As NFL teams prepare for rookie minicamps and organized team activities, general managers will find ways to fill roster holes following the draft. At this point in the offseason, top free agents may hear about offers on the table from their representatives.
The most accomplished veterans don't mind skipping OTAs as they mull decisions on their next career chapters. Meanwhile, teams can and should be aggressive in signing some of the most notable players on the market.
Based on recent production and accolades, we highlighted the top 10 free agents available and linked them each to their best landing spot based on the team's roster need, the player's familiarity with the play-caller's system and the club's perceived value of the player's position.
QB Carson Wentz: Chicago Bears
Going into his third season, Justin Fields must make strides under a regime that didn't draft him or else general manager Ryan Poles may take a look at other quarterbacks in 2024. As Fields prepares for a crucial year, the Chicago Bears should target Carson Wentz to fill the No. 2 spot.
According to Fox Sports' Jay Glazer, the Bears "did their homework" on Wentz before the Philadelphia Eagles traded him to the Indianapolis Colts in February 2021.
The quarterback market has dried up, and the Bears can sign arguably the best possible backup at the position for a modest price.
If Fields continues to play a big role in the Bears' ground game after rushing for 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns last year, he could get banged up and miss time as he did in 2022. As a fill-in starter, Wentz would be an upgrade over P.J. Walker and Nathan Peterman.
Wentz has the athleticism to move in the pocket with the arm strength to push the ball downfield in blustery Chicago weather late in the season. He's a good fit for the Bears' quarterback situation and exactly what they need in a signal-caller if Fields goes down with an injury or struggles.
RB Ezekiel Elliott: Los Angeles Chargers
Before anyone writes off Ezekiel Elliott as a washed-up running back, let's remember he rushed for 876 yards and 12 touchdowns with the Dallas Cowboys in 2022.
Though Cowboys owner, president and general manager Jerry Jones hasn't ruled out Elliott's return to the team, the 27-year-old can reunite with Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.
This offseason, the Cowboys fired Moore months before they cut Elliott. As a play-caller, the former helped the latter put together a Pro Bowl campaign in 2019. During Moore's four-year tenure as the Dallas offensive coordinator, Elliott improved his ball security (one fumble in 2021 and 2022 after 12 from 2016 to 2018 and nine in 2019 and 2020) and logged at least 10 rushing touchdowns in three seasons.
According to running back Austin Ekeler's agent, Cameron Weiss (via ESPN's Adam Schefter), Los Angeles gave Ekeler permission to seek a trade amid a contract dispute. For now, the running back seems prepared to play out the 2023 term with the Chargers.
With the addition of Elliott, the Chargers would have a strong duo. Ekeler can complement him as Tony Pollard did with Dallas under Moore. Los Angeles needs a physical ball-carrier who can take on short-yardage situations, which would keep Ekeler fresh for the duration of a the season.