Twenty-four NFL teams are already onto the offseason, with eight others still competing for the most prized possession in the sport: the Lombardi trophy.
The offseason is a bit of a misnomer for front offices, as their preparation for the draft and free agency is perpetual; constantly studying tape of prospective free agents and 2020 NFL draft prospects, readying for the events of March and April, respectively. Soon enough, the 2020 league year will begin, opening with a flurry of free-agent activity.
There will be highly coveted names led by a potentially deep quarterback class, but for now, let's turn our attention to a different group of players: I picked six 2020 NFL free agents who aren't household names to every fan but are likely to get a hefty raise this offseason:
Justin Simmons, S, Denver Broncos
The fact that Simmons was not named to the Pro Bowl in 2019 still boggles my mind, but I digress. There's just about no flaw in his game, and his production over the past two seasons is matched only by his reliability: He has played every single defensive snap for the Broncos over the past two seasons, piling up nearly 200 tackles along the way.
Simmons is an incredible athlete with excellent size. All these reasons might point to the obvious: He's a prime franchise-tag candidate. If not, watch out for Simmons and the chance he becomes one of the elite safeties in the game not just in performance, but also in pay.
Cory Littleton, LB, Los Angeles Rams
Littleton has emerged over the past couple of seasons as a force in the middle of the Rams' defense, taking his game to a new level after already establishing himself as one of the league's top special-teams players. He became a middle-of-the-field cog for the Los Angeles defense, leading the team in tackles, passes defensed, fumble recoveries and sharing the team lead for fumbles forced and interceptions.
He has outstanding speed and should see a deal near the top of the inside-linebacker market.
Joe Thuney, G, New England Patriots
Thuney is one of the league's most reliable and durable players, as he started more games through three seasons (57, including the playoffs) than any other player in NFL history, continuing that with another season of starting every game for the Patriots in 2019. He's a rock at left guard, winning not just with his technician expertise, but also with power and reliability.
Thuney has played at a high level as a guard, and he has also served as a fill-in tackle, the position at which he finished his college career at NC State.
D.J. Reader, DT, Houston Texans
The statistics might not tell the full story on Reader, yet another standout defensive lineman from Clemson who made the 2019 regular season his best yet. He picked up 52 tackles and 2.5 sacks, but again, the numbers don't fully quantify his impact. He's a mammoth in the middle of the Texans' defense whose dirty work creates space and opportunity for those around him.
It would stand to reason that Houston has intentions of keeping the homegrown product, which would include a substantial raise for the 2016 fifth-round pick.
Austin Hooper, TE, Atlanta Falcons
Hooper is perhaps a bit more familiar of a name than some on this list, but his inclusion is important: If he is not franchise-tagged by the Falcons, he has an excellent shot to sign the largest free-agent contract for a tight end ever, surpassing the three-year, $30 million pact Jimmy Graham earned from the Packers.
Hooper, who caught 75 passes this season, is only 25 years old and coming off a career-best season, highlighting his smooth middle-of-the-field receiving skills with a combination of reliable hands and good run-after-catch ability. There is no shortage of teams that would stand to benefit from adding Hooper -- but he won't come cheap.
Anthony Harris, S, Minnesota Vikings
Harris tag-teams with Harrison Smith to form one of league's best safety duos, as they are ideal complements to each other on the back end of the Minnesota defense.
Harris, 28, had his best season as a pro in 2019, notching six interceptions and flexing the ball-hawking skills of which other teams surely have taken notice. He's reliable and instinctive, and plays a position that is essential to locking down the middle of the field. Minnesota has a lot of talent already under contract going forward, which means that keeping Harris could prove a tall task.
Markus Golden, DE, New York Giants
Pass-rushers on the open market are a coveted commodity, with Golden among the most productive pass-rushers playing on an expiring contract. He inked a one-year, prove-it deal with the Giants this past offseason, then notched 10 sacks and stood out as a bright spot for a largely disappointing defense.
While Golden will turn 29 just in advance of the new league year, he should be an attractive option for teams looking at pass-rushers.