NFL Analysis
March 25, 2024
19 min read
2024 NFL Free Agency: Grading Every AFC Team's Early Haul
Two weeks through free agency, the major moves have been made. The offseason is not over, and rosters will continue to be tinkered with as the draft approaches. But as activity slows, now is a good time to assess how teams have approached the offseason and what still needs to be done.
We’ll grade each team on their offseason moves up to this point, knowing there is still plenty of time for change. We’ll start with the AFC.
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills
What’s Been Accomplished
The Buffalo Bills had to make some subtractions and alter the contracts of Von Miller and Dawson Knox to get under the cap. They also worked to keep some of the core in place with extensions for LT Dion Dawkins and SCB Taron Johnson.
The Bills added Curtis Samuel for $14 million guaranteed, giving them another receiving option and reuniting Samuel with offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who helped spark Samuel’s best season in 2020 with the Panthers.
The Bills also signed Mike Edwards on a low-cost deal to pair with the extended Taylor Rapp as the replacement safety tandem for Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer.
What’s Still Needed
Given the Bills’ degree of difficulty heading into the offseason, they’ve done a decent job keeping most of the roster intact. It helps when there’s no long-term question about the quarterback, and that contract can consistently be used to open up cap space.
Still, the roster needs some depth, and it has had its share of injuries in the past. But adding depth can be accomplished in the late stages of free agency and the draft.
Grade: B-
Miami Dolphins
What’s Been Accomplished
The Miami Dolphins were in a tough spot against the cap. They moved some money around with restructures but had to let some key contributors go, like Xavien Howard.
They also did not have the cap space to franchise Christian Wilkins, allowing him to hit the market and sign a massive deal with the Raiders.
But Miami has done an admirable job of filling in most of the remaining gaps. There is no replacing Wilkins, but Miami filled out the defense around that spot.
The Dolphins brought in a linebacker pairing of Jordyn Brooks and Anthony Walker, signed CB Kendall Fuller to play opposite Jalen Ramsey and brought in Jordan Poyer to play safety next to Javon Holland.
Terron Armstead returned on a reworked deal, and Miami signed Aaron Brewer and Jack Driscoll as depth along the offensive line that lost three starters.
What’s Still Needed
Miami could also use more depth on the edge, and Erik Ezukanma is currently the No. 3 receiver. Most importantly, a decision on Tua Tagovailoa still looms.
Tagovailoa is entering 2024 on his fifth-year option, and an extension would open up cap space if the Dolphins are ready to commit to the quarterback at a near-top-of-the-market price.
Grade: C+
New England Patriots
What’s Been Accomplished
The New England Patriots’ biggest moves involved bringing players back, and we could include quarterback Jacoby Brissett in that group. The former Patriot returned for $8 million as a bridge to the next quarterback and will likely provide better play than the last one.
Kyle Dugger was transition tagged, Michael Onwenu re-signed and will stick at right tackle and Josh Uche reportedly turned down millions of dollars to come back for just one year and $3 million. Kendrick Bourne also returned at a team-friendly rate.
K.J. Osborn, Antonio Gibson and Austin Hooper can fill out the roster better than what the Patriots had for depth during the past few seasons.
What’s Still Needed
This depends on your expectations for the 2024 Patriots. The defense still has talent and was a top-five unit by EPA per play last season.
As useful as the receivers on the roster can be in specific roles, there still isn’t a No. 1 caliber player. The offense could improve with the quarterback switch — whether that be Brissett or the No. 3 overall pick.
The Patriots could also be looking for a trade back to fill out the roster with more offensive talent and ease the transition to the next quarterback.
Grade: B-
New York Jets
What’s Been Accomplished
Names. The New York Jets have brought in Tyron Smith and Mike Williams to bring in more talent around a returning Aaron Rodgers. That’s great if the pair stays healthy, but that’s not exactly a safe bet for either player.
On the plus side, there is not a big investment for those two, either. The Jets offered so little guaranteed to Smith they were surprised he accepted the offer, though there is more to be earned through incentives.
The Jets will try to transform most of the offensive line with the additions of Smith, fellow tackle Morgan Moses and John Simpson. That was needed after the line ranked 30th in pass block win rate last season. The improvements came at a relative bargain with only Smith hitting the 2024 cap for more than $10 million.
Tyrod Taylor might be the most important signing, given Rodgers is coming off a torn Achilles and what happened at backup quarterback for the Jets last season.
What’s Still Needed
Their plan needs to translate from paper to the field. The offensive line is improved but has injury risk in three of five spots. No matter what miraculous recovery the Jets tried to sell last season, an Achilles injury for a 40-year-old quarterback is concerning. While Williams hasn’t missed many games in his career, he’s constantly been hurt when he does play.
The weakest position on paper might be safety after Jordan Whitehead's departure. Chuck Clark re-signed for $2 million after missing the entire 2023 season because of a torn ACL. More could be added next to 2022 UDFA Tony Adams, who impressed last season.
Grade: B-
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens
What’s Been Accomplished
Derrick Henry might be one of the best fits of the offseason and seeing him in the Baltimore Ravens’ offense could be incredibly exciting in 2024. But that’s kind of it.
The Ravens haven’t signed another outside free agent while losing several players from last year’s roster, including Patrick Queen, Geno Stone and Gus Edwards. That also doesn’t include the exodus of defensive staff, including coordinator Mike Macdonald, who is now the head coach in Seattle.
As currently constructed, Baltimore will rely heavily on players already on the roster to step up. That includes most of the offensive line, with just Tyler Linderbaum and Ronnie Stanley returning as starters.
Patrick Mekhari played both tackle positions last season but is penciled in as the starter on the right side. Both 2023 guards left in free agency.
What’s Still Needed
Baltimore could improve its offensive line, though given how much guards were paid this offseason, the Ravens might have to be patient. However, it should be noted Baltimore’s two free agent guards were not among the players paid at the top of the market.
Edge is also a position that could be added to with Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo as the projected starters. But that’s a position the Ravens have historically signed late in the offseason with great success.
Baltimore is always a patient team, and some of these holes or depth issues could easily improve by training camp's opening.
Grade: C+*
*with the caveat the Ravens work on a different timeline than most teams in the offseason
Cincinnati Bengals
What’s Been Accomplished
Two Cincinnati Bengals signings — Geno Stone and Zack Moss — showed up on our underrated signings list, so in that sense things are going well. Stone and Vonn Bell should provide a better safety duo than the Bengals had last season.
That will ease the responsibilities on younger players Dax Hill and Jordan Battle, while allowing them to move around more.
The offensive line was also helped by Trent Brown's signing a one-year deal after Jonah Williams left in free agency. Cincinnati now has two monster tackles protecting Joe Burrow.
Mike Gesicki is a strange fit as a tight end who needs to operate from the slot on an offense that runs the highest rate of 11 personnel in the league.
What’s Still Needed
The Tee Higgins franchise tag remains an obstacle, especially with a Ja’Marr Chase extension on the way. All options are still available, from a trade to playing on the tag to an extension, which is the least likely.
Outside of Higgins, the Bengals will ask Trenton Irwin, Charlie Jones and Andrei Iosivas to step up in the absence of Tyler Boyd, who is still a free agent.
While Cincinnati made some smart low-cost additions, most of them are just short-term options. That leaves some questions about the long-term plan around the big two or three offensive players.
Grade: B-
Cleveland Browns
What’s Been Accomplished
The Cleveland Browns' biggest swing was acquiring Jerry Jeudy on his fifth-year option. For two late-round picks, this could have been a low-risk trial period to see if Jeudy could develop as the No. 2 receiver next to Amari Cooper. However, Cleveland then signed him to a three-year extension — though the exact details remain unclear.
>>READ: Riskiest Free Agent Signings
To avoid the quarterback crisis from last season, Jameis Winston and Tyler Huntley were brought in on cheap deals to serve as the second and third quarterbacks on the roster.
Bringing back Za’Darius Smith might have been the biggest win of the offseason. Defensive depth was also added in Jordan Hicks and Quinton Jefferson.
What’s Still Needed
Few of these moves matter if the quarterback play is not good, which is just the Browns’ reality right now.
To a lesser extent, they did something similar with the Jeudy contract to ensure that at least one receiver was locked into the roster for 2025. But Jeudy has disappointed during his career, and Cleveland has already priced in the improvement the team hopes to see from the former first-round pick.
Grade: C-
Pittsburgh Steelers
What’s Been Accomplished
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback room will be turned over to Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Those are two low-cost fliers to improve the quarterback play from the Kenny Pickett era.
One of them could emerge to impress in Arthur Smith’s offense, but it’s also possible neither is a difference-maker.
The biggest financial commitment was to LB Patrick Queen for three years and $13.8 million guaranteed. Queen improved in his final season with the Ravens, but it remains to be seen if he’ll keep that up without Roquan Smith next to him.
There were also defensive additions. DeShon Elliott was signed to play next to Minkah Fitzpatrick, which could allow Fitzpatrick to move around the field more, and CB Donte Jackson was acquired in the trade that sent Diontae Johnson to Carolina.
What’s Still Needed
Pittsburgh still needs help along the offensive line to aid a unit that was about average in pass block win rate last season, especially with Wilson and/or Fields playing behind them.
Wide receiver is a need after Johnson was traded. Signing Van Jefferson is not enough to run out along with George Pickens and Calvin Austin.
The Steelers could also use another cornerback with Levi Wallace unsigned and Darius Rush penciled in to play the slot.
Grade: C
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans
What’s Been Accomplished
The Houston Texans took advantage of the cap space they had coming into the offseason and made plus additions all over the defense.
Jonathan Greenard left, but the Texans filled his spot with Danielle Hunter and Denico Autry while they re-signed Derek Barnett. That's a good, deep edge rotation to carry that front.
Azeez Al-Shaair signed for three years and $21.5 million guaranteed after an impressive season in Tennessee. Elsewhere on defense, the Texans targeted high-pedigree corner Jeff Okudah to pair with Derek Stingley.
Dalton Schultz was re-signed, and after the run game let the offense down throughout the season, Houston traded a seventh-round pick to acquire Joe Mixon.
What’s Still Needed
Okduah and C.J. Henderson still leave something to be desired at cornerback, and CB2 could be a concern if nothing else is done.
Houston could add more depth in a few areas — maybe another impact receiver, even with Noah Brown re-signing — but the Texans struck quickly and purposefully at areas of need.
Houston already started moving around in the first round by trading with the Vikings. Still, we know they’re not afraid to move back up, so that could be their next strike.
Grade: A-
Indianapolis Colts
What’s Been Accomplished
The Indianapolis Colts kept the band together. Nearly every signing they made this offseason involved bringing someone from the 2023 team back. That all started with a franchise tag and eventual extension of Michael Pittman Jr.
They were also proactive on an extension of LB Zaire Franklin, who was second in the league in tackles and ninth in tackles which produced a positive play for the defense last season.
Kenny Moore, Grover Stewart and Tyquan Lewis were three key defensive free agents who were re-signed. Moore is one of the best slot defenders on the field, and he played 93 percent of the snaps for Indianapolis in 2023.
The only outside free agents signed so far are IDL Raekwon Davis and backup QB Joe Flacco.
What’s Still Needed
Indianapolis seems pretty content with the roster it has after the effort to bring most of its free agents back. The offense should get a boost with Anthony Richardson’s return and a full season of Jonathan Taylor.
Another wide receiver could be useful with Alec Pierce not yet breaking out as the Colts had hoped.
The Colts also need some development along the defense, hoping players like Kwity Paye and JuJu Brents continue to step up. Paye, a 2021 first-round pick, had an impressive 8.5 sacks in 2023 but that came on just nine quarterback hits.
Grade: C+
Jacksonville Jaguars
What’s Been Accomplished
The Jacksonville Jaguars jumped out early, in typical Jaguars fashion, signing players who didn’t necessarily require the quick action to acquire.
Gabe Davis signed a three-year, $39 million contract with $24 million guaranteed. He fills a role the Jaguars need as an outside deep threat, but his skill set hasn’t allowed him to expand beyond that role.
The Jaguars also rushed to sign SAF Darnell Savage for three years and $12.5 million guaranteed, while better players at the position are still unsigned in free agency and likely to take cheaper contracts.
Jacksonville lost out on re-signing Calvin Ridley, but with the money it saved for that contract, the Jaguars acquired Arik Armstead to upgrade the middle of the defensive line. The Jaguars were 22nd in EPA per play against the run last season.
What’s Still Needed
A Josh Allen extension should be the top priority, but it probably would have been done by now if that was the case. The Brian Burns contract did not help Jacksonville save money on what that might cost.
Somehow the Jaguars attacked receiver and safety early in free agency, and those positions still feel like they could use an upgrade or at least more depth. Jacksonville was rumored to be involved in Brandon Aiyuk's trade talks, so it might not be a shock to see the Jaguars make another move.
The secondary is relying on inconsistent vets like Savage and Ronald Darby, who was brought in to replace Darious Williams after he returned to the Rams.
Jacksonville is top 10 in positional spending at wide receiver (fourth), offensive line (10th), edge (fifth) and linebacker (second). Still, none of those positions feel like the on-field play matches the financial commitment.
Grade: D
Tennessee Titans
What’s Been Accomplished
The Tennessee Titans were wildly aggressive in adding new pieces and attempting to completely transform the offense for new coach Brian Callahan.
Tennessee was the mystery team that swooped in for Ridley's big contract, giving him four years and $90 million with $50 million guaranteed. Ridley did not play up to that level last season, but there is hope this system could be a better fit. Still, it’s a big bet.
The Titans were also the team able to sneak in and acquire L'Jarius Sneed via trade. The price was just a 2025 third-round pick, a 2024 seventh-round pick, and a new contract extension that will still come at an AAV under the franchise tag figure — $19 million per year with $55 million guaranteed.
Lloyd Cushenberry was given $30 million guaranteed over four years to upgrade center. Tony Pollard signed for $8 million per year to give the Titans a “lightning and lightning” backfield with Tyjae Spears.
What’s Still Needed
The defense needs some work, even with their additions this offseason. Kenneth Murray signed a fairly cheap deal, but he’ll still be on the field often and is a significant downgrade from Al-Shaair. Murray and 2022 UDFA Jack Gibbens are currently the starting linebackers. The pass rush could also use a bit more depth behind Harold Landry and Arden Key.
Offensive line might be the biggest concern for this team as they are betting on a few young players to develop. With Bill Callahan in as the offensive line coach, that might not be the worst plan, but the addition of Cushenberry won't be a magic fix for a line that was one of the league's worst last year.
Grade: C+
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos
What’s Been Accomplished
Wilson and Jeudy are gone. That kind of sums up the Denver Broncos’ offseason because not much else could be done.
The Broncos wisely decided to take the bigger dead money hit for the Wilson release this season — he’ll cost $53 million on the cap — so they can rest this year and prepare to build for the future.
Denver’s only big free agent signing was bringing in SAF Brandon Jones for $11 million guaranteed over three seasons to replace the released Justin Simmons.
Like a few other early safety moves, waiting in this market could have gotten the Broncos a better player at a cheaper price.
What’s Still Needed
Getting through this season will be rough. Jarrett Stidham is the current starting quarterback, and unless the Broncos dip into multiple future first-round picks, they’re handicapped in the market to trade up for a rookie in this draft.
If there is a positive, the Broncos could try to jump on a Patrick Surtain extension.
Grade: C-
Kansas City Chiefs
What’s Been Accomplished
Chris Jones was retained on a massive five-year deal for $95 million guaranteed. This was the Kansas City Chiefs’ top priority, and having Jones in place allowed Kansas City to use the franchise tag on L’Jarius Sneed and figure out its options there.
Kansas City traded Sneed to the Tennessee Titans for a 2025 third-round pick and a 2024 seventh. It's much less than expected in return for Sneed, but the cornerback market didn't have much growth this offseason with neither Jaylon Johnson nor Sneed, with his new contract in Tennessee, resetting the market.
The only big outside free agent the Chiefs brought in was WR Marquise Brown for one year with a base value of $7 million. Brown is not a No. 1 receiver, but he’s being paid that way. He’ll play as a much-needed deep threat, who can also clear space for Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce underneath.
Signing Brown also does not exclude the Chiefs from the draft’s wide receiver market if they choose to go that direction.
What’s Still Needed
With Sneed gone, the Chiefs could use another corner. Trent McDuffie is a star, but Kansas City should want an upgrade on the outside. Joshua Williams played well in his limited time on the field last season.
If there is another position group to watch, it’s the offensive line. 2023 third-round pick Wanya Morris is penciled in as the starting left tackle with Donovan Smith not on the roster.
Trey Smith is in the final year of his contract, and the Chiefs could save $15 million by moving on from Jawaan Taylor at the end of the season.
Much of the Chiefs’ focus will be on the future, both on bringing in depth through the draft and on earmarking future money for the younger players on the roster, like McDuffie and George Karlaftis.
Grade: B-
Las Vegas Raiders
What’s Been Accomplished
The Las Vegas Raiders certainly got more “Raidersy”. Signing Christian Wilkins to a massive contract gives Las Vegas a dominant force up the middle, and the best linemate Maxx Crosby has played with in his career. But that big expenditure was all the Raiders had.
Gardner Minshew was brought in for two years and $15 million guaranteed to compete for the starting quarterback job with Aidan O’Connell.
However, the Raiders are dealing with some other losses. They re-signed center Andre James, but OT Jermaine Eluemunor signed with the Giants, leaving 2022 seventh-round pick Thayer Munford Jr. as the starting right tackle.
With Josh Jacobs gone, Zamir White and free agent signing Alexander Mattison will take over the backfield.
What’s Still Needed
There’s still a need for talent just about everywhere. The Raiders have put together a decent core, especially on a defense that played well at the end of last season, but they’re still not without holes.
Quarterback is the most pressing need, but right tackle and another receiver could be options if the Raiders are boxed out of a passer during the draft.
Grade: B-
Los Angeles Chargers
What’s Been Accomplished
In a cap crunch, the Los Angeles Chargers had to decide on the contracts of Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa.
Surprisingly, Los Angeles redid the contracts of both pass rushers, electing to keep the defenders over the two receivers. Williams was released, and Allen was traded to the Chicago Bears for a fourth-round pick.
Los Angeles also lost starters Austin Ekeler, Michael Davis and Eric Kendricks in free agency. However, the Chargers were also fairly active with additions, bringing in Gus Edwards, Will Dissly and Hayden Hurst on offense, and Poona Ford and Denzel Perryman on defense.
What’s Still Needed
With Allen and Williams gone, receiver is a weak point on this roster as 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston and Joshua Palmer are the starters. The fifth pick in the draft could get another one, whether it’s LSU’s Malik Nabers or Washington’s Rome Odunze.
>>READ: Latest Mock Draft
The right side of the offensive line could also be helped, especially given Justin Herbert might be asked to carry even more weight of the passing game with the roster’s lack of receiving talent.
The defense could also use another corner with 2022 seventh-round pick Deanna Leonard in line to start along with Asante Samuel Jr. and Ja’Sir Taylor.
This is a strange roster that might need a season to fully find its direction.
Grade: C-
