2024 NFL free agent matchmaker: Carson Wentz to Chiefs, Stephon Gilmore to Raiders, other big-name fits

2024 NFL free agent matchmaker: Carson Wentz to Chiefs, Stephon Gilmore to Raiders, other big-name fits
2024 NFL free agent matchmaker: Carson Wentz to Chiefs, Stephon Gilmore to Raiders, other big-name fits

Most of this year's top NFL free agents have already found new homes, or secured new contracts to stay put. But that doesn't mean there aren't more deals to be made. Sometimes, in fact, the best offseason additions are the underrated "value" bets. And there are still a handful of notable names who remain on the open market, available for any club to sign.

With that in mind, let's play matchmaker for 10 of the top free agents still unsigned:

(Note: Some players listed might not last much longer in free agency and could sign at any time.)

Denver has yet to add a quarterback this offseason, and while an early draft investment would be logical, Tannehill offers an experienced arm best suited to play within a system -- just as Sean Payton desires. At 35, he's a low-ceiling rental, sure, but the best alternative in Denver right now is Jarrett Stidham.

One of the best backups left, Wentz flashed his play-making arm in a brief stint as Matthew Stafford's No. 2 down the stretch of 2023. Kansas City, meanwhile, has a void behind Patrick Mahomes after Blaine Gabbert hit the market, and the Chiefs reportedly sniffed around the ex-Philadelphia Eagles star a year ago.

OBJ has been flirting with an Aaron Rodgers team-up for years, but the New York Jets' move for Mike Williams probably signals that ship has sailed. How about a return to his home state instead? New Orleans added Cedrick Wilson Jr. this offseason but could still use a complement to Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed.

OG Dalton Risner to the Cowboys

Dallas lost multiple starting linemen in free agency, and while Risner has now bounced between two teams in the last few years, he proved a worthwhile investment for the Minnesota Vikings in 2023. As a plug-and-play interior man, he could help keep Dak Prescott upright at what figures to be a reduced cost.

DE Mike Danna to the Bears

The Bears are already paying big bucks to former Washington Commanders up-and-comer Montez Sweat, but Matt Eberflus could still use another edge presence. And Danna, despite only becoming a full-timer in 2023, was steady with the Kansas City Chiefs, raising his sack total in three straight seasons as a reserve.

Although Clowney has done most of his work with a hand in the dirt, the veteran journeyman excelled as a stand-up rusher with the stingy Baltimore Ravens in 2023. New Falcons coach Raheem Morris, meanwhile, needs a polished leader for his own rotation now that Atlanta is eyeing a playoff run with Kirk Cousins.

The former All-Pro cover man could still be in play for a Dallas Cowboys encore, but Antonio Pierce has a bigger need at the position in Las Vegas, where the defensively minded Raiders can also offer more money. Working at the back end of a unit with Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins also has its draws.

A reunion with Brian Flores in Minnesota would've made sense, but the Vikings' signing of Shaquill Griffin means Howard could require another destination. How about Indianapolis, where Kenny Moore's big-money return hasn't necessarily solved their need for help on the perimeter? This team has used Band-Aids at corner before.

Buffalo said goodbye to two aging safeties in Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde this year, but Simmons' production as a rangy,

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