Roster building in the NFL never stops, even if teams are already working on it during training camp. While they must finalize the 53-man active roster for Week 1, unfortunate injuries could happen in a violent sport like football at any time.
When that happens, teams have three options: elevate someone from their practice squad, select players from the waiver wire, or sign a free agent. If they choose the third option, some available players can help their cause.
However, this list will focus on free agents who could impact fantasy football. Therefore, it will comprise quarterbacks and skill-position players.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
- Kicker fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- IDP fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Michael Thomas
— Michael Thomas (@Cantguardmike) March 10, 2024
At one point in his career, Thomas was among the league's best wide receivers. In addition to winning the 2019 NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award, he earned two All-Pros and three Pro Bowl selections. Unfortunately, injuries derailed his promising career, as he played only 10 games from 2020 to 2022.
It's challenging to envision Thomas regaining his All-Pro form. However, he was still relatively productive last season, finishing with 448 receiving yards and a touchdown in 10 games. Teams looking for more depth and experience at wide receiver could consider getting him.
Kareem Hunt
Unfortunate news, but Kareem Hunt should still be on the roster I’ll die on this hill https://t.co/JVvRvXlgtQ
— Don Jugo 😶🌫️🇩🇴 (@DontLiveDaHype) August 1, 2024
The Cleveland Browns brought Hunt back last year after Nick Chubb's season-ending knee injury. He did well, finishing with 411 rushing yards and nine touchdowns in 15 regular-season games. At 28, he still has some miles left in his football tank. The one-time Pro Bowler will be ideal for teams looking to have a committee of running backs.
Hunter Renfrow
Dear @nyjets,
Give Hunter Renfrow the vet minimum. At the least, he’s a chain-mover that Rodgers could trust on 3rd downs. With Gipson out for a while, this is a no-brainer addition!
— Cali (@CaliJets) July 26, 2024
While Renfrow played in all of the Las Vegas Raiders games last season, he managed only 25 receptions and 255 receiving yards. However, his reduced production could be a by-product of Josh McDaniels' revamped offensive system. Renfrow could use a fresh start for another team looking for a slot receiver. After all, he did have a Pro Bowl season three years ago (103 receptions, 1,038 yards, nine touchdowns).
Latavius Murray
33 year old Latavius Murray making one of the best tacklers in the league completely whiff. sure why not pic.twitter.com/ALT8xTLSjJ
— Derrik Klassen (@QBKlass) October 26, 2023
Murray, at 33, became the oldest active running back last season when he agreed to a contract with the Buffalo Bills. He played in 16 games and finished with 300 yards and four touchdowns. Murray can still help any team if given the opportunity. The 2015 Pro Bowler could get another contract as the 2024 season progresses.
Ryan Tannehill
Ryan Tannehill was really candid with us…he said he’s keeping "options open" as camps start: "I'm not ruling anything out".
He could see himself pulling a ‘Joe Flacco’ if the right situation arises.
He’s also an ELITE spearfisher 🐟🐠
Full 🎥: https://t.co/cUsaTDtQ7l pic.twitter.com/r0SlHvyntk
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) July 27, 2024
While the Tennessee Titans are already going with Will Levis at quarterback, that doesn't mean Ryan Tannehill can no longer play at a high level. His arm is relatively fresh, considering that Derrick Henry was the focal point of the Titans offense.
Since quarterback is the game's most crucial position, teams must have a solid backup if their starter succumbs to injury. On Tannehill's part, embracing the QB2 role means getting a contract that looks like loose change compared to his four-year, $118 million contract with Tennessee.
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