NFL 2024 Free Agency Tracker: Top 5 Remaining Free Agents after Jamal Adams signs with the Tennessee Titans

When the Broncos released Justin Simmons back in March for financial reasons after the team had to take on a massive dead-cap hit by releasing Russell Wilson, he instantly became one of the top safeties on the market.

And despite Simmons being one of the best players at his position, he still remains unsigned deep into July, with just a couple of days before training camps begin across the league.

For the last several years, Simmons has been one of the best safeties in the NFL. Over the last five seasons, he has made the Pro Bowl twice and the All-Pro second team four times. He has intercepted 23 passes, deflected 51 more, and racked up at least 70 tackles in the four seasons where he played at least 15 games per campaign.

With huge names like Saquon Barkley on the market this summer, the backfield was packed with intriguing alternatives. Now that the majority of ball carriers have found new homes, the position and availability have dried up.

However, it's being reported that the Bengals are still in the market for another running back, specifically a third-down back like Samaje Perine, who they had in 2022. Prine signed with the Denver Broncos last offseason, and the Bengals have yet to find an apt replacement.

Kareem Hunt would be an excellent fit for that job. Hunt, who is only 28 years old, has spent his career as a third-down back for the Cleveland Browns. He helped shoulder the load for the Browns backfield when Nick Chubb went down in 2023. Assuming he could be signed for a reasonable rate, Hunt could be a nice complement to Zack Moss and Chase Brown.

Michael Thomas' performance has significantly dropped from his prime years, and that's an understatement. During his initial four years in the NFL, Thomas posted four seasons with over 1,100 receiving yards, three with more than 100 receptions, earned three Pro Bowl selections, and two first-team All-Pro honors. He even led the league in receiving yards in 2019 and was named Offensive Player of the Year.

However, the last four years have told a different story, marred by injuries. Thomas missed the entire 2021 season, failed to surpass 500 yards in any season since, and played in just 20 games over that period.

At 31, it's unlikely Thomas will ever return to his elite form. Nevertheless, standing at 6ft 3in and weighing 212 pounds, he remains a seasoned veteran capable of making meaningful contributions. In 10 games with the Saints last season, he recorded 39 catches for 448 yards and a touchdown.

Thomas will likely need to accept a team-friendly contract to secure his next opportunity, but his past accomplishments and skill set make him worth considering for teams such as Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers.

Long-time Buccaneers left tackle Donovan Smith had an up-and-down lone Super Bowl-winning season in Kansas City. He struggled with execution errors. But the starting tackle did step up in front of Patrick Mahomes during the Chiefs' Super Bowl run and helped the team repeat as champions.

And while the 31-year-old has his flaws, he is a known entity and an seasoned starter that could be a decent floor signing for teams wanting to ensure their tackle spot isn't left completely devoid of talent. He would be super reliable as a swing backup now.

The quarterback market has begun to dry up, and most teams are set in terms of guys who have a chance to start on opening day, but adding depth is still an option.

Ryan Tannehill's stint in Tennessee is finished as the Titans handed over the quarterback reins to Will Levis. Tannehill isn't a starter at this stage in his career, which is evident after the horrendous season he had in 2023.

Not only was he sacked at a higher rate than any other QB (12.2) in the league, but he also had the lowest TD rate (1.7) and a bottom five passer rating (78.5) and INT rate (3.0). However, he may be one of the best and most experienced backup quarterbacks in the NFL. He is an experienced starter with an 81-70 record.