The 2024 NFL cut deadline passed on Tuesday afternoon, leaving hundreds of talented players either looking for work or headed to practice squads.

For those names, it's a disappointing time, but it's a moment of opportunity for teams looking to improve their rosters. With a flood of fresh talent filling the available player pool, they have new chances to strengthen depth charts or take chances on promising young players with upside.

Some of those who just became available will go on to play prominent roles for other teams. Last year, for example, receiver Jamison Crowder was released by the New York Giants and ended up appearing in all 17 games for the Washington Commanders.

With this in mind, let's dive into the best potential bargains at every position and franchises that could be in the market for their services. Factors such as past production, experience, player potential, player health and team needs were all considered here.

Quarterback

Ryan Tannehill

Bailey Zappe

Desmond Ridder

Ryan Tannehill, who has been available all offseason, remains the top option for teams in need of an experienced spot starter or bridge option.

With 151 starts on his resume, the 36-year-old is a seasoned vet who may be more interested in the right opportunity than a hefty payday.

"I'm not just gonna continue to add years to add years," Tannehill told the Scoop City podcast in July (h/t CBS Sports' Cody Benjamin). "...I'm not ruling anything out, but it's gonna have to be the right situation for me and my family."

Bailey Zappe was waived by the New England Patriots on Tuesday and should draw significant interest in the coming days.

The 25-year-old earned starts in each of the past two seasons and went 4-4 as a starter. He has value as a high-level backup and spot starter.

Update: Zappe is expected to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad, according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport. He can still be signed to another team's active roster.

Desmond Ridder, who was acquired via trade this offseason, was released by the Arizona Cardinals on Tuesday. A 2022 third-round pick out of Cincinnati, he showed some promise with the Atlanta Falcons but never did enough to stabilize their quarterback situation.

Ridder, 24, started four games as a rookie and another 13 in 2023. He's thrown for 3,544 yards with 14 touchdowns, 12 interceptions and an 84.1 passer rating.

The Minnesota Vikings might look to add another signal-caller since rookie J.J. McCarthy has already been ruled out for the season. Sam Darnold is expected to hold down the starting job, but the team may want additional depth if things go awry at the position.

The Tennessee Titans may look to add additional QB depth after trading Malik Willis to the Green Bay Packers just before the final cuts.

Potential Suitors: Minnesota Vikings, Tennessee Titans

Running Back

Kareem Hunt

Matt Breida

Dalvin Cook

Kareem Hunt is perhaps the most intriguing free-agent running back available, even though he's been available all offseason.

The 29-year-old rejoined the Cleveland Browns following Nick Chubb's season-ending injury in Week 2 and quickly became a noteworthy contributor.

Hunt tallied 411 rushing yards and nine touchdowns last season, and his proven ability to step in on short notice shouldn't be discounted.

Dalvin Cook signed with the New York Jets last August but failed to make much of an impact before his late-season release. However, he is a four-time Pro Bowler who might be able to return to form following a light 2023 workload.

Cook is drawing late-offseason interest once again. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported on Monday that the 29-year-old would meet with the Dallas Cowboys.

Update: The Cowboys signed Cook to their practice squad on Wednesday, according to ESPN's Todd Archer.

Matt Breida was among the San Francisco 49ers' final cuts. While he hasn't been a regular starter since 2018, the 29-year-old has remained a serviceable depth player with at least one start in three of the past four seasons.

His experience in Kyle Shanahan's offense could make him an attractive target since many teams now employ members of the Shanahan coaching tree and/or look to emulate facets of his scheme.

With Chubb on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and set to miss at least four weeks, the Browns could be interested in adding another RB before the start of the regular season. They terminated the contract of D'Onta Foreman as part of their cutdown to 53 players.

Green Bay signed 2022 rushing champion Josh Jacobs in free agency but could be in the market for additional backfield depth. As part of their cutdown to 53 players, the Packers placed backup AJ Dillon on season-ending injured reserve with a neck injury.

Potential Suitors: Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers

Wide Receiver

Michael Thomas

Donovan Peoples-Jones

Former New Orleans Saints wideout Michael Thomas isn't the player he once was, but he could still add valuable depth to a receiver room.

The 31-year-old missed all of the 2021 campaign, hasn't reached 500 yards in a season and has appeared in only 20 games over that span. However, he also had 39 catches for 448 yards and a touchdown in 10 games last season.

Thomas has been available all offseason and could be open to a team-friendly deal for a chance to resume his playing career in 2024.

Donovan Peoples-Jones was one of the more notable names to hit the market this week. He was released by the Detroit Lions but had an 800-yard campaign for the Cleveland Browns in 2022 and is only 25 years old.

The Houston Texans released Noah Brown on Tuesday, a surprising move given his age (28) and recent production. He caught 33 passes for 567 yards and two touchdowns in 10 games with the Texans last season.

The Ohio State product did land on injured reserve with a shoulder issue during the playoffs, so teams will need to do their medical homework. If he's healthy, though, he should quickly shoot to the top of several wish lists.

Update: The Washington Commanders are signing Brown to their active roster, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

The Los Angeles Chargers, who parted with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams this offseason, might be interested in dipping into the post-cuts player pool. They are expected to deploy a run-heavy offense under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, but any help they can provide quarterback Justin Herbert would be beneficial.

The Denver Broncos might be even more eager to add a receiver, as they'll be breaking in rookie quarterback Bo Nix this season.

Thomas would be a logical fit, since Denver employs former Saints head coach Sean Payton and former Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr.

Potential Suitors: Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers

Tight End

C.J. Uzomah

Donald Parham Jr.

Josiah Deguara

The market is largely lacking in quality tight ends, but C.J. Uzomah, who was released by the Philadelphia Eagles, has prior starting experience.

The 31-year-old started six games for the Jets last season and has 82 starts on his resume. His best statistical season was a 49-catch, 493-yard campaign with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021.

The Chargers released Donald Parham Jr., which was a bit of a surprise given his history and past production with the team—not to mention L.A.'s exodus of receiving talent.

The 27-year-old appeared in 47 games with the Chargers over the past four seasons and was frequently deployed as a red-zone threat (11 TDs).

Parham reportedly wasn't at 100 percent during the offseason—head coach Jim Harbaugh said he was "dealing with something" in June—but he was healthy enough to appear in the Chargers' preseason opener.

Update: Parham is signing with the Broncos' practice squad, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Josiah Deguara, who was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars, is another young (27) tight end who has flashed some intriguing receiving ability.

His best season was a 245-yard, two-touchdown campaign with the Green Bay Packers in 2021, but he has appeared in 50 games in four seasons with 10 starts.

The Carolina Panthers could use a proven pass-catching TE as they look to continue building around second-year quarterback Bryce Young. Tommy Tremble was the top producer at the position last season, and he finished with only 23 catches and 194 yards.

With Jelani Woods expected to miss multiple months following toe surgery, the Indianapolis Colts should also be in the tight end market.

Potential Suitors: Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts

Offensive Line

David Bakhtiari

Mason Cole

Longtime Packers starter David Bakhtiari is the most intriguing lineman available. Injuries have limited him to just 13 games over the last three seasons, but he's a two-time first-team All-Pro and a three-time Pro Bowler who wants to resume his NFL career.

"I am your cornerstone guy. Someone that's not only going to play in September but in December and into February and obviously hopefully for another couple of years," he told The Adam Schefter Podcast in June.

Bakhtiari, 32, could be signed at a bargain price since he needs to reestablish himself as a reliable starter.

Center Mason Cole has been on the market since he was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the spring. He started all 34 games for them over the past two seasons and is still only 28 years old.

Of the players released this week, Germain Ifedi might draw the most interest.

The 30-year-old has never been a high-level starter, but he has appeared in 102 games with 83 starts and played both guard and tackle.

Ifedi was active for all 17 games with the Falcons in 2022 and spent last season on the Buffalo Bills' practice squad.

Update: Ifedi signed to the Browns' practice squad.

The Steelers could be in the market for O-line help, as the unit struggled throughout the preseason—to the point that it received a critique from (likely) backup quarterback Justin Fields after the preseason.

"They did all right, but there's also room to grow," Fields told reporters.

The Saints could use help, specifically at tackle. Rookie Taliese Fuaga is expected to start on the left side, but projected right tackle Trevor Penning has failed to establish himself as a starting-caliber player. Ryan Ramczyk landed on the reserve/PUP list and will miss the 2024 season.

Potential Suitors: New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Steelers

Defensive Line

Lawrence Guy

Jonah Williams

Lawrence Guy has been on the market since being released by the New England Patriots in February, which is a bit of a surprise. Though he turned 34 in March, he has consistently been a quality defensive contributor.

The Arizona State product appeared in all 17 games with 12 starts for New England last season. He hasn't appeared in fewer than 14 games in any of the past nine seasons and has shown the versatility to play both end and defensive tackle.

Neville Gallimore was released by the Miami Dolphins after spending his first four seasons in Dallas. While he has never been a full-time starting defensive tackle, he has shown he can be an effective rotational player.

The 27-year-old appeared in 31 games over the past two seasons and compiled 49 tackles, two sacks and four tackles for loss. He appeared in 52 total games for the Cowboys with 14 starts.

Update: Gallimore is expected to sign with the Los Angeles Rams, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Jonah Williams was a surprise cut by the Minnesota Vikings. He was a 16-game starter for the Rams last season and finished with 49 tackles, two sacks, four tackles for loss and a batted pass.

If the Vikings don't bring back Williams or try to stash him on the practice squad, he shouldn't have to wait long for a new opportunity.

The Dolphins should look to continue improving their defensive line after losing Christian Wilkins in free agency. Miami ranked seventh in rushing yards allowed last season, but offseason addition Benito Jones is far from a one-for-one replacement for Wilkins.

Gallimore, as previously mentioned, didn't make the active roster.

The interior defensive line is one of the few roster spots that the Houston Texans could stand to improve. Now that they have opened their playoff window, it wouldn't be a surprise to see them address the need before Week 1.

Potential Suitors: Houston Texans, Miami Dolphins

Edge

Yannick Ngakoue

Tyus Bowser

Carl Lawson

While Yannick Ngakoue doesn't offer a lot as a run defender, he's long been one of the NFL's more consistent situational pass-rushers. He had a down season with the Chicago Bears in 2023, recording only four sacks before suffering a season-ending ankle injury.

Before last season, though, the 29-year-old had never recorded fewer than eight sacks in a season. While he shouldn't be viewed as a full-time starter, he could help virtually any team in need of additional pass-rush help.

Tyus Bowser has also been available throughout the offseason, though he's drawing interest now. According to ESPN's Todd Archer, the Cowboys are set to meet with the former Baltimore Ravens standout.

While the Houston product missed all of 2023 with a knee injury and most of 2022 while recovering from a torn Achilles, he's been an effective edge-rusher in the past. He started 17 games in 2021 and recorded seven sacks.

Still only 29 years old, Bowser is certainly worth a flier ahead of the regular season.

The Cowboys had tried to take a flier on Carl Lawson and signed him on August 19, but he was released on Tuesday.

While the Auburn product didn't stick to Dallas' active roster, he could still latch on and help a team. He only played a minor role with the Jets last season but recorded seven sacks and 24 quarterback pressures in 2022.

The Patriots should be at the front of the line for available pass-rushers. They brought back Josh Uche in free agency, but they also traded away Pro Bowler Matthew Judon earlier this month.

The Cardinals should also be firmly in the edge market. They recorded just 33 sacks as a team last season, and rookie first-round pick Darius Robinson is expected to miss "multiple weeks" with a calf injury, according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport. B.J. Ojulari is out for the year with a torn ACL.

Potential Suitors: Arizona Cardinals, New England Patriots

Linebacker

Kwon Alexander

Shaquille Leonard

Deion Jones

Kwon Alexander joined the Steelers in late July last year and ended up appearing in nine games for Pittsburgh. In those contests, he tallied an impressive 41 tackles, five tackles for loss, a sack and an interception. He allowed an opposing passer rating of only 76.3 in coverage.

The 30-year-old appeared in all 17 games with 12 starts for the Saints the previous season. Surprisingly, he has been available all offseason.

Shaquille Leonard has also been available since the spring, though his status is less of a shock. Injuries have derailed his once-promising trajectory, though the four-time Pro Bowler is hoping for an opportunity to revitalize his career.

"Getting the body healthy, and whenever the opportunity presents itself, we'll give it a try," the 29-year-old said in June, per the Indianapolis Star's Kyle Smedley.

Leonard was a first-team All-Pro in 2018, 2020 and 2021. If he can come anywhere near that level of play again, he could be a massive 2024 bargain.

Deion Jones was released by the Bills on Tuesday and immediately becomes one of the most prolific names available. He appeared in 13 games for the Panthers last season, recorded 35 tackles and a sack and allowed an opposing passer rating of only 43.9 in coverage.

The Packers could afford to add some linebacker help after ranking just 23rd in yards per carry allowed last season. They used second- and third-round picks on Edgerrin Cooper and Ty'Ron Hopper, respectively, to help address the situation.

However, Green Bay's playoff window is again open, and it wouldn't hurt to add experience to one of the NFL's youngest LB rooms.

The Seattle Seahawks' recent trade for rookie seventh-round pick Michael Barrett suggests new head coach Mike Macdonald wants more at the linebacker position. The 24-year-old may not be the last LB added to Seattle's roster.

Potential Suitors: Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks

Cornerback

Ahkello Witherspoon

Desmond King II

Caleb Farley

Former Dolphin Xavien Howard remains, arguably, the biggest name on the cornerback market this offseason, though the chances of him signing a bargain contract feel slim. Ahkello Witherspoon, on the other hand, might be the biggest value available.

Witherspoon, 29, played on a modest one-year, $1.1 million deal with the Rams last season and enjoyed a fantastic season. He started all 17 games and recorded 14 passes defended and three interceptions while allowing an opposing passer rating of only 75.7 in coverage.

The Rams have not ruled out a reunion.

"I would never eliminate it," head coach Sean McVay said, per Cameron DaSilva of Rams Wire. "I thought he did a really good job."

Desmond King II was released by Houston this week after appearing in seven games with the franchise last season (and in three with Pittsburgh). While he had a bit of a down year in 2023, he was much more reliable for the Texans in 2022.

The Iowa product, 29, appeared in all 17 games for Houston two years ago and allowed an opposing passer rating of only 85.8 in coverage.

Former Titans cornerback Caleb Farley hasn't shown much at the NFL level because he has struggled to stay healthy and only played 12 games. However, the 2021 first-round pick would make for an interesting bet on untapped potential at the age of 25.

There aren't too many teams that couldn't use additional CB depth, but the Washington Commanders could desperately use an influx of corner talent. They ranked dead-last in passing yards allowed last season, and 2023 first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes Jr. is battling just to avoid the bust label.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a team that could aggressively pursue a corner ahead of Week 1. They have playoff aspirations but ranked just 29th in passing yards allowed last season and traded Carlton Davis to Detroit this offseason.

Potential Suitors: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Commanders

Safety

Jayron Kearse

Jalen Mills

Ronnie Harrison Jr.

The Cowboys didn't retain safety Jayron Kearse this offseason, and the 30-year-old has been available since the spring—not the biggest surprise since Pro Bowler Justin Simmons also remained available until earlier this month.

Kearse, 30, started 42 games for Dallas over the past three seasons and recorded 250 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 19 passes defended and four interceptions during that span. Last season, he allowed an opposing passer rating of only 79.6 in coverage.

Jalen Mills was released from the non-football injury list by the Giants on August 15. He never participated in camp for New York because of a calf issue, but he's worth a look now.

The converted cornerback appeared in 17 games with eight starts for the Patriots last season and recorded 45 tackles, a forced fumble and a pass deflection.

While Ronnie Harrison Jr. doesn't have the flexibility to provide back-end coverage like Kearse or Mills—he's pretty much a strong safety only—he's been a solid player in his role.

The 27-year-old was a hybrid linebacker and box safety for the Colts last season and appeared in 39 games as a safety for Cleveland over the previous three seasons.

Indianapolis released Harrison as part of its final cuts.

The Packers could use help at safety, even though they added Xavier McKinney in free agency and used a second-round pick on Georgia's Javon Bullard. The rookie impressed during training camp, but it couldn't hurt to add a little more experience behind him, McKinney and fourth-round rookie Evan Williams.

The Broncos still face the difficult task of trying to replace Pro Bowl safety Simmons, who was released this offseason in a cap-saving move. Denver could remain in the market for safety help throughout the 2024 season.

Potential Suitors: Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers

Kicker

Anders Carlson

Riley Patterson

Chad Ryland

Teams are highly unlikely to find a reliable kicker at this point in the summer without trading for one—as the Commanders recently did to acquire Cade York.

However, there are a few names worth noting, including Riley Patterson, who was released after York made his way to Washington.

Patterson appeared in 13 games for Detroit and two for Cleveland last season, making 88.9 percent of his field-goal attempts combined for the two clubs.

The Packers released 2023 sixth-round pick Anders Carlson on Tuesday, after he made just 81.8 percent of his field-goal attempts as a rookie. While he failed to win Green Bay's kicking competition, he's a second-year player with upside who should interest someone this season.

The Patriots opted for Joey Slye over Chad Ryland, who was a fourth-round pick a year ago. As a rookie, Ryland made only 64 percent of his field-goal attempts, though he did make 24 of 25 point-after tries.

The Packers are the most obvious candidate to add another kicker before Week 1. Their competition between Carlson and Greg Joseph did nothing to inspire confidence at the position.

The Lions added former UFL kicker Jake Bates this offseason but may keep an eye on specialists early in the season. Michael Badgley, who replaced Patterson last year, is out for the season with a torn hamstring.

Potential Suitors: Green Bay Packers, Washington Commanders

Cap and contract information via Spotrac. Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference.