While the NFL is barely a month removed from crowning the Philadelphia Eagles as Super Bowl LIX champions, free agency is already upon us. With the negotiating period underway before the new league year officially begins at 4 p.m. ET March 12, the moves are flying in from around the league.
We’ll have every major signing, re-signing and trade graded below, starting with the most recent action, including the Cincinnati Bengals re-signing Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to record deals.
March 17
Bengals re-sign Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins
In one fell swoop, the Cincinnati Bengals took a massive step toward shedding their long-standing label of being cheap.
On Sunday night, the Bengals signed receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, keeping both for the foreseeable future. With Chase, he signed the largest nonquarterback deal in NFL history, getting $161 million over a four-year extension including $112 million guaranteed. Higgins gets the same term and $115 million with the first two seasons fully guaranteed.
After a summer of turmoil in 2024, it should be one of bliss once training camp rolls around in Cincinnati during he summer. Chase, 25, is coming off winning the receiver’s triple crown with 127 catches, 1,708 yards and 17 touchdowns. Higgins, 26, played only 12 games but still caught 73 passes for 911 yards and 10 scores.
While there are legitimate questions about the entire defense, the Bengals should once again have one of the highest-scoring offenses in the league.
Grade: A
March 15
Chiefs re-sign JuJu Smith-Schuster
After bringing JuJu Smith-Schuster back prior to Week 1 of last season after his release from the Kansas City Chiefs, it appears both sides are interested in more.
On Saturday, the Chiefs and Smith-Schuster agreed to a one-year deal, likely for the league’s vet minimum. Smith-Schuster, 28, was a role player in Kansas City last year, playing in 14 games and totaling 18 catches for 231 yards and two touchdowns. In the postseason, he caught four passes for 76 yards.
At this juncture, he slots in as the fourth receiver on the depth chart behind Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown.
Grade: C+
49ers re-sign Kyle Juszczyk
Only days after releasing the All-Pro fullback, the San Francisco 49ers decided to bring Kyle Juszczyk back on a re-worked deal.
On Saturday, the Niners signed Juszczyk to a two-year, $8 million deal. Juszczyk has been an invaluable piece of coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense, as he functions both as an excellent lead blocker while also having the hands to make the occasional grab.
Entering his 13th NFL season and ninth with the 49ers, Juszczyk is still the best in football at his position.
Grade: A
Chargers sign Mekhi Becton
The Los Angeles Chargers desperately needed to fix the interior of their offensive line this offseason, and they took a potential step toward doing that with their latest signing.
The Chargers signed Mekhi Becton to a two-year deal worth up to $20 million. Becton was a terrific run blocker for the Philadelphia Eagles last year while being average in pass protection.
Becton, 25, has played 31 games over the past two seasons, putting to rest some of the durability concerns that plagued him early in his career.
Grade: B
March 14
Seahawks sign Cooper Kupp
Only days after being released by the Los Angeles Rams, receiver Cooper Kupp found a new home. An old home in a way.
Kupp signed on Friday night with the Seattle Seahawks for three years and $45 million. It’s a bit of a homecoming for Kupp, who went to college at Eastern Washington before going in the third round of the 2017 NFL draft to the Rams.
At 31 years old, Kupp isn’t the same player he was when he won the receiver’s triple crown in 2021. Still, he’s a quality piece on a good team, having caught 67 passes for 710 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games last season.
That said, the contract is far too steep in both annual value and years. It’s a huge risk, and one wonders who the Seahawks were bidding against.
Grade: D
Chiefs sign Jerry Tillery
After losing Tershawn Wharton to the Carolina Panthers, and with both Derrick Nnadi and Mike Pennel still on the market, the Kansas City Chiefs needed to add a defensive tackle.
On Friday, general manager Brett Veach did exactly that, signing Jerry Tillery to a one-year deal for the veteran’s minimum, per Sports Illustrated.
Tillery, 28, has 12.5 sacks through six seasons after being a first-round pick out of Notre Dame to the Los Angeles Chargers. Last season, Tillery played 17 games for the Minnesota Vikings, notching three quarterback hits.
Grade: B-
Cowboys sign Dante Fowler Jr.
After watching Dante Fowler Jr. notch 10.5 sacks last season with the Washington Commanders, the Dallas Cowboys decided to have another go-round with their former edge rusher.
On Friday, the Cowboys signed Fowler for one year and $8 million, getting a replacement for DeMarcus Lawrence, who left for a three-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks.
Fowler, 30, has 55.5 career sacks and should once again be a nice complement to Micah Parsons.
Grade: A
Chiefs re-sign Kareem Hunt
On Friday, the Kansas City Chiefs announced they’ll be bringing back their leader in yards from scrimmage last season.
The Chiefs and running back Kareem Hunt agreed on a one-year, $1.5 million deal with more available in incentives. Hunt, 29, rushed for 728 yards and seven touchdowns in the regular season, while accounting for 904 yards from scrimmage.
With Hunt and free-agent signing Elijah Mitchell joining Isiah Pacheco in the backfield, Kansas City has a quality trio and could still draft another back to add on.
Grade: B+
March 13
Cardinals sign Jacoby Brissett
The Arizona Cardinals have been active throughout the early portion of free agency, highlighted by landing Josh Sweat. On Thursday, they added a small, yet important piece to the roster.
Arizona and quarterback Jacoby Brissett agreed to a two-year, $12.5 million deal, giving Kyler Murray a new backup. Brissett, 32, has started 53 games in his career while playing for five teams, most notably the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts.
Last season, Brissett started five games and threw for two touchdowns and an interception.
Grade: B
Steelers sign Mason Rudolph
The Pittsburgh Steelers still need their starting quarterback for next season, but at least they found a familiar backup.
On Thursday, the Steelers signed quarterback Mason Rudolph to a two-year, $8 million deal to be the backup for whoever ends up starting ahead of him. Rudolph, 29, played in eight games for the Tennessee Titans, throwing for 1,530 yards with nine touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Rudolph spent the first five years of his career with the Steelers before going to Tennessee in 2024.
Grade: A-
Raiders sign Raheem Mostert
The Las Vegas Raiders are attempting to get themselves out of last place in the AFC West, and they brought in a veteran to join their backfield in that vein.
On Thursday, the Raiders signed running back Raheem Mostert to a one-year deal worth $2.1 million.
Mostert spent the past three years with the Miami Dolphins, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2023. At 32 years old, Mostert is likely going to be a rotational back, carrying just 85 times last year while De’Von Achane took the starting role.
Grade: C+
Bills re-sign Damar Hamlin
The Buffalo Bills added multiple defensive pieces up front, but they’re keeping one of their own in the secondary.
Buffalo has officially re-signed safety Damar Hamlin to a one-year deal worth $2 million. Hamlin, 26, played in 14 games last season and played 98% of the team’s defensive snaps.
While the Bills likely want to get better at safety, bringing Hamlin back at such a small price isn’t bad. Hamlin gives Buffalo some experience in the defensive scheme, something which could help as second-year man Cole Bishop attempts to improve.
Grade: B-
49ers sign Mac Jones
Years after potentially having the opportunity to draft him with the No. 3 pick, the San Francisco 49ers have finally landed Mac Jones.
Jones and the Niners agreed on a two-year deal worth $7 million, $5 million guaranteed. Jones spent the 2024 season with the Jacksonville Jaguars where he started seven games and threw for 1.672 yards with eight touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Jones, 26, is still trying to regain the rookie form we saw with the New England Patriots, when he earned Pro Bowl honors with 22 touchdowns against 13 interceptions.
Grade: B
March 12
Titans sign Dre’Mont Jones
The Tennessee Titans have been aggressively adding to their offensive line, and this time went for some defensive reinforcements.
Tennessee and defensive end Dre’Mont Jones agreed on a one-year, $10 million deal, giving Jones his third home in four seasons. Jones, 28, has been remarkably consistent, notching between 3.5 and 6.5 sacks every campaign of his six-year career.
In Tennessee, he’ll help replace the production of Harold Landry III, who was released by the Titans before the start of free agency.
Grade: C
Vikings re-sign Harrison Smith
After winning 14 games and coming within one more victory of the NFC’s top seed, the Minnesota Vikings decided to bring back one of their defensive captains.
Minnesota and longtime standout safety Harrison Smith agreed on a one-year deal worth $10.25 million, and up to $14 million should Smith reach all his incentives.
Despite being 36 years old, Smith is still one of the league’s better safeties. Last season, he played in 16 games and had three interceptions while totaling 87 tackles and 10 passes defensed. All told, he played 94% of the snaps, keeping a streak alive of participating in at least 90% of the defensive snaps (when active) every season of his 13-year career.
Grade: A
Cardinals re-sign L.J. Collier
After flaming out with the Seattle Seahawks as their 2019 first-round pick, it appears L.J. Collier might have found a home.
On Wednesday, Collier and the Arizona Cardinals agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $4 million. Collier, 29, spent his second season with the Cardinals in 2024 and racked up three sacks while playing 54% of the defensive snaps.
Grade: C+
Eagles sign AJ Dillon
The Philadelphia Eagles are coming off a Super Bowl run led by a running back gaining more than 2,000 yards rushing. Somehow, they might now be even better in the backfield.
After allowing Kenneth Gainwell to leave for the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency, the Eagles signed AJ Dillon to a one-year deal after he missed all of last season with a neck injury.
Dillon, 26, has been a quality rotational back for years with the Green Bay Packers, and should fit into that role well with the Eagles. In 2023, Dillon carried 178 times for 613 yards and two scores while also catching 22 passes.
Grade: B
Commanders sign Jonathan Jones
After losing corner Ben St-Juste to the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency, the Washington Commanders made a move to replace him Wednesday.
Washington signed veteran corner Jonathan Jones to a one-year deal after he spent the first nine seasons of his career with the New England Patriots.
Jones, 31, has been remarkably durable throughout his time in New England, only playing fewer than 14 games once. Last year, Jones played in all 17 contests while being on the field for 64% of the defensive snaps.
Chargers sign Benjamin St-Juste
The Los Angeles Chargers already signed Donte Jackson to bolster their secondary, and now have also added Benjamin St-Juste.
After spending the first four years of his career with the Washington Commanders, St-Juste joins Los Angeles to help them compensate for the departures of Kristian Fulton and Asante Samuel Jr.
In Washington, the 27-year-old Canadian started 45 games while playing 97% and 77% of the defensive snaps over the past two seasons, respectively.
Grade: B-
Titans sign Kevin Zeitler
At the NFL combine, new Tennessee Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi spoke about needing to upgrade the offensive line.
On Monday, the Titans agreed to terms with left tackle Dan Moore on an $82 million deal. Two days later, Tennessee signed former Pro Bowl guard Kevin Zeitler to a one-year pact for $9 million.
Zeitler, 35, comes over after spending last season with the Detroit Lions. In his career, Zeitler has started 197 games with incredible durability, missing just five total games over the past 10 seasons.
Grade: A+
Panthers sign Rico Dowdle
The Carolina Panthers released veteran running back Miles Sanders earlier in the week, and they believe an upgrade has been found.
On Wednesday evening, the Panthers signed former Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle to a one-year deal worth up to $6.5 million. Dowdle, 26, is coming off his first 1,000-yard season while rushing for 4.6 yards per carry.
While Chuba Hubbard is still the lead back in Carolina, the Panthers now have one of the best backfield combinations in the NFL.
Grade: A
Seahawks sign DeMarcus Lawrence
The Seattle Seahawks were an excellent defense the second half of 2024 under coach Mike Macdonald, and this is another step in solidifying that.
On Wednesday, the Seahawks signed former Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence to a three-year deal worth up to $42 million. Lawrence was limited to four games last year with a foot injury, but in 2023, racked up four sacks, eight quarterback hits and 10 tackles for loss while playing all 17 games.
At 32 years old, Lawrence remains a quality edge rusher who could benefit from a rotational role. Expect that in Seattle.
Grade: C+
Vikings sign Javon Hargrave
The Minnesota Vikings have been one of the more aggressive teams in free agency, and that continued Wednesday with the official signing of defensive tackle Javon Hargrave.
Hargrave, 32, was released by the San Francisco 49ers but quickly agreed to a two-year deal worth $30 million, including $19 million guaranteed.
In Minnesota, Hargrave will be playing alongside an excellent front, including fellow defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, and edge rushers Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel. Without question, it’s one of the best lines in the league.
Grade: B
Broncos sign Evan Engram
The Denver Broncos continued their strong start to free agency, landing Evan Engram on a two-year, $16 million deal.
Engram was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars last week during their epic roster purge, and he landed in a good situation with second-year quarterback Bo Nix and coach Sean Payton. Engram will see ample targets with only receiver Courtland Sutton likely to get more.
Last season, the 30-year-old Engram played in nine games and went for 365 receiving yards, just one year after being a Pro Bowler with 114 receptions and 963 yards.
Grade: B+
Steelers sign Darius Slay
The Pittsburgh Steelers had to find a replacement after losing corner Donte Jackson to the Los Angeles Chargers, and they officially did so Wednesday.
General manager Omar Khan signed veteran corner Darius Slay to a one-year, $10 million fully guaranteed deal, bringing the Super Bowl champion to the Steel City. Despite being a quality player at age 34, the Philadelphia Eagles cut Slay this offseason.
Last year, Slay played in 14 games and didn’t have an interception for the first time since his rookie year. The six-time Pro Bowler should be a nice fit opposite Joey Porter Jr.
Grade: B
Browns sign Maliek Collins
The Cleveland Browns brought back Myles Garrett on a record-setting deal, and now they’re beefing up the defensive line around him.
On Wednesday, the Browns added Collins on a two-year deal worth $20 million, including $13 million guaranteed. Collins, 29, had five sacks with the San Francisco 49ers across 17 games.
Collins has played in at least 15 games in seven of his nine NFL seasons, racking up 30.5 sacks and 51 tackles for loss.
Grade: B-
Commanders re-sign Marcus Mariota
The Washington Commanders put another piece of what they hope is a championship puzzle together on Wednesday.
The team and free-agent quarterback Marcus Mariota agreed on a one-year deal worth up to $8 million, keeping him in the nation’s capital for another year.
Mariota, 31, has started 74 games in his NFL career, throwing for 97 touchdowns against 55 interceptions. As Jayden Daniels’s backup in 2024, Mariota played in three games, tossing four scores without an interception.
Grade: A-
Seahawks agree to terms with Marquez Valdes-Scantling
The Seattle Seahawks are giving their offense a full-blown makeover, and it continued Wednesday morning.
After trading away DK Metcalf and cutting Tyler Lockett, general manager John Schneider began filling the void by agreeing to terms on a one-year, $5.5 million deal with Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
Valdes-Scantling, 30, is now on his fifth team, most notably playing with the Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs. In Kansas City, he won two Super Bowls, posting his best year in 2022 with 42 catches, 687 yards and two scores.
Grade: C
Steelers agree to terms with Kenneth Gainwell
After watching Najee Harris leave for a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers, the Pittsburgh Steelers found his replacement.
On Wednesday morning, the Steelers and running back Kenneth Gainwell came to terms on a one-year contract.
Gainwell comes over from the Philadelphia Eagles where he served as a backup to Saquon Barkley. Last season, he rushed for 290 yards and a touchdown on 75 carries.
Grade: B
Bills agree to terms with Larry Ogunjobi
One day after coming to terms with Joey Bosa on a one-year deal, the Buffalo Bills reach an agreement with Larry Ogunjobi for the same term worth up to $8.3 million.
Ogunjobi has played eight years, all in the AFC North, spending the past three years with the Steelers. Now he joins Buffalo after playing 15 games in 2024, registering 1.5 sacks.
In Buffalo, Ogunjobi will play inside next to Ed Oliver, giving the Bills a stout interior.
Grade: C+
March 11
Bills agree to terms with Joey Bosa
The Buffalo Bills need more from their edge rush, and they’re hoping to get it from Joey Bosa.
On Tuesday night, the Bills and Bosa agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $15 million. Bosa, 29, hasn’t been able to stay healthy in recent years, leading to his release from the Chargers.
Bosa has played in only 28 games over the past three years, racking up 14 sacks over that span. With Buffalo, he’ll be asked to be a secondary pass rusher alongside Greg Rousseau.
Grade: B-
Ravens agree to terms with DeAndre Hopkins
The Baltimore Ravens are trying to figure out how to get over the hump, and they’re hoping a grizzled vet might help.
On Tuesday, the Ravens agreed to terms on a one-year deal for $5 million, up to $6 million with incentives, with receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
With 12,965 receiving yards, Hopkins is the active leader in the category and almost certainly headed to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The only hole in his résumé is a Super Bowl trophy, something he came within a game of winning this past season with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Grade: B-
Titans agree to terms with Xavier Woods
The Tennessee Titans found a way to bolster their secondary, agreeing to terms with Xavier Woods on a two-year deal worth up to $10 million.
Woods, 29, is entering his ninth NFl season with the Titans being his fourth team. Last year, Woods played for the Carolina Panthers and literally never came off the field, playing 100% of the defensive snaps.
In Tennessee, Woods will be a veteran voice on a young team trying to find its way.
Grade: B+
Falcons agree to terms with Leonard Floyd
After struggling once again to get a pass rush this past season, the Atlanta Falcons are making a push to improve.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Falcons agreed to terms on a one-year, $10 million deal with edge rusher Leonard Floyd. Floyd comes to Atlanta by way of the San Francisco 49ers, where he played one season and registered 8.5 sacks in 17 games.
Floyd, 32, is a Band-Aid on a longstanding problem for the Falcons, but he’s a quality addition. Over his nine-year career, Floyd has 66.5 sacks.
Grade: C+
Saints agree to terms with Justin Reid
The New Orleans Saints were at it again Tuesday, making another significant move to bolster their 2025 playoff hopes.
After re-signing Juwan Johnson to a three-year deal, general manager Mickey Loomis gave the same term to safety Justin Reid, luring him away from the Kansas City Chiefs. Reid and the Saints have agreed to terms on a three-year, $31.5 million deal including $22.25 million guaranteed.
The Saints are Reid’s third team after having played with the Houston Texans and Chiefs. Although he’s never been a Pro Bowler, Reid was an instrumental piece on Kansas City’s defense, reaching three Super Bowls and winning two.
A defensive captain under coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, Reid amassed 16 passes defensed, three sacks and three interceptions over 49 starts with the Chiefs.
Grade: A-
Falcons re-sign Mike Hughes
After spending some time on the free-agent market with the negotiating period in full swing, Mike Hughes decided to stay home.
On Tuesday, Hughes and the Atlanta Falcons agreed to a three-year, $18 million deal to keep him playing in the NFC South.
Hughes, 28, a former first-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings, also played for the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions before joining Atlanta prior to the 2023. Since then, he’s started 19 games, including playing 72% of the defensive snaps in ’24.
Grade: C
Saints re-sign Juwan Johnson
The New Orleans Saints are annually up against the cap. And, annually, they still find a way to give out meaningful contracts.
On Tuesday afternoon, New Orleans re-signed tight end Juwan Johnson to a three-year deal worth $30.75 million, with incentives that could reach $34.5 million total.
Johnson, 28, has been a quality player over his five years with the Saints. In 2024, he caught 50 passes for 548 yards and three touchdowns despite some truly atrocious quarterback play for much of the season. While not a star, Johnson is a productive, dependable player who has 18 career touchdowns.
Grade: B-
Colts agree to terms with Daniel Jones
In less than a calendar year, Daniel Jones will be suiting up for his third team.
Jones and the Indianapolis Colts agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth $14 million, giving him an opportunity to fight for the starting quarterback job alongside another first-round pick in Anthony Richardson.
Jones, 27, was released midseason by the New York Giants last year before being picked up by the Minnesota Vikings. Now with the Vikings turning to J.J. McCarthy, Jones is looking for a chance to win a starting gig and could with the Colts, as they’ve openly announced there will be a competition under center.
In his career, Jones has started 69 games and thrown for 70 touchdowns and 47 interceptions. In 2022, he led the Giants to the postseason and a wild-card win over the Vikings before falling off sharply since.
Grade: B
Giants agree to terms with Jevon Holland
The New York Giants know it’s time to start winning, or wholesale changes are coming. To that end, they made a move for a top free-agent.
New York agreed to terms with star safety Jevon Holland on a three-year, $45.3 million deal, giving themselves a replacement one year later for Xavier McKinney, who left in free agency last offseason for the Green Bay Packers.
Holland, 25, played out his rookie deal with the Miami Dolphins. Although he’s yet to earn All-Pro or even Pro Bowl honors, he’s widely recognized as one of the league’s best, most versatile safeties. For his career, Holland has five sacks, five interceptions and five forced fumbles, showcasing his ability as an impact player.
On Monday, the Giants brought in corner Paulson Adebo. Now, it’s Holland. Huge upgrades in the secondary for Big Blue.
Grade: A-
Cowboys re-sign KaVontae Turpin
The Dallas Cowboys have once again been quiet throughout the early portion of free agency, but they brought back one of their own Tuesday.
Dallas and return man KaVontae Turpin agreed to a three-year deal worth $18 million, resetting the market for special teamers. Turpin, 28, is a two-time Pro Bowler and last year earned first-team All-Pro honors as a returner.
Turpin led the NFL with 904 kick return yards and a touchdown, giving Dallas some scoring punch when it was without Dak Prescott for much of the season.
Grade: A
Falcons agree to terms with Divine Deablo
The Atlanta Falcons have to get more dynamic in their front seven, and perhaps took a small step toward that goal Tuesday.
Atlanta and linebacker Divine Deablo agreed to terms on a two-year deal worth $14 million, prying him away from the Las Vegas Raiders. Deablo, 26, spent his first four campaigns with the Silver & Black, totaling 42 starts and 288 tackles.
Deablo will be an immediate starter at the second level providing some coverage ability with the occasional blitz. He’s used to ample action, as he played at least 75% of the Raiders’ defensive snaps each of the past three seasons.
Grade: C
Vikings agree to terms with Will Fries
The Minnesota Vikings have been spending wildly throughout the past 24 hours, and now they’ve made a huge investment on the offensive line.
On Tuesday morning, the Vikings agreed to terms with star guard Will Fries on a five-year, $88 million contract. Fries was limited to five games with a leg injury in 2024, but he’s one of the more talented interior linemen in the league, evidenced by his large deal.
Fries, 26, has started 31 games in his career after being drafted in the seventh round in 2021 out of Penn State. With the Vikings, he’ll add to a strong offensive line anchored by tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill.
Grade: B+
Vikings agree to terms with Jonathan Allen
Less than a week after he was released by the Washington Commanders, Jonathan Allen found a new home.
On Tuesday morning, the Minnesota Vikings and Allen’s representatives agreed on a three-year deal worth $51 million. The move is a big one for Minnesota, which revamped its front seven last year with the signings of Andrew Van Ginkel, Blake Cashman and Jonathan Greenard.
In Washington, Allen became one of the league’s best defensive tackles. Now 30 years old, the two-time Pro Bowler has 42 sacks over his career including a career-high nine in 2021. In Minnesota, he’ll play under coordinator Brian Flores, who will create a slew of one-on-one opportunities with his blitz packages.
Grade: B
Buccaneers re-sign Anthony Nelson
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have done a nice job in recent years of holding onto most of their key free agents, and they did so again Tuesday afternoon.
General manager Jason Licht found common ground with edge rusher Anthony Nelson, re-signing him to a two-year deal worth up to $12 million. Nelson, 28, is a nice rotational defensive end for Tampa Bay, notching 18.5 sacks over six seasons.
With Nelson back in the fold, the Buccaneers still could use edge help but don’t need nearly as much between his return and the addition of Haason Reddick on a one-year deal.
Grade: C+
Cowboys re-sign KaVontae Turpin
The Dallas Cowboys have once again been quiet throughout the early portion of free agency, but they brought back one of their own Tuesday.
Dallas and return man KaVontae Turpin agreed to a three-year deal worth $18 million, resetting the market for special teamers. Turpin, 28, is a two-time Pro Bowler and last year earned first-team All-Pro honors as a returner.
Turpin led the NFL with 904 kick return yards and a touchdown, giving Dallas some scoring punch when it was without Dak Prescott for much of the season.
Grade: A
Cowboys agree to terms with Solomon Thomas
The Dallas Cowboys haven’t exactly been throwing money around in free agency, but they spent a small bit Tuesday.
Dallas and defensive end Solomon Thomas agreed to terms on a two-year deal worth up to $8 million. Thomas, 29, played the past three seasons with the New York Jets and was solid, notching 8.5 sacks over the past two years.
With Thomas, the Cowboys give themselves some insurance should they lose veteran DeMarcus Lawrence in free agency.
Grade: C+
Chiefs agree to terms with Kristian Fulton
Kansas City and veteran corner Kristian Fulton agreed to terms on a two-year deal worth $20 million. Fulton brings some experience to a young secondary, having played four seasons with the Tennessee Titans before spending 15 games with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024.
Fulton, 26, has five career interceptions and 32 passes defensed. With the Chiefs, he’ll start in the nickel packages alongside All-Pro Trent McDuffie and fourth-year man Jaylen Watson, who emerged as a quality starter last season.
Grade: B
Eagles trade C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Texans
The defending champs are making moves, swapping a veteran safety for an offensive lineman.
The Philadelphia Eagles sent safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans along with a 2026 sixth-round pick, getting back guard Kenyon Green and a ’26 fifth-rounder.
Gardner-Johnson, 27, has one year remaining on his contract and $1.3 million in base salary. Houston now adds the Super Bowl champion to a secondary already loaded with talent including corners Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter and safety Jalen Pitre.
As for Philadelphia, Green is insurance in case the Eagles lose Mekhi Becton, who starred at right guard this season but is currently testing the market.
Eagles grade: C+
Texans grade: B
Giants agree to terms with Chauncey Golston
The New York Giants made a move late Monday night, agreeing to terms with linebacker Chauncey Golston on a three-year contract worth up to $19.5 million.
Golston, 27, had a breakout campaign in 2024, registering a career-best 5.5 sacks and 56 tackles. He’ll join a talented front seven in New York including Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns and Jayvon Thibodeaux.
While the Giants still need plenty more, the addition of Golston is a smart move at a reasonable price.
Grade: A-
March 10
Vikings re-sign Byron Murphy Jr.
The Minnesota Vikings lost a few pieces off their roster Monday, but did well to retain most of their talent including a huge signing of slot corner Byron Murphy Jr.
On the opening night of legal tampering, the Vikings agreed to terms with Murphy on a three-year, $66 million deal including $35 million guaranteed coming off his first Pro Bowl season. Murphy, who spent his rookie contract with the Arizona Cardinals, has flourished under coordinator Brian Flores, turning into one of the league’s top corners.
In 2024, Murphy played in 17 games and had six interceptions while also totaling 14 passes defensed and 81 tackles, all career bests.
Grade: A-
Saints re-sign Chase Young
The New Orleans Saints might be roughly $7.1 million over the $279.2 million salary cap with less than 48 hours to clear the hurdle, but that didn’t stop general manager Mickey Loomis from keeping Chase Young on the roster at a steep cost.
On Monday night, the Saints and Young agreed to a three-year, $51 million deal including incentives that could make the deal worth $57 million. Young, who will turn 26 years old next month, has 22 sacks through five seasons, including time with the Washington Commanders, San Francisco 49ers and Saints.
In 2024, Young notched 5.5 sacks and a career-high 21 quarterback hits while playing 17 games. For years, the big concern regarding Young was his health, as he missed 22 games across the ’21 and ’22 seasons before only missing one since.
Grade: C
Dolphins agree to terms with James Daniels
The Miami Dolphins were relatively quiet on the free-agent front throughout the first day of the negotiating period, but after agreeing to terms with quarterback Zach Wilson, they did the same with center James Daniels.
Miami and Daniels agreed to terms on a three-year deal worth $24 million, giving the Dolphins an improvement on the interior of their offensive line. Daniels, 27, spent his first four seasons with the Chicago Bears before playing the past three with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In seven seasons, Daniels has started 84 games, including four last season.
Grade: B
Chargers agree to terms with Najee Harris
One year after finding lightning in a bottle with J.K. Dobbins, the Los Angeles Chargers are hoping to do so again with Najee Harris.
On Monday night, the two sides agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth up to $9.5 million. Harris, a 2021 first-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers, hit the market for the first time in his career and was snapped up quickly after rushing for 1,043 yards and six touchdowns on 4.0 yards per carry.
Harris, 27, should be a focal point of the Los Angeles offense considering coordinator Greg Roman is one of the most run-heavy coaches in the league. Look for Harris to get the bulk of the carries, especially with Dobbins and Gus Edwards apparently on their way out.
Grade: C+
Broncos agree to terms with Dre Greenlaw
The Broncos and linebacker Dre Greenlaw have agreed in principle to a three-year, $35 million deal. Greenlaw tore his Achilles tendon running onto the field after a possession change in Super Bowl LVIII and missed all but two games last year. However, at only 27 years old, general manager George Paton is gambling that Greenlaw can regain his old form.
Greenlaw was a force in 2023, playing 15 games and starring alongside Fred Warner with 120 tackles, five tackles for loss and four quarterback hits.
Grade: C+
Bills agree to terms with Michael Hoecht
The Buffalo Bills have spent most of the offseason keeping their own stars in-house on long-term extensions. Yet on Monday, they made a move to add from the outside by agreeing to terms with linebacker Michael Hoecht on a three-year deal worth $24 million.
Hoecht, 27, spent his first four seasons with the Los Angeles Rams where he racked up 13.5 sacks, including a career-high six sacks and 11 quarterback hits in 2023. Joining the Bills, he’ll play alongside a talented front seven including Ed Oliver, Terrel Bernard and Greg Rousseau.
Grade: C+
Patriots agree to terms with Mack Hollins
The New England Patriots entered the offseason with the most cap space of any team in the league, and they’re putting it to use.
In the latest move of their whirlwind Monday, the Patriots agreed to terms with receiver Mack Hollins on a two-year deal worth up to $8.4 million. Hollins, 31, was a productive player for the Buffalo Bills last season, catching 31 passes for 378 yards and five touchdowns.
In New England, Hollins will take on the role of an experienced veteran who can help bring along a second-year quarterback in Drake Maye.
Grade: A-
Dolphins agree to terms with Zach Wilson
Zach Wilson is on the move again, but he’s going back to the AFC East.
The Miami Dolphins and Wilson agreed in principle to a one-year, $6 million contract that could be worth up to $10 million. For the Dolphins, this is a meaningful signing considering how often Tua Tagovailoa has been injured in his career.
Wilson, 25, spent last year with the Denver Broncos after two seasons with the New York Jets. All told, he’s started 33 games, throwing 23 touchdowns against 25 interceptions.
Grade: C+
Giants re-sign Darius Slayton
The New York Giants spent most of Monday being quiet while hundreds of millions were being spent elsewhere. But in the evening, the Giants and receiver Darius Slayton agreed to a three-year, $36 million deal to keep him in town.
Slayton, 28, has played six seasons in the NFL, all with New York. His best year came as a rookie in 2019 when he had 48 catches for 740 yards and eight touchdowns, a figure he’s never eclipsed since.
For the Giants, this is a wise move. Slayton is still in his prime and a good player. He’s also a perfect compliment to Malik Nabers, who despite only entering his second year is already a superstar.
Grade: B+
Vikings agree to terms with Ryan Kelly
The Minnesota Vikings watched some pieces leave in free agency on Monday including quarterback Sam Darnold, safety Cam Bynum and others. But in the evening, the Vikings added a key player for 2025 and beyond.
Minnesota and longtime Indianapolis Colts center Ryan Kelly agreed to terms on a two-year, $18 million contract. The deal brings Kelly into conflict with existing center Garrett Bradbury, meaning either Kelly could be switching positions after spending nine years in the pivot with the Colts, or Bradbury could be a depth piece.
A four-time Pro Bowler with 121 starts to his credit, Kelly is one of the most experienced players to hit this market this offseason.
Grade: B+
Panthers agree to terms with Tershawn Wharton
The Carolina Panthers came close to landing Milton Williams, and then circled back to fill a pressing need on their defensive interior.
Carolina and former Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton agreed to terms on a three-year, $57 million contract with $30 million guaranteed. It’s an enormous payday for Wharton, who had a career year with 6.5 sacks in 2024.
While Wharton deserved a significant bump, this is enormous money for a player who has enjoyed one above-average campaign and only once has exceeded 50% of the defensive snaps in a season. At 26 years old, there’s ample room to grow, but the Panthers are betting on Wharton not only getting better but becoming a Pro Bowl-caliber player to justify the contract.
Grade: D
Colts agree to terms with Charvarius Ward
After three successful seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, including making All-Pro in 2023, Charvarius Ward is moving on.
On Monday, Ward and the Indianapolis Colts agreed to terms on a three-year deal worth up to $60 million, including $35 million guaranteed. Ward, 28, gives the Colts another boost in the secondary, this coming mere hours after they agreed to sign safety Cam Bynum for four years and $60 million.
Ward entered the league as an undrafted free agent and was traded before ever playing a game from the Dallas Cowboys to the Kansas City Chiefs. There, he won a Super Bowl in 2019 as a starter, before jumping to San Francisco after the ’21 campaign. All told, he’s started 89 games and totaled 10 interceptions.
Grade: B
Texans trade Laremy Tunsil to Commanders
The third huge trade of the offseason has taken place, and the first without the Seattle Seahawks being involved.
In a stunning move, the Houston Texans have sent All-Pro left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders along with a fourth-round pick. Washington is sending back third- and seventh-round picks in 2025 and second- and fourth-rounders in '26, while taking on $20.95 million in base salary each of the next two years for the 30-year-old.
Tunsil is still one of the best tackles in the game, and now protects second-year sensation Jayden Daniels. Meanwhile, the Texans have no clear answer on the left side, although they could decide to move Tytus Howard out from guard, while Blake Fisher remains at right tackle.
Either way, Houston allowed 54 sacks in 2024, with only the Chicago Bears and Cleveland Browns giving up more. In the AFC divisional round, quarterback C.J. Stroud was sacked eight times.
For Washington, landing Tunsil is a coup. For Houston, the trade could prove a disaster.
Texans grade: D-
Commanders grade: A
Seahawks agree to terms with Sam Darnold
Less than a week after trading away quarterback Geno Smith for a third-round pick, the Seattle Seahawks found his successor.
General manager John Schneider and Sam Darnold agreed to terms on a three-year deal worth $100.5 million, including $55 million guaranteed. It’s a windfall for Darnold, who had played on three teams in as many years before landing the new deal.
Of course, Darnold found a renaissance with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, throwing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns while winning 14 games. Although the end of the year was rough with losses in Week 18 and the wild-card round, Darnold played like a fringe MVP candidate. Now, he joins the Seahawks with the hopes of having a long-term future.
The real question is whether Darnold can thrive without Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell on the sideline, and the combination of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson and Aaron Jones around him.
Grade: C+
Patriots agree to terms with Milton Williams
The New England Patriots can’t stop spending money. Maybe they ought to take a rest.
On Monday, the Patriots added a slew of defensive talent to their roster, but could have gone overboard by giving former Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams a deal worth $104 million over four years including $63 million guaranteed.
While Williams is a good player, he also benefited from playing in an elite situation next to Jalen Carter, Josh Sweat and Nolan Smith. Now, he’s the star of the show up front for New England.
In 2024, Williams totaled five sacks after having just 6.5 sacks total in his previous three seasons. While Williams has long been a solid player, the Patriots are paying him more annual money than anybody in NFL history at the position, save Chris Jones and Christian Wilkins.
Grade: F
Raiders agree to terms with Jeremy Chinn
For the third time in as many years, Jeremy Chinn is going to be changing uniforms. After spending the first four years of his career with the Carolina Panthers, Chinn caught on with the Washington Commanders in 2024 and now has agreed to a two-year, $16 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Las Vegas needed someone to replace Tre’von Moehrig, who left earlier Monday for a three-year, $51 million deal with the Carolina Panthers. Chinn joins a Raiders team trying to find its way under coach Pete Carroll, with the 73-year-old rebuilding the team from the ground up.
Last season, Chinn played in 17 games and made 117 tackles while notching five passes defensed and two fumble recoveries.
Grade: B
Chargers agree to terms with Donte Jackson
With Asante Samuel Jr. sitting on the market, the Los Angeles Chargers moved quickly to shore up their secondary.
Los Angeles agreed to terms with corner Donte Jackson, giving him a two-year deal worth $13 million. Jackson has been a solid player throughout his seven NFL seasons, spending the first six with the Carolina Panthers before spending 2024 with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Last year, Jackson played in 15 games and recorded a career-best five interceptions with eight passes defensed.
Grade: B-
Raiders re-sign Malcolm Koonce
After missing all of last season with a torn ACL, Malcolm Koonce is trying to get right by re-joining the Raiders on a one-year deal worth $12 million.
Koonce, 26, had a breakout 2023 campaign with eight sacks and 17 quarterback hits. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to get on the field in ’24, putting his status in question as a pending unrestricted free agent.
Coming back to the Raiders gives Koonce an opportunity to continue growing under coordinator Patrick Graham, who he flourished with after two years of relative obscurity after being a 2021 third-round pick from the University of Buffalo.
If Koonce can regain his old form, the Raiders have a terrifying trio with Koonce, Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins up front.
Grade: B+
Jaguars agree to terms with Robert Hainsey
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers didn’t have room for Robert Hainsey to be a starter on their offensive line, but the Jacksonville Jaguars have just such an opening.
On Monday, the Jaguars agreed to terms on a three-year, $21 million contract with $13 million guaranteed. For Jacksonville, Hainsey fits the bill as a replacement for Mitch Morse, while also understanding new coach Liam Coen’s offense after the two worked together with the Buccaneers.
Hainsey, 26, has started 35 games in his career, including 34 straight between 2022 to ’23. Now with the Jaguars, he’ll get another opportunity in the pivot for quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Grade: B
Packers agree to terms with Nate Hobbs
Nobody can say the Green Bay Packers aren’t spending money. In fact, maybe it’s time to try and stop them.
On Monday, after giving guard Aaron Banks a $77 million deal, Green Bay agreed to terms with veteran corner Nate Hobbs on a four-year pact worth $48 million, potentially seeing him as the long-term replacement for the mercurial Jaire Alexander.
That said, giving Hobbs such a large deal is a bit risky. He’s a good player but also was part of a leaky Raiders defense for much of his rookie deal. On the flip side, he’s seen plenty of the opponent’s top receiver, so he shouldn’t have a hard time being a linchpin for Green Bay’s back end.
Grade: B-
Titans agree to terms with Cody Barton
The Tennessee Titans have the No. 1 pick for a reason. They were, in a word, atrocious.
Tennessee is hoping to turn the proverbial corner this offseason by adding talent. Things got off to a bizarre start Monday when the Titans agreed to give $82 million to Dan Moore as their new left tackle, but took a more sensible approach by agreeing to terms on a three-year, $21 million contract with Cody Barton.
Barton, 28, played in 17 games last season and amassed 106 tackles and two interceptions with 1.5 sacks and a fumble recovery as well.
Grade: C+
Jets agree to terms with Brandon Stephens
The New York Jets watched as D.J. Reed left in free agency for the Detroit Lions early Monday afternoon. It didn’t take long to figure out who would take his spot.
The Jets entered into an agreement with corner Brandon Stephens, who comes over from the Baltimore Ravens on a three-year, $36 million deal including $23 million guaranteed.
Stephens, 27, playing out his four-year rookie deal with the Ravens, became a starter at corner over the past two seasons, playing 99% and 92% of the defensive snaps, respectively. While Stephens is a step down from the player Reed became in Gotham, he’s a solid, starting corner who gives New York some punch on the depth chart as a bigger defensive back at 215 pounds.
Grade: B-
Rams re-sign Jimmy Garoppolo
The Los Angeles Rams ended up working things out contractually with Matthew Stafford, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need a backup.
In that vein, the Rams signed Jimmy Garoppolo to a one-year deal for up to $13.5 million. Garoppolo, 33, stays in the system he thrived in with the San Francisco 49ers, when he helped guide them to Super Bowl LIV in the 2019 season.
Last year, Garoppolo played in one game, starting in Week 18 against the Seattle Seahawks.
Grade: B-
Colts agree to terms with Cam Bynum
For years, the Indianapolis Colts have needed to upgrade their secondary around slot corner Kenny Moore II. They finally did Monday, agreeing to terms with safety Cam Bynum on a four-year, $60 million deal.
It’s a nice payday for Bynum after thriving under the coaching of coordinator Brian Flores. Throughout his rookie deal with the Minnesota Vikings, Bynum continued to improve, resulting in a 2024 where he played all 17 games and notched career highs in interceptions (3) and passes defensed (10).
In Indianapolis, he’ll be responsible for helping quarterback new coordinator Lou Anarumo’s defense. At 26 years old and with four seasons of quality experience, that shouldn’t be asking too much.
Grade: B
Jets agree to terms with Justin Fields
Justin Fields is going to his third team in as many seasons after the New York Jets and Fields agreed in principle on a two-year deal worth $40 million, including $30 million guaranteed.
For Fields, it’s a nice contract after being benched after six starts with the Pittsburgh Steelers in which he went 4–2. In those games, he threw for 1,106 yards with five touchdowns against one interception. Still, Russell Wilson took over once healthy and relegated Fields to the backup job.
Only 26 years old, Fields has an opportunity to prove his worth after being a first-round flameout with the Chicago Bears. That said, it’s a total overhaul in New York after a sea change in the front office and coaching staff.
This is a legitimate two-year deal for Fields, who gets another chance to show he’s a franchise quarterback.
Grade: C
Broncos agree to terms with Talanoa Hufanga
The Denver Broncos had one of the best defenses in the league last season. Yet they don’t appear satisfied on that side of the ball, making a big move.
On Monday, the Broncos agreed to terms with former All-Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga on a three-year deal worth $45 million, including $20 million guaranteed. It’s an intriguing deal for Denver, which is hoping Hufanga can avoid injuries after missing 17 games across the past two seasons.
Hufanga, 26, was named a first-team All-Pro in 2022, playing in all 17 games and totaling four interceptions along with 97 tackles, nine passes defensed and two sacks. If healthy, he’s one of the best safeties in the game.
Grade: B-
Panthers agree to terms with Tre’von Moehrig
One thing the Carolina Panthers can’t be accused of is an unwillingness to spend on their secondary.
Only hours after making Jaycee Horn the richest cornerback in NFL history with a four-year, $100 million extension (including $70 million guaranteed), Carolina turned around and agreed to terms on a three-year, $51 million deal with Tre’von Moehrig.
Moehrig, 25, spent the first four years of his career with the Las Vegas Raiders. Despite largely playing on terrible teams, Moehrig was a bright spot for the Silver & Black, totaling six interceptions and 29 passes defensed over that time.
While the safety market is exploding, Moehrig’s contract is both large but understandable for general manager Dan Morgan. That said, it’s fair to wonder how much the investment moves Carolina’s needle.
Grade: C
Packers agree to terms with Aaron Banks
The Green Bay Packers have historically been one of the more reserved teams in free agency, but that didn’t prove true on Monday.
General manager Brian Gutekunst went for broke (perhaps literally) by agreeing in principle on a four-year, $77 million deal with former San Francisco 49ers guard Aaron Banks.
Banks, 27, has started 43 games including 13 this past season. Going to Green Bay, he’ll help anchor the left side while the Packers figure out the best spot for 2024 first-round rookie Jordan Morgan, who last season started just one game after struggling throughout the summer.
While Banks is an upgrade on the line, he’s also very expensive and comes to the Packers entering his age-28 season without a ton of upside.
Grade: D+
Bears agree to terms with Grady Jarrett
The Chicago Bears have made a litany of good moves this offseason, but this is a questionable call at best.
The Atlanta Falcons released Grady Jarrett after 10 years with the club. Hours later, Bears general manager Ryan Poles gave him a three-year, $43.5 million deal with $28.5 million guaranteed.
Jarrett turns 32 years old in April and has been slowing down in recent seasons. In fact, over his past four campaigns, he has only once topped three sacks. Additionally, the Bears just finished paying Dayo Odeyingbo $48 million over three years to play alongside Gervon Dexter Sr.
It’s a big payday for Jarrett, who is at the point of his career where one-year deals are in order.
Grade: D-
Cardinals agree to terms with Josh Sweat
The Arizona Cardinals are on the board, and in a big way.
The Cardinals and edge rusher Josh Sweat entered into an agreement on a four-year deal worth $76.4 million, including $41 million guaranteed. Sweat was the No. 3-ranked free agent on our list, and the top free agent without a franchise tag.
Arizona has desperately needed an edge rusher in coach Jonathan Gannon’s scheme, and Sweat, who played under Gannon when he was the defensive coordinator with the Philadelphia Eagles, certainly fits the bill.
Sweat, 27, had eight sacks in the regular season for Philadelphia last season before notching 2.5 in Super Bowl LIX, helping the Eagles demolish the Kansas City Chiefs. In Arizona, he’ll be asked to provide the main thrust in the pass rush as the Cardinals try to find additional pieces to surround him.
Grade: A
Bills agree to terms with Josh Palmer
With Amari Cooper hitting free agency, the Buffalo Bills had to find a replacement. It appears they have done so with Josh Palmer.
The Bills and Palmer agreed to terms on a three-year deal worth $36 million. Buffalo is hoping Palmer can play opposite Keon Coleman on the perimeter while the newly extended Khalil Shakir handles the slot.
Palmer spent the first four years of his career with the Los Angeles Chargers, topping out at 72 catches and 769 yards in 2022. Since then, he’s played in just 25 games, amassing 1,165 yards. If he can stay healthy, Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane could have a quality signing on his hands. But it’s a risk.
Grade: C
Bears agree to terms with Dayo Odeyingbo
The Chicago Bears have spent much of the offseason spending to fix the interior of their offensive line, signing Drew Dalman and trading for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson.
They’ve finally decided to address the need for a secondary pass rusher, agreeing to terms on a three-year, $48 million deal with Dayo Odeyingbo. The 25-year-old Brooklyn native comes over from the Indianapolis Colts, where he amassed 17 quarterback hits in each of the past two seasons, while combining for 11 sacks.
At 286 pounds, Odeyingbo will provide a quality pairing for third-year man Gervon Dexter Sr., who has quietly developed into a building block for the Bears after totaling five sacks in 2024.
Grade: B-
Eagles trade Kenny Pickett to Browns for Dorian Thompson-Robinson
One really good team traded a sub-par quarterback to a bad team for a sub-par quarterback and a fifth-round pick. The most valuable asset here is the pick.
Eagles grade: C
Browns grade: D
49ers agree to terms with Luke Farrell
The San Francisco 49ers love to run the ball. To that end, they live to have blocking tight ends and versatile fullbacks on the roster. Enter Luke Farrell.
General manager John Lynch agreed to terms with the veteran Farrell, giving him a three-year deal worth up to $20.25 million. It’s a big shocker, considering Farrell is going to be the No. 2 tight end on the roster behind George Kittle, who remains an elite blocker and also played 86% of the offensive snaps in 2024.
Farrell isn’t a threat to catch the ball, having only 12 receptions for 67 yards last season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite a roster teeming with big-money decisions and defections, the Niners decided to lock up a blocking tight end on a fairly expensive, multi-year deal.
Grade: D
Bengals agree to terms with Samaje Perine
The Cincinnati Bengals might not have Ja’Marr Chase or Tee Higgins under contract for the foreseeable future, but they do have Samaje Perine locked up.
Perine comes back to the Bengals after agreeing to terms on a two-year deal worth up to $3.8 million. Perine, 29, spent last season with the Kansas City Chiefs after being released by the Denver Broncos after the 2023 campaign.
Perine remains a quality back who can block and catch the ball a bit, as evidenced by his game-sealing grab in the AFC title game. With the Chiefs, Perine ran for 92 yards and a touchdown while also grabbing 28 receptions for 322 yards.
Grade: C
Rams agree to terms with Poona Ford
The Los Angeles Rams made a big move over the weekend by signing receiver Davante Adams to a two-year, $46 million contract. The next day, they shored up the defensive line, agreeing to terms with Poona Ford on a three-year, $30 million pact.
Ford, 29, has bounced around the league but not because of a lack of production. The 310-pound defensive tackle is now on his fourth team in as many seasons after spending time with the Seattle Seahawks, Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Chargers, and in 2024 racked up three sacks with nine quarterback hits and eight tackles for loss.
The Rams are getting a quality veteran on the interior who will be flanked by talented youngsters including Jared Verse, Braden Fiske and Kobie Turner.
Grade: A
Giants agree to terms with Paulson Adebo
The New York Giants have to win this season, or heads are going to roll around the Meadowlands. In that vein, general manager Joe Schoen made his first move of the offseason, agreeing to terms with corner Paulson Adebo from the New Orleans Saints.
The two sides settled on a three-year, $54 million contract, including $36 million guaranteed. Adebo played his first four seasons in New Orleans where he racked up 51 starts and 10 interceptions. While he’s coming off an injury-shortened campaign in which he played seven games, Adebo has largely been durable and effective.
For the Giants, he’ll be their top corner, playing opposite of 2023 first-round pick Deonte Banks.
Grade: C
Patriots agree to terms with Morgan Moses
New England was expected to spend early and often in free agency, considering it had more than $100 million in cap space. The Patriots haven’t disappointed.
The offense finally got some help with the addition of right tackle Morgan Moses, who comes over from the New York Jets. The Patriots and Moses have agreed in principle to a three-year, $24 million deal with $11 million guaranteed.
Moses is an 11-year veteran who has spent time with the Washington Commanders, Baltimore Ravens and Jets, earning 158 starts. The 34-year-old has been remarkably durable, only failing to play in at least 14 games when he was a rookie.
For a team in dire need of a revamped offensive line, New England is off to a solid start for second-year quarterback Drake Maye.
Grade: C+
Lions agree to terms with D.J. Reed
Only minutes after watching Carlton Davis III leave for the New England Patriots, the Detroit Lions found his replacement.
The Lions and corner D.J. Reed agreed to a three-year, $48 million contract with $32 million guaranteed. For Reed, this is the fourth stop of his NFL journey, having played with the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks and Jets.
Reed, 28, has developed into one of the league’s better corners. In New York, he flourished under former coach Robert Saleh, starting 29 games opposite Sauce Gardner.
With the Lions now having their version of Gardner, Reed will be asked to cover the opponent's top receiver. That’ll be a new challenge, but one the veteran appears to be up for.
Grade: B+
Patriots agree to terms with Carlton Davis III
After adding Harold Landry III and Robert Spillane, the New England Patriots decided to keep building their defense.
New England has agreed in principle with former Detroit Lions cornerback Carlton Davis III, giving him a three-year deal worth $60 million, including $34.5 million guaranteed. The pact puts the 28-year-old opposite Christian Gonzalez, a burgeoning star entering his third season.
Davis played the first six years of his NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winning a Super Bowl in 2020. Last offseason, he was traded to Detroit and played well with a pair of interceptions before seeing his season end with a broken jaw.
Grade: B
Jaguars agree to terms with Jourdan Lewis
The Jacksonville Jaguars are undergoing a complete facelift, and that continued Monday.
Jacksonville added to its secondary by replacing veteran Ronald Darby with Jourdan Lewis, giving the former Dallas Cowboy a three-year, $30 million deal. The contract won’t be finalized until the new league year begins at 4 p.m. ET March 12.
Lewis, 29, played his first eight seasons with the Cowboys and has generally been a solid, if unspectacular corner. He’s never made All-Pro or earned Pro Bowl honors, but has been durable, playing at least 15 games in all but one of his seasons.
Grade: C+
Titans agree to terms with Dan Moore
At the NFL Scouting Combine, new Tennessee Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi talked about needing to upgrade the offensive line. He attempted to do that in a very expensive way Monday.
Tennessee and left tackle Dan Moore agreed to a massive four-year, $82 million deal with $50 million guaranteed. Moore somehow got a bigger deal in both average annual value and guarantees than the Baltimore Ravens’ Ronnie Stanley, who signed for $60 million over three years this weekend.
While Moore has started 66 games over four years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh also felt compelled to draft Broderick Jones as his replacement in the first round in 2023. Moore is a decent player now being paid major money, and this after Tennessee already invested in first-rounders Peter Skoronski and JC Latham in recent years.
Borgonzi is taking a big chance, because if Moore isn’t worth that contract, that offensive line is locked into being very underwhelming for years to come.
Grade: F
Patriots agree to terms with Robert Spillane
Nobody has more cap space than the Patriots, and they put some of it to good use Monday.
General manager Eliot Wolf agreed in principle with linebacker Robert Spillane, stealing him away from the Las Vegas Raiders on a three-year, $37 million deal. For Spillane, New England is his fourth team, with previous stops in Tennessee and Pittsburgh as well.
Last year, Spillane totaled 158 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, two sacks and two interceptions in the middle of coordinator Patrick Graham’s defense. Now, Spillane rejoins coach Mike Vrabel, who he came up under in Tennessee as a rookie in 2018.
Grade: B+
Commanders agree to terms with Javon Kinlaw
Washington used last offseason to bring in a bevy of mid-level free agents, banking on the collective to bring up the roster as a whole. General manager Adam Peters is at it again.
Washington agreed to terms with former 49ers defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw on a three-year, $45 million deal with $30 million guaranteed. Kinlaw will essentially replace Jonathan Allen, who was cut last weekend after the Commanders couldn’t find a trade partner.
Kinlaw, 27, was a 2020 first-round pick who never quite panned out. After four years with the Niners, he spent ’24 with the New York Jets where he registered a career-high 4.5 sacks. If he can continue an upward trajectory, this move could pan out.
Grade: C-
Bears agree to deal with Drew Dalman
The Chicago Bears allowed the most sacks in football last season. That shouldn’t be the case in 2025.
One week after trading for star guards Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney (giving up fourth- and sixth-round picks in the process), Chicago has agreed in principle with former Falcons center Drew Dalman on a three-year, $42 million deal with $28 million guaranteed.
After struggling so badly up front last season, Chicago is putting together what could be one of the league’s best interiors.
Grade: A-
Bengals re-sign B.J. Hill
The Cincinnati Bengals are having a very difficult time of it so far this offseason, but they managed to keep one of their better players Monday.
Cincinnati and defensive tackle B.J. Hill agreed to terms on a three-year, $33 million deal to keep the hulking interior presence in town. Hill played well for the Bengals in 2024, totaling nine quarterback hits, seven tackles for loss and three sacks along with 56 tackles.
Hill will be the anchor of a defensive line that is going to be without the retired Sam Hubbard and potentially sans edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, as he seeks a trade.
Grade: B
Chiefs agree to deal with Elijah Mitchell
Kansas City is apparently very fond of anybody wearing a San Francisco jersey. On Monday, the Chiefs agreed to a second deal with a former 49er, this time giving running back Elijah Mitchell up to $3.5 million for the 2025 season.
Mitchell, 26, didn’t play last season because of a hamstring injury and before that was limited to 27 games across three years. However, he’s been excellent when on the field, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. As a rookie in 2021, Mitchell ran for 963 yards and five touchdowns across only 11 games.
Considering the low cost and minimal investment, this is a high-upside play for Kansas City.
Grade: B
Buccaneers agree to deal with Haason Reddick
Tampa Bay has been one of the busiest teams of the afternoon, and it didn’t stop with keeping its own players.
After hitting the market after one dismal year with the New York Jets, edge rusher Haason Reddick has agreed in principal to a one-year deal worth $14 million, including $12 million guaranteed, to sign with the reigning NFC South champs.
Last season was a disaster for Reddick, who played in 10 games and notched only one sack. However, he’s been one of the league’s best sack artists in recent years, totaling 50.5 sacks over the four prior campaigns, including 16 when he helped the Philadelphia Eagles reach Super Bowl LVII in 2022.
Grade: B+
Chargers re-sign Khalil Mack
Only days after releasing Khalil Mack, the Chargers circled back and brought the future Hall of Famer back into the fold.
On Monday morning, Los Angeles signed Mack to a one-year deal worth $18 million, keeping him for a fourth season. Mack, 34, earned Pro Bowl recognition each of his first three years with the franchise, including 2023 when he totaled a career-high 17 sacks.
With the Chargers having cut Joey Bosa last week, they were dangerously light on pass rushers. While Mack isn’t the player he once was, he’s still a menace off the edge.
Additionally, this is smart business. Los Angeles has a top-five cap situation and likely didn’t want to commit long-term dollars to a weak free-agent class. By giving Mack a big one-year deal, the Chargers move toward the salary cap floor without losing future flexibility.
Grade: B
Panthers extend Jaycee Horn
The Carolina Panthers were largely quiet over the first few days of March, but that changed in a big way Monday morning.
General manager Dan Morgan doled out the biggest contract in NFL history for a corner, signing Jaycee Horn to a whopping four-year, $100 million deal including $70 million guaranteed.
Horn, 25, was a 2021 first-round pick about to enter the fifth-year option of his rookie deal. Instead, he’s now locked up through ’29.
It’s a huge payday for Horn, who has played only 37 games across four years due to various injuries. However, Horn made his first Pro Bowl last season, notching 13 passes defensed and an interception.
That said, Horn got a record-breaking deal despite not being a star corner in the way Patrick Surtain II, Trent McDuffie and others are of a similar age.
Grade: D-
Buccaneers agree to deal with Chris Godwin
With the threat of other teams getting an opportunity to sign Chris Godwin, the Buccaneers made a last-ditch effort to get a multi-year deal done and came up big.
On Monday, the two sides agreed on a three-year deal worth $66 million, including $44 million guaranteed, keeping Godwin in the only uniform he’s known as a pro. Last season, Godwin played only seven games due to a dislocated ankle but had 50 catches for 576 yards and five touchdowns.
With Godwin, guard Ben Bredesen and linebacker Lavonte David back on the roster, Tampa Bay has already taken care of most of its priorities. Now it’s about finding some additional talent at a low cost before hitting the draft.
Grade: A-
Chiefs agree to deal with Jaylon Moore
Kansas City general manager Brett Veach wasted no time when the negotiating period opened at noon ET Monday, agreeing with offensive tackle Jaylon Moore on a two-year, $30 million deal with $21 million guaranteed.
Moore, 27, comes over from the San Francisco 49ers after starting just 12 games over four years. Last season, Moore came in and replaced Trent Williams at left tackle when he was injured and started five games, doing a solid job.
For Kansas City, the move was crucial. The Chiefs struggled at left tackle last season with Kingsley Suamataia, Wayna Morris, D.J. Humphries and Joe Thuney all getting time there. With Moore, the Chiefs have their answer. Now the question is how does he acclimate to a full-time spot as Patrick Mahomes’s blindside protector?
Grade: B-
Buccaneers re-sign Ben Bredesen
While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers still have work to do in regards to keeping their top free agents, including receiver Chris Godwin, general manager Jason Licht did well to keep one of their starters from hitting the market.
On Monday, Licht signed guard Ben Bredesen to a three-year deal worth $22 million after he started all 17 games last season. Considering the exploding guard money over the past two offseasons, it’s a smart investment to keep Bredesen, who is only 27 years old.
Now all attention in Tampa Bay turns to Godwin, who could be in line for a massive payday.
Grade: B
Texans sign Sheldon Rankins
After watching Rankins sign with the Cincinnati Bengals last offseason, it seemed his days with the Houston Texans were a memory. Not so fast.
After his release last week, Rankins has signed up for a second tour with the Texans, joining Denico Autry on the interior of Houston’s defensive line with a one-year, $7 million deal. Last season was a tough one for Rankins, playing on one of the league’s worst defenses. He suited up for just seven games and had a single sack with 18 tackles.
If he can regain his health, the 30-year-old has a chance to make an impact for Houston as he did in 2023, when he totaled six sacks to help the Texans surprisingly win the AFC South.
Grade: B-
Broncos re-sign D.J. Jones
With only hours until Monday’s noon ET negotiating period kicks off, the Denver Broncos were able to lock up one of their best.
General manager George Paton retained defensive tackle D.J. Jones on a three-year deal worth $39 million including $26 million guaranteed. It’s his second contract of that length in Denver after coming over from the San Francisco 49ers. Jones, 30, is an excellent run-stuffer who had 42 tackles and a sack last year.
With Jones back, Paton can turn his attention to fixing the second level of the defense while adding some offensive firepower. The Broncos are hoping to push themselves into being contenders after a surprising run to the playoffs last year, and these next few weeks will be crucial in that regard.
Grade: B-
Patriots trade Davon Godchaux to Saints
On Monday morning, the New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints kicked off what promises to be a whirlwind of activity with a minor trade. New England sent defensive tackle Davon Godchaux to his native Louisiana in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick.
Godchaux, 30, spent the past four years with the Patriots after playing out his rookie deal with the Miami Dolphins. Over eight seasons, the 330-pounder amassed 5.5 sacks and 26 quarterback hits while largely showing terrific skills against the run.
For New England, the trade means getting a bit of value for a player it was moving on from anyway, while the cap-strapped Saints are getting a useful player in their front seven for just $4 million against the cap this year.
Saints grade: B
Patriots grade: C+
March 9
Bills extend Josh Allen
Buffalo has already executed an offseason’s worth of activity, and the free agency negotiating period hasn’t even arrived.
On Sunday, general manager Brandon Beane gave out the largest guarantee in NFL history, ripping up quarterback Josh Allen’s old deal to give him $330 million over six years ($55 million annually) including $250 million guaranteed.
Allen, 28, is coming off an MVP season in which he led the Bills to their fifth consecutive AFC East title while accounting for 3,731 passing yards and 40 total touchdowns. He also took down Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round before falling in a classic against the Kansas City Chiefs the conference championship game.
For the Bills, keeping Allen through his age-34 season is a no-brainer. He’s arguably on pace to be the best player in franchise history and has only improved since a rocky first few seasons. And while the guarantee is enormous, the $55 million annual hit is a bargain.
Grade: A
Seahawks trade DK Metcalf to Steelers
The Seattle Seahawks are making trades at a break-neck pace, and this is the biggest one yet.
The Seahawks have agreed in principle to deal star wideout DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for their second-round pick (No. 52) In conjunction with the move, Pittsburgh general manager Omar Khan is giving Metcalf a five-year, $150 million extension, which will begin with his age-29 season. The trade doesn't become official until Wednesday, when the new league year begins at 4 p.m. ET.
It’s a massive move for the Steelers, who are trying to close the gap in the AFC with other contenders, including the AFC North champion Baltimore Ravens. By adding Metcalf, Pittsburgh now has a dynamic duo with George Pickens on the other side, although he’s only signed through this upcoming campaign.
The big question is who will play quarterback? Both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson are free agents, and neither is very exciting as an option moving forward. Until that gets figured out, Pittsburgh remains in neutral, but now at least has a premiere weapon to threaten defenses.
Ultimately, Metcalf is a terrific player, but without a quarterback and with that long-term, big-money deal, it’s a risk.
Steelers grade: B-
Seahawks grade: C+
Rams sign Davante Adams
After being released by the New York Jets, it took Davante Adams less than a week to find a new home.
Adams, 32, gets to go home as the California native signed a two-year, $46 million deal with the Los Angeles Rams, including $26 million guaranteed. And while Adams won’t be teaming up with Aaron Rodgers again, he has a top-tier quarterback in Matthew Stafford while wideout Puka Nacua can help ease his burden.
Last season, Adams split time between the Las Vegas Raiders and Jets, but still managed 85 receptions for 1,063 yards and eight touchdowns. On a much better team with an offensive-minded coach, look for Adams to have another fine year or two.
Grade: B
Jets re-sign Jamien Sherwood
With the team taking new shape with a new front office and coaching staff, many players will be leaving.
One of them won’t be Jamien Sherwood, however, as the 25-year-old linebacker re-upped on a three-year, $45 million deal, including $30 million guaranteed. It’s the exact contract Nick Bolton signed with the Kansas City Chiefs only hours earlier.
Last season, Sherwood led the NFL with 97 solo tackles, while also recording two sacks and 10 tackles for loss. He’ll be expected to play a key role in the middle of new coach Aaron Glenn’s defense, which puts a premium on covering in space and playing downhill against the run.
Grade: B-
Patriots sign Harold Landry III
New England isn’t wasting time spending its league-high cap space. On Sunday, the Patriots and edge rusher Harold Landry III agreed to a three-year deal worth $43.5 million, including $26 million guaranteed.
Landry, 28, had spent his entire career with the Tennessee Titans, but was a cap casualty this winter with new general manager Mike Borgonzi at the helm. Landry came off a torn ACL sustained in 2022 and has played well over the past two seasons, notching 19.5 sacks.
In New England, Landry reunites with coach Mike Vrabel, whom he played under in Nashville before Vrabel was fired after the 2023 season. With the Patriots, he’ll be a key figure in the defense’s revitalization.
Grade: B+
Vikings re-sign Aaron Jones
On the eve of the NFL’s negotiating period, one of the league’s best running backs struck a deal to stay in place.
Minnesota and running back Aaron Jones agreed on a two-year, $20 million deal to keep Jones with the Vikings for a second contract after seeing him rush for 1,138 yards and five touchdowns last season. All told, Jones racked up 1,546 yards from scrimmage to lead the team.
Although Jones is 30 years old, he remains a quality starter who has played 17 games in two of the past three seasons. If he can stay on the field, Jones is a top-10 back who could produce his second Pro Bowl campaign.
Grade: B+
Chiefs re-sign Nick Bolton
On Saturday, the Kansas City Chiefs kept one of their pending offensive free agents in Marquise Brown. One day later, they did the same on defense.
The Chiefs and middle linebacker Nick Bolton agreed on a three-year, $45 million deal with $30 million guaranteed, keeping the 2021 second-round pick in town through the 2027 season.
Bolton’s best year was in 2022 when he set the franchise single-season tackles record with 180 before helping Kansas City capture the second of its three Super Bowls during this dynastic run. However, while he plays almost every down, he struggles mightily in coverage and has been a liability on third downs.
Grade: C+
Jarran Reed re-signs with Seahawks
The Seahawks have been busy over the past few weeks, trading away quarterback Geno Smith and releasing Tyler Lockett, to say nothing of potentially dealing star wideout DK Metcalf.
But on Sunday, general manager John Schneider made sure to keep one of his own in house by re-signing defensive tackle Jarran Reed on a three-year deal worth $25.5 million.
Reed, 32, is in his second tour of duty with the Seahawks after spending two years away with the Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs. Last season, Reed returned to Seattle and had 4.5 sacks on the interior, giving a nice presence inside for coach Mike Macdonald.
Grade: B-
Browns extend Myles Garrett
After weeks of posturing and demanding a trade, Myles Garrett provided another chapter in a simple book: Money talks. On Sunday, Garrett and the Cleveland Browns agreed on a record-breaking extension of four years and $160 million, with $123 million being guaranteed.
For Garrett, 29, the money smoothed over his demand to be sent elsewhere after spending eight seasons in Cleveland, only two of which have seen the postseason. Garrett was the 2017 No. 1 overall pick and is a future first-ballot Hall of Famer, having generated 102.5 sacks while being named the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year.
With Garrett’s deal done, the question now is how this impacts other teams trying to sign non-quarterbacks to mega deals. One doesn’t have to look further than the state of Ohio, where Cincinnati Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase was publicly guaranteed to become the highest-paid, non-quarterback in football only a week ago.
Grade: A
March 8
Ravens re-sign Ronnie Stanley
Despite being limited in their cap space, the Baltimore Ravens brought back their biggest pending free agent two days before the legal tampering period opened up.
Baltimore agreed on a three-year, $60 million extension with Pro Bowl left tackle Ronnie Stanley on Saturday, giving him $44 million guaranteed. It’s a nice payday for the 31-year-old, who last year played all 17 games for the first time in his career.
Stanley is an excellent blindside protector for Lamar Jackson, with the big question being his health. Before 2024, Stanley missed 26 games over the prior four seasons with a variety of injuries. However, after staying upright on his one-year, prove-it deal last year, he has cashed in and gives Baltimore security on the left side for years to come.
Grade: B+
Giants re-sign Jamiue Gillan
Perhaps nobody was more in need of rest after Week 18 for the New York Giants than Jamie Gillan, who punted the ball 56 times in just 13 games. That was somehow down considerably from 2023, when he punted 95 times for 4,371 yards.
This weekend, he was rewarded with a new three-year, $10.2 million deal to keep him punting at MetLife Stadium through the 2027 season. Last year, Gillan averaged 40.2 net yards per punt with 48.2% of his punts landing inside the 20-yard line.
At 27 years old, the British-born punter gets security while the Giants get some cost certainty on their special teams.
Grade: B
Lions re-sign Marcus Davenport
With Detroit facing the uncertainty of whether Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill will be full-go to start the season, general manager Brad Holmes gave himself some cushion in the pass-rush department.
On Saturday, the Lions brought back veteran edge rusher Marcus Davenport on a one-year deal worth up to $4.5 million. It’s a bit of a lottery ticket for Holmes, as Davenport has only played six games over the past two years, including two with Detroit last season.
To this point, the 2018 first-round pick has been a career disappointment. He’s amassed only 24 sacks and, outside of having nine in 2021, has never been more than a rotational talent from a production perspective.
Grade: D
Chiefs re-sign Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown
On a morning when the Chiefs were made aware of some potentially bad news regarding second-year receiver Xavier Worthy, general manager Brett Veach added some insurance in that room.
Kansas City brought back Marquise “Hollywood” Brown on a one-year deal worth up to $11 million, giving him a second consecutive one-year contract. Last offseason, Veach signed Brown to a deal worth $7 million, but Brown was hurt on the first series of the preseason and didn’t return from his shoulder injury until Week 16.
Brown didn't produce much in five games with Kansas City (including playoffs). The 27-year-old caught just 14 passes for 141 yards and zero touchdowns.
Grade: C+
Bills extend Greg Rousseau
The Buffalo Bills have been incredibly busy getting ahead of next year’s work, already having extended slot receiver Khalil Shakir and linebacker Terrel Bernard this offseason.
On Saturday, they made their biggest move to date, extending 2021 first-round pick Greg Rousseau on a four-year, $80 million deal with $54 million guaranteed.
While the signings of both Shakir and Bernard got terrific grades in our tracker, this is a bit more risky. Rousseau is a good player, racking up 25 sacks and 66 quarterback hits over his first four seasons. However, he’s never had more than eight sacks in a season and appears to be more of a secondary pass rusher than the leader of that group on a contending team.
At 25 years old, there’s certainly still room to grow. That said, his $54 million guaranteed ranks fifth for all defensive ends, and while the number factors in a rising cap and potential for improvement, that’s a stretch considering Rousseau’s production.
Grade: C-
Bengals re-sign Mike Gesicki
It’s not what Bengals fans have been waiting for, but they got some good news Saturday.
General manager Duke Tobin was able to bring back part of Cincinnati’s skill-position talent, signing tight end Mike Gesicki to a three-year deal worth $25.5 million. Gesicki spent the first five years of his career with the Miami Dolphins before joining the New England Patriots in 2023. Then, on a one-year deal in Cincinnati, Gesicki found new life alongside quarterback Joe Burrow, catching 65 passes for 665 yards and two touchdowns.
On its face, the deal seems reasonable. Without knowing the guaranteed money, it’s likely a two-year deal for the 29-year-old. All told, Gesicki is being paid as the 14th-best at his position by annual value, tied with Tyler Higbee of the Los Angeles Rams.
Grade: B
March 7
Seahawks trade QB Geno Smith to Raiders
The Raiders landed their starting quarterback for 2025, sending the third-round pick (92nd) that they landed in the Davante Adams deal to Seattle for Smith, who is now reunited with new Las Vegas coach Pete Carroll.
For Vegas, the 34-year-old Smith stabilizes a position that’s been wildly unsteady since the release of Derek Carr two offseasons ago—and gives the team a playoff quarterback that can effectively buy Carroll and new GM John Spytek time to find a longer-term answer (a la Alex Smith in Kansas City). Smith should also give the team a better shot at attracting veteran offensive talent to Vegas.
The Seahawks are here because of a divide in opinion on Smith’s contractual value (Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reports they were around $10 million per year apart), and it’s hard to truly assess the deal for them without knowing the next move. But rumblings have Sam Darnold potentially landing in Seattle, in which case, GM John Schneider will have swapped out Smith for Darnold—and come away with a third-round pick for his troubles.
Seahawks grade: Incomplete (But a tentative B with the Darnold possibility)
Raiders grade: B
Bills re-sign Terrel Bernard
Buffalo has had a busy offseason and free agency isn’t even underway.
On Friday, the Bills and standout linebacker Terrel Bernard agreed on a four-year, $48 million extension, keeping him in Buffalo through the 2029 season.
Bernard has been a menace in the middle of the Bills’ defense over the past two seasons, recording 247 tackles, 7.5 sacks and five interceptions. One of the more versatile linebackers in the league, he gives Buffalo an excellent combination at the second level alongside All-Pro Matt Milano.
Grade: A
Buccaneers re-sign Lavonte David
Tampa Bay still has work to do before the new league year begins on Wednesday, but general manager Jason Licht took a step Friday by bringing back longtime linebacker Lavonte David.
David, 35, is entering his 13th NFL season, all with the Buccaneers, and is still one of the more productive linebackers in the sport. Last year, David played in all 17 games for the NFC South champs and recorded 5.5 sacks with 122 tackles and an interception.
With David back on the fold, Tampa Bay can turn its attention to Chris Godwin, who is slated to hit free agency in less than a week. If the Buccaneers can bring him back, it’ll be a fantastic spot to work from for Licht as the tampering period begins on Monday.
Grade: B+
Lions re-sign Derrick Barnes
The Lions made their first impactful move of the offseason on Friday, re-signing Derrick Barnes on a three-year, $25.5 million deal that’ll keep him in Detroit through the 2027 campaign.
Barnes, 25, was limited last year to only three games with a torn MCL and PCL in his right knee. However, that didn’t stop general manager Brad Holmes from keeping Barnes in-house on a large deal.
With Barnes having played starter snaps over the past two seasons, the Lions are relying heavily on him to return in fine form with stars Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill also coming back from significant injuries on the defensive side.
Grade: C
March 6
Commanders re-sign Bobby Wagner
Washington shocked the football world last season by getting all the way to the NFC title game. Apparently, the Commanders aren’t looking to make any unnecessary changes.
With only days before the negotiating period, Washington re-signed its future Hall of Fame inside linebacker in Wagner to a one-year deal worth up to $9.5 million. Wagner will be playing his second season with the Commanders, having posted 132 tackles and two sacks in the regular season last year.
At 34 years old, Wagner is one of the oldest starters in the league and will eventually need to be replaced with a younger, more athletic tackler at the second level. In the meantime, though, Washington has its defensive leader back in the fold.
Grade: B
Texans agree to trade for WR Christian Kirk
With the new league year only six days away, the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars executed a rare intra-division trade.
With slot receiver Christian Kirk likely to be released by the Jaguars, new general manager James Gladstone instead dealt him to the Texans for a 2026 seventh-round pick. For Houston, the move makes sense as the 28-year-old comes over to replace Tank Dell, who could miss the whole upcoming season after tearing multiple knee ligaments in Week 16.
With Stefon Diggs also slated to hit free agency (and also coming back from a torn ACL), the Texans were thin at receiver. Now, they add Kirk, who does count for a significant cap charge of $15.5 million. It does make one wonder whether general manager Nick Caserio could have waited for Kirk to be released and then signed him at a cheaper rate.
Jaguars grade: C-
Texans grade: C
Vikings extend safety Theo Jackson
Minnesota has a pair of impact players in its secondary hitting free agency in slot corner Byron Murphy Jr. and safety Cam Bynum. In that vein, it appears general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is getting ahead of the potential issue, signing Jackson to a two-year extension, keeping him with the Vikings through 2027.
The deal is worth $12.6 million with the first two years fully guaranteed. While it’s not an enormous sum, the raise portends Jackson playing more snaps for Minnesota. Last season, he saw just 7% of the defensive snaps under coordinator Brian Flores.
With uncertainty looming on the Vikings’ back end, it appears Jackson will be doing more than just contributing on special teams in 2025.
Grade: B
Rams re-sign Tutu Atwell
While Cooper Kupp and Demarcus Robinson could be headed elsewhere this offseason, general manager Les Snead made it a priority to keep Atwell in house.
On Thursday morning, the Los Angeles Rams signed Atwell to a one-year, $10 million deal. Atwell, 25, finished up his rookie deal in 2024 with his best season to date, totaling 42 catches on 62 targets for 562 yards, albeit without a touchdown. If Los Angeles does move off Kupp and Robinson, Atwell would be a nice third option alongside star Puka Nacua and another addition.
Grade: B-
March 5
Maxx Crosby signs extension with Raiders
Only hours after announcing the deal for center Alex Cappa, the Las Vegas Raiders made much bigger waves by re-signing their best player.
Crosby and Las Vegas agreed to a three-year, $106 million extension with $91 million guaranteed, potentially keeping Crosby with the franchise that drafted him throughout his career.
Crosby, 27, had 7.5 sacks last season in 12 games and made the Pro Bowl for the fourth consecutive year. He’s a two-time All-Pro who is now signed long-term to be a pillar for the Pete Carroll regime. Over his six-year career, Crosby has 59.5 sacks but is still looking for his first playoff victory, something Carroll aims to bring.
Grade: A
Zack Baun re-signs with Eagles
In a move that goes against everything general manager Howie Roseman is, the Eagles decided to pay an off-ball linebacker in Zack Baun.
Philadelphia kept its first-team All-Pro middle linebacker off the market by agreeing to a three-year deal worth up to $51 million.
After spending four lackluster years with the New Orleans Saints, Baun signed a one-year deal with the Eagles and thrived under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, totaling 151 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, five forced fumbles, five quarterback hits and 3.5 sacks.
With Baun locked up, Roseman still has a couple of key pieces to retain in edge rusher Josh Sweat and defensive tackle Milton Williams.
Grade: B+
Chiefs trade Joe Thuney to the Bears
The Kansas City Chiefs made a surprising move Wednesday morning, dealing All-Pro left guard and team MVP Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick.
Thuney, 32, is entering the last season of a five-year deal and will likely be having extension talks with general manager Ryan Poles, who was part of the front office which acquired Thuney in free agency four years ago. Now, Thuney joins Jonah Jackson as part of a revamped Chicago interior as the Bears try to give second-year quarterback Caleb Williams a better chance to succeed.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs are getting younger at the position while making a risky bet that second-year man Kingsley Suamataia can step into Thuney’s shoes. This move was necessary, however, with Kansas City placing the franchise tag on right guard Trey Smith with the intention of getting a long-term, market-setting deal done. The move also clears $16 million in cap space for the AFC champions.
Chiefs grade: C+
Bears grade: B+
Alex Cappa signs with the Raiders
After being released by the Cincinnati Bengals earlier in the week, Cappa found a new home on a two-year, $11 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Frankly, it’s a bit of a head-scratcher. Yes, the Raiders struggled to block last season, ranking 20th in sack rate while allowing 50 sacks, seventh-most in football. However, Cappa struggled mightily last season, permitting the most sacks, hurries and pressures of any guard, according to Pro Football Focus.
The money and terms aren’t excessive for a 30-year-old who has started 96 NFL games, but it seems an overly aggressive play for a veteran who was going to sit on the market.
This article was originally published on www.si.com as NFL Free-Agency Tracker 2025: Grading Every Major Move.
