In just three days of free agency, the consensus among fans is that the action so fast and furious to keep track of because of the various sources that provide the information. Unlike the NBA, where a select group of reporters provides breaking news, nuggets from the NFL’s free agency seem to leak from several sources. Teams have tried to forge a new path by trading their first-round draft picks by choice or forced by cap issues, some have signed underrated players, and there have been a few surprising retirements. The latest news on Friday matches the exact scenarios, and in this article, we discuss the major takeaways for the franchises moving forward from three major storylines.
1. Kenny Pickett traded to the Eagles-Pickett was selected 20th overall in the 2022 draft and was once considered the building block for the franchise after the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger. The Steelers will receive a 2024 third-round pick and two 2025 seventh-round picks in exchange for Pickett and a 2024 fourth-round pick. In his two-year stint, Kenny played 25 games, completed 62.6% of his passes, and threw 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Pickett regressed badly in his second season to the point that he was healthy for the wild card game against the Steelers and benched in favor of Mason Rudolph. Still, it was a surprise that the team gave up on the player after two seasons. It is was reported, that he requested the trade after the Steelers signed Russell Wilson to a 1-year deal. If he made the request, it is a lateral move or some a step backward. In Pittsburgh, he had a chance to displace Wilson as the starter, but in Philadelphia, he will be a backup to Jalen Hurts. Perhaps spending time on the bench and learning from Hurts will help, but he might look back on it as a missed opportunity. At least, Pickett is a boyhood Eagles fan, and will be motivated to deliver in the City of Brotherly Love.
2. Marquise Brown signs with the Chiefs- the Kansas City proved that they are playing chess when the field is playing checkers. The Titans signed the best Wide Receiver on the market with the acquisition of Calvin Ridley. However, it is hard not to argue that Marquise Brown is not the second-best free agent at the position. The Chiefs have signed Hollywood to a one-year deal worth up to 11 million dollars. Brown had a down season hampered by injury and tallied a career-low 574 yards in 14 games. Hollywood will likely be Marquez Valdez-Scantling’s replacement on the depth chart, played well in the Super Bowl but struggled with drops in the season. Brown will be a thorn for the opposition because of his speed and improved catching skills. This is a perfect move for Brown because he will elevate his next contract if he performs well with Patrick Mahomes and potentially wins a ring.
3. Aaron Donald retires- sometimes it feels like elite athletes will play forever because of how dominant they are before retirement. This was my immediate thought when I heard about Aaron Donald’s retirement. Donald leaves the Grid Iron as one of the best Defensive Tackles ever with eight first-team All-Pro honors, 10 Pro Bowl selections, three AP Defensive Player of the Year trophies, and a member of the All-Decade Team. At age 32, Donald now walks away as one of the best defenders in pressuring the quarterback and sealed his only Super Bowl LVI win by forcing an errant pass from Joe Burrow. Donald will hang up his shoes as the Rams sacks leader and join J.J. Watt and Lawrence Taylor as the only players in the D.P.O.Y award three times. Replacing Donald’s performance will be hard for the Rams, and his absence will make it difficult for them to compete with the 49ers in the NFC West division.