The legal tampering period of NFL free agency kicked off on Monday, and the news cycle did not disappoint. A wild day of signings has sparked not only fan reactions but also from players.
Here is a recap of the most notable player responses to a busy first day of NFL free agency.
Michah Parsons, Sauce Gardner Among Notable Player Reactions to NFL Free Agency Craziness
To recap, here are the notable names agreeing to terms on new deals:
- Kirk Cousins — four-year deal worth a whopping $180 million with the Falcons.
- Saquon Barkley — three-year, $37.5 million contract with the Eagles.
- Christian Wilkins — four-year, $84.75 million deal with the Raiders.
- Tony Pollard — three-year, $24 million contract with the Titans.
Elsewhere, the Green Bay Packers reached an agreement to lure in Raiders Pro Bowl running back Josh Jacobs. However, the terms of that contract are yet to be announced. Also, signings don’t become finalized and official until Wednesday, when the 2024 NFL calendar year officially begins and signings can clear.
Still, many across the NFL were buzzing about the legal tampering action. New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner compared the day to playing EA Sports’ Madden.
“My timeline look like it’s a Madden Franchise going on,” Gardner posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) while including a laughing face emoji.
He wasn’t the only Jet who took to social media to react. Running back Breece Hall noticed it was a quiet time for free agent offensive linemen.
Looking at these O line signings like 🫣🫣🫣🫣
— Breece Hall (@BreeceH) March 11, 2024
Sticking with running backs, Barkley joining the rival Eagles emerged as one of the big stunners of the day. Barkley posted two Eagle emojis announcing his decision to trek to Philly. Dallas Cowboys All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons, though, blasted the move.
😂😂😂 sickening https://t.co/82oy6cUJnq
— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) March 11, 2024
While Barkley and Cousins’ next destinations sparked strong conversations, one NFL franchise took the biggest hits during the tampering period.
Dolphins Lose Talent, Sparking Reaction From Jalen Ramsey
The Miami Dolphins are set to become ravaged by roster losses.
Andrew Van Ginkel, a pivotal pass rusher at linebacker toward the end of 2023, is set to accept a two-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings. The team already parted ways with Pro Bowl cornerback Xavien Howard.
But the biggest loss on Monday? Talented interior defensive lineman Christian Wilkins, who agreed to a four-year, $84.75 million deal with the Raiders.
A massive piece of the #Dolphins defense heads west to join the #Raiders. 😤 #FinsUp | #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/wrtVOZlliF
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) March 11, 2024
That move sparked not one but two reactions from the Dolphins’ verbose Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
Surprisingly, Ramsey showed no frustration in watching Wilkins go elsewhere.
“LES GO! Major bag talk! Raiders just got ’em one!” Ramsey posted on his X account.
KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Free Agents by Position
That wasn’t Ramsey’s only X post regarding his now-former teammate. He had already begun envisioning how Wilkins would work in unison with Raiders Pro Bowl EDGE Maxx Crosby.
“Christian & Maxx bout to go CRAZY this year!” Ramsey predicted.
But overall, the kickoff to free agency week was filled with twists and turns as Pro Bowlers are going to be on the move. And it got numerous NFL stars sharing their own strong takes.
Every move. Every team. Don’t miss a thing with PFN’s NFL Free Agency Tracker.