• Two guards who have been elite earlier than harm: The Steelers’ James Daniels and the Colts’ Will Fries have been among the many finest at their place and will money in.
• Ageless veterans maintain dominating: The Chargers’ Khalil Mack and the Commanders’ Bobby Wagner are each taking part in at a excessive stage within the last yr of their present offers.
• Unlock your edge with a PFF+ subscription: Get full entry to all our in-season fantasy instruments, together with weekly rankings, WR/CB matchup charts, weekly projections, the Start-Sit Optimizer and extra. Sign up now!
Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes
The stress of coming into a contract yr can weigh on NFL gamers, however it could additionally assist some rise to the event. After all, not having a assured future with a group can incentivize some to up their value and wager on themselves, proving their worth to organizations throughout professional soccer.
Through seven video games of the 2024 season, listed below are the ten gamers on each side of the ball who’ve carried out the very best forward of their impending free company.
G James Daniels, Pittsburgh Steelers
PFF Free Agent Rank: 40
Daniels was off to a career-best season in 2024 however tore his Achilles in Week 4. His 92.9 general grade is the second-best amongst all offensive linemen, as is his 92.5 run-blocking mark.
The 27-year-old had bounced again properly from a little bit of a disappointing 2023 season (61.1 general grade) and now ought to money in, particularly having performed seven years at his age.
Edge Khalil Mack, Los Angeles Chargers
PFF Free Agent Rank: 21
At age 33, Mack has been as elite as ever. The former Raiders and Bears star has earned a 92.0 general grade this season, which ranks third at his place. Mack has been particularly stout towards the run, together with his 92.1 run-defense grade the very best amongst all edge rushers.
LB Elandon Roberts, Pittsburgh Steelers
PFF Free Agent Rank: N/A
The Steelers area one of many NFL’s finest defenses, and Roberts has been an unsung but integral piece. The linebacker’s 88.3 general grade ranks third on the place amongst these with 100 or extra snaps, though Roberts has performed solely 150 snaps as a result of sharing time with rookie Payton Wilson.
Roberts was already a strong participant in his first yr in Pittsburgh, recording an general grade of 72.2, however he’s discovered floor to be even higher in 2024. His 93.0 run-defense grade is the second-best amongst all defenders, trailing solely teammate T.J. Watt.
RB Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings
PFF Free Agent Rank: 22
Even as he’s nearing 30, Jones hasn’t proven any indicators of slowing down. The longtime Packer has flourished in his first yr with the NFC North rival Vikings, together with his 88.0 general grade a career-high. Jones’ 87.1 speeding grade ranks fourth amongst gamers with 50-plus carries, and his 20 missed tackles pressured are tied for 10th-most.
G Will Fries, Indianapolis Colts
PFF Free Agent Rank: N/A
Much like Daniels, Fries was one of many NFL’s finest guards earlier than struggling a season-ending harm. The former seventh-round choose had put up an 86.9 general grade, which nonetheless slots third amongst all guards. Fries was an elite run-blocker, posting an 84.9 run-blocking grade whereas solely surrendering six pressures on 153 pass-blocking snaps. The 26-year-old ought to have an unlimited market.
CB D.J. Reed, New York Jets
PFF Free Agent Rank: 6
It’s simple to get missed when taking part in with one of many NFL’s finest in Sauce Gardner, however Reed is an elite nook in his personal proper. The 26-year-old has been at his finest earlier than hitting the market, recording a career-high 86.6 general grade that leads all certified cornerbacks. Reed has been excellent in protection, giving up solely 11 catches for 112 yards when focused.
WR Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
PFF Free Agent Rank: 5
Godwin was placing collectively an amazing 2024 season earlier than struggling a dislocated ankle within the last minute of Week 7. The 28-year-old’s 85.7 receiving grade ranks third amongst wideouts and was his finest since a spectacular 2019. Godwin leads the NFL in yards after the catch (347) and is tied for 11th in yards per route run (2.36).
S Elijah Molden, Los Angeles Chargers
PFF Free Agent Rank: N/A
The Chargers protection has been one of many most-improved items within the NFL, and play from Molden has undoubtedly helped. The 25-year-old has been probably the greatest safeties in soccer, rating seventh with an 86.0 general grade. Molden is considered one of two safeties to report an 80.0-plus grade in tackling and protection, becoming a member of Kevin Byard. In reality, Molden has but to overlook a deal with.
WR Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals
PFF Free Agent Rank: 2
Higgins missed the primary two video games as a result of a hamstring harm however has been practically unstoppable since his return. Since Week 3, his 84.3 receiving grade ranks eighth. Higgins can also be top-10 in targets (43), catches (29) and yards (341) since he debuted this yr. The 25-year-old has returned to elite type after a down 2023 marketing campaign.
LB Bobby Wagner, Washington Commanders
PFF Free Agent Rank: 27
Wagner is the ageless marvel that simply retains going. The 34-year-old hasn’t displayed many indicators of regression regardless of taking part in on a subpar Washington protection. Wagner’s 84.9 general grade is sixth amongst certified linebackers. He’s the one linebacker to publish an 80.0-plus grade in run protection, tackling and cross rush, together with his 10 pressures tied for the sixth-most at his place.