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Matching 10 NFL free agents with new teams during 2024 preseason, including Ryan Tannehill and the Giants

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Oct 15, 2023; London, United Kingdom;Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) is pressured by Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (92) in the second half during an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The 2024 NFL season will be here before you know it, and teams across the league are trying to solidify their rosters before September rolls around.

Some teams have made notable signings recently to address holes on their roster, like the Atlanta Falcons with safety Justin Simmons and the Dallas Cowboys with defensive end Carl Lawson.

However, there are still some good veterans still available as free agents right now, and we’ve decided to go through and pair them with teams we feel could use them.

Let’s go through these 10 options and match them with their best fits, including a new quarterback for the New York Giants.

QB Ryan Tannehill: New York Giants

Oct 8, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) looks up at the video screen before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY SportsOct 8, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) looks up at the video screen before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 8, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) looks up at the video screen before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

The Giants are in trouble if quarterback Daniel Jones plays in the regular season like he did against the Houston Texans on Saturday. Brian Daboll enters his third season with the Giants with definite pressure to get wins, and that will be tough sledding with Jones under center if this is their reality. Tannehill might not be as good as he was in his second wind with the Tennessee Titans at this point, but the team should at least see if he’d be an upgrade. The NFC East won’t be easy this fall, but that’s no excuse to trot out bad quarterback play if Jones struggles. Adding Tannehill to the quarterback room feels like a smart way to have insurance at worst and a new starter at best.

T David Bakhtiari: Kansas City Chiefs

Green Bay Packers offensive tackle David Bakhtiari (69) celebrates a victory against the Chicago Bears during their football game Sunday, September 10, 2023, at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill. Green Bay won 38-20.Green Bay Packers offensive tackle David Bakhtiari (69) celebrates a victory against the Chicago Bears during their football game Sunday, September 10, 2023, at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill. Green Bay won 38-20.

Green Bay Packers offensive tackle David Bakhtiari (69) celebrates a victory against the Chicago Bears during their football game Sunday, September 10, 2023, at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill. Green Bay won 38-20.

The Chiefs should be the Super Bowl favorites until another team proves otherwise, but the team’s situation at left tackle remains a bit perilous. Second-round rookie Kingsley Suamataia may well be the heir apparent at the position, but having him start 17 games and the playoffs to push for a three-peat feels like an avoidable risk. Bakhtiari is the proven veteran the Chiefs should take a look at, even if he’s still not willing to play on turf surfaces. Suamataia could still get some starting reps this year with Bakhtiari taking the home games and away grass games, and we’re sure the former Packers starter would play on whatever surface was necessary for a Super Bowl push.

CB Stephon Gilmore: Houston Texans

Dec 30, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) scores a touchdown against Dallas Cowboys cornerback Stephon Gilmore (21) in the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY SportsDec 30, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) scores a touchdown against Dallas Cowboys cornerback Stephon Gilmore (21) in the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Dec 30, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) scores a touchdown against Dallas Cowboys cornerback Stephon Gilmore (21) in the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

This is nothing against second-round rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter, who could wind up being a strong starter for the Texans one day in the secondary. However, Gilmore would instantly upgrade the cornerback spot for Houston opposite Derek Stingley Jr. and give the Texans yet another formidable starter on defense. For a team trying to make a real push for the AFC title in quarterback C.J. Stroud’s second season, adding Gilmore would be a coup at this point in the offseason.

CB Adoree’ Jackson: Minnesota Vikings

Oct 30, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; New York Giants cornerback Adoree Jackson (22) celebrates following a fumble recovery against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at Lumen Field. New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) joins Jackson at left. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: IMAGN-489322 ORIG FILE ID: 20221030_jmn_sn8_030.JPGOct 30, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; New York Giants cornerback Adoree Jackson (22) celebrates following a fumble recovery against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at Lumen Field. New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) joins Jackson at left. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: IMAGN-489322 ORIG FILE ID: 20221030_jmn_sn8_030.JPG

The Vikings have a need for a starting-quality cornerback on their roster, as we’re expecting Kevin O’Connell’s Minnesota squad to be a bit more feisty than anticipated this season. Why not go out and sign Jackson, who has proven throughout his career he’s a decent cornerback at worst? The former Giants player would give the Vikings an immediate upgrade at the position in August.

DE Yannick Ngakoue: Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (91) celebrates after sacking Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.Indianapolis Colts defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (91) celebrates after sacking Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Indianapolis Colts defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (91) celebrates after sacking Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

While the team does have rookie pass-rusher Laiatu Latu waiting in the wings, losing pass-rusher Samson Ebukam for the season was a tough blow for a Colts team that is trying to make it to the playoffs. Why not bring back Ngakoue, who had 9.5 sacks for Indy defensive coordinator Gus Bradley in 2022? This feels like an easy move for the Colts to make to bring back a player familiar with their scheme who can come off the bench and provide valuable pass-rushing snaps.

WR JuJu Smith-Schuster: Atlanta Falcons

Nov 5, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (7) watches the ball as it slips out of his hands during the second half against the Washington Commanders at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY SportsNov 5, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (7) watches the ball as it slips out of his hands during the second half against the Washington Commanders at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 5, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (7) watches the ball as it slips out of his hands during the second half against the Washington Commanders at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Even though the Falcons just added two major veteran players to their defense, the team should at least consider the possibility of bringing Smith-Schuster in as a veteran option at wide receiver. The wideout played for Falcons receivers coach Ike Hilliard while the two were with the Pittsburgh Steelers and put up massive numbers under Hilliard’s watch. As long as Smith-Schuster is healthy, the Falcons could use him in a receiver room that needs a little more depth for the season,

WR Michael Thomas: Denver Broncos

Sep 11, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) celebrates after a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY SportsSep 11, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) celebrates after a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 11, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) celebrates after a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Broncos coach Sean Payton and offensive assistant Pete Carmichael oversaw the best stretch of Thomas’ career with the New Orleans Saints, and it’s very possible that a down season in Denver could prompt the team to trade wide receiver Courtland Sutton by the NF: trade deadline. If rookie quarterback Bo Nix hits the ground running and the Broncos look legit, they’ll need more help at receiver to make this season as good as it can be. Either way, Thomas makes too much sense to reunite with his old Saints coaches. His health is just what it is at this point, but managing his snaps in a comfortable offense could provide Thomas with the best path to continue his career.

G Halapoulivaati Vaitai: Baltimore Ravens

Dec 19, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai (72) walks on the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY SportsDec 19, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai (72) walks on the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Dec 19, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai (72) walks on the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

The Ravens are taking a risk with starting second-year guard Andrew Vorhees on the left side of the offensive line, and they’d be wise to add a meaningful veteran option as insurance with Super Bowl aspirations in the air. Luckily for Baltimore, the team has a knack for adding veteran players during this time of the year, which is what Vaitai represents. He could start in a pinch for the Ravens and man the left guard spot, as he’s coming off a solid season with the Detroit Lions. Even if he’s just one of the best backup guards in the NFL, Vaitai could provide Baltimore a lot of value.

S Micah Hyde: Philadelphia Eagles

Oct 1, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills safety Micah Hyde (23) returns an interception in front of Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) and safety Taylor Rapp (20) in the third quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY SportsOct 1, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills safety Micah Hyde (23) returns an interception in front of Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) and safety Taylor Rapp (20) in the third quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 1, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills safety Micah Hyde (23) returns an interception in front of Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) and safety Taylor Rapp (20) in the third quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

The Eagles have one of the better rosters in the NFL, but the team could use a bit more help at safety. Hyde has some of the best experience of any free agents out there at the position, and he’s got plenty of playoff reps from his days with the Buffalo Bills. On a one-year rental, the Eagles could do a lot worse than by signing Hyde to join their defensive back room.

T D.J. Humphries: New Orleans Saints

Oct 31, 2019; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle D.J. Humphries (74) against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsOct 31, 2019; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle D.J. Humphries (74) against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 31, 2019; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle D.J. Humphries (74) against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Saints have a major question mark on the offensive line with how 2022 first-round tackle Trevor Penning will hold up as a starter this season. If New Orleans wants to give rookie tackle Taliese Fuaga reps on the right side of the line and let Penning serve as the swing tackle, signing a reliable veteran like Humphries would be a savvy move for the team to make. Maybe the jury isn’t out on Penning just yet in New Orleans, but if it is, signing Humphries is a smart way to address it.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Matching 10 NFL free agents with new teams during 2024 preseason, including Ryan Tannehill and the Giants