Just a week into NFL free agency, some teams are already looking like they’ve made wise moves, while others appear to be struggling.
winner
Raiders
The Raiders have made quite the splash, particularly with their record-setting contract for Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum. They’ve also added promising young talents like wide receiver Jalen Naylor, linebackers Nakobe Dean and Key Walker, and revitalized their defense with the signing of edge rusher Kwity Paye.
In addition, they’ve re-signed cornerback Eric Stokes and defensive end Malcolm Koonce, and traded for veteran cornerback Taron Johnson.
The overarching theme here is that, aside from Johnson, they are leaning on dynamic, capable players who are likely to thrive as the season progresses.
Oh, and let’s not overlook that Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is on the horizon, plus they’ve got 10 overall picks in next month’s draft.
Sure, the Maxx Crosby situation could be a slight setback, but how bad can it be if the worst outcome is bringing back one of the league’s top edge rushers?
Rams
The Rams had a clear hole at cornerback heading into free agency—no surprise there.
They quickly transformed that weakness into an advantage by trading for Chiefs’ All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie and signing Jalen Watson to complement him.
Additionally, they re-signed safety Cam Karl, which solidifies the defensive backend.
This flurry of moves puts the Rams in a stronger position, pulling them away from the Super Bowl champion Seahawks in the NFC arms race.
They also retained tight end Tyler Higbee and kicker Harrison Mevis.
Saints
As the NFC South is gearing up for a competitive season, the Saints needed to enhance their run game to support their second-year quarterback, Tyler Schau. Initially, they had their sights set on Notre Dame running back Jeremiah Love, who they expected would still be available by their No. 8 pick in the upcoming draft.
However, Love turned heads at the NFL scouting combine, showing off some impressive athleticism. While he might still be an option, it’s possible he’ll be gone when New Orleans is ready to pick.
To adapt, the Saints brought in Jaguars running back Travis Etienne, who should significantly boost the run game. They also added Bills guard David Edwards, one of the top in the league, which will bolster both the run game and protection for Schau.
loser
Seahawks
The Seahawks haven’t had much time to revel in their Super Bowl win, thanks to a cascade of departures, including young offensive coordinator Clint Kubiak, who took a head coaching job with the Raiders.
After that, things started spiraling downwards as running back Kenneth Walker, cornerbacks Kobe Bryant and Rik Uhlen, along with edge rusher Boi Maffet, all left during free agency.
It’s a tough break for the Seahawks, especially since several key players were in the last year of their contracts when they won the Super Bowl, adding to their woes.
Chiefs
On one hand, the Chiefs added Walker, the Seahawks’ Super Bowl MVP running back, and tight end Travis Kelce is set to return for at least one more season.
That’s good news, I suppose. And it must be comforting for Patrick Mahomes, who is recovering from a serious knee injury, to see these developments.
But, let’s not ignore the fact that losing starters McDuffie and Watson is a significant blow.
True, Kansas City has excelled in drafting and developing talent, and they could very well hit the jackpot again this draft season, like they did when they picked McDuffie and Watson last year. Their two first-round picks give them that potential.
Still, it feels a bit risky to rely solely on that possibility.
Ravens
The Ravens might have dodged a bullet with the Crosby saga, or perhaps they inadvertently missed out on adding one of the league’s elite players.
Shifting gears to Trey Hendrickson might soften the impact, but one can’t help but wonder about the what-ifs of pairing Hendrickson and Crosby on the field.
The Ravens claim that this was their plan all along.
But let’s not overlook the fact that they lost Linderbaum, tight ends Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kohler, edge rusher Dre’Mont Jones, safeties Alohi Gilman and Ar’Darius Washington, and punter Jordan Stout in the free agency frenzy.
They certainly have a lot of rebuilding to do.
