Deep breath, everyone.
NFL free agency doesn’t officially start until 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday but, in reality, we’re already underway. The 52-hour legal tampering period began Monday, and with it an onslaught of reported free agent agreements.
Some players and teams did well; others didn’t. For now, let’s focus on the biggest winners.
Eight Biggest Winners After Day 1 of NFL Free Agency Tampering Period
It’s important to note that deals can’t become official until Wednesday. Just look at kicker Wil Lutz, who re-signed with the Denver Broncos after reportedly agreeing to terms with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Still, the vast majority of deals reported during the tampering period result in actual contracts.
With that out of the way, let’s get into eight winners from the unofficial first day of NFL free agency.
Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins owes his agent a drink. Lots of them.
Mike McCartney somehow landed Cousins a reported four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons. The deal includes a whopping $100 million guaranteed, all of which will be paid in the first two years.
That’s a lot of money to pay for a 35-year-old quarterback who’s coming off a torn Achilles. But that’s fine with Cousins, who earned one of the richest contracts in NFL history.
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers only pulled off two reported signings, but both of them were significant.
Green Bay reportedly landed star running back Josh Jacobs on a four-year, $48 million deal and Xavier McKinney, arguably the top safety available, for four years and $68 million. The rising Packers could’ve played things safe after a surprisingly great season, but instead, they were aggressive with a pair of splash signings. You love to see it.
Yes, the day also saw the departure of longtime Packer Aaron Jones, but getting younger at running back is another feather in Green Bay’s cap.
Defensive Tackles
Two days after the Kansas City Chiefs re-signed Chris Jones for $95 million guaranteed, Christian Wilkins reportedly left the Miami Dolphins to join the Raiders for $110 million.
Not bad!
The two contracts should reset the market for pass-rushing defensive tackles, who are as important as any non-quarterbacks in the NFL. Christian Barmore, an ascending lineman for the New England Patriots, just saw his extension pricetag go way up.
Arizona Cardinals
Arizona deserves credit for a handful of under-the-radar signings on defense.
The Cardinals reportedly gave Sean Murphy-Bunting $25.5 million to help solve some of their issues at cornerback. They also addressed their defensive line by giving $30.1 million to Justin Jones and made a sneaky-good move by adding linebacker Mack Wilson for three years at $12.75 million.
Wilson showed immense improvement last season for the Patriots, offering versatility and quality pass rushing from the second level.
Everyone expects Arizona to prioritize offense in the 2024 NFL Draft, with receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. a candidate to be selected with the No. 4 pick. However, the Cardinals defense was horrible last season and needs just as much attention. This is a good start.
Running Backs
The days of running backs receiving lucrative contracts probably are over, but Monday was a step in the right direction.
Here are some of the notable reported signings:
- Eagles: Saquon Barkley (three years, $37.75 million)
- Packers: Josh Jacobs (four years, $48 million)
- Titans: Tony Pollard: (three years, $24 million)
- Bears: D’Andre Swift (three years, $24 million)
- Commanders: Austin Ekeler (two years, $11.43 million)
Again, not crazy money. But it’s an improvement, and the contracts were negotiated quickly rather than being drawn out over months, an indication teams aren’t done prioritizing running backs.
New York Giants
We know we just showed love to running backs, but we also are going to praise the Giants for not overpaying for Barkley. Instead, New York made a savvy move in reportedly landing rock-solid back Devin Singletary for three years at $16.5 million. That’s a good pivot.
The Giants also addressed their O-line woes, reportedly agreeing to terms with guard Jon Runyan for $30 million. New York knows it must prioritize protecting whichever QB is under center in 2024.
KEEP READING: Tiki Barber Rips Saquon Barkley
But wait, there’s more.
As the sun was setting in New York, the Giants reported traded second- and fifth-round draft picks to the Carolina Panthers for star edge rusher Brian Burns. New York plans to sign Burns to a five-year, $150 million contract.
Drake London
London should be doing cartwheels.
Following two somewhat productive seasons with bad quarterbacks, the 22-year-old receiver learned he now will catch passes from Cousins. That could lead to a major uptick in production from the 2022 first-rounder, which in turn could set the stage for a major payday.
CONTINUE READING: NFL Players React to Wild Day of Free Agency
The Falcons must decide on London’s fifth-year option next offseason. If they had to make it today, they almost certainly wouldn’t pick it up. But playing with Cousins could help London break out in 2024 before cashing in in 2025.
Jacksonville Jaguars
We’re going to cheat a little and include everything the Jags reportedly have done to this point, including re-signing their internal free agents last week.
Here’s a rundown:
- Re-signed guard Ezra Cleveland
- Re-signed safety Daniel Thomas
- Agreed to deal with center Mitch Morse
- Restructured guard Brandon Scherff’s contract
- Agreed to deal with receiver Gabe Davis
- Agreed to deal with safety Darnell Savage
- Agreed to deal with receiver Devin Duvernay
- Franchise-tagged edge rusher Josh Allen
- Traded for quarterback Mac Jones
That’s a lot of time well spent.
The Jags shored up their offensive line, locked in their best defender, added an explosive deep threat, improved their secondary, and bought low on a backup QB with starter upside. Job well done.
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