2024 NFL free agent moves to consider after Week 1 injuries

NFL Free Agents: Ryan Tannehill and Chase Claypool — *Ryan Tannehill (left) and Chase Claypool (right)* (Photo credit: Getty Images)

The opening week of the 2024 NFL regular season has already shaken up several rosters, forcing teams to dip into the NFL’s free agent pool to fill unexpected gaps. Major injuries have exposed weaknesses that teams must quickly address, some of which were already concerning, while others have emerged for the first time. Let’s break down some of these significant injuries and explore the best free agents available to step in and help teams stay competitive.

Top NFL free agent on market to fill injury gaps

Green Bay Packers: How to overcome Jordan Love’s knee injury

Jordan Love injured — *Love Jordan* (Photo credit: Getty Images)

The injury: Green Bay’s mainstay quarterback Jordan Love suffered a knee injury in Week 1, putting his immediate future in doubt. The Packers have announced they will rely on Malik Willis as the starter until Love is medically cleared to return. While they hope Love’s recovery will only take a few weeks, there is a possibility it could take longer, raising concerns. This represents a significant gamble for the Packers as they prepare for a fierce battle in the NFC North. Malik Willis, who has struggled to establish himself in Tennessee, offers few guarantees, making Green Bay’s current quarterback situation precarious.

NFL Free Agent Option: Ryan Tannehill

NFL Free Agent: Ryan Tannehill — *Ryan Tannehill* (Photo credit: Getty Images)

Given the uncertainty surrounding Willis and rookie Sean Clifford, the Packers should consider adding an experienced quarterback. Ryan Tannehill, a 36-year-old veteran, stands out as the best option available in free agency. Tannehill has a proven track record of success; just a few seasons ago, he posted elite passing numbers and demonstrated strong leadership skills. In stark contrast to Willis and Clifford, who have no career touchdowns and three combined interceptions, Tannehill brings a wealth of experience and consistency. Adding Tannehill could provide much-needed stability to a team like Green Bay, which can’t afford to lose ground early in a tight division race.

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Los Angeles Rams: How to deal with Puka Nacua’s ACL injury

Puka Nacua injured — *Puka Nacua* (Photo credit: Getty Images)

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The injury: The Los Angeles Rams have suffered a major blow with the loss of wide receiver Puka Nacua. The 2023 star rookie, who became a sensation last season, tore his right MCL in a Week 1 loss to the Detroit Lions. The Rams placed Nacua on injured reserve, sidelining him until at least Week 7. The injury puts a strain on the Rams’ receiving corps, which has become heavily reliant on Cooper Kupp. With no reliable depth beyond Kupp, the pressure is on the team to find a replacement who can step up in Nacua’s absence.

NFL Free Agent Option: Chase Claypool

NFL Free Agent: Chase Claypool — *Chase Claypool* (Photo credit: Getty Images)

While the Rams have depth in Tyler Johnson, Tutu Atwell and Jordan Whittington, they may not want to rely on those players too much, especially during a tough stretch of games. Chase Claypool, who is just 26, presents an intriguing option. While he has struggled to find his feet since his early success in Pittsburgh, Claypool has the physical tools and talent to thrive. A change of scenery in Los Angeles could be what he needs to revive his career. Another possibility is veteran receiver Michael Thomas, but given Claypool’s youth and potential, he could be the best bet for a team looking for dynamic playmaking ability to back up Kupp.

Jacksonville Jaguars: How to fix Tyson Campbell’s hamstring problem

Tyson Campbell injured — *Tyson Campbell* (Photo credit: Getty Images)

The injury: Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Tyson Campbell, a key part of their defensive secondary, is out with a hamstring injury and is expected to “miss some time.” The injury is critical for the Jaguars, who are under pressure after a disappointing Week 1 loss to the Miami Dolphins. With upcoming road games against Buffalo and Houston, the team must shore up its defensive backfield to remain competitive.

NFL Free Agent Option: Ahkello Witherspoon

NFL Free Agent: Ahkello Witherspoon — *Ahkello Witherspoon* (Photo credit: Getty Images)

The Jaguars have already added Zech McPhearson to their practice squad to bolster their defense, but that may not be enough. While it would be ideal for Jacksonville to bring Steven Nelson out of his recent retirement, it remains an unlikely option and his current fitness is questionable. A more viable option is Ahkello Witherspoon, who is still available as a free agent. The 29-year-old cornerback put in an impressive performance with the Los Angeles Rams last season, intercepting three passes and allowing receptions on less than half of the throws he threw. Witherspoon’s experience and recent form make him a strong candidate to take over and provide the Jaguars with much-needed stability on defense.

Also read: Christian McCaffrey injury: Will 49ers star RB play in Week 2 of 2024 NFL season?

Cleveland Browns: Filling the void left by David Njoku’s ankle injury

David Njoku injured — *David Njoku* (Photo credit: Getty Images)

The injury: Tight end David Njoku, a Pro Bowler coming off a breakout 882-yard season, suffered an ankle injury in the Browns’ Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Head coach Kevin Stefanski described Njoku’s condition as “week after week” This creates a significant void in Cleveland’s offensive lineup. This uncertainty complicates the Browns’ game plan, as Njoku has been a key target and offensive weapon.

NFL Free Agent Option: CJ Uzomah

NFL Free Agent: CJ Uzomah — *CJ Uzomah* (Photo credit: Getty Images)

At 31, CJ Uzomah brings a wealth of experience and could be a valuable addition to the Browns roster. The former Cincinnati Bengals tight end had nearly 500 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 2021 and has been active with the New York Jets the past two years. The Browns have already explored other options like Irv Smith Jr., Tommy Sweeney and Geoff Swaim, but those players don’t have Uzomah’s proven track record or impact potential. With the Browns needing immediate contributions to avoid an early-season slump, Uzomah presents the most reliable and accomplished option.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: How to handle Antoine Winfield Jr.’s ankle injury

Antoine Winfield Jr. injured — *Antoine Winfield Jr.* (Photo credit: Getty Images)

The injury: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are facing a tough situation at safety. Antoine Winfield Jr. could miss multiple weeks with an ankle injury. Winfield, a first-team All-Pro, is a cornerstone of the Buccaneers’ defense, and his absence could have a significant impact on a defense that is already dealing with multiple injuries. Given Tampa Bay’s tough early-season schedule and relatively small roster compared to other NFC contenders, they have little margin for error.

NFL Free Agent Option: Rudy Ford

NFL Free Agent: Rudy Ford — *Rudy Ford* (Photo credit: Getty Images)

To fill the void left by Winfield, the Buccaneers could consider re-signing safety Ryan Neal. However, Neal’s struggles alongside Winfield in 2023 make that option less appealing. Rudy Ford is a more promising candidate to step in and fill the void. Although Ford, 29, was released by the Carolina Panthers this summer, he has a solid track record with five interceptions since the start of the 2022 season. His ability to provide short-term stability makes him a better fit for the Buccaneers as they navigate this difficult stretch without Winfield.

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