NFL Week 3: 6 Players Who Already Look Like Free Agency Steals in 2024 Season

NFL Week 3: 6 Players Who Already Look Like Free Agency Steals in 2024 Season0 of 6

JK DobbinsJared C. Tilton/Getty Images

The largest contracts demand the most attention in NFL free agency, but inexpensive deals can make a big difference, too.

Every offseason, teams aim to improve depth. Because of the salary cap, however, they are always searching for inexpensive ways to fill out the roster. Some players, meanwhile, are willing to accept a smaller contract in order to build—or restore—their value.

In several places, it’s already paying off massively this season.

Each player highlighted signed a contract worth $3.5 million or less annually. The lone exception is quarterback, given the position’s inflated cost due to its recognized value.

Sam Darnold, QB, Minnesota Vikings1 of 6

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I just, he didn’t…there was never, the Jets…seeing ghosts. Him?!

What a fun story Sam Darnold could be. When the Minnesota Vikings signed him to a one-year contract, he was simply a $10 million insurance policy for a yet-to-be-selected quarterback in the 2024 NFL draft.

If the Vikings truly viewed Darnold as the long-term answer, it wouldn’t have been a one-year deal. No, they trusted him enough to hold a stop-gap role if a rookie could not replace Kirk Cousins this year—and JJ McCarthy ended up with a season-ending knee injury in fall camp.

So far, Darnold has shattered our expectations.

He threw for 208 yards and two touchdowns in the Week 1 win against the New York Giants. But then, Darnold put up 268 yards and two more scores with 32 rushing yards in an upset of the San Francisco 49ers.

It’s early, of course, but Darnold is yet another reminder of what a stable situation can do for a player.

J.K. Dobbins, RB, Los Angeles Chargers2 of 6

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If he could stay healthy, many voices have wistfully said in recent years, J.K. Dobbins could be a productive back.

Cross them fingers, folks. It may be happening.

A second-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in 2020, he enjoyed a quality rookie year of 925 scrimmage yards and nine total touchdowns. However, he appeared in just 11 games over the next three seasons due to an incredibly unfortunate string of serious injuries.

Dobbins signed a one-year, $1.6 million pact to rehab his perception. Through two games, he’s done exactly that.

Heading into Week 3, he leads the NFL at 266 rushing yards and 9.9 per attempt. Dobbins has tallied at least 130 yards and a touchdown in both of the Los Angeles Chargers’ wins.

Given his injury history, Dobbins’ health will be a storyline this season. But the upside of this low-risk signing is abundantly clear.

Mike Gesicki, TE, Cincinnati Bengals3 of 6

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Mike Gesicki is the slightest bobble away from being an undisputed standout in his first two games on the Cincinnati Bengals.

During the opener against the New England Patriots, he posted a quiet line of three catches for 18 yards. Gesicki, though, had a touchdown overturned—which the NFL later said should not have happened.

Cincinnati lost a tight game to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2, but Gesicki reeled in seven passes for 91 yards. He played a critical role in the Bengals being in position to knock off the reigning champs.

At last, the offense might have a reliable tight end for Joe Burrow.

Factor in Ja’Marr Chase’s contract drama and Tee Higgins’ injury, and Gesicki is well worth the $2.5 million deal.

Zack Baun, LB, Philadelphia Eagles4 of 6

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To fully appreciate what Zack Baun has accomplished, it’s imperative you know a little context.

The linebacker spent four seasons with the New Orleans Saints, who used a third-round pick on him in 2020. He never became a core contributor, maxing out at 30 tackles in two seasons with two career sacks.

Baun, entering Week 3, is practically there already.

When the Philadelphia Eagles clipped the Green Bay Packers in the opener, he produced 15 tackles with two sacks. Baun followed up that performance with nine tackles in the loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

Two games, 24 tackles, two sacks. Baun is on track to absolutely shatter his personal-best season. Keep that up, and he’ll cost, um, a few pennies more than $3.5 million next season.

Kristian Fulton, CB, Los Angeles Chargers5 of 6

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Good offseason for the Chargers, huh?

Dobbins has been a steal on offense, while the defense seems to have found a gem in cornerback Kristian Fulton.

The story is a familiar one. Drafted in 2020—in the second round by the Tennessee Titans—he dealt with a series of injuries throughout his four years with the organization and endured a rough 2023 campaign. He surrendered a career-worst 10.1 yards per target.

“I’ve got something to prove. Last year wasn’t my best year. I’ve learned from it,” Fulton told reporters in training camp. “I am put in a position which is the best opportunity for me to make plays, which is why I am here.”

The move to L.A., one running the Chargers just $3.25 million, is immediately paying dividends.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh said the cornerback is one who “jumps off the tape with elite play.” Fulton has yielded 3.4 yards per target with six tackles and a pass defense in the small sample.

DeShon Elliott, S, Pittsburgh Steelers6 of 6

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You’re not going to believe this, but Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers have unlocked the upside of a defensive player.

Shocking, I know.

Most recently with the Miami Dolphins, safety DeShon Elliott is plenty experienced with three 80-tackle seasons. Pittsburgh has taken his versatility and deployed Elliott in a very effective manner.

While allowing a single eight-yard reception on six targets, he’s made 13 tackles and snagged an interception.

“He’s done a really nice job,” Tomlin said of the veteran who signed a two-year, $6 million agreement. “He’s made quite a few plays, not to mention splash plays, interceptions, tackles for losses on third down-and-1—those weighty plays that shape football games.”

Elliott looks like an ideal complement to allow playmaker Minkah Fitzpatrick to roam freely on the back end of the defense.