Former Packers' RB Aaron Jones (33) - Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK
Since 1995, NFL free-agent acquisitions have been far and few between. Therefore, they were initially put out by the league with good intentions.
It was supposed to be about players finding new teams at a reasonable price.
The problem was the game kept gaining popularity and salaries skyrocketed.
2011 CBA Turning Point
Things started to change after the 2011 lockout when the league set a rookie salary cap for the NFL draft.
In addition, it materialized during the 2023 offseason, when teams decided not to pay their running backs an insane second contract.
Why Modern-Day Free Agency Works
It benefits the team and allows them to allocate the money elsewhere where it is needed. This is the most effective way to improve their rosters.
Let’s take a look at the Top 8 NFL Free Agents of 2024.
2024 Top 8 NFL Free Agent Acquisitions
8. Aaron Jones, Minnesota – Running Back
The Packers are going to rue the day they ever let Aaron Jones join their division rival. The talented running back saw his time in Green Bay come to an end.
He signed a one-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings and will be the main focal point of their offense.
It should be interesting to see, with the addition of Jones, if the Vikings draft their Kirk Cousins’ replacement in April.
7. Xavier McKinney, Green Bay – Safety
Of all the NFL free-agent safeties, Xavier McKinney was the top one in the talent pool. The Packers have struggled at the safety position since Micah Hyde left for the Bills.
The team decided to take a shot by paying McKinney a four-year, $68 million contract. It was a stellar reward for such a deserving player.
In addition, the prized free-agent safety initially played four years with the New York Giants.
He caught nine picks and batted down 27 passes, therefore showing Green Bay he was worth a big payday.
6. Mitch Morse, Jacksonville – Center
The center is one of the most important positions in the NFL, therefore Mitch Morse will be able to help at that position if needed. He is very talented and was a standout guy in Buffalo with the Bills.
In a salary cap-shaving move, however, the Bills released the veteran to let him earn another payday. Morse is back with Jags coach Doug Pederson and earned a two-year deal.
5. Josh Jacobs, Green Bay – Running Back
When Jones signed with the Vikings, the Packer fans were wondering what they would do to find their next running back?
One of the star running backs in Vegas, Josh Jacobs signed a four-year, $48 million deal to come play in Green Bay.
When it gets cold in December, it will get hot for Jacobs. Look for him to rush for over 1,000 yards this season, in addition to helping out Dillion as well.
Plus, if you keep Dillion as your backup, you may have a better 1-2 punch. How does that sound Packers Nation?
4. Andrew Van Ginkel, Minnesota – Linebacker
This is one of the best value signings of free agency so far. Andrew Van Ginkel was a beast with the Dolphins, as well as making him a top-free agent for 2024.
The veteran linebacker signed a discounted two-year, $20 million contract while reuniting with former Dolphins head coach, Brian Flores.
3. D’Andre Swift, Chicago – Running Back
One of the best running backs in this NFL free agent class. The former Philadelphia Eagles star signed a fair, three-year, $24 million deal to improve the Bears running game.
They will have to rely on D’Andre Swift this year with Caleb Williams coming in for his rookie year. A quarterback’s best friend is a strong running game, therefore we hope this proves true for Bears fans.
2. Derrick Henry, Baltimore – Running Back
This signing is the classic Baltimore Ravens in action. Over the years, they have been known for signing ex-Tennessee Titan players to cheap two-year deals.
Derrick Mason produced well for two years and the late Steve McNair had his moments too.
None of those signings come close to this one. Derrick Henry signed a two-year, $20 million deal which is a dollar store great value and price type of contract.
1. Marquise Brown, Kansas City – Wide Receiver
Despite being back-back Super Bowl Champions, in addition, the Kansas City Chiefs have struggled with their receiving core the last two years. Marquise Brown will look to change that.
The talented wide receiver signed a one-year $7 million deal with the Chiefs. This could potentially be one of the best low-risk, high-reward signings to date.
With Patrick Mahomes throwing Brown the ball, for instance, he could easily be the best receiver the team has had since Tyreek Hill.
How will this 2024 class of NFL free agents turn out?
On paper, all of these free agents are very talented and give many reasons for optimism for their new clubs. However, games are played on the field for a reason for 17 weeks.
Until then, we will not know how the 2024 class will play out.
Good luck to the players and their teams.
