As the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine comes to a close and we get set to kick off NFL Free Agency, there are a handful of high-profile defensive backs that will be available on the open market. Let’s take a look at some of the best options with my Top 12 Free Agent Defensive Backs for 2024.
1) S- Antoine Winfield, TB (25.5 Years Old)
Winfield has spent 4-years in the NFL, all of which have been with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In 2023 he appeared in 17 games where he posted career highs in tackles, sacks, interceptions, fumbles forced, and recovered. Coming off a career season and heading into his age 26 season should fetch him a hefty payday as Spotrac has him projected to be worth a contract of 5 years and $99,252,530.00 on the open market. He is the best combination of youth and production and that’s why he checks in at the top spot on this list of top 12 free agent Defensive Backs.
2) CB- Jaylon Johnson, CHI (24.5 Years Old)
Johnson is the youngest player on this list, despite being 4-years into his NFL career. He has put up solid but not exceptional numbers in each of his four seasons and has loads of untapped potential. In 2023 he totaled 36 tackles and 4 interceptions for the Bears and as he heads for free agency he could easily find himself in a team that can use him to the best of his abilities. He is an excellent shutdown corner and a ball-hawking defender who is likely to land a long-term contract on the open market. His age alone makes him significantly more valuable than some of the other players further down this list.
3) S- Kyle Dugger, NE (27.9 Years Old)
Dugger has been one of the more productive and reliable safeties over his 4 years in the NFL. His 106 tackles were a considerable amount higher than that of Johnson, but Dugger is 3 years older and started to show signs of losing a step. At almost 28 years old, he is far from old, but at his age, he is going to be looking for a long-term deal and if he gets the 4-year deal he is projected for then he will be into his 30s by the time the contract comes to an end. This alone makes him less valuable than Johnson, despite far superior production in 2023.
Thank you for checking out my Top 12 Free Agent Defensive Backs for 2024. Be sure to follow me on Twitter at @FFMadScientist and @IDPGuys (we have offense, too), and please consider becoming a subscriber!