A new drama will unfold as the curtain falls on the 2023 NFL regular season. As we prepare for the thrills of the postseason, it’s also time to turn our gaze towards the future stars of the NFL. While the bright lights of the Super Bowl will shine on the proven talents, a different contest is brewing in the shadows – the race to secure the best free agents for the 2024 season.
These are the players who, in the final year of their current contracts, have seized the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and have, subsequently, raised their stock impressively. This article will highlight three rising stars who are not just looking at a contract renewal but at a potential windfall.
Josh Allen, LB
The Jaguars’ Josh Allen has been a revelation in the 2023 season. After a promising debut in 2019 where he notched 10.5 sacks, earning a Pro Bowl nod, his performance plateaued over the next three seasons. However, this season has seen Allen’s game elevate to new heights.
His lethal combination of speed, quickness, and power has turned him into a formidable force off the edge, making him a nightmare for his opponents in one-on-one situations. With 17.5 sacks to his name this season, Allen’s improvement has been nothing short of spectacular.
The Jaguars, who could have extended his contract earlier, now face a significantly larger bill as Allen’s price tag has skyrocketed. As we head into the Free Agency, the TNF betting odds indicate fierce competition to secure this defensive powerhouse.
Kevin Dotson, OL
Kevin Dotson has emerged as a remarkable addition to the Rams’ offensive line, showing an inspiring transformation from his time at Pittsburgh. Traded to Los Angeles in August, Dotson brought a new level of grit to the Rams’ offensive unit, combining a mauler’s strength with a brawler’s tenacity. Part of the reason for Kyren Williams’ breakout year has been because he’s had Dotson blocking for him.
In his fourth professional year, Dotson has proven his ability to move defenders off the ball, infusing the Rams’ line with a newfound ferocity. This shift in demeanor is a testament to Dotson’s personal growth and has also been a key factor in the Rams’ emergence as playoff contenders. His successful transition to the Rams and his steadfast performance have effectively made his previous tenure in Pittsburgh a thing of the past.
As we approach free agency, Dotson is poised to attract a wave of interest, his dominant road-grader style making him a valuable asset to teams seeking a true trench warrior. With his stock rising, Dotson could look at a substantial payday in the 2024 free agency.
Jonathan Greenard, DE
Jonathan Greenard, the former third-round pick, has not only come into his own this season but also exploded onto the scene with the Texans, becoming an essential piece of their surprising resurgence as a playoff contender.
Coming into the final year of his rookie contract, Greenard has made the most of his opportunity, posting career highs in sacks (12.5), tackles for loss (15) and quarterback hits (22).
His talents on the edge have been accentuated in a new scheme, highlighting his marked improvements as a pass rusher. This surge in performance and production has placed Greenard in an enviable position as we approach free agency.
Given his elite performance this season, he is anticipated to be in high demand and, consequently, in line for a substantial contract. The Texans will likely face stiff competition to retain him, as Greenard’s market value has skyrocketed. His ability to disrupt the opposition’s passing game makes him an outstanding asset for any team looking to enhance their defensive line.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Josh Allen, Kevin Dotson, and Jonathan Greenard performed exceptionally in the 2023 NFL season. These players have seized the opportunity in the final year of their contracts to enhance their market value, making themselves hot commodities for the 2024 free agency.
The forthcoming free agency period promises to be a riveting spectacle as teams compete for these rising stars. Their potential impact on the teams that secure their services could be transformative, and their fortunes are set to soar.
The drama of the NFL persists not only on the field but also in the strategic maneuvers off it, and the 2024 free agency will undoubtedly be a testament to this enthralling dynamic.