The 2024 NFL Offseason Recapped by Jersey Number 00-99

By: David Gardy Ermann [i]

Some football fans might use the time after the Super Bowl and before kickoff of the regular National Football League season as a respite from 24/7 football.  Although football fans might need an offseason, football does not take one.  

Before tuning into the Thursday night game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens that kicks off the 2024 NFL season on September 5, check out this recap of a dramatic 2024 offseason full of signings, trades, retirements, personal updates, and more, as recapped through jersey numbers.  The setup of this list is as follows: (1) one player per jersey number; (2) players signed to an active roster will be listed under the jersey number they are currently assigned; and (3) retired players or players not signed to an active roster will be listed under a jersey number that is best associated with their NFL career.

00: Jim Otto

Hall of Fame center Jim Otto died on May 19, 2024 at the age of 86.  Otto was known as “Double O” and became recognized for his #00 jersey.  He played 15 seasons with the Oakland Raiders, starting 210 consecutive games (1960-1974).  During his career, Otto helped the Raiders to win an AFL Championship (1967).  Individually, he earned 9 AFL All-Star selections (1961-1969) & 3 NFL Pro Bowl selections (1970-1972), 9 first-team All-AFL selections (1960-1965 & 1967-1969) & 1 NFL first-team All-Pro selection (1970), and 1 second-team All-AFL (1966) selection & 1 NFL second-team All-Pro selection (1972).  Upon his enshrinement to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, then-owner of the Raiders, Al Davis, said “Commitment to excellence, pride and poise, the greatness of our football team were not only exemplified by Jim Otto, but for more than a decade he was the standard of excellence by which centers were judged in professional football.”

0: Brian Burns

The New York Giants traded for pass rusher Brian Burns.  The Giants sent 2024 second- and fifth- round draft selections and a 2025 conditional fifth-round draft selection to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for Burns and a 2024 fifth-round draft selection.  After trading for Burns, the Giants signed him to a new five-year, $150 million contract, with $87.5 million in guarantees.

1: Stefon Diggs

The Houston Texans traded for star wide receiver Stefon Diggs. The Texans sent a 2025 second-round draft selection to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for Diggs, a 2024 sixth-round draft selection, and a 2025 fifth-round draft selection.  After trading for Diggs, the Texans restructured his contract so that Diggs would become an unrestricted free agent in 2025.

2: Matt Ryan

Quarterback Matt Ryan retired after the 2023 season.  Ryan had his best season in 2016, in which he led the Atlanta Falcons to an appearance in Super Bowl LI.  Individually in 2016, he earned NFL MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, first-team All-Pro honors, and a Pro Bowl selection.  During his career, Ryan also earned Offensive Rookie of the Year (2008) and three additional Pro Bowl selections in 2010, 2012, and 2014.

3: Russell Wilson

The Denver Broncos released Russell Wilson, who later signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on a deal that will only cost the Steelers the veteran’s minimum salary of $1.2 million.  Wilson was named the starting quarterback over Justin Fields, who the Steelers traded for this offseason

4: Dak Prescott

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is currently on the last year of his contract (a four-year, $160 million contract he signed with the Cowboys in 2021).  Speaking about whether a contract extension is not reached with the team during the 2024 offseason, Prescott said “I think it says a lot if it is or if it isn’t [done].”

5: Diontae Johnson

The Carolina Panthers traded for wide receiver Diontae Johnson.  The Panthers sent cornerback Donte Jackson and a 2024 sixth-round draft selection to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for Johnson and a 2024 seventh-round draft selection.

6: Patrick Queen

Patrick Queen swapped allegiances in the Baltimore Ravens-Pittsburgh Steelers rivalry.  After being a first round draft selection by the Ravens and spending the first four years of his career with the team, linebacker Patrick Queen signed a three-year, $41 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.  He was named to his first Pro Bowl last season, in which he also received second-team All-Pro honors.

7: Haason Reddick

In April, the New York Jets traded for linebacker Haason Reddick.  The Jets sent a 2026 third-round draft selection (that can become a second-round draft selection) to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for Reddick.  By August, Reddick had requested that he be traded from the Jets after he and the team could not come to terms on a new contract.  Reddick is currently in the final year of his contract worth $14.25 million.  Jets General Manager said the team will not trade Reddick and “that he is expected to be [] with his teammates[] and that he will continue to be fined per the CBA if he does not report.” Reddick, a first-round draft selection in the 2017 NFL Draft, is a 2-time Pro Bowler (2022 & 2023) and earned second-team All-Pro honors once (2022).

8: Lamar Jackson

Lamar Jackson, the two-time NFL MVP and two-time first-team All-Pro quarterback, said he “saw a video from two years ago [against] the Browns” and felt that he “looked out of shape.”  The quarterback has reportedly lost about 15 pounds since the 2023 season and 30 pounds total since the 2022 season.  Jackson expects to be faster and less fatigued this season, he explained: “My eyes may be deceiving me, but I believe I looked a little slower to me, but not now…  I don’t know if I was getting fatigued last year, probably if I get a first down.  But I don’t like getting caught if I do decide to run.”

9: Nick Foles

Nick Foles, Super Bowl LII MVP and Philadelphia Eagles legend, retired after the 2023 season.

10: Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert missed multiple weeks of practice in August due to plantar fascia in the right foot.  Herbert is expected to be fully healed by the start of the regular season.

11: Brandon Aiyuk

In a long offseason for the San Francisco 49ers and star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk – in which Aiyuk looked for a contract extension with the 49ers and then, eventually, requested a trade from the team – Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension, with $76 million in guarantees, with the 49ers.  This comes after Aiyuk was nearly traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers.  The 49ers drafted Aiyuk in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He earned a second-team All-Pro selection in 2023.

12: Tom Brady

NFL GOAT Tom Brady had reportedly cleared the final requirements to become a limited owner in the Las Vegas Raiders.  His ownership bid, however, has triggered the NFL to place restrictions on his access to teams, players, and facilities in his role as a Fox Sports broadcaster this season, and Brady also cannot attend in-person or online broadcast production meetings.

13: Keenan Allen

The Chicago Bears pulled off a blockbuster deal by trading a 2024 fourth-round draft selection for star wide receiver Keenan Allen.  Prior to joining the Bears, Allen spent his entire career with the Chargers, earning 6 Pro Bowl selections (2017-2021 & 2023) in his time with the team.

14: Rondale Moore

In March, the Atlanta Falcons traded quarterback Desmond Ridder to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for wide receiver Rondale Moore.  In August, Moore suffered a season ending knee injury.

15: Ezekiel Elliott

Ezekiel Elliott, the longtime Dallas Cowboys running back who spent the 2023 with the New England Patriots, signed a one-year deal to return to the Cowboys.  Elliott enjoyed great success with the Cowboys who drafted him in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft.  He earned 3 Pro Bowl selections (2016, 2018, & 2019), 1 first-team All-Pro selection (2016), and 1 second-team All-Pro selection (2018).  Before he joined the Patriots, Elliott wore #21 with the Cowboys, but this season will be donning #15, the same jersey number he wore in college at Ohio State and in his lone season with the Patriots.  Elliott said that he looks at this second stint with the Cowboys as a “different era”.

16: Trevor Lawrence

Quarterback Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars agreed to a five-year, $275 million contract extension, with $200 million in guarantees.  Lawrence was the first overall draft selection in the 2021 NFL Draft and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2022.

17: Jaylen Waddle

Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and the Miami Dolphins agreed to a three-year, $84.75 million contract extension, with $76 million in guarantees.  With his new contract, the Dolphins have two of the highest paid wide receivers in the League (Tyreek Hill has an average contract value of $30 million).

18: Matthew Slater

Special teams extraordinaire Matthew Slater retired after the 2023 season.  Slater played for 16 seasons, all with the New England Patriots.  Slater helped the Patriots to win 3 Super Bowls (XLIX, LI, LIII).  Individually, Slater earned 10 Pro Bowl selections (2011-2017 & 2019-2021), 5 first-team All-Pro selections (2011-2012, 2014, 2016, & 2019), and 3 second-team All-Pro selections (2017 & 2020-2021).  Coach Bill Belichick described Slater as the best core special teams player of all time.

19: Isaiah Simmons

Isaiah Simmons, the versatile defender who was drafted 8^th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, was set to switch from linebacker to safety for the 2023 season after spending his first 3 seasons playing linebacker for the Cardinals.  Reports indicated that Simmons told the Cardinals that he feels “more comfortable”, “more free”, and “more like himself” playing safety instead of linebacker.   After what seemed to be a productive offseason, the Cardinals traded Simmons to the New York Giants for the 2023 season, where he played Safety.  Now in the 2024 season, Simmons was reportedly practicing with the Giants cornerbacks in position drills.  Giants first-year cornerback spoke about Simmons lining up at cornerback, saying: “It’s surprising.  But he’s a freak of nature and he’s blessed for the talents that he’s got.”

20: Pete Werner

Linebacker Pete Werner signed a three-year, $25 million contract extension with $17.5 million guaranteed with the New Orleans Saints.  Werner was a second round draft selection in the 2021 NFL Draft.

21: Malcolm Butler

Former Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler retired after the 2023 season.  Butler is best remembered for intercepting Russell Wilson’s pass attempt at the one-yard line with 20 seconds remaining in Super Bowl XLIX to secure the victory for the New England Patriots.

22: Derrick Henry

Star running back and longtime Tennessee Titan, Derrick Henry, signed a two-year, $16 million contract worth up to $20 million with the Baltimore Ravens.  Henry earned Offensive Player of the Year in 2020 and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2019, 2020, 2022, & 2023.  He also earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2020 and second-team All-Pro honors in 2019.

23: Christian McCaffrey

Reigning Offensive Player of the Year, running back Christian McCaffrey signed a two-year, $38 million extension with the San Francisco 49ers.  McCaffrey was already the highest paid running back in the NFL, and will remain atop the charts after this extension.

24: James Bradberry

Philadelphia Eagles defensive back James Bradberry was placed on injured reserve after suffering a leg injury this offseason.  Bradberry is in the second year of a three-year contract with the Eagles and in his third season with the team.  Bradberry earned a second-team All-Pro selection in 2022, his first season with the Eagles.  He previously spent time with the Carolina Panthers (2016-2019) and New York Giants (2020-2021) where he was a 2020 Pro Bowl selection.

25: Kendre Miller

Running back Kendre Miller, who was limited to only 8 games in his rookie season last year due to hamstring and ankle injuries, will start his second season on injured reserve, again because of a hamstring injury.

26: Saquon Barkley

Star running back and longtime New York Giant, Saquon Barkley, signed a three-year, $37.75 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.  Barkley earned Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2018 and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2018 and 2022.

27: Tre’Davious White

Former All-Pro cornerback Tre’Davious White signed a one-year deal to join the Los Angeles Rams.  White was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the first-round of the 2017 NFL Draft and spent the first seven seasons of his career with the team.  White earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2019 and second-team All-Pro honors in 2020, making the Pro Bowl in both years as well.

28: Joe Mixon

The Houston Texans traded for running back Joe Mixon.  The Texans sent a 2024 seventh-round draft selection for Mixon.  After trading for Mixon, the Texans signed him to a three-year, $27 million contract extension, with $13 million in guarantees.

29: Xavier McKinney

Safety Xavier McKinney signed a four-year, $68 million contract with the Green Bay Packers.  McKinney was selected by the New York Giants in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft and he spent the first four seasons of his career with the team before signing with the Packers this offseason.

30: Austin Ekeler

Austin Ekeler, the longtime running back for the Los Angeles Chargers, signed a two-year contract with the Washington Commanders worth up to $11.43 million.  Ekeler is excited to join Brian Robinson in the Commanders backfield; he said that he was “feeling the best in [his] career with [former Chargers backfield mate] Melvin Gordon” and that this is an opportunity to be part of a two-back backfield again.

31: Zack Moss

The Cincinnati Bengals signed running back Zack Moss to a two-year contract worth up to $8 million.  The Bengals signed Moss with the intention of releasing longtime running back Joe Mixon (eventually instead traded Mixon to the Houston Texans).  Speaking about his role on his new team, Moss said: “However I can help this team.  If it’s catching the ball, running the ball, trying to keep Joe [Burrow] clean as much as I can with the big guys up front, whatever my role is being called that week, that’s what I’m going to try and do.”

32: O.J. Simpson

O.J. Simpson – a Hall of Fame running back whose successful football career was overshadowed by a criminal murder trial and eventual acquittal – died on April 10, 2024 at the age of 76.

33: Jamal Adams

Former All-Pro safety Jamal Adams signed a one-year, $1.125 million contract with the Tennessee Titans.  Adams wants to prove to himself that he is “still that guy.”  After being selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Adams earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2019 and second-team All-Pro honors in 2018 and 2020, along with 3 Pro Bowl selections (2018-2020).

34: Bryce Hall

Former Jets cornerback Bryce Hall joined the Buccaneers on a one-year deal.  Hall spent the first four seasons of his career with the Jets, after being selected by the team in the 2020 NFL Draft.

35: Gary Brightwell

Running back Gary Brightwell was waived by the New York Giants in May.  The Giants had selected Brightwell in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.  He signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in August, but was waived a few weeks later.  Brightwell then signed with the Cleveland Browns.

36: Curtis Bolton

The New York Giants signed linebacker / special teamer Curtis Bolton.

37: Steve Gleason

Steve Gleason, a retired safety who spent 7 seasons with the New Orleans Saints, has been battling ALS since 2011.  This summer he received the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPYs.

38: Rhamondre Stevenson

Running back Rhamondre Stevenson and the New England Patriots agreed to a four-year, $36 million contract extension, with $17 million in guarantees.

39: Eddie Jackson

Safety Eddie Jackson signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens.  Jackson spent 7 seasons with the Chicago Bears, in which he earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2018 and Pro Bowl selections in 2018 and 2019.  He now joins a formidable Ravens defense that includes his former Bears teammate Roquan Smith.

40: Von Miller

Von Miller tore his ACL during the 2022 season.  He struggled in 2023, only playing 12 games and starting in none.  For the first time since the injury, this summer Miller has been practicing without a knee brace.  When healthy, Miller is one of the best edge rushers in the NFL.  During his career, he earned 8 Pro Bowl selections (2011-2012 & 2014-2019), 3 first-team All-Pro selections (2012, 2015, & 2016), 4 second-team All-Pro selections (2011, 2014, 2017, & 2018).  He had also earned Defensive Rookie of the Year (2011).  Miller is also a 2-time Super Bowl champion, once with the Denver Broncos (50) when he also earned Super Bowl MVP and a second time with the Los Angeles Rams (LVI).  Miller was honored as a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.

41: Alvin Kamara

Running back Alvin Kamara has been seeking a deal that would allow him to extend his time with the New Orleans Saints and, per Kamara’s hopes, retire a Saint.  Kamara explained “I’ve said it before: I want to be a Saint.  I want to retire here.  If I’ve got to play football somewhere else, I’ll probably be somewhere with my feet kicked up in Africa somewhere, or something like that.  But I want to be a Saint.”  This reiterates what Kamara said during training camp last year, “I want a lifetime contract.  I want to be here forever.  I love it here.”  Saints general manager Mickey Loomis is optimistic about Kamara remaining with the team, “He wants to be with the Saints… I want him to play for us, and I think eventually this will just work out.”

42: Deuce Vaughn

Deuce Vaughn, who is the son of a scout for the Dallas Cowboys, was drafted by the Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.  Vaughn has now made the opening day roster for the second year in a row.  Team owner Jerry Jones said that Vaughn is “going to be interesting for us” and referred to him by a nickname, “Gadget Juice”.  This may include lining up Vaughn, who stands at 5’6”, at slot receiver.

43: John Johnson

Safety John Johnson was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the third-round of the 2017 NFL Draft and spent the first four seasons of his career with the team.  He then joined the Cleveland Browns when he signed a three-year, $33.75 million contract with the team, but was released after two seasons.  Johnson returned to his former team, the Rams, in advance of the 2023 season, on a one-year, $1.08 million veteran-minimum contract for 2023.  Johnson is returning to the Rams again for 2024 on a one-year, $1.38 million contract.

44: Kyle Juszczyk

The San Francisco 49ers asked Kyle Juszczyk, their star fullback, to take a pay cut this offseason.  Juszczyk said, “Honestly, it hurt when [49ers GM] John [Lynch] came to me and asked. I wasn’t necessarily expecting it.  It kind of hurts your ego and hurts your heart a little bit.  I understand that it’s a business, but I do feel like I’m as valuable as what I was expected to get paid.”  The two sides agreed to a restructured two-year, $9.1 million contract, with $4 million in new guarantees.  With the new contract, Juszczyk remains the highest paid fullback in the league, which he said “was important to me… No knocks on other fullbacks in the league, but I’m the best fullback in the league.”

45: Devin White

Before the 2023 season, then-Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Devin White had requested a trade from the team, which seemingly arose because he wanted a long-term contract that he had not received.  As a free agent entering the 2024 season, White signed a one-year contract worth up to $7.5 million with the Philadelphia Eagles

46: Adam Prentice

Fullback / special teamer Adam Prentice re-signed with the New Orleans Saints on a one-year deal.  Prentice has spent the previous three seasons with the Saints.

47: Josey Jewell

Linebacker Josey Jewell signed a three-year, $22.75 million contract with the Carolina Panthers.  Jewell was selected by the Denver Broncos in the 2018 NFL Draft and spent his first six seasons with the team before joining the Panthers ahead of this season.

48: Bud Dupree

Edge rusher Bud Dupree signed a two-year, $6 million contract that can be worth up to $10 million with the Los Angeles Chargers.  He’ll join new teammates Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa as part of the Chargers’ pass rush.  Dupree was a first round draft selection in the 2015 NFL Draft.  He has played with three teams before joining the Chargers: Pittsburgh Steelers (2015-2020), Tennessee Titans (2021-2022), and Atlanta Falcons (2023).

49: Tremaine Edmunds

Former Buffalo Bills linebacker Tremaine Edmunds signed a four-year, $72 million deal with $50 million guaranteed with the Chicago Bears prior to the 2023 season.  Edmunds was excited about the opportunity to join the Bears to “be part of turning this thing around”.  Now, in 2024, the Bears and their defense feel that there is an “uncommon” defensive chemistry and a “surge of energy.”  Edmunds explained that “It’s about finding ways to get better and learning about each other.  I tell everyone to come in and be your authentic self.  I trust and respect an individual who represents themselves as they are…  We have a group of genuine people. That bond, that energy is naturally going to feel different.”

50: Robert Hunt

Offensive guard Robert Hunt signed a five-year, $100 million contract, with $44 million fully guaranteed.  Hunt was drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft and spent his first four seasons with the Miami Dolphins.

51: Emmanuel Ogbah

Linebacker Emmanuel Ogbah signed a one-year deal worth up to $5 million to stay with the Miami Dolphins.

52: Creed Humphrey

Center Creed Humphrey signed a four-year, $72 million contract extension with the Kansas City Chiefs.  The contract makes Humphrey the highest paid center in NFL history.  Humphrey was drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.  He has already helped the Chiefs to win Super Bowls LVII and LVII.  Humphrey has earned 2 Pro Bowl selections (2022 & 2023) and second-team All-Pro honors (2022).

53: Kyle Van Noy

Veteran edge rusher Kyle Van Noy signed a two-year contract worth up to $9 million to return to the Baltimore Ravens.  Van Noy is a 2-time Super Bowl champion (LI & LIII).  He joined the Ravens last season after stints with several other teams: Detroit Lions (2014-2016), New England Patriots (2016-2019), Miami Dolphins (2020), New England Patriots (2021), and Los Angeles Chargers (2022).

54: Bobby Wagner

The All-Pro linebacker and Seattle Seahawks legend, Bobby Wagner, signed with the Washington Commanders on a one-year contract worth up to  $8.5 million.  Drafted in 2012, Wagner has helped the Seahawks to win a Super Bowl (XLVIII) and, individually, Wagner has been selected to the Pro Bowl 9 times (2014-2021 & 2023), earned 6 first-team All-Pro honors (2014 & 2016-2020) and 4 second-team All-Pro honors (2015 & 2021-2023), and was honored as a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.  Commanders head coach, Dan Quinn (who was also the defensive coordinator with the Seattle Seahawks when the team won Super Bowl XLVIII while Wagner was a linebacker on the team) said about Wagner that “He’s all that I love about football.  He’s a tackler.  He’s aggressive, he’s tough, he’s smart, he takes care of himself.”

55: Leighton Vander Esch

Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch retired after the 2023 season.  Vander Esch was selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft and had a great start to his career.  He earned a Pro Bowl selection and second-team All-Pro honors as a rookie in 2018.  Unfortunately, after that hot start, Vander Esch suffered injuries throughout the next few seasons and retired after 2023.  Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said of Vander Esch’s retirement: “His passion and love for the game was contagious, and from the moment he arrived, he has been a difference maker.  His grit, toughness, motivation, determination, and football IQ will be sorely missed.”

56: Leonard Floyd

Veteran defensive end Leonard Floyd signed a two-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers.  Floyd was selected by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft.  He spent time with three NFL teams before joining the 49ers ahead of this season: Bears (2016-2019), Los Angeles Rams (2020-2022), and Buffalo Bills (2023).  He helped the Rams to win Super Bowl LVI.

57: Connor Williams

Center Connor Williams signed a one-year contract worth up to $6 million with the Seattle Seahawks.

58: Penei Sewell

Offensive tackle Penei Sewell signed a four-year, $112 million contract extension with $85 million in guarantees with the Detroit Lions.  At the time of the deal, the contract made Sewell the highest paid offensive lineman in the League.  Sewell is coming off his first season as a first-team All-Pro (2023) and his second as a Pro Bowler (2022 & 2023).  The Lions selected Sewell in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

59: Akeem Davis-Gaither

Linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither signed a one-year contract extension with the Cincinnati Bengals

60: Michael Deiter

Veteran center Michael Deiter signed a one-year contract with the Washington Commanders.

61: Gable Steveson

The Buffalo Bills signed Gable Steveson, a two-time NCAA Division I national champion and Olympic gold medalist in wrestling, as a defensive tackle.  After his first preseason game, Steveson said “Definitely a great time, definitely cool to see all the Buffalo Bills fans come out.”  Ultimately the Bills released Steveson before the start of the regular season.

62: Jason Kelce

Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce retired after 13 seasons, all with the Eagles (2011-2023). During his career, Kelce helped take the Eagles to Super Bowls LII and LVII, winning Super Bowl LII.  Kelce has earned 7 Pro Bowl selections (2014, 2016, & 2019-2023) and 6 first-team All-Pro selections (2017-2019 & 2021-2023).

63: Corey Linsley

Center Corey Linsley retired after the 2023 season.  Linsley played 10 seasons, 7 with the Green Bay Packers (2014-2020) and 3 with the Los Angeles Chargers (2021-2023).  He earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2020, and second-team All-Pro honors along with a Pro Bowl selection in 2021.

64: Ted Karras

Center Ted Karras signed a one-year contract extension through the 2025 season with the Cincinnati Bengals.  Karras joined the Bengals in 2022 after stints with the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins.  After signing his extension, Karris said “The ultimate goal is to get it done.  I want to get it done for Mr. Brown and the Brown family and we have the guys to do it.”

65: Lane Johnson

Lane Johnson, the longtime offensive lineman for the Philadelphia Eagles, contemplated his future beyond the 2024 season and noted that he “realistically” has two or three more seasons to keep playing.  Johnson was selected in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft and has been one of the top right tackles in the League.  He has previously earned 5 Pro Bowl selections (2017-2019 & 2022-2023), 2 first-team All-Pro selections (2017 & 2022), and 2 second-team All-Pro selections (2021 & 2023).  Johnson also helped take the Eagles to Super Bowls LII and LVII, winning Super Bowl LII.

66: Ryan Jensen

Center Ryan Jensen retired after the 2023 season.  Jensen was drafted in 2013 by the Baltimore Ravens, playing for both the Ravens and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  He helped the Buccaneers win Super Bowl LV and he earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2021.

67: Nick Allegretti

Nick Allegretti, a 3 time Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs (LIV, LVII, & LVIII), signed a three-year, $16 million contract with the Washington Commanders.  After mostly serving as a backup offensive lineman for the Chiefs, Allegretti rose to prominence during the Chiefs’ LVIII Super Bowl run when starter Joe Thuney was injured.  Allegretti started in the AFC Championship game and in the Super Bowl, including playing in the Super Bowl after suffering a torn UCL during the game.

68: Jordan Mailata

Offensive tackle Jordan Mailata signed a three-year, $66 million contract extension with the Philadelphia Eagles.

69: Landon Dickerson

Offensive guard Landon Dickerson signed a four-year, $84 million contract extension with a max value of $87 million and with $50 million in guarantees with the Philadelphia Eagles. The contract makes Dickerson the highest paid offensive guard in NFL history.  Dickerson was drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.  He was selected to the Pro Bowl in both 2022 and 2023.

70: Zack Martin

Zack Martin, the star offensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys, contemplated retirement after the 2024 season: “I’m not saying 100%, but I think it’s definitely in the realm of possibilities.  And that’s one thing I don’t want to do. For myself, I don’t want to be thinking, ‘Oh, this is it. This is it.’ I want to stay in the moment, and I want to play the best that I can play at this point and be the best right guard this team needs on a weekly basis. And then after the season, we’ll figure out what’s going on.”  Martin has been one of the top guards in the NFL since he entered the League as a first round draft pick in 2014.  He has previously earned 9 Pro Bowl selections (2014-2019 & 2021-2023), 7 first-team All-Pro selections (2014, 2016, 2018-2019, & 2021-2023), and 2 second-team All-Pro selections (2015 & 2017).  Martin was also honored as a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.

71: Trent Williams

Trent Williams has been one of the top left tackles in the NFL his entire career.  Williams was selected in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft, and he is an 11-time Pro Bowler (2012-2018 & 2020-2023), a 3-time first-team All-Pro (2021-2023), and a 1-time second-team All-Pro (2015).  Ahead of the 2024 season, Williams wanted a new contract and was in a holdout in order to receive one.  According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, even as of September 1, “The 49ers have work to do, I’m told Trent Williams is not happy and the threat of him missing games is real…  A lot of times that’s a negotiating pull, I don’t sense it is right now.  He’s made $150 million dollars in his career.  He’s got no guaranteed money left on his deal…  He’s the fourth-highest paid left tackle right now despite being the best the last few years and he feels like this could have been addressed a lot earlier and San Francisco sort of balked on it.”  Finally, however, on September 3 the long summer holdout was over as Williams returned to the 49ers after the two sides agreed to revise Williams’ contract.  The reworked deal is for three years and $82.66 million with $48 million in guarantees.

72: Hjalte Froholdt

The Arizona Cardinals extended offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt through the 2026 season.  Froholdt had previously been called a hidden gem, secret superstar, and a Danish Army Knife.  Last year, Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said that Froholdt is “one of the strongest guys” on the team and that he is “the ultimate pro about how he prepares each and every day.”  This year, Gannon said that Froholdt is “exactly what you want in a Cardinal” and that “he has been all-in on maximizing himself as a player and he’s been all-in with how I want our guys to operate on a day-to-day basis.”  During his career, he has played fullback, tight end, guard, and center.

73: Larry Allen

Hall of Fame offensive guard Larry Allen died on June 2, 2024 at the age of 52.  During his career, Allen helped the Dallas Cowboys to win Super Bowl XXX.  Individually, he earned 11 Pro Bowl selections (1995-2001 & 2003-2006), 6 first-team All-Pro selections (1996-2001), and 1 second-team All-Pro selection (1995).  Allen was honored as a member of both the 1990s All-Decade Team and the 2000s All-Decade Team, as well as the 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.

74: George Fant

Offensive tackle George Fant reunited with the Seattle Seahawks ahead of the 2024 season.  Fant spent his first four years in the NFL with the Seahawks (2016-2019) before signing a three-year, $30 million deal with the New York Jets (2020-2022), followed by a one-year deal with the Houston Texans (2023).

75: Andrus Peat

Longtime New Orleans Saints offensive lineman Andrus Peat signed with the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason. Peat spent 9 seasons with the Saints after the team selected him in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft.  He was selected to the Pro Bowl 3 times (2018-2020).

76: Jon Runyan Jr.

After spending his first four seasons with the Green Bay Packers, offensive guard Jon Runyan Jr. signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the New York Giants.

77: Tyron Smith

Tyron Smith, the longtime star left tackle for the Dallas Cowboys, signed with the New York Jets on a one-year contract worth up to $20 million.  The Cowboys drafted Smith in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft.  Smith has earned 8 Pro Bowl selections (2013-2019 & 2021), 2 first-team All-Pro selections (2014 & 2016), and 3 second-team All-Pro selections (2013, 2015 & 2023).  Smith was honored as a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.  Now, entering his 14th season in the NFL, Smith will be tasked with protecting quarterback Aaron Rodgers as a member of the New York Jets offensive line.

78: Morgan Moses

In an offseason where the New York Jets tried to bolster their offensive line to protect quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Jets traded for Morgan Moses from the Baltimore Ravens.  The rest of the deal for Moses, included the teams agreeing to a fourth-round draft pick swap and the Jets sending a compensatory sixth-round draft selection to the Ravens.

79: Matt Peart

After spending his first four seasons with the New York Giants, offensive tackle Matt Peart signed a one-year deal with the Denver Broncos.

80: Jimmy Graham

After time with multiple teams, including two stints with the New Orleans Saints, and a season away from football, tight end Jimmy Graham may be ready to hang up the cleats.  Before officially retiring, Graham said that “I’m gonna reach out to the Saints and figure out what’s best, and then make the decision on when it’s best for me to retire…  I don’t have any expectations.  I just want to make sure when I retire, it’s as a Saint, and it’s when they want me to.”  Graham was one of the most dominant pass catching tight ends in the NFL for much of the 2010s, after being drafted by the Saints in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft.  He has spent time with four teams: Saints (2010-2014 & 2023), Seattle Seahawks (2015-2017), Green Bay Packers (2018-2019), and Chicago Bears (2020-2021).  During his career, Graham earned 5 Pro Bowl selections (2011, 2013-2014, & 2016-2017), 1 first-team All-Pro selection (2013), and 1 second-team All-Pro selection (2011).

81: Marquez Valdes-Scantling

Wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling signed a one-year contract worth up to $4.5 million with the Buffalo Bills.  Prior to signing with the Bills, Valdes-Scantling spent time with two teams: Green Bay Packers (2018-2021) and Kansas City Chiefs (2022-2023).

82: Steven Sims

 

Wide receiver Steven Sims re-signed with the Houston Texans for the 2024 season.  With the addition of star wide receiver Stefon Diggs, the Texans wide receiver corps this season will feature Diggs, Nico Collins, Tank Dell, John Metchie III, and Sims, among others.  Speaking of that group, Sims said: “We’ve got a great group.  I can’t wait to get back to camp.  It’s going to be so much fun.  I feel like there’s going to be a lot of big plays, a lot of fun, but it’s a business and it’s work.”

83: Jahan Dotson

The Philadelphia Eagles traded for wide receiver Jahan Dotson.  The Eagles sent one third-round and two seventh-round draft selections to the Washington Commanders in exchange for Dotson and one fifth-round draft selection.  

84: Marcedes Lewis

Veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis is returning to the Bears for his 19th NFL season.  Lewis was a first round draft selection in the 2006 NFL Draft.  He played with the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2006-2017 and with the Green Bay Packers from 2018-2022, and has been on the Chicago Bears since 2023

85: George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle had offseason core muscle surgery, which, combined with not being able to lift weights, led to the star tight end dropping almost 30 pounds from his typical 250-pound frame.

86: Darius Slayton

In the final year of his contract, the New York Giants and their longtime wide receiver, Darius Slayton, agreed to an additional $650k in incentives for the 2024 season, allowing the wide receiver to earn up to $2.15 million this season in incentives.  Slayton said afterwards, “I’m satisfied.  We got what we needed to get done.  Just looking forward to getting back to playing ball.  We just adjusted my contract this year a little bit.  Just try to make it a little more lucrative.  But business is business, and I’m here.”

87: Travis Kelce

Tight end Travis Kelce agreed to a new two-year, $34.25 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs.  Kelce is the highest-paid tight end in the League.  Along with his brother Jason Kelce, the brothers’ “New Heights” podcast reportedly signed a three-year, $100 million deal with Amazon.

88: CeeDee Lamb

CeeDee Lamb and the Dallas Cowboys agreed to a four-year, $136 million contract extension with $100 million guaranteed.  Lamb will be the second-highest paid wide receiver, behind Justin Jefferson who also signed a new contract this offseason.

89: Mark Andrews

In August, All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews was involved in an “extremely scary” car accident.  Speaking about the accident, Andrews said “It was definitely a serious thing…  For me, it puts things in perspective of tell the people that you’re around that you love them, and wear your seatbelt.  You never know what’s gonna happen on the road.  You never know what things might be thrown at you, what things might come at you.  I’m very blessed and fortunate to, one, have God on my side, and to be wearing my seatbelt.  Yeah, it was a scary moment, put things in perspective, but I’m feeling good.  Excited about the season.”  Just 16 days after the accident, Andrews returned to practice.

90: Christian Barmore

Defensive tackle Christian Barmore and the New England Patriots agreed to a four-year contract extension, worth up to $92 million.  Later on in the summer after signing this contract, Barmore was diagnosed with blood clots.  He was added to the Reserve/Non-Football Injury List (designated to return) to start the season.

91: Fletcher Cox

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox retired after 12 seasons, all with the Eagles (2012-2023).  During his career, Cox helped take the Eagles to Super Bowls LII and LVII, winning Super Bowl LII.  The Eagles drafted Cox in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft.  He has earned 6 Pro Bowl selections (2015-2020), 1 first-team All-Pro selection (2018), and 3 second-team All-Pro selections (2014-2015 & 2017).  Cox was honored as a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.

92: Justin Madubuike

Defensive tackle Justin Madubuike and the Baltimore Ravens agreed to a four-year, $98 million contract extension, with $75.5 million in guarantees.  After being drafted in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Madubuike has developed into one of the Leagues’ better defensive tackles.  He earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2023.

93: Calais Campbell

Veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell is joining the Miami Dolphins for his 17th NFL season.  The Dolphins will be his fifth team.  Campbell was drafted in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals.  In addition to the Cardinals (2008-2016) and now Dolphins, Campbell spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2017-2019), the Baltimore Ravens (2020-2022), and the Atlanta Falcons (2023).  During his career, he earned 6 Pro Bowl selections (2014, 2015, 2017-2020), 1 first-team All-Pro selection (2017), and 2 second-team All-Pro selections (2014 & 2016).  Campbell was honored as a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team and was the recipient of the 2019 Walter Payton Man of the Year award.

94: Christian Wilkins

Defensive tackle Christian Wilkins signed with the Las Vegas Raiders on a four-year, $110 million contract with $84.75 million guaranteed.  Wilkins was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft and spent the first five seasons of his career with the team.

95: Chris Jones

Defensive tackle Chris Jones and the Kansas City Chiefs agreed to a five-year, $158.75 million contract with $101 million in guarantees.  With this contract, Jones became the highest-paid defensive tackle in the League at an average salary per year of $31.75 million.  Jones has helped the Chiefs to win three Super Bowls (LIV, LVII, and LVIII).  Entering this season, he has already earned 5 Pro Bowl selections (2019-2023), 2 first-team All-Pro selections (2022 & 2023), and 3 second-team All-Pro selections (2018, 2020, and 2021).

96: Denico Autry

Veteran defensive end Denico Autry signed a two-year deal with the Houston Texans this offseason.  He was later suspended by the NFL for six games for violating the NFL’s PED policy.

97: Kenny Clark

Nose tackle Kenny Clark and the Green Bay Packers agreed to a three-year, $64 million contract extension.  Clark was drafted by the Packers in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft and has been selected to the Pro Bowl three times (2019, 2021, & 2023).

98: Jordan Phillips

Veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips signed with the New York Giants in April.  In August, the Giants traded Phillips and a seventh-round draft selection to the Dallas Cowboys for a sixth-round draft selection

99: Aaron Donald

All-world defensive tackle Aaron Donald retired after 10 seasons.  Donald is one of the most decorated defensive players in NFL history, having earned Pro Bowl selections in all 10 seasons of his career (2014-2023) and 8 first-team All-Pro selections (2015-2021 & 2023).  He had also earned Defensive Player of the Year three times (2017, 2018 & 2020) along with being the Defensive Rookie of the Year (2014).  He is also a Super Bowl champion (LVI).  Donald was honored as a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.  On retirement, Donald explained: “I’m complete, I’m full.”

 

[i] David Gardy Ermann is a Counsel at FanDuel Group. The information contained in this article reflects the opinion(s) of the author and is not an official opinion of FanDuel Group.