Jordan Stephenson
South Bureau Chief
NFL Free Agency officially started March 13, and trades were also made official that same day. There definitely was no shortage of important league altering news that shocked many fans and NFL analysts. This has already been one of the busiest free agency periods in NFL history, and obviously in recent memory.
The top QBs in this free agency period were Russell Wilson, Baker Mayfield and Kirk Cousins. Wilson had early visits with a few potential teams, and fortunately agreed to a league minimum deal with the Steelers. The Steelers also agreed with star LB Patrick Queen, on a three-year $41 million deal. The Vikings couldn’t meet his asking price, so Kirk Cousins eventually signed a four-year $180 million deal with the desperate Falcons. This deal includes $100 million in guaranteed money, which adds to his guaranteed money over the past few seasons. The Falcons then signed Darnell Mooney to a three-year $39 million deal. Mayfield signed a three-year $100 million deal after betting on himself, then Evans signed a two year $52 million deal. The Jest signed Mike Williams to a one-year deal.
The most surprising rb moves were Derrick Henry leaving the Titans while then agreeing to a two-year $16 million contract with the Ravens, and Saquon Barkley leaving the Giants while signing a three year $37.75 deal with the division rival Eagles. Then Tony Pollard left a gaping hole with the Cowboys, to replace Henry and sign a three-year $24 million deal with the Titans. Austin Ekeler left the Chargers and signed a two-year $11.43 million deal with the Commanders. D’Andre Swift left the Eagles and agreed to a three-year $24 million deal with the Bears. Josh Jacobs left the Raiders and signed a four-year $48 million deal with the Packers. The Packers released Aaron Jones, so he immediately signed a one year $7 million deal with the division rival Vikings. The Bengals were sadly going to release Joe Mixon, so the Texans came in at the 11th hour and traded for him. Zack Moss then signed a two-year $8 million contract with the Bengals. Gus Edwards left the Ravens to sign a two-year $6.5 million deal with the Chargers. DeVonta Smith signed a three-year $75 million extension.
There were definitely a few impactful trades made in this free agency period. The Jets just acquired OT Moses Morgan from the Ravens for a 2024 6th round pick and a 2024 4th round swap. The Browns acquired Jerry Judy from the Broncos for two 2024 5th and 6th round picks. The Steelers just traded Diontae Johnson to the Panthers for Donte Jackson and 2024 7th round pick swaps. The Giants acquired Brian Burns from the Panthers for a 2024 2nd and 5th round pick. The Colts acquired Carton Davis from the Buccaneers with a 2024 and 2025 6th round pick for a 2024 3rd round pick. The Bears acquired Keenan Allen from the Chargers for a 2024 4th round pick. Then they finally traded Justin Fields to the Steelers for a conditional 2025 6th round pick, so they can then draft Caleb Williams with the 1st pick. The Texans acquired Stefon Diggs from the Bills for a 2025 2nd round pick. Also, they erased the final three years of his contract and moved his $3.5 million guarantees to this season ($22.52 million). The Chiefs traded L’Jarius Sneed to the Titans for a 2025 3rd round pick and 2024 7th round pick swap.
Burns immediately agreed to a five-year $150 million deal with the Giants. Speaking of great defensive players getting the bag like Burns did, they were definitely a few more of them that also received huge contracts. Chris Jones finally re-signed with the Chiefs for a five-year $158.75 million contract, with $101 million guaranteed. Danielle Hunter agreed to a two-year $49 million deal with the Texans, with $48 million guaranteed. Christian Wilkins sadly left the Dolphins, but I’m definitely happy he was able to get his money and signed a four-year $110 million contract with the Raiders. Josh Allen signed a five-year $150 million deal with the Jaguars, just like Burns.
The Dolphins gave Jaylen Waddle a three-year $84.75 million extension, then they gave Tua Tagovailoa a four year $212.4 million extension, with $167 million guaranteed. Lastly, Tyreek Hill agreed to a restructured contract of a four year $106.5 million fully guaranteed contract, which is the most fully guaranteed money for a receiver ever. The Packers gave Jordan Love a four-year $220 million contract, $75 million in signing bonus and $155 million in full guarantees. Also, he’s tied with Trevor Lawrence and Joe Burrow, with a $55 million average per year. The Vikings gave Justin Jefferson a four-year $140 million contract extension, which made him the highest paid non-qb in NFL history. Three other great receivers in Ja’Marr Chase, Brandon Aiyuk, who has been close to being traded recently, and CeeDee Lamb, are still looking to get paid by their respective teams. Speaking of the Cowboys not paying Lamb yet, they still haven’t paid Dak Prescott yet, who is definitely looking for around $55-60 million.
Photo courtesy of ESPN.com