The NFL’s 2024-2025 season officially begins on Wednesday, March 13th at 4pm ET. That’s when, after a legal tampering period, teams can finally put ink on their players, put pen to paper, and rest assured that there was no last-minute ploy or curveball.
Of course, things began semi-officially on Monday, when a two-day “legal tampering period” began. Semantic debates aside, there has been a lot of movement so far, and a formal announcement could come as early as Wednesday.
You can find a complete list of all contracts from free agents here.we don’t cover any transaction Here, rather, we’ll introduce you to a big-name traveling team that could have a big impact on the upcoming season. In some cases, teams have been very successful in upgrading their rosters in substantial ways, while others… well, at least they tried.
Robert Hunt signs five-year, $100 million contract with Carolina Panthers: B-
Well, it seems certain that the Carolina Panthers will lean towards the running game.
Robert Hunt is a front-line attacker who should give the Panthers the ability to create explosive plays in the running game. But that price tag quickly vaulted Hunt to the top of the NFL’s highest-paid guards, and it comes with the requisite background.
Kirk Cousins to Atlanta Falcons on 4-year, $180 million contract: A-
Everyone expected this deal to be the start of NFL free agency.
Looks like we were just waiting for content:
A four-year deal at that price for an aging quarterback coming back from a season-ending Achilles injury would be a bit of a shock. But all the Falcons needed last year was semi-competent quarterback play and they could have won the division.
Now they have Cousins, and if this goes well, and Cousins should be a near-perfect fit in the offense under Zach Robinson, no one cares what the cost is. Dew.
Saquon Barkley signs three-year, $37.75 million deal with Philadelphia Eagles: B+
I understand the mindset and tendency to not pay running backs who are attritable, but this is a good thing for both Barkley and the Eagles. Saquon is a far better runner than anyone the Eagles have had at the position, and with Kellen Moore coming over from Los Angeles, they get a back with great vision and explosiveness that will improve everything else in the offense. will be held. Granted, this contract looks expensive, but on average per year, he’ll be in the tier of running backs who deserve it.
Bryce Huff joins Philadelphia Eagles on 3-year, $54.1 million contract: B
This move makes sense for Philadelphia as the Eagles are rumored to be trading EDGE Josh Sweat and Haason Reddick. Huff is a speed threat as a pass rusher, and although he doesn’t have much experience playing on early downs, he can turn corners and get to the QB. It’s a good payday for Huff and the Eagles are rejuvenated on EDGE.
Christian Wilkins to Las Vegas Raiders on 4-year, $110 million contract: B-
The Las Vegas Raiders made a big deal, signing Christian Wilkins to a four-year deal worth up to $110 million, with $84.75 million guaranteed.
It’s a lot of money, but the Raiders are betting on two things here. One is that Wilkins could repeat what he accomplished last season with the Miami Dolphins as he enters perhaps his best year as a pro. He had nine sacks and 23 quarterback hits.
Another bet? His presence on the interior could help make life easier for the beleaguered Maxx Crosby. Shortly after the news, one of Wilkins’ former teammates pointed out on social media:
The match between Christian and Max is going to be crazy this year!
— Jalen Ramsey (@jalenramsey) March 11, 2024
Jonah Jackson signs 3-year, $54 million contract with Los Angeles Rams, $34 million guaranteed: B+
This is a really great deal for the Rams, and they are going to great lengths to keep pressure off QB Matthew Stafford’s face. Jackson is an athletic guard who can play in space and is effective in the pass blocking department. With Steve Avila entering his second year and Kevin Dotson getting an extended slot, there’s a bit of a logjam at the guard spot, but Jackson can play left and Avila can move to center. can. An overhaul of the Rams’ run game appears to be complete.
Dorrance Armstrong signs a three-year, $45 million contract with the Washington Commanders: B-
This is a solid, if not noteworthy, move. The managers needed pass rush help by trading Montez Sweat.
Gabe Davis signs three-year, $39 million contract with Jacksonville Jaguars, up to $50 million total: C+
This could become an even better deal in the coming days. Davis and Ridley could be a solid pairing for the Jaguars if they find a way to bring back Calvin Ridley, who is also a free agent.
However, if Ridley ends up leaving town and Davis is their Plan B, this deal would look a lot different.
Tony Pollard joins Tennessee Titans on 3-year, $24 million contract: C+
If you accept the fact that Derrick Henry is gone (and apparently is), you could do a lot worse than Tony Pollard. That’s the best thing to say about this deal.
The upside is that running backs don’t need a lot of money, and Pollard has proven to be successful living up to his name. The bad part is that his explosiveness fell off a cliff in 2023, running for just 4.0 yards per carry.
The hope is that Pollard can be more efficient and he is only 26 years old, but it will be very difficult to move on from Henry. Anyone.
D’Andre Swift joins Chicago Bears on 3-year, $24 million contract: C
Which D’Andre Swift will you get? Is he the 1,000-yard feature rusher he showed last year in Philadelphia, or is he a guy who could easily be replaced in the middle in Detroit?
We’re not talking big bucks here, but Swift is a buyer, so be careful. The Carolina Panthers learned a year ago that it’s risky to put a lot of stock in a good offensive player going into free agency and expect him to move on. Because Miles Sanders was a horrible contract for them.
The Bears need weapons, but given their huge war chest, it would have been nice if Chicago could have brought in a more established player.
Jonathan Greenard signs 4-year, $76 million contract with Minnesota Vikings: C+
Every trade must be considered holistically and what it means for the team as a whole. Greenard is a young, versatile defensive end who will likely improve under coach Brian Flores, but he is also a player who has been very inconsistent throughout his career.
You know who has been consistent? Danielle Hunter.
Signing Greenard means Hunter is gone, making this a very risky replacement strategy. If Greenard can hold out and perform to his 2023 level, it’ll be well worth it, but what if he doesn’t? Well, the Vikings lost their best pass rusher in free agency and had to spend a lot of money they didn’t really need to acquire a much worse player.
Russell Wilson joins Pittsburgh Steelers on one-year minimum contract: A-
On the other hand, this is not your father Russell Wilson. Wilson’s days as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL are well in the rearview mirror. After a lackluster first season in Denver with the Broncos in 2022, new head coach Sean Payton finally rested Wilson last season, opening the door for him to move to Pittsburgh. It may be hard to expect Wilson to come to town and recapture the magic of his Seattle days. Additionally, Arthur Smith’s fit in the offense may also be questionable.
on the other hand? The Steelers signed the Super Bowl-winning quarterback to a one-year deal that will pay him a portion of the $39 million the Broncos were guaranteed this season. As far as dice rolls go, this is very cheap and could prove to be an upgrade to the sport’s most important position.
