The 2024 NFL Draft is just days away on Thursday, April 25. Over the next few days, I’ll be looking at moves to consider before the draft. Today, it’s five free agents to stash. All of them have the potential to end up having value depending on how things fall in the draft. Each year we see a wave of free agency post-draft that fills the holes that didn’t get patched over the three days of the draft.
Ryan Tannehill, Quarterback
About: Tannehill is the best quarterback that remains unsigned. It’s not a shock he’s not been signed, as he didn’t have a great run the past two seasons. Still, for his career, he’s been a capable starter, with an 81-70 record over 11 NFL seasons. As we move toward the Draft and what appears to be a good quarterback class, the focus is on the Draft. But it’s possible—and even likely—not every team will fill its needs. In addition, we’ve seen the need for teams to have more than one good quarterback. I suspect that Tannehill ends up a late signing—perhaps in Training Camp or when a team loses one of its top players. But, in a Superflex League, he’s worth a stash at this point.
Ezekiel Elliott, Running Back
About: We saw a lot of action on the running back market in free agency. That’s because teams have needs, and the draft class doesn’t look like the answer. One notable back who remains unsigned is Elliott. After a long career in Dallas, he had a productive year with the Patriots in 2023. With Rhamondre Stevenson missing time, Elliott ended the season as the Patriots lead back, finishing as RB30. A few teams have shown interest, including the Cowboys, but Elliott so far remains unsigned. I suspect that will be the case until after the draft, but I still wouldn’t rule out a return to the Cowboys—who have just Rico Dowdle, Royce Freeman, and Deuce Vaughn on the roster right now. In fact, the Cowboys could draft a back and STILL re-sign Elliott, and I’d see some fantasy value. If he’s on my roster, I’m holding him.
Tyler Boyd, Wide Receiver
About: Boyd has spent his entire career with the Bengals and has frequently been an underrated contributor. In eight seasons, Boyd has 513 receptions for 6,000 yards and 31 touchdowns. He was an unfortunate cap casualty for the Bengals, who Franchise Tagged Tee Higgins and still have Ja’Marr Chase. We’ve seen teams kick the tires on Boyd, including the 49ers. But, so far, he remains unsigned. At 29 years old, he still has some good seasons left, and he’s been productive. In 2023, he was WR49, finishing between Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Jerry Jeudy. While it’s a strong receiver class, there will be a spot for Boyd. If I have him, I’m biding my time.
Michael Gallup, Wide Receiver
About: Will Gallup return to form? That’s a question, one the cap-strapped Cowboys got tired of waiting to see. Gallup was released this off-season and remains unsigned. Some teams have expressed interest, but at this point it’s fair to suspect he’ll be a post-draft signing. In six seasons in Dallas, he has 266 receptions for 3,744 yards and 21 touchdowns. His production in the past two seasons has been reduced after an injury in 2021, but Gallup is still just 27. His trade value in dynasty is depressed, so if I roster him, I’m holding and hoping he lands in a good spot. If I can get a couple of big weeks in 2024, I might look to move on.
Michael Thomas, Wide Receiver
About: In 2019, Thomas was on fire. He caught 149 passes to set a record and lead the league. He was the top receiver in fantasy. In the four years since he’s caught just 95 passes and managed to appear in just 20 games. That’s the problem. Can Thomas stay healthy, stay focused, and find the right spot? Tired of waiting, the Saints made a clean break this off-season. Thomas remains unsigned, and if you’re holding him on a roster, there isn’t a lot of value—right now. But in the right spot, could he bounce back? In particular, I’m watching the Broncos, who might look to deal with Courtland Sutton during the draft. That would leave them with an opening, and Thomas would be an ideal candidate to reunite with his old Head Coach, Sean Payton.
Matthew Fox is a die-hard NFL fan and Broncos’ homer. He’s a member of the FSWA. You can find more from him on Twitter @knighthawk7734 or as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast, a part of the Campus2Canton Network.
