The NFL salary cap is making headlines, soaring to an unprecedented $279.2 million per team, and you know what that means—buckle up for an exciting free agency period. Teams are flexing their financial muscles, signing big-name players to hefty contracts, while others are finding hidden gems at surprisingly low costs. Let’s dive into the notable winners of this year’s free agency, highlighting some of the best deals so far.
Davante Adams Joins the Los Angeles Rams
Contract Breakdown: Two-Year, $44 Million Deal ($26 Million Guaranteed)
Davante Adams is set to step into the shoes of Cooper Kupp in Los Angeles, and it seems like a match made in football heaven. Although some skeptics are quick to assert that Adams may be past his prime, that assessment overlooks his impressive 1,300-yard trajectory from last season in New York. His elite route-running skills haven’t diminished, and while he may not possess Kupp’s blocking prowess, he’s primed to play a crucial role in the Rams’ short passing game and third-down situations. This signing is a win-win for both Adams and Sean McVay’s offensive scheme—you simply can’t argue with that kind of fit.
Jevon Holland Signs With the New York Giants
Contract Breakdown: Three-Year, $45.3 Million Deal ($30.3 Million Guaranteed)
After a rocky final season with Miami, Jevon Holland is moving north to New York, bringing much-needed versatility to the Giants’ defense. At an average of $15 million per year, this contract represents solid value. With a stellar PFF grade exceeding 90 in 2023, Holland has the potential to be a game-changer. His mentorship of up-and-coming safety Tyler Nubin could form a formidable pairing in the Giants’ secondary.
Drew Dalman Heads to the Chicago Bears
Contract Breakdown: Three-Year, $42 Million Deal ($28 Million Guaranteed)
The Bears are hitting the reset button on their offensive line, and Drew Dalman is a key piece in protecting their first-overall pick, Caleb Williams. Coming off a season with a respectable PFF grade of 78.8 with the Falcons, Dalman fits the bill for offering stability at a vital position. This move signals Chicago’s commitment to building a solid foundation for their future.
Khalil Mack Re-Signs With the Los Angeles Chargers
Contract Breakdown: One-Year, $18 Million Deal (Fully Guaranteed)
Even at 34, Khalil Mack remains a force on the field. After earning an impressive 90.2 PFF grade last season, keeping him in the fold was crucial for the Chargers. This contract offers the team flexibility should Mack’s performance decline, while ensuring their pass rush remains a threat. It’s a smart decision that aligns perfectly with their defensive needs.
Geno Smith Joins the Las Vegas Raiders
Trade Details: Acquired for a 3rd-Round Pick
With a lackluster quarterback draft class and limited free agency options, the Raiders made a savvy move by trading for Geno Smith. His mobility, arm talent, and pocket presence position him as a strong fit, particularly with a familiar coach in Pete Carroll. For a team desperate for quarterback stability, adding Smith can’t be overstated.
Josh Sweat Signs With the Arizona Cardinals
Contract Breakdown: Four-Year, $76.4 Million Deal ($41 Million Guaranteed)
While not a household name among elite edge rushers, Josh Sweat can certainly get to the quarterback, having tallied eight sacks last season. This deal reunites him with his former defensive coordinator, Jonathan Gannon, who’s now at the helm in Arizona. It’s a calculated move to bolster their pass rush, which was still a work in progress.
Laremy Tunsil Traded to the Washington Commanders
Trade Details: Washington swaps picks for Tunsil with Houston
In a significant move, the Commanders have acquired Laremy Tunsil, sending a treasure trove of draft picks to Houston. Though Tunsil faced challenges last year, he remains one of the league’s premier left tackles when healthy. This deal is a bold statement from GM Adam Peters, ensuring protection for franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels while capitalizing on his rookie contract window.
D.J. Reed Signs With the Detroit Lions
Contract Breakdown: Three-Year, $48 Million Deal ($32 Million Guaranteed)
The Lions have lacked consistency in their secondary, and the arrival of D.J. Reed should help stabilize things. A seasoned corner, Reed not only bolsters the defensive backfield but also provides mentorship for promising young players in their ranks. After losing Carlton Davis to New England, Reed offers a seamless transition and fills a critical hole.
Ronnie Stanley Re-Signs With the Baltimore Ravens
Contract Breakdown: Three-Year, $60 Million Deal ($44 Million Guaranteed)
When healthy, Ronnie Stanley is an elite left tackle, and the Ravens were smart to lock him down before the legal tampering window opened. Given his impactful comeback season, this contract represents a valuable investment in their offensive line, particularly amidst the backdrop of enormous deals for linemen throughout the league.
Jeremy Chinn Signs With the Las Vegas Raiders
Contract Breakdown: Two-Year, $16 Million Deal (75% Guaranteed at Signing)
Replacing Tre’von Moehrig, Jeremy Chinn joins the Raiders with the ability to play multiple defensive roles. His versatility provides the Raiders with much-needed flexibility, especially as they address past concerns surrounding missed tackles. With strong numbers last season, Chinn’s arrival is not just timely but could prove crucial for a defense in transition.
Dre Greenlaw Signs With the Denver Broncos
Contract Breakdown: Three-Year, $35 Million Deal ($20 Million Guaranteed)
After an unfortunate injury restricted his play, Dre Greenlaw presents a gamble for the Broncos—but it’s one worth taking. With a reputation for exceptional coverage when healthy, the Broncos are banking on his return to form, especially with a coaching staff that knows how to maximize his strengths.
Morgan Moses Heads to the New England Patriots
Contract Breakdown: Three-Year, $24 Million Deal ($11 Million Guaranteed)
Recognizing the need to protect their young quarterback Drake Maye, the Patriots turned to Morgan Moses. While some might view the price tag as high, his consistent performance—never posting a PFF grade below 65—earns him a dependable label that New England desperately requires.
Justin Reid Joins the New Orleans Saints
Contract Breakdown: Three-Year, $31.5 Million Deal ($22.25 Million Guaranteed)
Justin Reid transitions from the Chiefs to the Saints, bringing his defensive savvy to a unit that needs rejuvenation. With Tyrann Mathieu winding down his career, Reid’s arrival provides a youthful and versatile upgrade that New Orleans can lean on moving forward.
Darius Slayton Re-Signs With the New York Giants
Contract Breakdown: Three-Year, $36 Million Deal ($22 Million Guaranteed)
Despite the tumultuous shifts within the Giants, Darius Slayton has remained a consistent bright spot. As the team looks to the future, be it through the draft or trade for a new QB, Slayton’s proven separation skills will undoubtedly be valuable as they navigate their next chapter.
Malcolm Koonce Re-Signs With the Las Vegas Raiders
Contract Breakdown: One-Year, $12 Million Deal
After a breakout year in 2023, where he showcased his pass-rushing abilities, Koonce’s one-year deal represents a chance to re-establish himself following injuries. This “prove-it” contract gives him the opportunity to regain his form while setting the stage for a potentially lucrative future.
Cornelius Lucas Joins the Cleveland Browns
In light of last season’s struggles, the Browns are hoping that Cornelius Lucas can provide some much-needed stability along the offensive line. While he may not turn heads, Lucas can certainly contribute solid depth, a necessary addition given the state of the unit last year.
As the dust begins to settle on this year’s free agency period, it’s clear that some teams have scored major wins, and others are solidifying their foundations for future success. The surge in the salary cap has provided exciting opportunities, and it will be fascinating to watch how these new signings unfold on the field. Keep an eye on these moves as teams gear up for what promises to be an electrifying season ahead!
