Free agency marks the starting point of the NFL calendar when teams make key decisions that shape the direction of their franchise for years to come. Signing a savvy under-rated player to a modest contract may put them on the path to a Super Bowl run, while some teams regret overpaying for a one-off Pro Bowl player. On Monday, March 11, teams were allowed to open negotiations, and the contracts and trade will be confirmed when the new league year begins today. There have been good moves made by teams to get better, while the decisions of a few has been cringeworthy. In this article, we will discuss the three best and worst moves in the wild NFL free agency period.
1. Falcons add QB Kirk Cousins vs Steelers signing Wilson- I liked both moves to sign two of the best quarterbacks in the league. The Falcons stunned the Vikings by signing Cousins to a 4-year, 180-million-dollar deal including 90 million dollars guaranteed. Some will say that the Falcons overpaid because that is too much money for a 35-year-old quarterback coming off an ACL injury. However, I think the Falcons had to pay a little more to get their guy under center, making them a more complete team. In the past five seasons, Cousins has completed 67% of his passes, 141 touchdowns, 45 touchdowns, and averaged over 4,000 yards when healthy. At the other end of the spectrum, Wilson signed a 1.2 million deal to sign with Pittsburgh. It is a win-win situation for both parties, given the low risk involved for the Steelers, and Wilson will be on a mission to erase the memories of his Denver Broncos stint and a resurgence to a top 10 quarterback. New Steelers Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith, is credited for Ryan Tannehill’s best year in Tennessee, and Wilson will benefit from his presence.
2. Chiefs keep DT Chris Jones-one of the most well-deserved contract extensions was issued to the Mississippi State alum. Jones has reportedly signed a five years contract worth $158.75 million and $95 million guaranteed. Again, some will say this is a massive contract for a player who will be old by the end of it. However, I think Chris Jones is the best defensive player in Kansas City and the captain of the unit. Jones recorded 10.5 sacks last season and had the second-highest win rate for a defensive tackle. After getting franchised last year, Jones bet on himself by leading one of the best defenses all season and to a third Super Bowl championship in four years. Well done!
3. Ravens to sign RB Derrick Henry- the king of the backfield signed a two-year deal worth $16 million with $9 million guaranteed. Some will say Henry is on the decline, but I think playing a losing situation in Tennessee where the defenses loaded the box to stop him and contributed to his low numbers in 2023. The thought of Lamar Jackson and the threat of Derrick Henry on the field will be a nightmare for opposing defenses. If Baltimore can reduce his usage and continue to block at an elite level in the run game, Henry may be the missing player the Ravens need to get over the hump and get to the Super Bowl.
Worst Deals
1. Packers add RB Josh Jacobs- the Packers signed Josh to a four-year deal worth $48 million with $12.5 million guaranteed. I think this is a terrible deal because the Packers decided to pay Jacobs instead of paying Aaron Jones, who was better in 2023. Jacobs’ performance dipped last season due to the struggles in Las Vegas, but Jones was one of the most consistent players in Wisconsin. Jones is also a better wide receiver and sign a more team-friendly deal. Jacobs is three years younger, but the price tag will put the pressure on him to deliver along with Jordan Love as expectations rise in Green Bay.
2. Eagles to sign RB Saquon Barkley- Barkley has signed a three-year deal worth $37.75 million with $26 million fully guaranteed. Saquon was the best player on the Giants offense, and yet the team messed up in how they treated their asset. However, it feels like the Eagles went in the exact opposite direction of overpaying for the Penn State alum. Barkley was the best running back from this free agency class but is susceptible to injury. Also, it feels like the Eagles could have invested their money on the defense, and especially the secondary which was their weakness last season.
3. Panthers sign G Robert Hunt vs Raiders grabbing Christian Wilkins- I think these are the worst two deals of free agency. Hunt received a massive five-year, $100 million contract with $63 million guaranteed. I think this is an overpay because it makes Hunt one of the highest-paid Guard ever in the sport. Hunt is a decent player because he has an average win rate, but is not worth top-notch money. The Panthers compounded matters by trading DE Brian Burns to the Giants without getting a first-round pick for an elite talent. On the other hand, Wilkins signed a 4-years deal worth $110 million and $84.75 million guaranteed. Wilkins had 9.0 sacks last season and will improve the Raiders defensive line, but his numbers in terms of run stoppage have slipped in 2023 compared to being top two in 2021 and 2022. The price tag makes this deal involve too much risk!