from two outstanding campaigns in 2021 and 2022, earning PFF coverage grades of 80.9 and 71.5. Jackson is still a starting-caliber cornerback.