NFL draft week has arrived, and in a matter of days, teams and rosters will be transformed significantly. The influx of rookie talent will inevitably impact the status of current veterans.

Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport recently examined some notable players who are at risk of losing their starting roles during the 2024 draft. While many players under contract will be watching the draft with interest, so too will veterans awaiting their next opportunity.

As rosters change, the market for available veterans will change with them. Free agents hoping for the right situation or a lucrative contract might face dwindling options as holes are filled with rookie talent.

Here, we'll look at things from the player perspective and examine some 2024 draft scenarios that might be ideal for the top remaining NFL free agents. These situations might not be best for the teams involved, but they could be great for unsigned players looking for a starting job or to stick with a contender for the coming season.

We'll focus specifically on the 10 players from Bleacher Report's free agent big board wo remain unsigned. Factors like player production, projected role, team needs, salary cap space and any relevant recent buzz were considered.

WR Tyler Boyd: Steelers Fail to Acquire a Veteran Receiver

Wideout Tyler Boyd landed on Bleacher Report's free agent big board following the initial wave of free agency, and he remains one of the top offensive players available.

According to The Athletic's Mark Kaboly, There's been some mutual interest between Boyd and the Pittsburgh Steelers, though contract terms have been an issue.

"They're trying to wait out Tyler Boyd," Kaboly told 93.7 The Fan (h/t Noah Strackbein of FanNation). "...I know that he wants to get paid more than they're offering him."

Pittsburgh would be a strong landing spot for Boyd, especially with Russell Wilson and/or Justin Fields set to upgrade the quarterback position. The Steelers have a playoff-ready roster and an opening following the trade of Diontae Johnson.

However, Pittsburgh might not be an option after the draft. The Steelers could select a receiver over the weekend, but they could also try trading for a veteran like Tee Higgins or Brandon Aiyuk.

According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Steelers "have wanted" to add a veteran and have pursued Aiyuk on the trade market.

If the Steelers, who have $12 million in cap space remaining, don't land their coveted veteran via a draft-day trade, they may be more willing to reach an agreement with Boyd.

Another favorable opportunity for Boyd could arise if the Cincinnati Bengals don't draft a receiver early and d consider moving the franchise-tagged Higgins. Bringing Boyd back into the fold would be quite logical in that scenario.

CB Stephon Gilmore: Panthers Don't Draft a Cornerback Highly

Cornerback Stephon Gilmore is a five-time Pro Bowler who had a strong campaign with the Dallas Cowboys in 2023. He'll turn 34 in September, but he's still capable of being a starter, if he can find the right opportunity.

That opportunity could come from the Carolina Panthers, who employed Gilmore during his last Pro Bowl season (2021). Panthers general manager Dan Morgan is reportedly open to the idea of bringing back Gilmore.

"Morgan says they're leaving the door open regarding Stephon Gilmore, will revisit after the draft," Darin Gantt of the team's official website posted on X.

However, the Panthers have just $9 million in cap space remaining, and they might not want to pursue Gilmore if they land a starting-caliber corner early in the draft. Carolina doesn't own a first-round pick but it does hold two selections at the top of Round 2 (Nos. 33 and 39).

It will surprise no one if Carolina uses its first pick on a receiver to aid second-year quarterback Bryce Young. If a good corner prospect is available at the top of Round 2, though, the Panthers could address the position. If they don't Gilmore might have a chance to walk into a starting role—Carolina traded Donte Jackson to the Steelers for Johnson.

Gilmore might also find a prime opportunity with Dallas if the Washington Commanders don't draft a cornerback early. New Commanders head coach Dan Quinn was Gilmore's defensive coordinator in 2023, and Washington should be looking to upgrade a defense that ranked dad-last in passing yards allowed last season.

CB Xavien Howard: Eagles Don't Add to Cornerback Room

Cornerback Xavien Howard is a four-time Pro Bowler who was released by the Miami Dolphins this offseason in a cap-saving move. If Howard is hoping to play for a contender in 2024, reuniting with his 2023 coordinator, Vic Fangio, could make plenty of sense.

Fangio is now the defensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Eagles have been busy reloading a defense that ranked 31st in passing yards allowed last season.

Of course, it's fair to wonder if Howard would want to join Fangio in Philadelphia. Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey seemingly criticized Fangio's use of himself in Howard in a February social media post. If Howard feels similarly, he may prefer other opportunities.

From an on-field standpoint, though, the pairing would make sense. The Eagles have $29.3 million in cap space remaining, so they could make it happen. They could be off the board for Howard, though, if they draft a cornerback early.

The Bleacher Report Scouting Department's latest mock draft paired Philadelphia with Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean in the first round.

The Detroit Lions are another contender who could want a proven corner like Howard, depending on how things unfold in the draft. Detroit traded for Carlton Davis and signed Amik Robertson this offseason but ranked just 27th in passing yards allowed last year.

The B/R Scouting Department mock paired the Lions with Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins in Round 1.

S Micah Hyde: Bills Don't Draft a Safety Replacement

Safety Micah Hyde is 33 years old and has battled neck injuries in recent years. However, he was a 14-game starter in 2023 and can still be a defensive leader if he wants to continue playing.

Hyde recently told WRG 550 (h/t Maddy Glab of the Bills' official website) that he's still unsure of his 2024 plans.

"Hyde says if he does play again, he doesn't imagine it being for any team but the Bills," Glab posted on X.

The Bills are letting Hyde take his time to reach a decision but at least appear open to bringing him back in 2024.

"I don't think he has totally made a 100% decision either way," general manager Brandon Beane said, per The Athletic's Joe Buscaglia.

Buffalo re-signed safety Taylor Rapp and added Mike Edwards this offseason, though. if it adds another safety early in the draft, it could potentially close the door on Hyde's return. The Bills have just $3.6 million in cap space available and might prefer to go with a cheaper rookie contract.

The Bills landed Utah safety Cole Bishop in the second round of the B/R Scouting Department's latest mock.

If Buffalo doesn't draft a safety early, though, Hyde might have the chance to make another run with the Bills, if that's what he wants. Reuniting with longtime teammate Tre'Davious White and providing depth for the Los Angeles Rams could also be an option—if L.A. doesn't add safety depth in the draft.

The Rams added safety Kamren Curl this offseason but lost Jordan Fuller and have not re-signed John Johnson III.

CB Steven Nelson: Texans Fail to Address Cornerback Position

The Houston Texans have taken steps to improve upon last year's playoff roster. The list of additions includes Stefon Diggs, Danielle Hunter, Joe Mixon and Azeez Al-Shaair. Houston has not, however, re-signed cornerback Steven Nelson.

Bringing back Nelson would make plenty of sense, as he's been very reliable over the past two seasons in Houston. He allowed an opposing passer rating of just 80.5 in 2022 and an opposing passer rating of 73.3 in 2023.

However, the Texans may want to weigh their rookie options first, as Nelson is 31 years old and perhaps not the perfect long-term option. Houston took fliers on younger veterans—and former first-round picks—C.J. Henderson and Jeff Okudah this offseason.

if the Texans don't add a rookie to their cornerback room early in the draft, though, they could turn back to Nelson—who played a pivotal role in the team's wild-card win over the Cleveland Browns with an 82-yard pick-six.

A return would certainly make sense for Nelson, as he'd likely be back in a significant role while playing for a legitimate title contender. The Texans still have $26.3 million in cap space available.

The Lions could provide Nelson with a similar opportunity if they don't land a cornerback early in the draft. Detroit came within a few plays of reaching the Super Bowl this past season, and an improved secondary could put it over the top.

In Houston, though, Nelson would benefit from returning to a familiar scheme.

S Justin Simmons: Texans Don't Draft Safety Help

Safety Justin Simmons is the highest-ranked player from B/R's free-agent big board who remains available. The Denver Broncos released Simmons in a cap-saving move, but the 3-year-old is coming off another Pro Bowl campaign.

This past season, Simmons tallied 70 tackles, eight passes defended, three interceptions and two forced fumbles.

Simmons could be a perfect option for the Texans, given the injuries and instability they experienced at safety last season.

"We've just got to find a way to stay healthy at the safety spot and just find a way to stay consistent so no matter who's back there it's just being consistent," head coach DeMeco Ryans said, per Coty M. Davis of FanNation.

Adding Simmons would help solidify the back end of Houston's defense. Houston would be a great landing spot for Simmons too, as he'd land with an ascending defense and a Super Bowl contender. However, there's a reasonable chance that the Texans target a safety early in the 2024 draft.

ESPN's Jordan Reid, for example, recently mocked Minnesota safety Tyler Nubin to the Texans in Round 3. Houston might not consider a veteran like Simmons if it believes it has landed a key contributor at safety in the draft.

The Eagles could also make sense for Simmons, given their ongoing effort to rebuild the defense and remaining cap space. Fangio was also Simmons' head coach in Denver from 2019 to 2021.

However, drafting a player like DeJean, who some view as a future NFL safety, could take Philadelphia out of the mix.

OT Donovan Smith: Chiefs Don't Draft a Left Tackle Replacement

Offensive tackle Donovan Smith won his second Super Bowl after signing a one-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs last offseason. A return to Kansas City and a shot at a third ring would seem like an ideal situation for the 30-year-old.

However, Smith might not get that opportunity if the Chiefs draft an offensive tackle early in the draft—which was what happened in the B/R Scouting Department mock draft, which paired Kansas City with BYU's Kingsley Suamataia.

"Kansas City needs to address its left tackle spot in the draft with 2023 third-round pick Wanya Morris being the only viable potential starter on the roster," Brandon Thorn of the B/R Scouting Department explained.

If the Chiefs don't find that starter, they could consider turning to Smith once again. Kansas City has $20.1 million in cap space available, but the market isn't exactly brimming with starting-caliber tackles.

If Smith cannot return to Kansas City in 2024, he might find the New York Jets an intriguing option.

"I grew up a Jets fan. I'm from New York, so that would definitely be something I would appreciate before my career ends," Smith said, per Mark Cannizzaro of the New York Post.

The Jets signed Tyron Smith this offseason, but Smith has a fairly significant injury history—he has only appeared in 30 games over the past four seasons. It would behoove New York to add some tackle insurance in the draft. If it doesn't, Smith might get his shot to join the Jets, albeit as a likely backup, at least initially.

CB Patrick Peterson: Browns Don't Draft a Cornerback

Cornerback Patrick Peterson spent last season with the Steelers, but the eight-time Pro Bowler appears more excited about what the rival Browns might accomplish in 2024.

"You get Deshaun Watson back, you have weapons outside now that's able to help Amari Cooper, you have tight ends that can get open. I am really really 'giddy' to see how this team is going to finish the season versus how they finished last season," Peterson told NFL Network's Good Morning Football in March (h/t Anthony Moeglin of FanNation).

Peterson might get a chance to play for the Browns if Cleveland doesn't draft a cornerback later this week. The Browns have established starters in Denzel Ward, Greg Newsome II and Martin Emerson Jr., but they're a team that prioritizes depth at the position—possibly due to the fact that Ward tends to miss at least a couple of games every season.

The versatility of Peterson, who spent some time at safety in 2023, could also appeal to Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.

Cleveland hasn't been shy about adding veteran talent over the last couple of offseasons, and it has $14.4 million in cap space available. However, the Browns might not want to spend that money on secondary depth if they land a corner early.

The B/R Scouting Department mock paired Cleveland with Georgia cornerback Kamari Lassiter in Round 2.

The Green Bay Packers could also appeal to Peterson if they don't draft a corner early. Green Bay typically takes a draft-and-develop approach, but it does have a playoff-ready roster that could use additional depth in the secondary.

The B/R Scouting Department mock paired the Packers with Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry in Round 1.

G Dalton Risner: Ravens Don't Address the Offensive Interior

Guard Dalton Risner has started 73 games over the past five seasons and started 11 for the Minnesota Vikings in 2023. For the second straight offseason, though, he remains unsigned late in free agency.

"I played 11 games and they relied on me every Sunday," Risner told 13 WIBW (h/t Trevor Squire of Heavy). "I thought that things would change this offseason; here I am in April about to be May and I don't have a job."

Risner will likely find a landing spot at some point after the draft, which he did last season, signing with the Vikings in September. Ideally, though, he'll land with a good team and with an opportunity to start.

The Baltimore Ravens could be an ideal spot for Risner, as Baltimore remains one of the top teams in the AFC. The Ravens also lost starting guards Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson in free agency.

Addressing offensive line spots in the draft would be logical for the Ravens, who also traded away right tackle Morgan Moses. They took Oklahoma tackle Tyler Guyton and TCU lineman Brandon Coleman in the B/R Scouting Department mock draft.

Baltimore has just $9.1 million in cap space remaining, but it could consider Risner if it doesn't solidify its offensive interior over draft weekend.

The San Francisco 49ers could also be interested in Risner if they don't draft a guard early. The 49ers could use an upgrade over Spencer Burford at right guard, and while Risner has traditionally played on the left side, he would be an intriguing option.

Like the Ravens, the 49ers would give Risner a chance to stick with a title contender.

QB Ryan Tannehill: Vikings Fail to Secure a QB of the Future

Quarterback Ryan Tannehill may not be a high-end starter at this point in his career, but with 151 starts on his resume, he's the best veteran option remaining on the open market.

Tannehill will likely have to wait until after the draft to find a home, though. His best chance for any semblance of a career resurgence may occur if the Vikings fail to draft their quarterback of the future.

Minnesota has already acquired the 23rd overall pick and is poised to potentially trade the 23rd and 11th picks to make a move for a signal-caller.

"When we enter this draft," general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said, per ESPN's Kevin Seifert, "we have the flexibility to go either way."

However, getting a quarterback the Vikings like could be tricky. The Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders and New England Patriots hold the first three selections in the draft and also need quarterbacks. Some tree-prospect combination of North Carolina's Drake Maye, USC's Caleb Williams, LSU's Jayden Daniels and Michigan's J.J. McCarthy will likely be off the board by the fourth pick.

If the Vikings can't land QB4 or a prospect like Oregon's Bo Nix or Washington's Michael Penix Jr., they might call on Tannehill to compete with Sam Darnold for the 2024 job. The Vikings have $17.4 million in cap space remaining.

Darnold may have more upside, but Tannehill would have a big edge in experience.

Landing in Minnesota would allow Tannehill to play with stars like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and Aaron Jones.—and a strong statistical season could lead to more opportunities in 2025.

The Broncos could also be an option for Tannehill if Denver fails to draft a quarterback. Denver recently acquired Zach Wilson from the Jets, but a QB room of Wilson, Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci remains underwhelming.

Denver, though, doesn't feature as strong of an offensive supporting cast as Minnesota does.

*Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference. Cap information via Spotrac.