NFL free agency couldn’t wait. Agreements between teams and players happened at a furious pace on Monday as the league opened its ‘legal tampering’ period. Deals won’t be official until Wednesday, but already so many of the top players are off the board.
Monday saw some stunning deals. Sam Darnold agreed to massive contract with the Seattle Seahawks to replace Geno Smith. The Chicago Bears spent a boatload of money, signing a new center, edge rusher, and defensive tackle all to big deals. The New England Patriots finally spent their money, adding a premium piece on the defensive line from the reigning champion Philadelphia Eagles. The action didn’t stop at signings: the Washington Commanders pulled off a wild heist for a new franchise left tackle.
We’re grading every move of NFL free agency in this post as they happen. Here’s our instant reaction to every major signing of NFL free agency so far.
Dre Greenlaw to the Broncos on a three-year deal worth $35M: A
This is a great get for the Broncos. Greenlaw was still recovering from his torn Achilles in the 2024 season, but once he’s fully back to himself he provides a lot of intensity and range at the second level of a defense. I’m curious how he looks without LB Fred Warner next to him, but the linebacker should play well in a fast and physical Broncos’ defense.
Javonte Williams to the Cowboys on a one-year deal worth up to $3.5M: B-
This is a solid signing for the Cowboys, who needed some more talent in the RB room. Williams hasn’t lived up to pre-draft hype, but between the tackles he can be a nice singles and doubles hitter. This shouldn’t stop the Cowboys from drafting a RB early at all.
Akeem Davis-Gaither to the Cardinals on a two-year deal worth $11M: C
Davis-Gaither is an undersized LB who hasn’t been able to find his way on the field in Cincinnati. I have a hard time believing he’ll be an entrenched starter in Arizona, but his range should provide some fun scenarios on third down.
Michael Hoecht to the Bills on a three-year deal worth $24M: B-
The Bills need some more oomph in the run game, and Hoecht can be that guy on the edge. He’s a former defensive tackle who was dropping into coverage far too often for the Rams, but in Buffalo he’ll have his hand in the dirt most of the time. This is a McDermott body type along the line that doesn’t really offer much in pass rush, but could be another solid piece in a rotation.
Mack Hollins to the Patriots on a two-year deal worth $8.4M: B+
This is another great value signing at receiver and a player that fits Mike Vrabel’s mentality. Hollins is a monster run blocker at the position and has shown the ability to go up and get the ball in contested catch situations. The Pats still need a true separator, and Hollins isn’t that, but this is a nice step forward.
Darius Slayton back to the Giants on a three-year deal worth $36M: A-
I like this deal for both Slayton and the Giants, a nice reunion for a team that really needs it. Coming in at the same price tag as Josh Palmer was a bit unexpected, but it’s not a hefty dollar amount for a guy who can create separation with his speed like Slayton. He and Malik Nabers work well with each other, and whoever is playing QB for the Giants will love throwing to them.
Oren Burks to the Bengals on a two-year deal worth $5M: B-
I guess you can do worse with a value signing like this. Burks reportedly is going to get a chance to start in Cincy, but as a guy who is more of a downhill hammer and blitzer, I wonder how he’s going to be deployed in those situations on the field. The linebacker crop really thinned out after the top guys signed, so the Bengals just had to take a shot where they could get a shot on target.
Michael Jackson back to the Panthers on a two year deal worth $14.5M: B-
This is a pretty good value signing for a team that can still add to the room if they want to. Jackson had some productive moments in Carolina, especially when Jaycee Horn was out with injury, and worst case scenario you have a spot starter if your top guys go down. Don’t hate it, nothing to write home about.
Teair Tart back to the Chargers on a one-year deal worth $5.5M: B
I like this for Tart and the Chargers, who both need each other. Tart was a midseason signing that really helped shore up their run game as a nose tackle, and keeping him around after losing Poona Ford is a really smart move by LA. It also doesn’t stop them from adding to the room, either.
Ryan Kelly to the Vikings on a two-year deal worth $18M: C+
I wonder what this deal does for incumbent starter Garrett Bradbury. They can void his 2026 and 2027 numbers on his contract, but he’s still owed money for 2025. I don’t think Bradbury set the world on fire at center, but then again, neither did Kelly. At this stage of his career Kelly is a smart center who still fits in outside zone schemes like Minnesota, but availability is his biggest question.
Malik Harrison to the Steelers on a two-year deal worth $10M: C+
I like the versatility that Harrison brings to the table and the youth (27 years old), but he’s very similar stylistically to Elandon Roberts, who is also a free agent that the Steelers want back. If they want him at EDGE, he just joins another logjammed group. A little confused on this one.
Tershawn Wharton to the Panthers on a three-year deal worth up to $54M: C+
The Panthers continue to load up on defensive linemen, but this price tag feels steep for Wharton. I like what he brings to the table as a sub package pass rusher and getting most of that money guaranteed at signing is a nice move, but man it’s a steep number for an undersized player who was in a rotation last season.
Zach Wilson to the Dolphins on a one-year deal worth up to $10M: B-
This doesn’t seem like that big of a deal on the surface, but getting a warm body at backup QB behind Tua was high on the list of needs for the Dolphins. Wilson isn’t good, but he’s started NFL games. That’s all they need.
Derek Barnett back to the Texans on a one-year deal worth $5M: C
With this and the Taylor signing, the Barnett deal feels a bit redundant. Both are more pass rushers and depth, but you need as much pass rush as you can get in the AFC.
Hunter Long to the Jaguars on a two-year deal worth up to $6M: C-
I mean…ok? Long seems more like a depth guy here. Nothing more, nothing less.
Sebastian Joseph-Day back to the Titans on a one-year deal worth $7.5M: B-
Joseph-Day is definitely not the player he was a few years ago, but this deal is fine on the surface. Keep a defensive vet in the locker room and another run defender to stack up.
Roy Robertson-Harris to the Giants on a two-year deal worth $10M: C+
Robertson-Harris is a veteran who can play up and down the defensive front, but works more as a defensive tackle where he can use his length to disrupt offenses. He’s not an impact player at this stage of his career, but the depth is nice.
Khyiris Tonga to the Patriots on a one-year deal worth $2.7M: C+
I mean, it’s fine. Solid depth piece who can help in the run game.
Darrell Taylor to the Texans on a one-year deal worth $5.25M: B-
This is largely inconsequential, but Taylor probably slots in as a designated pass rusher behind Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.
Charvarius Ward to the Colts on a three-year deal worth up to $60M: B
If Charvarius Ward can get back to his 2023 form, this is a nice deal for the Colts. He’s a press corner who has won in quarters-heavy defenses before and can make plays on the ball. However, he’s coming off a down year in San Francisco amidst a lot of things going on. This price tag is steep, but if he can regain his form on a new team it looks really good.
Cody Barton to the Titans on a three-year deal worth $21M: B+
Arguably their best signing of the day, Barton is a pretty fun player in a defense that keeps him clean. He has some nice range to play underneath hook areas. This is also nice value, $7M per year for a starting level linebacker. Savvy move by Tennessee.
Bobby Brown III to the Panthers on a three-year deal worth up to $27M: B
This is nice value for the Panthers, who have once again poured resources into trying to stop the run up the middle. After the Rams signed Poona Ford, Brown was free to go elsewhere, and his ability as a nose tackle should be an immediate upgrade for a defense that needs it. Nice value signing.
Malcolm Koonce to the Raiders on a one-year deal worth $12M: A
I’m a HUGE fan of Koonce, who brings some speed and burst as a pass rusher that the Raiders missed after he tore his ACL. This is contingent on him returning to form, but for a one year deal, this is great value. I’m cautiously excited to see what the Raiders defense looks like in 2025.
Nate Hobbs to the Packers on a four-year deal worth $48M: B+
This is GREAT value for Hobbs, who is a really fun player on the inside when he’s healthy. The ‘when he’s healthy’ part is the issue, but he’s a smart and instinctive player at nickel. I really want to give this an A, but I wonder where they play Hobbs with Kei’Sean Nixon still on the roster. Do they move Nixon or do they give Hobbs a shot outside? I’ll be curious to see how it unfolds.
Robert Hainsey to the Jaguars on a three-year deal worth $21M: B
I like this deal for the Jaguars. Hainsey is a smart center with some movement skills that really show up in Liam Coen’s offense. This deal doesn’t break the bank and the Jaguars get a starting caliber center. Really savvy move.
Brandon Stephens to the Jets on a three-year deal worth up to $36M: C-
This is one I really don’t understand. Stephens fits the size and length measurables Glenn wants in his cornerbacks, but paying Stephens $13M per year is a massive reach. He’s a competitor, but gets beaten at the catch point far too much and is on the wrong side of too many explosive plays. Baffling move to me.
Donte Jackson to the Chargers on a two-year deal worth $13M: C
I get the Chargers needed some more punch at CB, but this feels like a bad fit in so many ways. Harbaugh and DC Jesse Minter like their corners bigger and more physical. Donte Jackson is 5’10, 180 pounds and avoids tackling like the plague. Having a body at CB is good, but this is a bad fit.
Patrick Jones to the Panthers on a two-year deal worth up to $20M: B+
While not a big time signing, Jones and the Panthers mesh really well. He’s an active run defender who wins crossing the face of tackles and as a hammer on pass rush games, and I think that Panthers’ DC Ejiro Evero can use him as a complement to Derrick Brown and other picks on the defensive line. Every team needs a Patrick Jones.
Jeremy Chinn to the Raiders on a two-year deal worth $16M: A-
With 75% of this money guaranteed at signing, I like this deal for both Chinn and the Raiders. Chinn is at his best near the line of scrimmage and in the tackle box, and he can cover some tight ends in certain situations. Getting another versatile guy for Patrick Graham’s defense is really smart, and it might not cost them that much in the long run. Shrewd move.
TJ Slaton to the Bengals on a two-year deal worth $15.1M: B
This is a nice deal for a guy who should help shore up some of the Bengals run defense issues on the interior. Slaton has experience in a four man front and can hold gaps pretty well. Bengals get more run defense without breaking the bank.
Aaron Banks to the Packers on a four-year deal worth $77m: C+
Wow. Did not expect Banks to get top guard-level money, but here we are. The Packers needed some more oomph from their interior, but shelling out $19.25M per year for a guy who is just ok seems like a misstep. Banks has his moments, but was beaten down a lot last year in San Francisco. Maybe a change of scenery helps him out here.
Grady Jarrett to the Bears on a three-year deal worth $43.5M: B+
I like this deal for Jarrett, who quickly finds a new home after being released by the Falcons earlier today. He’s more of a three-technique than a one, which means someone is going to slide over on the Bears’ defensive interior, but Jarrett’s pass rush ability should help create some opportunities for Montez Sweat.
Patrick Mekari to the Jaguars on a three-year deal worth up to $39M: A
This is great value for the Jaguars, who get a really versatile lineman who has literally played all over the offensive line. He’s been in multiple offensive schemes and played well, and in Jacksonville he probably slides to right guard. A great deal for the Jags, who can still be flexible in the draft.
Dyami Brown to the Jaguars on a one-year deal worth up to $12M: B
This is a solid one year flier for the Jags that keeps their options open still. Brown is a vertical guy who can win downfield, which frees up more opportunities for Brian Thomas Jr in other areas of the field.
Luke Farrell to the 49ers on a three-year deal worth $20.25M: C
Sure.
Josh Sweat to the Cardinals on a four-year deal worth $76M: B
I’m curious to see how Sweat operates in an environment that doesn’t have the interior defensive presence that the Eagles have, but this deal is very similar to the one the Vikings gave Jonathan Greenard. Sweat is a bendy, long pass rusher who can affect the QB on the edge, where the Cardinals really need the help.
Josh Palmer to the Bills on a three-year deal worth $36M: B+
Palmer is the outside addition that the Bills have been looking for this offseason, and they don’t break the bank to do it. Palmer is a fine receiver who can block and create separation in limited spurts, much more of a WR2 or 3. Nice addition for Buffalo.
Talanoa Hufanga to the Broncos on a three-year deal worth $45M: B+
I would’ve guessed the Broncos go after Holland or Moehrig, someone who’s a bit better in coverage, but Hufanga also makes some sense here. When healthy, he’s a missile coming off the roof who wants to be a factor in the run game and plays well in quarters coverage. The price tag isn’t too steep, but this really depends on which Hufanga they get.
Milton Williams to the Patriots on a four-year deal worth $104M: A-
The prized defensive line free agent of this offseason, Williams gets a massive bag from the Patriots. $26M per year is a lot, but he’s an impactful pass rusher who actually played pretty well in the run game in 2023. The Pats needed to spend big in free agency, and got their big fish in Williams.
Dayo Odeyingbo to the Bears on a three-year deal worth $48M: B
This is a lot of money for Odeyingbo, who is the protypical EDGE defender that Bears’ DC Dennis Allen likes. His production kinda comes and goes, but this gives Chicago a secondary EDGE defender in the run game who can kick inside on pass rush downs. This deal puts him squarely in between Alex Highsmith and Uchenna Nwosu for EDGEs, and while I like those guys more, Odeyingbo was one of the top guys on the board.
Cam Bynum to the Colts on a four-year deal worth $60M: A
This feels like a win for both Bynum and the Colts. Come in with a larger overall number than Tre’von Moehrig, but less made per year is great for Bynum, who played really well in Minnesota. He feels very similar to guys that new Colts DC Lou Anarumo has had success with, and his instincts on the back end should really help shore up some of the lapses the Colts secondary has had recently. A win-win for both sides.
Justin Fields to the Jets on a two-year deal worth $40M: C+
That is…a considerable amount of money for Fields. I am curious to see how the contract is structured, but on the surface this feels like a boom or bust type of deal. Fields is talented, but hasn’t proven to be consistent enough to garner any more than this. This might be the going rate for bridge QBs, but it’s still pretty risky for a guy like Fields.
Sam Darnold to the Seahawks on a three-year deal worth $100M: B-
This is a RISKY deal for the Seahawks, who cash in on Darnold after an outstanding season in Minnesota. I don’t think the Seahawks have the infrastructure to support Darnold just yet, meaning this could go south really quick. However, with Klint Kubiak as their offensive coordinator some of the verbiage might remain similar. This deal must be structured like the one Baker Mayfield got from Tampa, and they’re about the same QB so it makes sense financially, but man, GM John Schneider better hope this works.
Poona Ford to the Rams on a three-year deal worth just under $30M: A
This is a great deal at a big position of need for the Rams. Ford was awesome for the Chargers last year when it came to stopping the run, and the Rams were repeatedly gashed on the ground due to how light they were up front. Ford fills a big need, and while $10M per year is nothing to just wave away, it’s well worth it for a guy who can impact your run defense.
Tre’von Moehrig to the Panthers on a three-year deal worth $51M: A-
I really like this deal for the Panthers, especially the timing of it. With Moehrig and Jevon Holland hitting free agency, one was going to one-up the other in terms of contract value. Moehrig gets his done first and it’ll look like a bargain. On the field, he’s an quality player who can fill run lanes while also being able to stick on the roof in 2-high shells. Love this for Carolina.
Isaiah Rodgers to the Vikings on a two-year deal worth $15M: B-
This is largely a depth signing, so getting Rodgers at $7.5M per year is fine. He’s an ok spot starter on the inside or outside, and the Vikings need that kind of player in their secondary.
DJ Reed to the Lions on a three-year deal worth $48M: A
While I’m curious what this means for the future of CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr, who was drafted in Round 2 last year, Reed and CB Terrion Arnold should be a lot of fun. Reed is a feisty DB who can live on an island despite his size, and getting him for $16M per year is nice value. I’m excited to see Reed on the Lions.
Tre’von Moehrig to the Panthers on a three-year deal worth $51M: A-
I’m super high on Moehrig, a guy who fills the alley as a run defender while also being able to stay on the roof of a defense in 2-high shells. The $17M/year price tag is a big number, but considering that the Panthers got this done before a Jevon Holland deal went through I like the value they’re gonna get. The Panthers got a really impactful safety here.
Morgan Moses to the Patriots on a three-year deal worth up to $28.5M: B+
Given the deals handed out to Jaylon Moore and Dan Moore Jr, I think this is a pretty solid deal. Moses is getting up there in age, but he’s an experienced, steady hand as a veteran right tackle. Something the Pats need after the disaster of an OL they put out in front of Drake Maye last season.
Paulson Adebo to the Giants on a three-year deal worth $30M: A-
I’m a HUGE fan of Adebo’s game. Before his injury, he was really disruptive with his length and ability to drive on the ball in a man coverage-heavy defense in New Orleans. Now he goes to the Giants where he rounds out a young, but talented secondary. Safety Tyler Nubin and nickel Dru Phillips showed potential, and I’m still bullish on Deonte Banks. This could be great value for New York.
Carlton Davis to the Patriots on a three-year deal worth $60M: B-
That’s a BIG number for Davis, who is now in the ranks of AJ Terrell and other top flight corners in the league with this contract. I’m a little worried about the injury history of Davis, but new Pats DC Terrell Williams has familiarity with Davis, with them both being in Detroit last season. Davis is a feisty corner who wants to live on an island, and I can see why the Pats were aggressive for him.
$20M per is a big, big number though.
Dan Moore Jr to the Titans on a four-year deal worth $82M: C
I though the Jaylon Moore deal was a bit of a stretch but HOLY COW that is a lot of money. To spin it: I think the Titans are in an area where they can spend a lot on players, and Moore sliding to left tackle moves rookie JC Latham back to his true spot at right and you get the tutelage of OL coach Bill Callahan, one of the best in the league. However, a $20.5M price tag with $50M guaranteed puts him in top tier tackle money, and I just don’t know if I’d pay that for Moore.
Jourdan Lewis to the Jaguars on a three-year deal worth $30M: B-
I’m more curious about what this means with the logjam in the slot for the Jaguars. Darnell Savage was signed to play there and rookie Jarrian Jones played well in his time in the slot. However, making Lewis the highest paid slot defender in the league means that’s his spot and everyone else is going to fight for the second outside corner slot. Lewis is really productive on the ball and is scrappy, a nice fit on the inside. Like this deal for Jacksonville–if they figure out what’s going on with the nickel position.
Jimmy Garoppolo back to the Rams on a one-year deal worth $11M: C-
Do the Rams just not trust their backups? $11M for Garoppolo is steep, a number I personally wouldn’t pay.
Robert Spillane to the Patriots on a three-year, $37M deal: B
I think this is pretty fine for Spillane and the Patriots, who are showing signs of morphing their defense. While Spillane isn’t the fleetest of foot in coverage, he’s a hammer as a blitzer and strong against the run. I’m curious what this deal means for LB Ja’Whaun Bentley, because he and Spillane are very similar players. Either way, a fine deal.
Javon Kinlaw to the Commanders on a three-year deal worth $45M: C-
Woof that’s a lot of money. Kinlaw is more potential than true production at this stage of his career, but $15M per year is STEEP for a guy that hasn’t produced that much. I have no clue what the plan is in Washington.
BJ Hill back to the Bengals on a three-year deal worth $33M: B-
This is a pretty fair deal for Hill and the Bengals. They need all the continuity and help they can get up front, and Hill at least was their best run defender. Like this for both sides.
Drew Dalman to the Bears on a three-year deal worth $42M: B-
The Bears clearly had a need for center and I think Dalman is good. However, making him the 2nd-highest paid center in the game as an undersized outside zone only center who might be a bit iffy in pass protection is scary to me. Yet, I think HC Ben Johnson and the Bears can make it work, especially with Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson next to him. It’s the going price for an interior linemen, so the Bears had to play the game, but I have my questions.
Chris Godwin back to the Buccaneers on a three-year deal worth $66M: A-
If you have a good pass catcher with chemistry in place with your quarterback, pay them.
Jaylon Moore to the Chiefs on a two-year deal worth $30M: C-
I mean, woof. $15M per year for a guy who might be more of an outside zone fit and a guy who wasn’t really that great in an offense designed to hide him. Now, he goes to Kansas City on a deal that puts him in the range of guys like Orlando Brown Jr with the hopes he can help get this team back to a title.
I’m just not sure about this one at all.
Haason Reddick to the Bucs on a one-year deal worth $14M: B-
This is all contingent on if Reddick decides to show up (both metaphorically and literally), but I think that this is a low risk, high reward deal for the Bucs. They desperately need pass rush and the ability to win up front without blitzing. Reddick has shown he can do that, although the $12M guaranteed is steep at this point in his career. Let’s see if it works.
Evan Brown back to the Cardinals on a two-year deal worth up to $11.5M: B+
Brown getting this sort of deal when Bredeson got even more money is great value for the Cardinals. Brown is another borderline starting caliber player for Arizona, who keeps continuity up front. Love the value here.
Ben Bredeson back to the Bucs on three-year deal deal worth $22M, $12M guaranteed: B-
I think this deal is just…fine? Bredeson is a borderline starting-caliber guard for Tampa, who keeps the continuity of the front line as the offensive coordinator job changes hands again. The $12M guaranteed is a little scary to give to a guy that isn’t exactly a top flight guy, but getting him for around $7M per year is a fine deal for he and Tampa Bay. I just wonder if this money could’ve been spent somewhere else and the Bucs address guard in the draft instead of strapping themselves to Bredeson, but continuity is king.
Khalil Mack back to the Chargers on one-year deal worth $18M fully guaranteed: A
I’ve always been a fan of Khalil Mack’s game, but he’s aged gracefully into a hammer of an edge defender for the Chargers. He’s definitely aging, which is why he doesn’t get a bigger deal, but for a guy with his stature in the league and productive play in this defense, an $18M fully guaranteed deal to stay around is really smart by the Chargers.
Harold Landry to the Patriots on a three-year deal worth up to $48 million: B-
Yes, the Patriots needed some help with their pass rush, and Harold Landry certainly offers that. Landry recorded 31.5 sacks over his past three seasons, while missing the 2022 campaign with a torn ACL. The move reunites him with his former coach in Mike Vrabel and is something of a homecoming, as Landry played his college football at Boston College, just 30 minutes away from his new home in Foxborough.
However, this is perhaps more than expected for Landry, and a sign that when a team needs some help — and has the most cap space in the league — the contracts they hand out will be on the higher side.
Davante Adams to the Rams on a two-year deal worth $46M: B
The structure of this deal is going to be everything, because otherwise the Rams spend all their available cap space in one shot. There’s no doubt that Adams is still one of the better quick separators in the NFL, and this move likely means that Puka Nacua will transition into more of a Cooper Kupp role, but it’s still fair to have questions about this deal.
The Rams are giving big money for a 32-year-old receiver when they had myriad issues at other positions. That’s the biggest reason to critique this deal. It’s clear the organization is lining up for one more big playoff push — perhaps even a Super Bowl run. Is an overwhelming air offense enough? Time will tell.
At the very least this will be a big bounce back season for Adams on good football teams. Something he’s lacked for a while now.
Ronnie Stanley back to the Ravens on a three-year deal worth $60M: A
This was always the most logical step for Stanley and the Ravens. Finally bouncing back from injury, the Ravens’ left tackle was at his highest form in 2024 for a high-powered Baltimore offense. The tackle market is extremely dry and the tackle class, while promising, has a lot of question marks. No reason to create a hole when there’s no reason to, especially when Staley is a very good tackle.
$60M over three years is a great deal for the Ravens, putting Stanley behind Broncos’ tackle Garrett Bolles and on par with the Lions’ Taylor Decker. I think Stanley is better than both guys, and if he puts together another year like his 2024, this will look like a bargain.
Zack Baun back to the Eagles on a three-year deal worth $51M: A
Much like the Ravens’ deal with Ronnie Stanley, it made much more sense for Baun and the Eagles to reunite rather than let him walk. It’s HARD playing off-ball LB in Vic Fangio’s defense, and Baun’s versatility allowed for the Eagles to shift into multiple fronts without sacrificing their personnel to do it. With LB Nakobe Dean more than likely not being ready until the middle of next season, having some experience for the long haul at the linebacker position is going to be huge going forward. GM Howie Roseman’s ability to recognize his faults is the reason that the Eagles won the Super Bowl, and in order to stay at the top he has to continue the self-scouting, starting with Baun.
$17M per year is no small deal for an off-ball linebacker, and sure there might be some reservations about paying that much money to an off-ball linebacker who just had his best year last year, but with how important off-ball linebackers are becoming in the modern NFL and how hard it is to find veterans that can maximize a defense like Baun did, I feel fine with paying him that kind of money.
Osa Odighizuwa back to the Cowboys on a four-year deal worth $80M: B+
The Cowboys needed to keep their defensive talent in place, and they started with Odighizuwa, signing the DT to a $20M per year deal to keep him around for the future. I think Odighizuwa is a good player, fit more for being a three-technique in a one gap, upfield style of defense that the Cowboys want to run. The raw sack production isn’t there, but if you watch a Cowboys game you’ll see how impactful he is against the run and pass–when he has a proper one-technique DT next to him.
On one hand, the $20M per year mark is a little steep, especially considering what other guys at the position make. Bills’ DT Ed Oliver is at $17M per year, and Broncos’ DT Zach Allen is at $15M/year, both are guys in the range of Odighizuwa. On the other hand, getting more pricey would be a mistake for the Cowboys, and this puts him right in that sweet spot between guys like Oliver and guys like Leonard Williams, who is getting $21M/year. A fair deal for both sides, for a good player. I’m a fan of it.
Nick Bolton back to the Chiefs on a three-year deal worth $45M: B
I might be one of the few Nick Bolton fans left. While limited athletically, Bolton is an instinctive MIKE LB who can unlock some things that DC Steve Spagnuolo wants to do on defense. However, those athletic limitations hold him back in ways that most top LBs aren’t–most LBs who get paid in the way that Bolton just did. I’m a fan of the player, and he still comes in at less than Baun on his deal. A good deal for a good player, one critical to the Chiefs’ defensive success.
Jamien Sherwood back to the Jets on a three-year deal worth $45M: B+
I like Sherwood, more of a WILL LB than a true MIKE, he plays with a lot of urgency and speed at the second level. In new head coach Aaron Glenn’s (and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks) defense, having rangy linebackers who can wear a lot of hats is crucial. Sherwood is 25 and has his best years of football ahead of him, which makes this $45 million deal make sense for the most part. Investing in the players that have been developed is a good thing.
Alaric Jackson back to the Rams on a three-year deal worth $57M: B
I think this is a pretty fair deal for Jackson given his high caliber play last season. His 2.5% Blown Block Rate is really low for a left tackle with a high volume of snaps, but his pass protection could improve. I’m giving this a B because Jackson has a lot of upside, but $19M per year is steep for a guy who hasn’t had consecutive high tier seasons. I’m always willing to bet on the upside, though.
Ernest Jones back to the Seahawks on a three-year deal worth $33M: A
I love this deal for Jones and the Seahawks. This is great value for a guy that I think is really good (while also being limited) and keeps the middle of the defense humming with continuity. Jones isn’t the most athletic guy, but the Seahawks defense started trending upward with a true MIKE LB. This will allow Seattle to address…whatever is going on with their offense.
Aaron Jones back to the Vikings on a two-year deal worth $20M: B
Solid deal for Jones and Minnesota. When he was in the lineup, Jones was such a massive factor as a runner and receiver. But being 30 was going to drive down his value, especially in a loaded RB draft class. Getting him for $10M per year is good for Minnesota and Jones, who gets to keep his spot in a nice offense for him, while allowing the Vikings to still go get a young guy in the draft on a later day.
Mike Gesicki back to the Bengals on a three-year deal worth $25M: C
Look, I get what Gesicki might be able to add as a receiver, but for a Bengals team that’s trying to become more versatile and have the ability to run the football, this feels like a bad decision. Gesicki adds nothing as a blocker and his value as a receiver can be matched by a guy like WR Andrei Iosivas, who might be a better blocker than Gesicki. Just confusing process.
