• Two defenders who were elite before the injury: Steelers James Daniels and Colts Will Fries were one of the best in their position and should have earned it.
• Ageless veterans continue to dominate: Chargers Khalil Mak and commanders Bobby Wagner both are playing at a high level in the final year of their current contracts.
• Unleash your benefits with a PFF+ subscription: Get full access to all of our seasonal fantasy tools, including weekly ratings, WR/CB Matchup Schedules, weekly forecasts, Launch and squat optimizer and much more. Register now!
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
The stress of entering a contract year can weigh on NFL players, but it can also help some rise to the occasion. Ultimately, the lack of a guaranteed future with a team may encourage some to increase their value and bet on themselves, proving their worth to professional football organizations.
Through seven games into the 2024 season, the 10 players on both sides of the ball who have performed best heading into the upcoming free agency are featured.
G James Daniels, Pittsburgh Steelers
PFF Free Agent Rank: 40
In 2024, Daniels had the best season of his career before tearing his Achilles in Week 4. His 92.9 overall grade is second best among all offensive linemen, as is his 92.5 run-blocking grade.
The 27-year-old has recovered well from a somewhat disappointing 2023 season (61.1 overall grade) and should now cash in, especially after playing seven years at his age.
edge Khalil Mak, Los Angeles Chargers
PFF Free Agent Rank: 21
At 33, Mack was, as always, an elite player. The former Raiders and Bears star earned an overall grade of 92.0 this season, which ranks third at his position. Mack is especially good against the run, with his 92.1 run defense rating being the best among all edge rushers.
LB Elandon Roberts, Pittsburgh Steelers
PFF Free Agent Rank: N/A
The Steelers have one of the best defenses in the NFL, and Roberts has been an unheralded but integral part of the team. The linebacker’s 88.3 overall rating ranks third among those with 100 or more snaps, although Roberts only played 150 snaps due to splitting time with a rookie. Payton Wilson.
Roberts was already a solid player in his first year in Pittsburgh, posting a 72.2 overall grade, but in 2024 he found the ground to be even better. His defensive rating of 93.0 is second best among all defensemen, behind only his teammate. TJ Watt.
RB Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings
PFF Free Agent Rank: 22
Despite approaching 30, Jones shows no signs of slowing down. The longtime Packer has found success in his first year with the NFC North rival Vikings, with his overall grade of 88.0 a career high. Jones’ 87.1 rushing rating ranks fourth among players with more than 50 carries, and his 20 missed tackles are tied for 10.th-majority.
G Will Fries, Indianapolis Colts
PFF Free Agent Rank: N/A
Like Daniels, Fries was one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL before suffering a season-ending injury. The former seventh-round pick earned an overall grade of 86.9, which still ranks third among all defensive backs. Fries was an elite pass-blocker, posting a grade of 84.9, giving up only six pressures in 153 pass-blocking snaps. The 26-year-old should have a large market.
KB DJ Reed, New York Jets
PFF Free Agent Rank: 6
It’s easy to lose sight of when playing against one of the best players in the NFL. Gardner saucebut Reed is an elite corner in his own right. The 26-year-old has been in top form even before entering the market, scoring a career-high overall grade of 86.6, ahead of all qualified full-backs. Reed was outstanding in coverage, giving up just 11 catches for 112 yards on target.
WR Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
PFF Free Agent Rank: 5
Godwin was building to a tremendous 2024 season before suffering a sprained ankle in the final minute of Week 7. The 28-year-old’s 85.7 ranks third among strikeouts and was his best since an impressive 2019. Godwin leads the NFL in yards after the catch (347) with 11.th in yards per route run (2.36).
WITH Elijah Molden, Los Angeles Chargers
PFF Free Agent Rank: N/A
The Chargers’ defense has been one of the most improved in the NFL, and Molden’s play certainly helped. The 25-year-old was one of the best defenders in football, finishing seventh with an overall grade of 86.0. Malden is one of only two defensive backs to grade 80.0+ in tackling and coverage. Kevin Byard. In fact, Malden has never missed a tackle.
WR Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals
PFF Free Agent Rank: 2
Higgins missed the first two games with a hamstring injury, but has been virtually unstoppable since returning. As of week three, his resulting score of 84.3 ranks eighth. Higgins also ranks in the top 10 in targets (43), catches (29) and yards (341) since his debut this year. The 25-year-old has returned to elite form after a disappointing 2023 campaign.
LB Bobby Wagner, Washington commanders
PFF Free Agent Rank: 27
Wagner is an ageless miracle that continues to exist. The 34-year-old showed little signs of regression despite playing in Washington’s subpar defense. Wagner’s overall score of 84.9 ranks sixth among qualified linebackers. He is the only midfielder to post an 80.0+ grade in run defense, tackling and passing, and his 10 pressures are tied for sixth best at his position.
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