2 weeks Ago By David Kenyon
Although free agency is typically an exciting time for NFL fans, it's also a stressful topic for front offices. Some players simply want to test the open market and see what offers they might attract. But when an individual has a certain value, his team may step in with a contract extension to prevent that from happening.
As the 2024 campaign nears the midway point, many pending free agents are playing well. We've picked six players from that group. The choices are ultimately subjective but are entirely based on a player's performance so far this season.
Yes, his production has slowed since a torrid start. J.K.
Dobbins, though, is finally healthy—knock on wood, wish on a star, whatever you need—and handling a heavy workload for the Los Angeles Chargers. He's logged 13-plus touches in all six games, totaling 554 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns. No matter where Los Angeles coach Jim Harbaugh has been, he's focused on building a powerful rushing attack.
Dobbins, clearly, can be a valuable piece in the early stages of the process. And he might even be inclined to sign an extension. Unfortunately, his injury history is not great.
Dobbins missed the entire 2021 campaign, played nine games in 2022 and a made a single appearance last season. He very much should be considering long-term security, and the Chargers may be willing to offer it. The reality is "deserving" is not the same as "likely" for Tee Higgins.
Joe Burrow commanded a record-breaking $275 million extension from the Cincinnati Bengals, and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase may be next. There's room for Higgins in the budget, but that doesn't necessarily mean the Bengals will prioritize a new deal for him. Again, however, this is not a question of whether he would be worth the high-dollar deal.
That answer is a resounding yes. Since returning from a brief absence due to a hamstring injury, Higgins has been a consistent presence for Cincy's offense. During the Bengals' last four games, he's notched 60-plus yards in each outing with totals of 26 receptions for 302 yards and three touchdowns.
"He's playing as well as he has ever played," Cincy coach Zac Taylor recently said, per Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic. It's that simple.
The contract, nevertheless, is anything but. Drafted sixth overall in 2016, Ronnie Stanley quickly established himself as a force at left tackle for the Baltimore Ravens. He earned first-team AP All-Pro recognition in 2019.
But then, injuries slowed his impact. Stanley played six games in 2020 and a single contest in 2021 because of ankle injuries. He made double-digit appearances in 2022 and 2023 but never quiet played at his previous level.
It was fair to wonder if Stanley's best days were behind him, especially at 30 years old. It's a long season, sure, but Stanley is enjoying a bounce-back year through seven weeks. According to Next Gen Stats , he hasn't allowed a sack in 224 pass-blocking snaps.
Given his health challenges on a big-money deal, Baltimore understandably won't be rushing to extend a long-term offer. Stanley's upside, however, is still incredibly high. This last offseason, Baltimore's salary-cap crunch meant the team wouldn't re-sign offensive guard Kevin Zeitler.
Well, the Ravens' loss has become the Detroit Lions' gain. After the Lions saw Jonah Jackson leave in free agency, they brought in Zeitler on a one-year contract. The veteran has been a rock-solid starter at right guard.
Zeitler's value was painfully apparent in Week 7, too. While he missed the game because of a groin injury, Kayode Awosika started—and struggled—in his place. Detroit's offensive line has been a critical part of the team's recent and ongoing rise.
Zeitler is the only starting blocker who isn't already under contract for the 2025 season, but the Lions should fix that promptly. Dan Quinn served as the defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks during the 2013 and 2014 seasons. He had a front-row seat to Bobby Wagner's rise to All-Pro stardom.
A decade later, they are reunited on the Washington Commanders—and Wagner is still a monster at linebacker. Quinn, a first-year coach in Washington, quickly targeted the veteran in free agency. Wagner inked a one-year deal for $6.
5 million , which is only looking like a steal when you consider his production. So far, Wagner has collected a team-high 62 tackles with two sacks and a forced fumble. Throw in his value as the defensive play-caller, and Wagner has been an invaluable part of Quinn's first roster.
As long as the 35-year-old wants to keep playing, the Commanders should make sure Wagner is a leader on Quinn's second team, too. Coincidentally, we're moving from Wagner to his replacement. Seattle added Tyrel Dodson for just $4.
26 million after he spent four seasons with the Buffalo Bills. He'd been a rotational piece for most of that tenure but capitalized on a chance to start in 2023. Dodson has taken yet another step in his development in Mike Macdonald's creative defense.
While collecting 55 tackles—tied for most on the Seahawks with safety Julian Love—and two sacks, Dodson has earned and retained the responsibility of defensive play-caller. Only adding to his value, Dodson is capable of playing multiple spots in this scheme. That versatility should not be overlooked.
At 26 years old, he probably won't be cheap to extend. Dodson is safely on track to earning that raise, though, and Seattle would benefit from the stability he can provide on the second level..
