The official start to 2024 NFL league is almost here, as free agents are about to sign with new teams, trades will be commence and the draft will be here before you know it.
We’re going to go through all eight divisions in the NFL and try to draw up perfect offseasons for all of the teams. While perfect is absolutely a subjective term, we’ve tried to imagine how some key free agent signings, draft picks and other moves could help all 32 of the league’s teams.
We’re going to continue with the NFC East, the division full of high expectations (Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles), an attempted rebound (New York Giants) and fresh start (Washington Commanders). Let’s see how all four NFC South teams could improve their rosters this offseason to maximum effect through free agency and the draft.
3 Key Free Agents: C Mitch Morse, DE Clelin Ferrell, WR Tyler Boyd
Draft Picks, Rounds 1-3: T Amarius Mims (24), DE Chris Braswell (56), RB Blake Corum (87)
Other: Re-sign CB Stephon Gilmore, S Jayron Kearse
The Cowboys don’t have a lot of space to work with, but Morse, Ferrell and Boyd could all be useful veterans that would fill starter spots potentially vacated with departing free agents and all might take a discount to come play in Dallas. Mims could be a stellar left tackle, and Braswell can step in as a rotational pass rusher right away. Corum would be an intriguing lead running back.
3 Key Free Agents: WR Calvin Ridley, DE Yannick Ngakoue, RB D’Andre Swift
Draft Picks, Rounds 1-3: QB J.J. McCarthy (6), G Cooper Beebe (39), CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (47), WR Ricky Pearsall (70)
Other: Re-sign DE A’Shawn Robinson, G Ben Bredeson, RB Matt Breida
The Giants will likely roll with quarterback Daniel Jones for 2024, but we have them drafting McCarthy as his heir apparent for 2025. Signing Ridley, arguably the top receiver available as a free agent, would be a huge boost to the passing game, as would getting Swift away from the Eagles.
Ngakoue would be a solid addition to the defensive line, and Beebe would be particularly helpful on an offensive line that needs help on the interior. Rakestraw can develop into a starter, and Pearsall adds speedy depth at receiver.
3 Key Free Agents: DE Danielle Hunter, WR Curtis Samuel, DT Grover Stewart
Draft Picks, Rounds 1-3: CB Cooper DeJean (22), RB Jonathon Brooks (50), S Karmen Kinchens (53), LB Ty’Ron Hopper (97)
Other: Re-sign LB Zach Cunningham, P Braden Mann
The Eagles need to make some aggressive moves this offseason to recapture their momentum in the NFC, and signing Hunter to start opposite of Josh Sweat on the defensive line would help that effort. It’d allow Brandon Graham to play a rotational role at edge, and it’d free up the Eagles to trade Haason Reddick if they don’t want to sign him to a new contract. Stewart would be a stellar depth piece if he’d take a discounted contract to chase a ring.
Signing Samuel would be a really nice way to strengthen the passing game, and drafting Brooks gives the team a new lead running back. The defense also adds DeJean, Kinchens and Hopper as young, intriguing depth to develop for the future in Philly.
3 Key Free Agents: DE Bryce Huff, LB Frankie Luvu, C Connor Williams
Draft Picks, Rounds 1-3: QB Jayden Daniels (2), T Tyler Guyton (36), S Tyler Nubin (40), WR Roman Wilson (67), TE Cade Stover (101)
Other: Re-sign LB Cody Barton, G Saahdiq Charles
The Commanders hit the reset button for the franchise by drafting Daniels with the second-overall pick, and they get Guyton to develop with him as the team’s left tackle. Huff and Luvu would be outstanding signings and immediate impact starters on defense, and Williams can step in as Daniels’ center.
Nubin would be a nice player to develop at safety, and Wilson and Stover would give Daniels two rookie pass-catchers to enter the franchise at the same time as the new quarterback.