Hunter | NFL Free Agency Day 1

Published on 11 March 2024 at 21:12

NFL Free Agency is here and as day 1 wraps up, I am going to rank what has happened so far. There will be 3 categories, solid, lots of questions, and bad. All of these are opinionated and if I missed something I will include it tomorrow. 

Solid

Falcons

As a fan of the Falcons, I can't complain. Kirk Cousins signs with the Falcons for 180 million (100 million guaranteed), and in my opinion, just the guy the Falcons needed. As we have talked about on the pod (which you should check out) the Falcons are in need of a quarterback, and during the combine it looked like the guy was going to be Justin Fields. But as we approached the free agency window, the talk around Fields became quieter and quieter. Then, it was said that Cousins was going to test free agency and found a home in Atlanta. Not only that but the rest of the NFC South is not doing a whole lot besides the Panthers. But with Brain Burns out in Carolina, there is a lot to look forward to for the Falcons in 2024.  

Picture via NY Post

Jaguars

The Khans sure love to spend money, and like last offseason, this one is not different. They started yesterday with trading for Mac Jones who looks to backup Trevor Lawerence. Solid in my eyes but that's not all.  Gabe Davis (39 million) seems to be the new guy for T-Law to go along with Christan Kirk, also signing Mitch Morse (10.5 million) to protect Lawerence. So, the offense is looking better, you replace Calvin Ridley (if he doesn't re-sign) with Davis and bolster the O-Line with Morse. Not only that but you sign Darnell Savage (21 million) to help the defense. Will Lutz did consider the Jags but decided to return to the Broncos. Overall, another great offseason for the Jaguars, but can they put it all together?  

Titans 

With Derrick Henry's time in Nashville looking like its over, the Titans got Tony Pollard (24 million) for 3 years. Solid pick up for a team that is looking like they are sticking with Levis, Pollard seems to fit the new-look Titans offense. Along with that, the Titans also got in my opinion the best signing, Lloyd Cushenberry III, the former Broncos center is one of the best in the game, and they got him for only 50 million. Huge get for them. And with a team with a new mind and philosophy, the Titans have made some changes. Also, the possibility of Tee Higgins landing in Nashville, there is no reason for fans to complain. 

Eagles 

Though they collapsed last year in the playoffs and lost veteran players like Jason Kelce, Fletcher Cox, and young back Deandre Swift. The Eagles have turned what looked like a bad offseason into a great one. They replace Swift with Saquon Barkley (46.75 million) in a deal that steals him from the rival Giants. It seems like Barkley wanted out of New York after his comments in response to Tiki Barber on X, and looks like he will fit right in with the Philly spirt. To protect Barkley and Hurts they also resigned guard Landon Dickerson (87 million) making him the highest paid at that position. They also signed Bryce Huff (51.1 million) and Zack Baun to bolster the defense. With all of this movement up and down the roster, it looks like the Eagles have reloaded.   

Picture via CBS Sports

Commanders 

The team that I have feels like have it has had quietly the best offseason so far, they have signed stars and young players, what you want in free agency. They have signed Tyler Biadasz (30 million), Dorance Armstrong (45 million), and Zach Ertz (5 million) all to bolster both sides of the ball. But with Antonio Gibson leaving, Austin Ekeler (11.43 million) will fill that role nicely, The Chargers back did not seem to be in Harbaugh's plans for the future and he would move on from LA. They also signed Frankie Luvu (36 million) from the Panthers to help a solid defense even more. All of these moves led me to believe that the offseason has been kind but with questions surrounding what the draft will look like for Washington, these moves add a "protective netting" for Washington.

Lots of questions still

Packers

I want to throw them into the solid category, but I will explain why I didn't. The Packers made one of the most surprising moves so far in signing Josh Jacobs (48 million) in a deal that would see long time running back Aaron Jones being released. I like this because Jones seems like he was out the door anyway and you get a younger and a back that has a proven track record. They also signed Xavier Mckinney (68 million) to replace Savage. So yeah, they got better by replacing people, but they have lost a lot. So, while I want to throw them above, I can't do that with all that they have lost.  

Giants

No Saquon, no problem. The first big trade of the offseason, Brain Burns heads to New York. Huge get for them but besides that, they haven't done much more. They signed Devin Singletary (16.5 million) and Jon Runyan (30 million), 2 guys that will help but, not enough to replace what you lost in Barkley in Mckinney. Lots of questions too, especially in coaching and the QB position.  

Picture via USA Today

Panthers

So, you lose Burns, yikes, and sign Roobert Hunt for 100 million. And that's it, so, why are they here? Well, it's simple, they have set themselves up for the rebuild. New coach, young QB, and lots of money. If the Panthers play their cards right, you can expect them to be good for the future. 

Patriots 

They got rid of the problem, Mac Jones, or was that the problem? To some it is, but for me, there are so many questions heading towards the draft. But they seem to have signed their bridge QB in Jacoby Brissett (8 million) and got a RB in Antonio Gibson (17.25 million). So, 2 solid signings but they most importantly re-signed Mike Onwenu (57 million) to protect whoever in the future. So, while they have lost some, they have gotten more in return which is why they are here. 

Bad

Steelers 

Danger Russ is heading to the steel city for cheap. But that is all they have done which is not good enough. For a team with this defense, to not have the offense to back it up should be against the law. Plus giving up on Kenny this early in his career is cruel. So, your putting your trust in Wilson, which as we saw for the Broncos went horribly wrong, so why trust him now?

Picture via Bleacher Report

Broncos 

I feel bad for the fans because this will go down as one of the worst offseasons ever. You trade Judy and then proceed to not resign anyone besides Will Lutz. You would think a franchise with the money behind it, they would at least be competitive, nope. You got rid of Wilson when it looks like you have no plan. Now the Broncos sit behind the Vikings in the draft meaning you are possibly going to have to trade up for your guy. I guess Bronco fans can look forward to seeing your team pick first overall in 2025. 

Jets 

101 of what not to do when your future is based on a 40-year-old QB. The Jets have done nothing but lose. So, when you need to make some moves you don't? Just stupid in my opinion especially when you got holes fill. Just not a good look. 

Final Thoughts 

This has been one of the craziest offseason so far, and it's only the first day. I missed some things but try to highlight what I could.  

All information from ESPN, SB Nation, and Bleacher Report. 

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Comments

James
9 months ago

Cowboys need to be in a tier of their own 😭

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