2024 NFL free company: Consultants debate finest, worst offers

NFL free company has began to decelerate over every week after formally opening. Groups have added affect playmakers throughout their depth charts, although free brokers resembling Xavien Howard and Connor Williams are nonetheless accessible for extra strikes. Notably, Kirk Cousins, Saquon Barkley, Calvin Ridley, Danielle Hunter, Arik Armstead, Robert Hunt and Russell Wilson have discovered new properties. Some groups made numerous noise with top-dollar additions, whereas others centered on worth signings.

What are one of the best general signings, high worth contracts and most questionable strikes? Which groups improved probably the most and least? Our NFL specialists are weighing in on what we have seen on this offseason’s free company.

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Finest strikes | Head-scratching strikes | Finest bargains
Most improved groups | Groups that took a step again

Which crew has taken a step backward over the previous week?

Stephania Bell, fantasy soccer analyst: Dallas Cowboys. There is a saying about addition by subtraction … nevertheless it does not apply right here. The Cowboys seem to have subtracted lead expertise throughout free company. The backfield now appears lackluster with no free company transfer to exchange RB Tony Pollard, regardless of a number of accessible skilled choices. The lack of OT Tyron Smith complicates issues up entrance, and whereas Smith handled well being points in recent times, when he was on the sphere there was no higher buddy to QB Dak Prescott. Even when the Cowboys contemplate shifting sort out Tyler Smith — and it is not clear that they’ll or ought to — their draft technique has to prioritize the O-line.

Matt Bowen, NFL analyst: Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens added working again Derrick Henry, who’s an improve and a scheme slot in Todd Monken’s offense. Nonetheless, that is extra concerning the gamers (and the coaches) who’ve moved on this offseason. Linebacker Patrick Queen, guard John Simpson, security Geno Stone and cornerback Ronald Darby signed free agent contracts with new golf equipment. Plus, former defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald is now the pinnacle coach in Seattle, and defensive again coach Denard Wilson took over because the coordinator in Tennessee.

Jeremy Fowler, nationwide NFL author: Ravens. Baltimore misplaced three starters alongside the offensive line that it should change. That is the Baltimore manner, letting veterans stroll in alternate for compensatory picks down the road. The Ravens have to shore up that O-line, however they might additionally replenish at receiver with a veteran or excessive draft choose, ideally a real X receiver that Lamar Jackson hasn’t had.

Eric Moody, fantasy soccer author: Cowboys. They’ve a number of positions that should be addressed — and there are additionally professional questions surrounding Prescott’s skill to make them a Tremendous Bowl. With Prescott’s contract expiring after the 2024 season, uncertainty looms over the crew. Because the NFL offseason progresses, extra questions than solutions stay concerning the Cowboys’ future. Dallas ought to signal Calais Campbell, who would instantly enhance the defensive position and rotation. The locker room would additionally profit from his management.

Jason Reid, senior Andscape author: Ravens. Henry boosts what was already the league’s finest working assault, however they’ve misplaced lots somewhere else. They entered the season with many pending free brokers, so the losses aren’t stunning. However the Ravens look like weakened. It would not be shocking if the Ravens took a step backward subsequent season. Jackson wants extra assist at wideout.

Jordan Reid, NFL draft analyst: Cowboys. They’ve misplaced key gamers and have failed to exchange them to this point. Not re-signing Tyron Smith creates an enormous void at left sort out, and permitting Pollard to hit the open market and not using a succession plan was additionally questionable. The draft continues to be but to occur, nevertheless it locations numerous stress on hitting on these draft picks to exchange gamers that have been an integral a part of the crew’s success.

Aaron Schatz, NFL analyst: Buffalo Payments. They needed to make numerous cuts to get below the cap — there’s an actual downgrade at security particularly — and I am probably not too excited concerning the addition of Curtis Samuel to their receiving group. He has by no means ranked larger than forty third in receiving DVOA, and he was 58th final season amongst qualifying receivers.

Mike Tannenbaum, NFL entrance workplace insider: Cowboys. They nonetheless have wants at left sort out, middle, working again, defensive sort out and receiver. Whereas numerous their assets might be tied up in extensions for Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons, it was shocking to not see them make a transfer on Henry or AJ Dillon. They deserve credit score for excellent drafting and endurance previously, however they are going to want an virtually good draft to fill all of their wants.

Which crew is probably the most improved after the previous two weeks?

Bell: Houston Texans. They shocked the league final season — largely due to the play of C.J. Stroud and the teaching and management of DeMeco Ryans — they usually’re solely getting higher. One of many areas the place they struggled, the run recreation, improved with the veteran addition of Joe Mixon. Their protection bought a lift from the additions of Danielle Hunter and Denico Autry to enrich Defensive Rookie of the Yr Will Anderson Jr. It virtually makes you’re feeling dangerous for the remainder of the AFC South.

Bowen: Philadelphia Eagles. It is arduous to argue in opposition to the Eagles after they added some difference-makers in free company. Operating again Saquon Barkley has the explosive, dual-threat skill to raise the Philly offense. On protection, outdoors linebacker Bryce Huff is a flamethrower off the sting, whereas security C.J. Gardner-Johnson has the flexibility and demeanor to spice up a secondary that struggled in 2023.

Fowler: Tennessee Titans. Tennessee has wants everywhere in the discipline, so credit score to GM Ran Carthon for recognizing the deficiencies and addressing them decisively in his first yr with out former coach Mike Vrabel. Calvin Ridley is a game-changer. Middle Lloyd Cushenberry, working again Tony Pollard, linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. and nook Chidobe Awuzie will make fast impacts.

Moody: Texans. Everyone knows what this crew is able to offensively with Stroud and receivers Nico Collins and Tank Dell. And the Texans have a brand new addition at working again, Mixon, who will make an affect. The defensive facet of the ball was addressed by basic supervisor Nick Caserio, too. Edge rusher Danielle Hunter, who signed a two-year, $49 million deal, ought to make a right away affect.

Jason Reid: Kansas Metropolis Chiefs. Along with signing Marquise Brown to bolster the receiving corps, they re-signed each All-Professional defensive lineman Chris Jones and versatile linebacker Drue Tranquill earlier than they might hit the open market. Jones wrecks the best-laid plans of opponents whereas shifting between sort out and finish, and he’s to the Chiefs’ protection what Patrick Mahomes is to the Chiefs’ offense. Tranquill was excellent, particularly in protection, after signing a one-year deal following his launch by the Chargers.

Jordan Reid: Carolina Panthers. After ending 2-15 final season, the one solution to go is up, however signing each Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis supplies a very good guard tandem inside for second-year quarterback Bryce Younger. Plus including receiver Diontae Johnson through commerce makes that offense higher than it was a season in the past.

Schatz: Atlanta Falcons. The improve at quarterback to Kirk Cousins is so vital and makes them probably the most improved crew, however I additionally just like the strikes Chicago has made, particularly the commerce for large receiver Keenan Allen and re-signing of cornerback Jaylon Johnson.

Tannenbaum: Texans. I like the addition of Hunter, who has elite traits and skill as an edge rusher and is now paired with Anderson — wow, what an unimaginable pass-rush tandem. Mixon instantly improves their working recreation, and he is additionally glorious out of the backfield. Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair had 163 tackles final season and is extraordinarily underrated. Re-signing tight finish Dalton Schultz and including Autry are two different strikes that may pay dividends through the season.

What was one of the best discount signing of free company?

Bell: Steelers signing QB Russell Wilson to a one-year, $1.2 million deal. From a monetary perspective, it is arduous to argue with a deal through which the participant’s new crew is paying a lot lower than the previous crew ($37.8 million). And it is going to be fascinating to see what model of Wilson the Steelers can unlock. He won’t transfer like he used to, however he can nonetheless throw the ball and the Steelers ought to be capable to stretch the sphere in methods we’ve not not too long ago seen. The addition of Justin Fields as backup, even when not a real menace to begin, solely helps incentivize Wilson to show he nonetheless has one thing left within the tank.

Bowen: Saints signing LB Willie Homosexual to a one-year, $3 million deal (with a max worth of $5 million). It is a worth transfer for the Saints, including a 26-year-old second-level defender with pursuit pace and the flexibility to match defenders in house. In Dennis Allen’s system, Homosexual might be put able to supply as an off-ball linebacker with sub-package versatility.

Fowler: Commanders signing RB Austin Ekeler to a two-year, $8.4 million deal. He is a right away improve to the Commanders’ passing recreation together with his skill to catch 50-70 passes per season. He is a very good complement to energy again Brian Robinson Jr., and he is solely 28. Washington learn the tailback market appropriately, refusing to pay double for the highest stars.

Moody: Vikings signing RB Aaron Jones to a one-year, $7 million deal. Whereas Jones is 29 years previous, he has spent most of his profession in a committee and averages 14.9 touches per recreation. Final season, Jones averaged 15.6 touches and 80.8 whole yards per recreation and carried out nice for the Packers. With Ty Chandler, he kinds a formidable working again committee for the Vikings.

Jason Reid: Steelers signing Wilson. Wilson, 35, is coming off consecutive disastrous seasons in Denver. The Steelers can pay him the league minimal to be their beginning quarterback — that is a discount! It is simple to neglect now, however Willson as soon as was a perennial Professional Bowler who appeared destined for enshrinement within the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame. And even when he is merely competent below middle, that will be far more than the Steelers have gotten from the place not too long ago.

Jordan Reid: Steelers signing Wilson. The seek for a franchise QB continues in Pittsburgh, however for such a low value, it is unimaginable to argue with the crew bringing in Wilson. The crew additionally not too long ago acquired Fields, however Wilson is anticipated to be the starter getting into the season.

Schatz: Bengals signing S Geno Stone to a two-year, $15 million deal (with $6 million in whole ensures). Stone had a breakout season in 2023, and this was an actual place of want for Cincinnati. The Bengals have been capable of steal from a division rival, and if Stone for some cause does not play nicely in 2024, they’ll get out of the contract with simply $1.5 million in lifeless cash.

Tannenbaum: Chiefs signing WR Marquise Brown to a one-year deal price as much as $11 million. He’s 26 and has 28 profession touchdowns, bringing an explosive factor to the Chiefs’ offense that they have been hoping to get with Marquez Valdes-Scantling. With TE Travis Kelce and WR Rashee Rice doing numerous the beneath work, Brown ought to thrive because the deep menace on this offense.

What was probably the most head-scratching transfer of free company?

Bell: Operating again Josh Jacobs to the Packers. It is true, final season was an off yr for Aaron Jones. He suffered a hamstring damage in Week 1, and it restricted his availability all through the season. However the oft-repeated mantra was that Jones was the center of the crew, a crucial presence within the locker room and the important thing to its run recreation. The argument in opposition to Jones is he is an getting old working again who was going to value an excessive amount of to re-sign. But the Packers introduced in a again on a costlier multiyear deal (4 years, $48 million) who has fewer years of play within the league however has accrued mileage at a sooner charge. This isn’t about Jacobs’ plain expertise, it is concerning the rationale.

Bowen: Operating again Tony Pollard to the Titans. Pollard matches finest in a rotational function, maximizing his working and receiving traits. However I did not count on Tennessee, who drafted Tyjae Spears within the third spherical final yr, to be within the combine right here. Let’s have a look at if the Titans goal a working again within the draft with downhill energy and aim line skill to enrich the talents of each Pollard and Spears.

Fowler: Security Kevin Byard to the Bears. Byard has had an amazing profession, however leaping out pre-free company with $15 million over two years appeared impulsive, particularly with Justin Simmons and Quandre Diggs nonetheless on the market in an oversaturated security market. For distinction, Kamren Curl, who’s 5 years youthful, signed for $8.75 million over two years, with upside to $12.75 million.

Moody: Receiver Gabe Davis signing with the Jaguars. He had some nice moments with the Payments enjoying alongside Stefon Diggs, totaling 746 receiving yards final season. Nonetheless, if the Jaguars’ plan was to pair Davis with Calvin Ridley, then that plan will not come to fruition — Ridley signed a extra profitable cope with the Titans. Davis might wrestle because the Jaguars’ No. 1 receiver in 2024, given the defensive consideration he’ll now command.

Jason Reid: Byard to the Bears. The Bears bucked the development of groups shifting on from veteran safeties, signing Byard, who turns 31 in August, after he was lower by the Eagles. Hoping he could be a giant a part of one other Tremendous Bowl run, the Eagles acquired Byard finally season’s commerce deadline, however the secondary was a multitude down the stretch. Clearly, Byard should not be blamed for all the Eagles’ protection points, however there isn’t any sugarcoating it: He did not play nicely and, then, bought a large deal from the Bears.

Jordan Reid: Byard to the Bears. The security market was superb getting into free company, and there have been significantly better and youthful matches for the Bears to signal. Contemplating the quantity of cap house that they had previous to that signing, there gave the impression to be higher matches than the getting old Byard.

Schatz: Guard Robert Hunt to the Panthers. Hunt was beneath common amongst guards in each go block win charge (89.6%) and run block win charge (68.6%) final season. The season earlier than, he was twentieth in go block win charge however once more beneath common in run block win charge. It does not scream, “Hey, make me the second-highest paid proper guard within the NFL.”

Tannenbaum: Receiver Calvin Ridley to the Titans. Sure, he has two 1,000-yard seasons and 36 profession TDs, and he is 29 years previous — however he has by no means been a bona fide No. 1 receiver. I believe the Titans overpaid at $23 million per yr.

What was one of the best general free agent signing?

Bell: Ravens signing RB Derrick Henry to a two-year, $16 million deal. Sure, he’s 30 years previous, however Henry is constructed to steamroller opponents with measurement and energy. And he has proven sturdiness with just one season in his eight-year profession through which he has performed fewer than 15 video games. Henry will proceed to pose issues for defenses that now should account for different offensive expertise alongside him, together with a quarterback (Lamar Jackson) who’s much more nimble as a runner than Henry.

Bowen: Packers signing S Xavier McKinney to a four-year, $68 million deal. As a security with multidimensional traits, McKinney tracks the ball nicely and has the protection abilities to match within the slot. That is a match for a Inexperienced Bay protection that might be far more aggressive with its protection and stress tendencies below new coordinator Jeff Hafley. McKinney, 25, has 9 interceptions and 14 go breakups in his 4 professional seasons.

Fowler: Steelers signing LB Patrick Queen to a three-year, $41 million contract. Pittsburgh will get a defensive cornerstone at a place that has lengthy been depleted. Including a fourth defensive star alongside T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Cameron Heyward will repay within the AFC North. And bonus factors for stealing Queen from the rival Ravens. His contract is affordable, because the Steelers can get out of it after one yr and $13.84 million — although they will not need to try this.

Moody: Panthers signing G Robert Hunt to a five-year, $100 million contract. The Panthers made certain they secured one of many high offensive linemen in free company to assist shield quarterback Bryce Younger. Hunt will enhance an offensive line that ranked close to the underside of the league in go block win charge final season (twenty third at 54.3%).

Jason Reid: Chiefs signing WR Marquise “Hollywood” Brown to a one-year deal price as much as $11 million. Kansas Metropolis GM Brett Veach addressed the crew’s largest offseason concern. The Chiefs led the league in dropped passes (38) final season. Veach wanted to accumulate a possible difference-maker on the receiver place, and Brown has elite pace and is an elusive runner after the catch. In his 5 NFL seasons, Brown has 3,644 receiving yards and 28 touchdowns. He provides the Chiefs their finest deep menace since they traded Tyreek Hill to the Dolphins.

Jordan Reid: Chiefs signing Brown. It isn’t a secret that, outdoors of Rashee Rice, the Chiefs’ receivers final season have been underwhelming. An enormous lacking factor of the scheme final season was the shortage of downfield consistency. Brown brings that added dimension and instantly turns into the No. 1 goal for quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Schatz: Falcons signing QB Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal. Quarterback is crucial place within the recreation, so additions at that place are going to maneuver the needle much more than at different positions. Cousins is a serious improve over Desmond Ridder. He does not make the Falcons Tremendous Bowl contenders however does make them division favorites, so Atlanta followers may have a cause for optimism over the subsequent couple of seasons.

Tannenbaum: Eagles signing RB Saquon Barkley to a three-year, $37.7 million contract. Barkley will give Jalen Hurts a significantly better likelihood of getting via the season wholesome. Over the previous three seasons, Hurts has run the ball 491 occasions, which is probably the most by any quarterback in that span. These numbers take a toll, and he did not look the identical on the finish of final season. With a real elite runner within the backfield, there will not be as a lot stress on Hurts to run, which can doubtlessly maintain him wholesome down the stretch.