15 March 2024 , 04:00
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Seven NFL superstars have found themselves without a team as their contracts come to an end. For Kirk Cousins and Chris Jones, free agency has led to a huge payday as they've secured contracts until 2028 and 2029 respectively.
Cousins has left the Minnesota Vikings and signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons, becoming their new starting quarterback under head coach Raheem Morris. The Chiefs have shelled out $158.75 million to keep defensive star Chris Jones at the franchise for an extra five years, thanking him for his role in their back-to-back Super Bowl victories.
However, not all major players have been so fortunate, with several stars waking up to discover they've been let go by their teams and will now look to sign with a new team ahead of the 2024 season. Age, fitness worries, the direction of the franchise, and wage demands may all have played a part.
There's some serious talent available in the free agent pool for teams to consider, and they could be a bargain as they're currently earning nothing after being released. Here, Mirror Sport presents you with the top seven players currently listed as a free agent after they were let go.
Odell Beckham Jr.
For the second year in a row, Odell Beckham Jr is on the hunt for a new team as a free agent. However, he might need to ask for less money this time, after agreeing to a one-year, £14 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens last season.
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The 31 year old wide receiver only scored three touchdowns all year as the Ravens made it to the AFC Championship game. But he's already said he'd like to join the Chiefs as they aim for their third Super Bowl win in a row.
Jimmy Garoppolo
Even though he signed a three-year, £53 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders just last year, Jimmy Garoppolo was let go by the team after being replaced by rookie quarterback Aidan O'Connell last season. Injuries have been a problem for Garoppolo over the past two years, but finding a new team in 2024 will be even harder.
Garoppolo won't be able to play in the first two games of the 2024 season because he broke the league's rules around performance-enhancing substances.
Jimmy Garoppolo has made his search harder by getting a suspension (Getty)Ryan Tannehill
The player who made the best comeback in 2019 is hoping for another chance to shine after being let go by the Tennessee Titans. The Titans are now putting their trust in Will Levis as their quarterback.
Tannehill was injured last season and couldn't get his place back after Levis stepped in.
The 35-year-old was a former eighth-overall pick back in 2012 when he was selected by the Miami Dolphins, but an injury in 2016 ended his campaign and made him miss the entirety of 2017. Tannehill has come back from a tough spot before, but due to his age and injury history, he remains a risk.
Michael Thomas
For the first time since entering the league in 2016, Michael Thomas will not be a New Orleans Saints player come the start of the 2024 season. The 2019 Offensive Player of the Year hasn't been the same since winning the award and suffered a major injury the following season.
Justin Simmons
Patrick Mahomes' nemesis, Justin Simmons, was a surprise release by the Denver Broncos who are dealing with cap space issues after the disastrous trade for Russell Wilson. The safety has picked off Mahomes more than any other player and led the league with six interceptions in 2022, but remains unsigned.
Justin Simmons has become a master at intercepting the ball (Getty Images)Chase Young
The trade for Chase Young didn't work out as expected for the San Francisco 49ers, even though they reached the Super Bowl last season. Many thought that the Niners would be unstoppable after picking up Young from the Washington Commanders to partner with Nick Bosa, but it didn't have the desired effect.
The Niners did have a fifth-year option on Young's four-year, $34,563,594 contract, but didn't activate it ahead of the 2024 season. Young has many suitors already showing interest and isn't expected to remain a free agent for long.
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Xavien Howard
The Miami Dolphins let go of their star cornerback, Xavien Howard, to avoid paying out a hefty £5.5 million ($7 million) in bonuses. This came after he suffered from foot injuries last season.
Despite this, Howard is still highly regarded, with former teammate Jalen Ramsey expressing his shock at the news and calling him the best cornerback in the team's history.