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Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

8 Top NFL General Manager Candidates Entering 2024 Hiring Cycle

Originally posted on The 33rd Team | By Ari Meirov | Last updated 1/8/24

Being an NFL general manager is much tougher than the average fan realizes. The job isn't just about picking players like in Madden; the general manager has to handle personnel, deal with a salary cap, oversee both pro and college departments, dive into analytics, work with agents, align with the coach and owner, tackle off-the-field issues, manage the locker room, oversee video operations, negotiate trades and contracts, handle the media — and much more.

Over the years, some candidates, despite being excellent talent evaluators, have found themselves overwhelmed by the myriad responsibilities that come with being a general manager. It’s not an easy job.

After there were only two openings last year, there will be at least four this year — and likely more. Below is a list of candidates who have spent many years with organizations climbing the front office ranks and positioning themselves to be ready for the challenge of becoming an NFL general manager.

Top General Manager Candidates for 2024

San Francisco 49ers Assistant GM Adam Peters

Adam Peters has been a top name over the last several years and has been a finalist for general manager jobs before. He has 20-plus years experience in the league and won Super Bowls in New England and Denver. One of San Francisco 49ers GM John Lynch's first moves as general manager in 2017 was to bring Peters over from the Broncos, and he has since been one of the key figures in building one of the NFL’s premier rosters.

Peters has declined interviews in the past, so he isn’t just going to leave the great situation he has in San Francisco.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Assistant GMs John Spytek, Mike Greenberg

John Spytek and Mike Greenberg have been GM Jason Licht’s top lieutenants in his front office for years, and both men received promotions this offseason to assistant general manager.

Spytek has years of experience on the personnel side and played a crucial role in building the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' roster primarily through the draft, which ultimately led to Tom Brady joining in 2020 and an eventual Super Bowl victory. Prior to Spytek's time with the Buccaneers, he worked with Andy Reid in Philadelphia and John Elway in Denver.

Greenberg is heavily involved in player contracts and Tampa Bay's salary cap. He played a key role navigating the team through the Brady era, managing contracts and handling a decreasing salary cap due to COVID-19 while still bringing on many key veteran contributors. Despite carrying over $80 million in dead money this year, the Buccaneers clinched the NFC South.

Baltimore Ravens Director of Player Personnel Joe Hortiz

Joe Hortiz has been with the Baltimore Ravens for more than 25 years and serves as GM Eric DeCosta's top personnel evaluator. Horitz began his career as a college scout, similar to DeCosta, and has been around some of the most successful minds in the NFL, including former GM Ozzie Newsome, within one of the most consistently successful organizations in the league.

Baltimore has excelled in developing homegrown talent, and Hortiz has played a significant role in that success for many years. He has interviewed previously with the New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals.

Dallas Cowboys VP of Player Personnel Will McClay

Jerry and Stephen Jones are usually the ones addressing the Dallas Cowboys' roster decisions in front of the microphones, but Will McClay is the man with significant influence when it comes to roster building. He essentially functions as the general manager without holding the title.

McClay has played a crucial role in making the Cowboys one of the best drafting teams in the league, and he has become a key figure in free agent and trade acquisitions. Dallas gave him an extension the last time he came close to interviewing for a job, so it’s unclear if he'll ever leave. But he's a candidate ready for a general manager job if he ever decides to leave Dallas.

Chicago Bears Assistant GM Ian Cunningham

Ian Cunningham started with the Ravens in 2013 as a scout, getting to learn under Newsome, before moving to Philadelphia, where he continued to ascend the front office ranks under Howie Roseman. Cunningham joined the Chicago Bears in 2021 to become GM Ryan Poles' top executive, and although the team hasn't reached playoff territory yet, the roster is beginning to take shape.

Some of Chicago's strategic moves, including the significant trade down from the No. 1 overall pick last year, have the team's future looking promising. Cunningham came close to getting the Arizona job last year and continues to be a name to watch.

Kansas City Chiefs Assistant GM Mike Borgonzi

Mike Borgonzi has been with the Kansas City Chiefs for 15 years and has served as GM Brett Veach’s right-hand man for the last eight years, during which the team won the AFC West each season. Borgonzi is well-rounded, having worked on both the college and pro sides of the game.

Over the years, Chris Ballard and Poles have left Kansas City's front office, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if Borgonzi eventually joins that list. Brandt Tillis is another name to keep an eye on in Kansas City.

Indianapolis Colts assistant GM Ed Dodds

Ed Dodds is a well-respected talent evaluator with over 20 years of experience who has been the second-in-command for Indianapolis Colts GM Chris Ballard since 2017. Before joining the Colts, Dodds spent nearly a decade with the Seattle Seahawks as a pro and college scout and senior personnel executive.

His name has circulated as a general manager for several years, and some believe he is a top general manager choice for Jim Harbaugh if he were to take a coaching job in the NFL.

Cincinnati Bengals Senior Personnel Executive Trey Brown

The Cincinnati Bengals have the smallest personnel department in the league, which means everyone has more on their plates and is involved in various aspects of football operations. Brown has been extensively involved as Cincinnati has built a competitive roster throughout Joe Burrow’s rookie contract, excelling at drafting while judiciously spending in free agency.

Before joining Cincinnati, Brown worked for Bill Belichick in New England and Roseman in Philadelphia.