There are three major ways for a general manager to improve his team’s roster. The first opportunity to do so comes in NFL free agency. As most teams will tell you, rosters are built through the draft, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few hidden gems found in free agency every year.
Here is our list of the most underrated NFL free agents by position in 2024, starting with quarterback and ending with safety.
Quarterback: Jacoby Brissett
If a team is looking for a star quarterback, they’ll have to look elsewhere. Yet, for those looking for a bridge quarterback who won’t turn the ball over, Jacoby Brissett is the perfect fit. The 6-foot-4 QB has a big arm, holds a career TD: INT ratio of 51:23, including 9:1 across his past seven games. Having played well when given a chance in recent stretches, a team may be able to buy low on Brissett and get above-average production in 2024.
Related: Ranking best NFL QB vacancies of 2024 offseason
Running Back: J.K. Dobbins
Signing J.K. Dobbins is a big risk, as the former second-round pick hasn’t played more than 15 games since his rookie season in 2020. However, at 25 years old, he’s one of the younger free agent running backs available, and being that he’s only had 234 NFL carries, he has plenty of tread left on his tires. Dobbins’ biggest hurdle is staying healthy, as he’s missed 42 games in the past three years, but he’s also averaged 5.8 yards per carry in his career. Unlikely to be handed a starting role, a team could be pleasantly surprised by whatever Dobbins can offer in 2024.
Related: Most overrated NFL free agents by position in 2024
Wide Receiver: Darnell Mooney
At 5-foot-11, 173 pounds, Darnell Mooney doesn’t have the profile of a No. 1 receiver, and that’s not what the Chicago Bears were asking him to be either. But as a secondary or even slot option, Mooney can be a game-changer. He’s already proved it by recording 1,055 receiving yards in his second season as a pro in 2021 while catching passes from rookie Justin Fields, Andy Dalton, and a game of Nick Foles. A speed demon who clocked a 4.38 40-yard dash, Mooney could help a lot of teams next season.
Related: 2024 NFL QB Rankings
Tight End: Noah Fant
After clocking a 4.50-second 40-yard dash, George Fant looked like he’d become the next Iowa tight end to become a superstar in the NFL. The Denver Broncos certainly thought so, making him the 20th overall pick in 2019. But Fant has yet to become a star. However, he did start his career with three consecutive seasons north of 560 yards and could still have untapped potential at the age of 26.
Related: 2024 NFL free agents
Offensive Lineman: Connor Williams
It’s not a sexy position, but adding offensive linemen can be some of the most underrated free agent signings a team can make. It doesn’t really matter which position you need, tackle, guard, or center, Connor Williams has played them all. But the bulk of his success has come since switching to center full-time in 2022, where he’s graded as the third-best center across the past two seasons. He won’t turn 27 until May, but he also is repairing a torn ACL suffered in December. Yet he should have no trouble returning to top form in 2024.
Related: Best NFL coaches of all time
Defensive Lineman: Grover Stewart
Teams with more money than they know what to do with could back up the Brinks truck for Chris Jones and Christian Wilkins, two of the best defensive tackles in free agency. But other teams looking for a bargain will be more than pleased with Grover Stewart for a fraction of the cost. Teams seeking a pass-rushing DT will have to shop elsewhere, but the 6-foot-4, 314-pound lineman can plug gaps and take on double-teams with the best of them.
Related: 2024 NFL mock draft: Falcons find QB, Round 1 projections after NFL Combine
Edge Rusher: Andrew Van Ginkel
Big-name edge rushers like Danielle Hunter and Brian Burns will have teams salivating, but value can be found with Andrew Van Ginkel. Van Ginkel has primarily been relegated to rotational duties, but he’s coming off a career-high six sacks. Unlike most edge rushers, he can get out in coverage too, and finished with an elite 87.3 coverage grade per Pro Football Focus in 2023. Despite these talents, Van Ginkel isn’t expected to break the bank in free agency.
Related: 5 ideal trade landing spots for Philadelphia Eagles’ Pro Bowl pass rusher Josh Sweat
Off-Ball Linebacker: Blake Cashman
Like running back and safety, the linebacker position isn’t a top priority for teams in free agency anymore. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of above-average starter-level talent to be found. Houston’s Blake Cashman led a good Texans team with 106 tackles, but he’s also excellent as a pass rusher and holds his own in pass coverage. Cashman rarely misses tackles and has the athleticism to roam from sideline to sideline. He’d be a fine addition to nearly any NFL defense.
Related: 2024 NFL playoff predictions
Cornerback: Kenny Moore II
Teams looking for a shutdown cornerback who can match up with the biggest and best receivers along the sideline will have to shop elsewhere. But Kenny Moore II has proven to be one of the best slot coverage cornerbacks in the NFL. A former Pro Bowl cornerback, Moore has always been a feisty tackler but he also is a playmaker, having tallied 17 interceptions in his career. Still 28 years old, Moore should have at least a few years left in the tank.
Related: 15 longest field goals in NFL history
Safety: Xavier McKinney
By far the best player on this list, Xavier McKinney quietly became one of the best safeties in the NFL a season ago for the New York Giants. His 87.8 PFF grade ranked fourth among all players at his position, and he’s shown the versatility to play both free or strong safety. Still just 24 and coming off his best season yet, just because NFL fans may not be as familiar with his game, it doesn’t mean McKinney won’t be seeking top dollar, because he’s earned it.
Related: Super Bowl odds
