The Three Biggest Winners from NFL Free Agency

The first week of free agency is now in the books, and the dust has settled with most of the top-tier talented players signed by a franchise. The action was a bit underwhelming, with some of the top teams able to retain their talent before hitting the open market due to the increase in the cap. However, a few big trades and a flurry of signings were made by aggressive teams looking to improve, while some teams took a hit with some players heading out the door. In this article, we will break down the top three teams that improved during free agency.

1. Chicago Bears- The Bears started season 4-2 and were heading into the bye week in pole position to contend for a playoff spot. However, the season unraveled, with Chicago losing 10 straight games before winning the finale. The season derailed because Caleb Williams struggled against pressure, and the offensive line failed to protect the young quarterback. The Bears are the biggest winners because they did everything to address their needs. First, the franchise the franchise chose the best Offensive Head Coach on the market, Ben Johnson, to help Caleb reach his potential. In free agency, the franchise solidified the protection in front of Williams. Before the negotiating window, they executed the trade for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, who will be starters. Then, they added the best center on the open market in Drew Dalman. It means Williams should be able to trust his protection and should not suffer anywhere near the 68 sacks last season. Finally, Dayo Odeyingbo is 25 years old and has tallied 16 sacks in the last three seasons. It will make their defensive line even more potent with pass rusher Montez Sweat on the opposite side. NFL games are decided in the trenches on offense and defense, and the Bears look stacked in that department.

2. Washington Commanders- the Commanders were 4-13 and last place in the NFC East in the 2023 season. However, all the losses meant the team could have the chance to draft a transformational player at the quarterback position. In the 2024 NFL draft, the Commanders selected Jayden Daniels from Louisiana State University. The Commanders were the Cinderella team in 2024 by finishing with a 12-5 record, second place in the division, and making it to the NFC Conference Championship. In free agency, the Commanders did what every team should do, which is go all-in to win a championship while their team has an elite rookie quarterback contract. First, they kept their core veterans by bringing back Bobby Wagner and Zach Ertz. Then, they added to the offensive side by landing Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil. With Terry McLaurin as the number one receiver, Samuels is now a perfect complement as a versatile number two. The trade with Houston gives a star left tackle in Tunsil. On the defense, they improved by signing Javon Kinlaw, who will improve the defensive line.

3. New England Patriots- last season was the first time the Patriots were playing a season without either Tom Brady or Bill Belichick in the organization. It did not go as planned with Jared Mayo at the helm. New England finished with a 4-13 record and the 4th pick in the upcoming draft. The team had the luxury of the most money to spend in free agency and a highly-touted quarterback in Drake Maye. Patriots Owner Robert Kraft did not feel that Mayo could change the franchise’s trajectory and instead decided to hire Mike Vrabel as Head Coach. The Patriots made the biggest splashes on Day 1 by addressing their defense by landing defensive tackle Milton Williams with a four-year deal worth $104 million deal. The team also signed corner Carlton Davis to pair with Christian Gonzalez. Also, they signed Linebacker Robert Spillane and signed edge rusher Harold Landry. The Patriots started to address their need on the offense by signing Morgan Moses to start at Right Tackle. New England would be higher in the rankings if they had landed a number one receiver but they missed out on Tee Higgins, Chris Godwin, Cooper Kupp, and D.K. Metcalf. Therefore, they will need to address the Wide Receiver and Left Tackle positions in the draft or pounce in the trade market when an opportunity arises.