2024 NFL Free Agency: Report Card Grades For Every Signing, Trade

By Jeff Diamond

Award-Winning NFL Executive

The 2024 NFL free agency season officially starts March 13, but several key signings have already taken place. We're grading the biggest moves from the NFL's highly anticipated free agency period.

Below, we'll cover the latest signings, extensions and trades.

2024 NFL Free Agency Grades

March 15

JETS TO SIGN TYRON SMITH TO AID IN PROTECTING RODGERS

TERMS: ONE YEAR, UP TO $20 MILLION ($6.5 Million Guaranteed)

The New York Jets are making a big risk-reward signing of eight-time Pro Bowl and five-time All-Pro offensive tackle Tyron Smith. Smith, 33, was the Dallas Cowboys' first-round pick in 2011 and has made 161 career starts while playing 13 seasons for the Cowboys.

When he's in the lineup, he's one of the best tackles in the league and a future Hall of Famer. But he's missed at least three games in every season since 2016. A neck injury that resulted in surgery kept him out of all but two games in 2020, and he missed 13 games in 2022 because of a torn hamstring. He started 13 games last season and graded out among the top tackles, as he allowed only one sack and his run blocking was excellent.

Smith will be one of three new starters on the Jets offensive line, along with tackle Morgan Moses and guard John Simpson, who also have been signed in 2024 free agency. They'll be expected to protect Aaron Rodgers as he returns from a torn Achilles. The Jets needed this infusion of talent on the offensive line after a 2023 season in which the Jets allowed 64 sacks, fourth-most in the league, and had the 22nd-ranked running game.

Smith hit the open market after playing out his eight-year, $97.6 million contract with the Cowboys. If Smith can stay on the field, he'll be a difference maker for the Jets.

GRADE: B-

PICKETT TRADED CROSS STATE TO PHILLY

PITTSBURGH RECEIVES: 2024 THIRD-ROUND, TWO 2025 SEVENTH ROUND PICKS
PHILADELPHIA RECEIVES: QB KENNY PICKETT, 2024 FOURTH-ROUND PICK

The Pittsburgh Steelers have removed any quarterback drama involving newly acquired Russell Wilson and last season's starter (until he was injured) Kenny Pickett by sending their 2022 first-round pick across the state to the Philadelphia Eagles.

It's similar to the trade of former first-rounder Mac Jones by the Patriots to the Jaguars in order to clear the way for a rookie quarterback to take over in that situation. Jones was sent to certain backup status for 2024 behind franchise QB Trevor Lawrence.

The same applies to Pickett who is not going to compete for a starting job with $51 million per year QB Jalen Hurts. He'll be replacing Marcus Mariota as the backup. It's a good deal financially and cap-wise for the Eagles who paid Mariota $5 million last season, but Pickett comes cheaper at $1.984 million this season and $2.623 million in 2025.

The Steelers now need to sign a new backup quarterback after Mason Rudolph departed for Tennessee. Pittsburgh moves up a round in the draft with this deal but loses an inexpensive No. 2 QB who has 24 career starts with a 14-10 record (and a weak career passer rating of 78.8).

Pickett's performance was up and down, and he dealt with offensive coordinator issues. When he returned from a sprained ankle late last season, Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin stuck with Rudolph as the starter, and he led the team to a wild card playoff spot.

Wilson is 35 and has dealt with a few injuries in recent years, so with Pickett gone, the Steelers need to find a decent veteran No. 2 quarterback. That could be Ryan Tannehill, who is still available after the flurry of backup QB signings in early free agency. Or perhaps Justin Fields could be a trade target.

STEELERS GRADE: C
EAGLES GRADE: A-

March 14

RAMS GET GOOD DEAL ON SAFETY CURL

TERMS: TWO YEARS, $8.75 MILLION

Kamren Curl was a seventh-round pick of the Commanders in 2020. He is joining the Los Angeles Rams on a bargain deal for a safety with 53 career starts. He is coming off a career-high of 115 tackles and five passes defensed. He plays both the run and the pass well but has only three career interceptions, all in his rookie season. 

Curl brings versatility to the Rams, having played strong and free safety and a hybrid safety/linebacker role while in Washington.

GRADE: A-

DEVIN WHITE GETS FRESH START IN PHILLY

TERMS: ONE YEAR, $7.5 MILLION

Linebacker Devin White was the fifth-overall pick in the 2019 draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He appeared to be on a path to superstar status when he made the All-Rookie team with a fantastic stat line — 91 tackles, 2.5 sacks, one interception, three forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries (including two returned for touchdowns).

He continued his upward trajectory by being a major factor on Tampa Bay's dominant defense in the Super Bowl championship season of 2020. He had nine sacks and 140 tackles that year and was named second-team All-Pro.

White had fine seasons in 2021 and 2022 with 252 tackles, nine sacks and 34 QB hits over those two years. Then frustration mounted for White as he couldn't get a contract extension and was forced to play out his rookie deal last season under the fifth-year option.

He requested a trade and dealt with foot and groin injuries as he had his worst season tackle-wise with 83 and tied his career-low with 2.5 sacks in 14 games (but had career highs with two interceptions and six passes defensed). He was a part-time player in the Bucs' two postseason games.

White is taking a pay cut from the $11.7 million he made last season on the fifth-year option. He should be highly motivated as he plays on a one-year, prove-it deal with a fresh start on a Philadelphia Eagles defense that struggled in 2023 after a dominant Super Bowl season in 2022. It will be a bargain signing if White returns to the level of play from his first four seasons.

GRADE: B+

CHIEFS GET SPEED RECEIVER IN BROWN

TERMS: ONE YEAR, UP TO $11 MILLION

With the free agent signing of Marquise Brown, the Super Bowl champion Chiefs gave Patrick Mahomes the big-play deep threat he's been missing since Tyreek Hill was traded to Miami in 2022.

Brown, 26, played for the Arizona Cardinals the past two seasons after a 2022 trade from Baltimore, where he was a first-round pick in 2019 and had his best season in 2021 with 91 receptions for 1,008 yards and six TDs.

Brown has had trouble staying on the field the past two years, missing eight games including last season when a heel injury cost him three. He had the lowest receiving yard total of his career with 574 yards on 51 catches (four TDs) as he played the 2023 season under the fifth-year option in his rookie contract for $13.4 million.

Brown should pair with second-year man Rashee Rice as the Chiefs starters. The Chiefs hope Brown significantly improves the team's wide receiver corps that has seen injuries, inconsistent play and far too many drops from the likes of Marquez Valdes-Scantling (recently released), Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore.

GRADE: B+

BEARS FILL BIG NEED IN TRADE FOR ALLEN

CHICAGO RECEIVES: WR KEENAN ALLEN
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS RECEIVE: 2024 FOURTH-ROUND PICK

The Chicago Bears have been in the catbird seat this offseason with the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft, the chance to gain more draft picks by trading QB Justin Fields and loads of salary cap room to improve an ascending team. They took another leap forward when they filled a major need by trading only a fourth-round pick for six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen.

The Bears took advantage of the Los Angeles Chargers tight salary cap and their inability to get Allen to agree to a pay cut (and why should he after he had a Pro Bowl season with 108 catches for 1,243 yards — his sixth 1,000 yard season — and seven TDs in 13 games last season?).

Allen missed four games last season because of heel and shoulder injuries. His ability to stay healthy is a concern as he turns 32 next month and could be the undoing of this seemingly great deal for Chicago, but it's well worth the risk for a fourth-round pick.

Allen has missed 11 games during the past two seasons. He had spent his entire 11-year career with the Chargers since joining them as a third-round pick in 2013. If he can stay healthy, Allen and DJ Moore will be one of the best wide receiver duos in the league.

As new coach Jim Harbaugh comes aboard, he has to deal with the Chargers in cost-cutting mode. They've restructured big contracts for Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, cut starting receiver Mike Williams and now traded Allen. They also lost a good tight end in Gerald Everett to these same Bears.

All of this can't make Justin Herbert happy. His starting receivers are 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston and 2021 third-rounder Joshua Palmer. They each had 38 catches last season as their roles increased after Williams tore his ACL in Week 3. The Chargers do have the No. 5 overall pick in the upcoming draft that has a bunch of talented receivers so picking a new first-round receiver is a definite possibility.

Chicago is fortunate to have plenty of cap room to absorb Allen's $23.1 million in base salary and roster bonus. He is entering the final year of his four-year, $80 million extension signed in 2020.

The Minnesota Vikings certainly can't be happy to see Allen in the NFC North after he torched them for 18 receptions for 215 yards and threw a 49-yard TD pass to Williams in a victory in Minneapolis last September.

BEARS GRADE: A
CHARGERS GRADE: D-

BILLS SIGN LESS-COSTLY SAMUEL TO REPLACE DAVIS

TERMS: THREE YEARS, $24 MILLION ($15 MILLION GUARANTEED)

Buffalo Bills GM Brandon Beane was part of the Carolina Panthers’ front office when the team drafted Curtis Samuel in the 2017 second round. Seven years later, Samuel was Beane's free agent target at wide receiver when Gabe Davis left the Buffalo Bills for a more expensive three-year, $39 million deal in Jacksonville. Samuel was more affordable as a target for Josh Allen with the Bills tight against the salary cap. 

Samuel, 27, is a versatile player who has 715 rushing yards with seven touchdowns on the ground during his seven-year career in Carolina and Washington. He’s also a consistent receiver — 317 career receptions for 3,383 yards and 22 touchdowns. Last season for the Commanders, he had 62 catches for 613 yards and four touchdowns in 16 games.  

Samuel's most productive season was with Carolina in 2020 when he had 77 catches for 851 yards and three touchdowns. He left for Washington the following season on a three-year, $39.5 million contract but missed 12 games that season with injuries — before rebounding with two solid seasons. 

There are incentives in Samuel's contract with Buffalo that increase the value to $30 million over the next three years.

GRADE: B

READER BRINGS ELITE RUN-STOPPING TO DETROIT

TERMS: TWO YEARS, $27.25 MILLION

The Detroit Lions are bucking one of the cardinal rules of free agent signings: Don't sign injury-prone players who are getting up in years. DT D.J. Reader turns 30 in July and is recovering from a torn quad that cost him the final three games of last season. He also played in only five games in 2020 due to a torn quad and missed seven games in 2022 with a knee injury.

When he's healthy, Reader is one of the best run-stoppers up front in the league. He had 34 tackles in 14 games last season. He was a key defender for the Cincinnati Bengals in their recent Super Bowl season with 43 tackles and two sacks in the regular season, followed by 12 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack and four quarterback hits in the team's four postseason games. 

Reader played his first four seasons in Houston after he was drafted by the Texans in fifth round and played well — while staying healthy, for the most part. His injury issues began to hit hard when he moved to Cincinnati on a four-year, $53 million deal. 

The Lions are counting on Reader to team up with DT Alim McNeill to further improve last season's second-ranked run defense. This is a risky and expensive proposition on a talented but injury-prone player. This money may have been better spent on a pass rusher who has a better health record than Marcus Davenport — the Lions still have enough cap space to try and accomplish that goal to help a defense that ranked 23rd in sacks last season (with 41).

Grade: C+

ARMSTEAD SIGNS WITH JAGUARS AFTER REFUSING PAY CUT with 49ers

TERMS: THREE YEARS, $51 MILLION

Arik Armstead was scheduled to make $17.4 million this season with the San Francisco 49ers. He had spent his nine-year career with the team, which drafted him in 2020's first round. But after two seasons in which he missed a total of 13 games with foot and knee injuries, the team asked him to take a pay cut.

He refused, and he was released. 

Jacksonville Jaguars GM Trent Baalke drafted Armstead when he was the 49ers’ general manager. He's hoping Armstead can avoid injuries and be the stout run defender that he's been over his career — while providing a strong inside push in the pass rush to help the team's edge rushers: Josh Allen and Travon Walker, who combined for 27.5 sacks last season. The team had only 40 sacks and ranked 25th in the league, so Armstead is being counted on to be a force like he was in 2019 when he had 10 sacks. 

In 12 games last season, Armstead had five sacks, 13 quarterback hits and 27 tackles — he added one sack and 11 tackles in the 49ers' three 2023 postseason games. He has eight career playoff sacks, which ranks second in team history.

This is a pricey contract on a 30-year old defensive tackle who played in San Francisco's 4-3 defense and now will play inside in Jacksonville's 3-4. It seems pretty risky, but it could pay big dividends if Armstead stays healthy and provides an inside force.

GRADE: C  

COMMANDERS TRADE HOWELL TO CLEAR DECK FOR ROOKIE QB

COMMANDERS RECEIVE: THIRD- AND FIFTH-ROUND PICKS IN 2024

SEAHAWKS RECEIVE: HOWELL, FOURTH AND SIXTH ROUND PICKS IN 2024 

Everyone knows the Washington Commanders will draft a rookie quarterback with their No. 2 overall pick, but they've now made it crystal clear by trading their starter from last season, Sam Howell.

However, it seems as if he's be worth more to hang onto as a backup quarterback than the pittance Washington is receiving by moving up 20-some spots in the two of the draft's middle rounds. 

Howell's $985,000 salary in 2024 would have been a nice cap and cash savings compared with the $6 million Washington will pay new signee Marcus Mariota. But the Commanders have plenty of cap room, so this probably isn't a concern.

It appears the Commanders' brass thinks a rookie quarterback — likely Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye after the Chicago Bears pick Caleb Williams — will be more comfortable with Mariota, who comes in knowing he'll back up, vs. Howell, who thinks he should be the starter after throwing for 3,946 yards and 21 touchdowns while starting every game last season. However, the problem is that Howell's 21 interceptions led the league, and the team was 4-13. So if the Commanders were going to dump Howell eventually, at least they're marginally improving their draft positioning with this move.

This is a low-risk, low-cost cap-wise acquisition for the Seattle Seahawks. Howell will replace Drew Lock (now with the New York Giants) as the presumed backup to Geno Smith. But Smith didn't play as well last season as he did in 2022 — Seattle fell short of the playoffs — and Smith is 10 years older than Howell. Seahawks GM John Schneider said he liked Howell coming out of college, so if Smith falters a bit, perhaps Howell will get a shot with new coach Mike Macdonald not being as tied to Smith. 

COMMANDERS GRADE: C

SEAHAWKS GRADE: B

MIXON TRADED TO TEXANS INSTEAD OF RELEASED

HOUSTON RECEIVES: RB JOE MIXON

CINCINNATI RECEIVES: 2024 SEVENTH-ROUND PICK

The running back carousel has been active in free agency. With this move, the Cincinnati Bengals pick up $6.1 million of salary cap room by trading last season’s starting running back, Joe Mixon to the Houston Texans.

Mixon, 27, was the Bengals' second-round pick in 2017. He'd been Cincinnati's starter his entire career and has four 1,000-plus yard rushing seasons, including last season when he ran for 1,034 yards and nine touchdowns and had 52 receptions for 376 yards and three touchdowns. Mixon was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2021 when Cincinnati played in the Super Bowl.

The Bengals traded Mixon shortly after they signed ex–Indianapolis Colts RB Zach Moss to a two-year, $8 million contract. Cincinnati planned to release Mixon before finding a trade partner in Houston. Moss is a year younger than Mixon and has 571 career touches vs. 1,986 for Mixon, so the Bengals figure Moss has a lot more tread on his tires.        

The Texans are inheriting Mixon's contract, which will pay him $5.75 million plus incentives (he earned $350,000 for his 12 touchdowns last season, which is a cap hit for Houston as a likely-to-be-earned incentive, so his 2024 salary cap charge is $6.1 million). Houston needed a starting running back after Devin Singletary signed with the New York Giants for $5.5 million per year. Houston has acquired a physical player in Mixon, and the good news for him is he didn't have to hit free agency as a released player, which could have lowered his salary this season because so many teams have already signed running backs. 

TEXANS GRADE: B

BENGALS GRADE: B+

BRISSETT RETURNS TO PATRIOTS

TERMS: ONE YEAR, $8 MILLION ($6.5 MILLION GUARANTEED)

Jacoby Brissett makes his sixth NFL stop and it's the second time around in New England, where he was drafted in the 2016 third round. He was traded to the Colts in 2017, where he played four seasons with 30 starts. After a year in Miami, he was signed by Cleveland and started the first 11 games of the 2022 season (with a career-high 88.9 passer rating but a 4-7 record) during Deshaun Watson's suspension and returned to a backup role when Watson was reinstated.

Brissett joined the Commanders last season on a one-year, $10 million contract but backed up Sam Howell and saw action in only three games where he performed well (3 TDs, 0 interceptions, 78.3 percent completions). He was set to start in Week 17 until he injured his hamstring in practice.

In his return to the New England Patriots, it's expected that he'll either be a bridge starter to a rookie quarterback the Patriots most likely will draft at No. 3 overall, or he'll back up that young quarterback. Brissett will have the advantage of working with two coaches he was with in Cleveland — offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and QB coach T.C. McCartney.

He brings leadership and intelligence to Foxboro along with plenty of NFL experience with 48 career starts.

GRADE: B+

BARRETT SIGNS WITH DOLPHINS

TERMS: ONE YEAR, UP TO $9 MILLION

Two-time Pro Bowl EDGE/OLB Shaq Barrett has been officially released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a cap-saving move, clearing the way for him to sign with the Miami Dolphins. Barrett was informed several weeks ago that he would be released, so he had the opportunity to check out his free agent options. He should be a rotational player and situational pass rusher in Miami as he joins starting edge players Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips, who are coming off injuries.

Barrett, 31, was undrafted and signed by the Broncos in 2014. He played five seasons in Denver (including winning Super Bowl 50) and then joined the Buccaneers in 2019, where he had his greatest success. Barrett led the league with 19.5 sacks in 2019 and followed it up with eight sacks and 10 sacks the next two seasons. He was a key player on Tampa Bay's excellent defense in their Super Bowl championship season of 2020.

He played under the franchise tag in 2020 then signed a four-year, $72 million deal in 2021 that he was just released from, so the Bucs will take a dead money hit that they can spread over two seasons.

Barrett's productivity declined the past two seasons as he dealt with a torn Achilles that limited him to eight games in 2021, but he still produced 4.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and 52 tackles in 16 games regular-season games last season for the NFC South champs (and he played in the two playoff games).

GRADE: B

JOE FLACCO HEADS TO INDIANAPOLIS AS BACKUP TO RICHARDSON

TERMS: ONE YEAR, UP TO $8.7 MILLION ($4.5 MILLION GUARANTEED)

Joe Flacco was last season's NFL Comeback Player of the Year as he led the Cleveland Browns to the playoffs. He now replaces Gardner Minshew (signed with the Raiders) as the No. 2 QB in Indianapolis behind second-year man Anthony Richardson, who played in only four games last season before a shoulder injury sidelined him. Minshew played well enough (7-6 record in his 13 starts) when he stepped in for Richardson, so the Colts understand the value of a quality veteran backup which Flacco will provide for them.

Flacco, 39, is a 16-year veteran who was Baltimore's first-round pick in 2008. He was the Ravens starting quarterback for 11 seasons and compiled a 96-67 regular season record and 10-5 playoff mark while in Baltimore. He was Super Bowl MVP in the Ravens' championship season of 2012. Flacco also has played for the Denver Broncos and New York Jets.

He waited until November last year for the call to join Cleveland's practice squad after Deshaun Watson was injured. After being activated, he started five games down the stretch with a 4-1 record, 1,616 passing yards (323 yards per game) and a 90.2 passer rating. In the playoff loss at Houston, he threw for 307 yards and one TD but had two interceptions.

GRADE: B

Bobby WAGNER GOES TO WASHINGTON

TERMS: ONE YEAR, $8.5 MILLION ($6 Million Guaranteed)

Future Hall of Fame linebacker Bobby Wagner has been one of the great value signings the past two years. He returned to Seattle on a one-year, $5.5 million contract last year and led the NFL with 183 tackles while adding 11 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. He was selected to his ninth Pro Bowl and earned Second-team All-Pro honors. Now he gets a $3 million raise but is still underpaid for his production level as he heads east for the first time in his career.

He'll be an intelligent leader on the Washington Commanders revamped defense that ranked dead last in 2023 with 389 yards and 30.5 points allowed per game. The team has made several major free agent signings but Wagner coming aboard could be the most impactful. He's reuniting with Dan Quinn, the Commanders new head coach who was Wagner's defensive coordinator in the glory years of Seattle's dominant defense that won the Super Bowl 10 years ago.

Wagner, 33, was the Seahawks' second-round pick in 2012. He played his first 10 years in Seattle before a one-year stint with the Rams prior to returning to the Seahawks last season. He apparently was deemed expendable by new Coach Mike Macdonald.

Wagner has made 100-plus tackles every season during his 12-year career, and he's been a very durable player. He may have lost a step in pass coverage but he remains a force on run defense.

GRADE: B+

March 13

WINSTON, MARIOTA OFF TO NEW BACKUP JOBS

WINSTON TERMS IN CLEVELAND: ONE YEAR, $4 MILLION
MARIOTA TERMS IN WASHINGTON: ONE YEAR, $6 MILLION

These two QBs have been tied at the hip since they were drafted No. 1 and No. 2 overall in the 2015 draft by Tampa Bay and Tennessee, respectively. They both step into backup roles just as they have for most of the past several years, in New Orleans for Jameis Winston the past two seasons and in Las Vegas and Philadelphia for Marcus Mariota (with a one-year starting stint for him in Atlanta that lasted 13 games in 2022).

They're both former Heisman Trophy winners who are 30 and have made a lot of money in their nine-year careers, but unless something changes dramatically, they'll both ultimately be judged as disappointments considering their lofty draft status.

Winston will back up Deshaun Watson, who is expected to be fully recovered from shoulder surgery after the injury that ended his 2023 season in Week 10. Mariota is currently listed as the Commanders' starter but that should change when Washington picks a quarterback with the second overall pick in the upcoming draft.

It's possible Mariota could be a bridge starter for a few weeks, but the more likely scenario is the rookie (likely Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye if Caleb Williams is picked No. 1 by Chicago) becomes the Week 1 starter on a team in transition.

Winston has a career record of 34-46 as a starter with a passer rating of 87.0. He has started 10 games in the last four years and in his last full season as Bucs starter in 2019, he threw 33 TD passes but led the league with 30 interceptions in a 7-9 season.

He was off to New Orleans the next season as the backup to Drew Brees and became the starter in 2021 but tore his ACL in Week 8. He then backed up Andy Dalton and Derek Carr the next two seasons. He relieved Carr in seven games last season with a dismal 57.4 passer rating. Winston has never been a starter in a postseason game.

Mariota has a 34-40 career mark as a starter and battled injuries early in his career with the Titans. His career passer rating is 89.2. He did lead the Titans to the playoffs in 2017 and started two playoff games with one victory.

WINSTON GRADE: B-
MARIOTA GRADE: B-

Ridley Surprises Jaguars, Signs with Titans

Terms: Four Years, $92 Million ($50 Million Guaranteed)

After the Jacksonville Jaguars traded for Calvin Ridley in 2022 during his year-long suspension for gambling on NFL games, the expectation was that Ridley would re-sign in Jacksonville after the 2023 league year ended so the Jaguars would owe Atlanta a third-round pick instead of a second rounder. The narrative was that he would reward the team for believing in him. No such luck for the Jaguars as it turns out.

Jacksonville made a strong push but Ridley is signing a top-10 wide receiver contract with division rival Tennessee. He and DeAndre Hopkins will form one of the league's top wide receiver duos with Treylon Burks in the mix as the third receiver. It's a somewhat risky deal for a 29-year old receiver who is talented but inconsistent at times and has had off-field issues and dealt with injuries, although he played in every game last season.

The Titans could trade or release Hopkins and save $10.46 million against the cap, but they've got plenty of cap room to keep him this season as he comes off a 1,000-yard season.

Ridley was Atlanta's first-round pick in 2018. He earned Second-Team All-Pro honors after his best season in 2020 with 90 receptions for 1,374 yards and nine TDs. Then things unraveled for Ridley. He played in only five games in 2021 and left the Falcons in midseason for mental health reasons. Then came the suspension in early 2022.

After being reinstated, he played on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract for $11.1 million last season and produced the second 1,000-yard receiving season of his career with 76 catches for 1,016 yards and eight TDs. 

The Jaguars wind up sending the Falcons a 2023 fifth-round pick and a 2024 third-rounder for a player who played only one season for them.  

GRADE: B-

Bears ADD Veteran TE Everett

TERMS: Two Years, $12 Million ($6.1 Million Guaranteed)

Gerald Everett has been a consistent performer during his seven-year career. Everett and Cole Kmet should provide a fine pair of tight ends for the Chicago Bears and their likely new QB Caleb Williams. 

Everett, 29, was a second-round pick of the Los Angeles Rams in 2017. He spent his first four seasons with the Rams, then left for one season in Seattle before signing a similar two-year, $12 million free agent contract with the Chargers in 2022. He had his best season in 2022 with 58 receptions for 555 yards and four TDs. In 2023, his production was slightly lower — 51 catches for 411 yards and three TDs, but that was partially due to Justin Herbert's late-season injury that knocked him out of four games due to a fractured finger. 

New Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron likes to incorporate two tight ends in the offense. He worked with Everett at the Rams and Seahawks and knows his strengths as a reliable pass catcher who has excellent run-after-catch ability.

GRADE: B+

Cashman's Vikings Signing is a homecoming

Terms: Three years, $25.5 Million ($15 million guaranteed)

Linebacker Blake Cashman is leaving the Houston Texans and signing with his hometown team — the Minnesota Vikings. Cashman grew up in Minneapolis and played college football at Minnesota. He'll join a Texans teammate — edge/OLB Jonathan Greenard — and ex-Dolphin edge/OLB Andrew Van Ginkel as free agent signees who are expected to start for the Vikings defense. Cashman will replace Jordan Hicks (who signed with Cleveland) at an inside linebacker spot.

Cashman, 27, was a fifth-round pick of the New York Jets in 2019 and spent his first three seasons with the Jets before being traded to the Texans in 2022. He was the signal caller on defense for DeMeco Ryans and had his best season in 2023 as he led the team in tackles with 106 and had two sacks, nine tackles for loss and five passes defensed in 14 regular-season games. He added 14 tackles, three tackles for loss and one sack in Houston's two playoff games.

Cashman is an every-down linebacker with athleticism and smarts.

GRADE: A

March 12

Panthers Add Jewell to LB Group

Terms: Three Years, $22.75 Million ($10 Million Guaranteed)

Josey Jewell has been a mainstay in the Denver defense for the past several years but he's leaving the Mile High City to sign with the Carolina Panthers as part of their rebuild. 

He was a fourth-round pick of the Broncos in 2018 and became a starting linebacker in 2020. Jewell has produced 100-plus tackles in three of the last four years with the exception of 2021 when he played in only two games due to a torn pec. He rebounded with his best season in 2022 when he showed his ability as an every-down player with 128 tackles, seven tackles-for-loss, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. His defensive coordinator in 2022 was current Panthers DC Ejiro Evero, who surely played a big part in recruiting Jewell to Carolina.

Jewell had career-highs last season in sacks (three) and fumble recoveries (three) and made 108 tackles. He ranked second on the Broncos in tackles each of the past two seasons. 

GRADE: B+

LAVONTE DAVID RETURNING TO BUCS

TERMS: ONE YEAR, $9 MILLION

There were other NFL teams interested in signing Lavonte David, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ long-time star wants to finish his career in Tampa, so he’s re-signing with the team.

The Bucs drafted David in the second round of the 2012 draft, and he now enters his 13th year with the team. He comes off another excellent season in which he led the Bucs in tackles with 134 (his 10th season with more than 100 tackles). He also contributed 17 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks (his highest total since 2016).

David made 13 tackles, including two for losses, and had a sack in the divisional playoff loss at Detroit. He gets a nice raise from the $7.35 million (including incentives) that he earned last season.

David, 34, is another key veteran re-signed by the Bucs, who are also bringing back QB Baker Mayfield and WR Mike Evans. They also used the franchise tag on First-team All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield, Jr.

GRADE: A

Gardner-Johnson Returns to Philadelphia

Terms: Three Years, $33 Million

After a one-year, injury-riddled season with the Detroit Lions, safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson is returning to the Philadelphia Eagles, with whom he has had his greatest success. In 2022, he tied for the NFL in interceptions (6) in a season where the Eagles went to the Super Bowl.

In 2023, Gardner-Johnson only played in three regular season games and in the team's three playoff games last season due to a torn pec, but he was productive for the Lions when he was in the lineup. In his six games, he had two interceptions, four passes defended and 29 tackles. 

He was the New Orleans Saints’ fourth-round pick in 2019 and spent his first three years in New Orleans before moving to Philadelphia in 2022. If he can stay healthy, he’ll fill the Eagles' big need at safety. 

GRADE: B  

Texans Bolster Pass Rush With Hunter

Terms: Two years, $49 million ($48 million guaranteed)

Danielle Hunter is leaving the Minnesota Vikings after eight seasons and signing with the Houston Texans. It's essentially a trade of edge rushers because Jonathan Greenard is departing the Texans to sign with the Vikings. Minnesota is paying Greenard $19 million per year, $5.5 million per year less than Hunter will receive. Hunter, 29, also is three years older than Greenard but has been more of an impact player over his career with 87.5 career sacks (vs. 23 for Greenard in four fewer seasons).  

Hunter was the top remaining free agent defender heading into Wednesday's start of the new league year. He had been the best player on the Vikings' defense since returning in 2022 from two years of serious neck and pec injuries. He hasn't missed a game the past two years and is coming off the best season of his career with 16.5 sacks, 22 quarterback hits, 83 tackles and a league-high 23 tackles for loss (all career highs). He's an excellent run defender, along with being an elite pass rusher. 

A third-round pick by the Vikings in 2015, Hunter developed into a dominant 4-3 defensive end and made the adjustment to a 3-4 edge/OLB the past two seasons. He also had double-digit sacks in 2022 (10.5) — he has five such seasons. He's a four-time Pro Bowler, including in the past two years.

Hunter did a hold-in last year during early training camp before signing a reworked deal for $20 million that included a no-tag clause. 

He was born in Jamaica but went to high school in Katy, Texas, so playing in Houston will be a return to familiar surroundings. 

GRADE: A-

Falcons give cousins another weapon in Mooney

Terms: Three Years, $39 Million ($26 Million Guaranteed)

Wide receiver Darnell Mooney is leaving the Chicago Bears to sign with the Atlanta Falcons. He joins Drake London and Kyle Pitts as key receiving targets for new QB Kirk Cousins.

Mooney, 26, was the Bears' fifth-round pick in 2020. His career got off to an excellent start with 142 catches and eight touchdowns over his first two seasons, including 81 receptions for 1,055 yards in 2021. His production diminished the past two seasons as he dealt with injuries and Chicago's offense relying more on Justin Fields' running. Also, DJ Moore arrived from the Carolina Panthers in the Bryce Young trade last year and took over as the dominant receiving target. 

The speedy Mooney should see his targets rise significantly in a Cousins-led passing attack, and he should have an opportunity for a career resurgence. 

GRADE: B

QUEEN LEAVES RAVENS FOR RIVAL STEELERS

TERMS: THREE YEARS, $41 MILLION 

Patrick Queen became a pending free agent when the Baltimore Ravens didn't exercise the fifth-year option on his contract as their first-round pick in 2020. Baltimore traded for linebacker Roquan Smith in 2022 and extended him for $20 million per year. Then, the Ravens drafted Trenton Simpson in the third round of the 2023 draft as a potential starter at inside linebacker, so Queen's fate was sealed.

He's staying in the AFC North with the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers and will have an opportunity to face his former team at least twice each season. Queen responded to his team's contract snub by having his best season with a career-high 133 tackles and 3.5 sacks for the league's top scoring defense. He was named to the second-team All-Pro and was selected to his first Pro Bowl.

Queen was considered one of the top inside linebackers available in free agency, and the $13.66 million per year deal is a relative bargain for the Steelers. The three-year term gives Queen, 24, a chance to hit the open market again in 2027 when he's still in his prime. 

GRADE: A

COLTS KEEP TOP SLOT CORNER

TERMS: FOUR YEARS, $50 MILLION ($26 MILLION GUARANTEED)

Kenny Moore is the highest paid slot corner in NFL history after the Indianapolis Colts rewarded him for a 2023 season in which he rated as one of the league’s best at his position.

Moore started every game except one last season and had three interceptions, six passes defended, 1.5 sacks, 93 tackles and eight tackles for loss. He had two pick-6s in a November win over the Carolina Panthers. He was a Pro Bowler in 2021 when he had four interceptions, 13 passes defended and 102 tackles.

The New England Patriots originally signed Moore, now 28, as an undrafted free agent in 2017 but waived him. The Colts picked him up, and he has flourished ever since in Indianapolis.

GRADE: B+

KING HENRY OFF TO BALTIMORE

TERMS: TWO YEARS, $16 MILLION ($9 MILLION GUARANTEED)

In what appears to be a perfect fit, four-time Pro Bowler and two-time NFL rushing leader Derrick Henry is signing with the Baltimore Ravens, who needed a starting running back. They get a future Hall of Famer in Henry, who leaves the Tennessee Titans after eight seasons as the second-leading rusher in franchise history (9,502 yards) behind Eddie George.

Henry was the Titans' second-round pick in 2016. He rushed for more than 1,000 yards in five seasons — including 2023, when he had 1,167 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. He added 28 catches for 214 yards. Henry has 90 career rushing touchdowns, including double-digit touchdowns the past six years. 

The Ravens cleared the way for Henry by not trying to retain the team's top back last year, Gus Edwards, who signed with the Los Angeles Chargers. It's risky to sign a 30-year-old running back, but Henry is a physical force who has missed only 12 games over his entire career. He looks like he has a few more quality years left in the tank and could be the player to help Baltimore win another Super Bowl.  

GRADE: A-

JACKSON ADDS TO RAMS' O-LINE

TERMS: THREE YEARS, $51 MILLION ($34 MILLION GUARANTEED)

Offensive guard Jonah Jackson is leaving the Detroit Lions to sign with the Los Angeles Rams and protect former teammate Matthew Stafford. The Rams also have re-signed starting guard Kevin Dotson, so they have fortified their guard spots with Dotson and Jackson. 

The 27-year-old Jackson was Detroit’s third-round pick in 2020 and was a four-year starter on the Lions’ excellent offensive line. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 2021. 

Jackson missed 10 games over the past two seasons with various injuries and is considered a fine run blocker. He now becomes one of the league’s highest-paid guards at $17 million per year. 

GRADE: A-

JONES SIGNS WITH PACKERS' RIVAL

TERMS: ONE YEAR, $7 MILLION

After the Green Bay Packers released their starting running back after he refused to take a pay cut for a second straight year, Aaron Jones crossed the state border and is signing with the division-rival Minnesota Vikings.

As a general manager, I always wanted to sign free agents from divisional opponents due to the double whammy of it strengthening your team and weakening your rival. (See also: Saquon Barkley joining the Philadelphia Eagles.) 

Jones' release means the Packers have to absorb a $12.348 million dead-money-hit to their cap. They may be fine with having a younger Josh Jacobs replace the 29-year-old Jones, but Green Bay won't relish facing a vengeful Jones twice next season, especially if he performs at the elite level he reached late last season. He had 100-plus yards rushing in his last five games, including playoff games against the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers. Jones also missed six games because of a hamstring injury.

He was a fifth-round pick by the Packers in 2017. He had three 1,000-yard rushing seasons. Jones' best season was in 2019 when, as a dual-purpose threat, he rushed for 1,084 yards and a league-leading 16 touchdowns and added 49 receptions for 474 yards and three touchdowns. 

Jones becomes the presumed starter in Minnesota. The Vikings released last year's early-season starting back, Alexander Mattison. They like the explosiveness of 2022 fifth-rounder Ty Chandler, who replaced Mattison late in the season and rushed for 461 yards and three touchdowns and added 21 catches for 159 yards. 

If Jones can stay healthy, he could add a lot of juice to a Vikings' rushing attack that ranked 29th last season and could help take some pressure off Sam Darnold or a rookie quarterback — Jones could also give Justin Jefferson more room to operate.

GRADE: B+

MCKINNEY LEAVES GIANTS FOR PACKERS 

TERMS: FOUR YEARS, $68 MILLION ($25 MILLION GUARANTEED)

One of the top safeties on the free agent market — Xavier McKinney — is signing with the Green Bay Packers. He fills a need after Darnell Savage left for Jacksonville. 

McKinney, 24, was the New York Giants’ second-round pick in 2020. He missed half of the 2022 season following an ATV accident but had an excellent 2023 season with three interceptions, 11 passes defended and 116 tackles. He is an excellent tackler who covers well. 

GRADE: A 

VIKINGS SIGN DARNOLD WITH COUSINS GONE

TERMS: ONE YEAR, $10 MILLION

With Kirk Cousins off to Atlanta, the Minnesota Vikings quickly moved on by signing Sam Darnold to a one-year deal. The opportunity could either jump-start Darnold's career as an NFL starter or make him merely a bridge to a rookie quarterback the Vikings draft with their No. 11 overall pick (or higher if they trade up).

Darnold was the No. 3 overall pick by the New York Jets in 2018 but was traded to the Carolina Panthers in 2021 after three years of inconsistent play and injuries — he had a 13-25 record as the Jets' starter with 45 touchdown passes and 39 interceptions. He started 17 games over two seasons for the Panthers with an 8-9 record. His passer rating improved to 92.6 in 2022, and he had seven rushing touchdowns in 2021-22.

Darnold joined the San Francisco 49ers last season and won the backup job over Trey Lance. Darnold played in 10 games with one start in the regular-season finale after the 49ers clinched the NFC's top seed. He passed for 189 yards and one touchdown with a rushing touchdown and a fumble lost in a one-point loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

Darnold's starting experience and his young age (26) appealed to Minnesota, along with his 2023 experience working with Kyle Shanahan and the San Francisco offense. Darnold also has a connection with his former New York teammate and current Vikings quarterback coach, Josh McCown, who was a mentor in Darnold's rookie season.

Minnesota still has veteran quarterback Nick Mullens and last year's fifth-rounder Jaren Hall under contract, but Darnold becomes the favorite to be the opening day starter. That could change depending on what happens in next month's draft and in the lead up to the season — things could also change during the season if Darnold doesn't perform well and the rookie develops quickly.

The only thing that's certain quarterback-wise in Minnesota is that the Cousins era is over after six seasons of mixed results.

GRADE: C+

March 11

AUTRY JOINS TEXANS TO CREATE FIERCE PASS RUSHING TRIO

TERMS: TWO YEARS, $21.5 MILLION ($10.5 MILLION GUARANTEED)

It's rare that a defensive lineman has his best season in his 10th year in the league at age 33. That was the case in 2023 for Denico Autry, who achieved career-highs with 11.5 sacks and 50 tackles (while adding 17 QB hits) for the Tennessee Titans.

He had 28.5 sacks over the last three seasons with the Titans, who he joined in 2021 on a $7.1 million per year deal. Houston is Autry's fourth team after beginning his career as an undrafted player with the Raiders and then spending three years each with the Colts and Texans.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans has to be thrilled at the prospect of having Autry and Danielle Hunter combine with Will Anderson, Jr. in rushing the passer next season. The Texans had 46 sacks to rank tied for 13th and their overall defense ranked 14th. With Autry and Hunter coming aboard, there's an excellent chance Ryans will have a top-10 defense in both categories.

At 6-foot-5, 285 pounds, Autry is big enough to slide inside so he, Hunter and Anderson can rush the passer together. Not a pleasant thought for NFL QBs facing the Texans in 2024.

GRADE: B+

ARMSTRONG PART OF COMMANDERS REBUILDING DEFENSE

TERMS: THREE YEARS, $33 MILLION ($22.125 MILLION GUARANTEED)

Dorance Armstrong has been a career backup and rotational player since he was drafted in the 2018 fourth round by the Dallas Cowboys. He finally gets his chance to be a starter on the rebuilt defense in Washington as new coach Dan Quinn seeks to improve on last season's dismal performance.

Armstrong joins Pro Bowlers Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne on the Commanders' defensive line along with his Cowboys teammate from last season — Dante Fowler, Jr. Other new starters on defense acquired in 2024 free agency include linebackers Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu and safety Jeremy Chinn.

Armstrong has been a consistent producer in limited play time during his six-year career. He played 42 percent of Dallas' defensive snaps last season and had 7.5 sacks, 12 QB hits and 38 tackles. In 2022, Armstrong generated 8.5 sacks, 16 QB hits and 33 tackles with 47 percent play time. He almost doubles his salary under his new contract after he played the past two seasons for $6 million per year.

GRADE: B+

Giants Fortify Line with Runyan

Terms: Three Years, $30 Million ($17 million guaranteed)

Jon Runyan Jr. was a three-year starter at both guard spots on the Green Bay Packers offensive line. Knowing they would be dealing with a tight salary cap this year, the team began preparing for Runyan's departure by having him split time late in the season with 2022 third-rounder Sean Rhyan. 

Runyan was a sixth-round pick in 2020 by Green Bay and became a starter in his second season. He's a durable player who has never missed a game in his four-year career. 

The New York Giants were determined to land a starting guard in free agency to help shore up an offensive line that allowed a league-high 85 sacks in 2023. Daniel Jones will welcome the addition of Runyan, a quality pass protector who allowed only two sacks last season. 

His dad is Jon Runyan Sr., who was an excellent offensive tackle for 14 NFL seasons (he's in the Eagles Hall of Fame) and is currently the NFL's Compliance Officer. 

GRADE: B+

CUSHENBERRY GETS BIG CENTER DEAL FROM TITANS

TERMS: FOUR YEARS, $50 MILLION ($26 MILLION GUARANTEED)

Lloyd Cushenberry is now one of the NFL’s highest paid centers, joining the Tennessee Titans. He was a four-year starter after being drafted in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos.

Cushenberry, 26, rated as one of the NFL’s best pass protecting centers in 2023 which bodes well for Titans QB Will Levis. He’s a leader and has four years of starting experience. He missed nine games in 2022 with a groin injury but has otherwise been a durable player.

Cushenberry is a young, ascending player which is what teams like most when signing free agents.

GRADE: A

LIONS MAKE RISKY SIGNING WITH DAVENPORT

TERMS: ONE YEAR, $6.5 MILLION 

The Detroit Lions are going down the road with Marcus Davenport that the Minnesota Vikings tried last year, much to their chagrin. The injury-prone edge rusher played in only four games due to an ankle injury. 

The Vikings paid Davenport $13 million and have a $6.8 million dead money hit to this year’s cap as a result of voidable years in the contract. 

Davenport was the New Orleans Saints’ first-round pick in 2018 and played five years in New Orleans. His best season was in 2021 when he had nine sacks in 11 games. He produced two sacks and four QB hits last season in his limited 2023 action in Minnesota. 

The Vikings are happy it’s Davenport and not Danielle Hunter (who is Houston-bound) that the Lions signed to try and help Aidan Hutchinson in the pass rush. Hunter was rumored to be a Lions target in free agency. 

Detroit head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn were on the Saints’ coaching staff during Davenport’s first three seasons. They know him well and will hope for better luck with his health, which has always been the downfall for Davenport — a talented player. 

This new contract for Davenport has a max value of $10.5 million if he plays the entire season and hits some incentives. That’s a big “if”. 

GRADE: D

BENGALS STEAL STONE FROM RIVAL RAVENS 

TERMS: TWO YEARS, $15 MILLION ($6 MILLION GUARANTEED)

Geno Stone had good timing with a career season in a contract year — always a concern for GMs. The 24-year old safety started 11 games last season when injuries struck the Baltimore secondary and he wound up with seven interceptions to rank second in the league. 

Stone added nine passes defensed and 68 tackles for the AFC North champs who have Kyle Hamilton and Marcus Williams set to start at safety next season. That set the stage for the Bengals — who needed a safety like Stone to improve the deep pass defense — to get a relative bargain on a good player from a division rival. 

He was a seventh-round pick in 2020 for the Ravens who is a durable player but has only 19 starts in his career so far. 

GRADE: A-

49ers Sign Floyd to replace Young

Terms: two years, $20 million ($12 million guaranteed)

It took Leonard Floyd until early June to sign a one-year, $7 million contract with the Bills last offseason. He got his contract settled much sooner this year with the San Francisco 49ers signing him to replace the soon-to-be departing Chase Young at defensive end opposite Nick Bosa. 

Floyd had an excellent season in Buffalo with 10.5 sacks, 19 QB hits, 32 tackles and nine tackles-for-loss. He joined the Bills after producing 29 sacks over three seasons with the Los Angeles Rams where he was part of a great defensive effort with a sack and five tackles in the Rams’ win over the Bengals in Super Bowl LVI. Floyd was a first-round pick of the Chicago Bears in 2016 and had four fine seasons there before signing with the Rams. 

He continues to play at a high level with no drop off in performance at age 31 and should be a solid player once again on the talented San Francisco defense.

GRADE: B+

EKELER LANDS IN WASHINGTON

TERMS: TWO YEARS, $8.43 MILLION ($4.21 MILLION GUARANTEED)

2022 was the best season of Austin Ekeler's seven-year career with the Chargers — 915 rushing yards, 13 rushing touchdowns, 107 catches for 722 yards and five receiving touchdowns. But last season, Ekeler battled through an ankle injury that cost him three games and produced just 628 rushing yards, 436 receiving yards and six combined touchdowns. His yards per carry fell from 4.5 in 2022 to 3.5 in 2023. 

Now, Ekeler, 28, will seek a career resurgence with the Washington Commanders.

Ekeler is a great success story: an undrafted player who became one of the NFL's top backs. He became frustrated by the devaluation of running backs and requested a trade prior to last season when he entered the final year of his $6 million per year deal and couldn't get an extension done with the Chargers. He eventually agreed to a revised deal with added incentives for his final season in Los Angeles. 

He now becomes the likely starter in Washington, and his deal gives him the opportunity to earn an additional $3 million in incentives.

GRADE: B-

GIants Acquire Burns, Sign Him to $150M Deal

Trade Terms: Burns for Giants' 2024 Second-, Fifth-ROund Picks

Contract Terms: Five Years, $150 Million ($87.5 Million Guaranteed)

The Carolina Panthers traded their 2019 first-round pick and top pass rusher to the New York Giants. The G-Men capitalized on the opportunity to acquire a two-time Pro Bowl edge rusher who is only 25 years old — without giving up a first-round pick. 

After Brian Burns couldn't get a long-term deal done in Carolina, New York quickly signed him to a five-year, $150 million contract with $87.5 million guaranteed. Burns becomes the second-highest paid edge rusher behind Nick Bosa. 

Burns played last season for $16 million on his fifth-year option after he wasn't extended by the Panthers, who declined trade offers from the Los Angeles Rams, among other teams, over the last two years. Carolina placed the franchise tag on Burns last week, so he'll get a big raise from the $24 million, one-year tender. 

Burns has 46 career sacks. His production dropped a bit last season from career-highs in 2022 of 12.5 sacks, 22 quarterback hits, 63 tackles and 17 tackles for loss to, in 2023, eight sacks, 18 quarterback hits, 50 tackles and 16 tackles for loss. His departure creates a major hole in a Panthers defense that ranked fourth last season but clears $24 million in cap room for Carolina to make other moves.

The Giants now have an excellent pass rushing duo with first-rounders Burns and third-year edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux (11.5 sacks last season). They'll lead an effort to improve the New York pass rush that generated only 34 sacks in 2023 to rank 29th. 

GIANTS GRADE: A-

PANTHERS GRADE: D

PANTHERS LB LUVU GOING TO WASHINGTON

TERMS: THREE YEARS, $36 MILLION ($19.125 MILLION GUARANTEED)  

The Washington Commanders are signing ex-Carolina Panthers linebacker Frankie Luvu as they continue to build in free agency, attempting to improve their last-ranked defense from 2023. Luvu led Carolina in tackles last season with 125 and further demonstrated his playmaking ability by producing 5.5 sacks (second on the team to Brian Burns), 11 QB hits, 10 tackles-for-loss, two forced fumbles and five passes defensed for the Panthers' fourth-ranked defense. It was his second straight 100-plus tackle season after having 111 tackles along with seven sacks and 19 tackles-for-loss in 2022. The 12.5 sacks over the last two seasons showcase his excellent blitzing ability. 

Luvu was an undrafted player who spent his first three seasons with the Jets as a backup linebacker and special teams star before signing in Carolina. He was a starter the past two seasons and is expected to start at middle linebacker on new Commanders coach Dan Quinn's defense. 

GRADE: A

Jaguars Add Deep-Threat Davis

Terms: Three Years, $39 Million ($24 Million Guaranteed)

The Jacksonville Jaguars are signing one of the league's speedsters and biggest deep threats: Gabe Davis. He was the Buffalo Bills' fourth-round pick in 2020 and became a starter — but never achieved the consistency the Bills sought. 

Davis had 45 receptions for 746 yards and seven touchdowns last season. Over his four-year career, Davis has 163 catches, a 16.7-yard average and 27 touchdowns. His career highlight was catching an NFL-record four touchdown passes from Josh Allen in the 2021 AFC Divisional playoff game at Kansas City. Davis has 17 deep-receiving touchdowns in his career, the third-most in the league over the past four years. 

The Bills were disappointed in Davis' inconsistency last season — he had three 100-yard receiving games and five games with no catches, despite not missing a game. His durability is an asset; he's only missed a couple of games over his career. 

Davis, 24, will give Trevor Lawrence another deep threat in Jacksonville. 

GRADE: C+

PATRIOTS KEEP KEY O-LINEMAN ONWENU

TERMS: THREE YEARS, $57 MILLION ($38 MILLION GUARANTEED)  

Mike Onwenu has proven to be a talented and versatile offensive lineman in his first four seasons with the New England Patriots. He has started and played well at both guard spots and moved to right tackle where he excelled and is expected to remain in 2024. He is considered equally adept as a pass protector and run blocker. Onwenu allowed only three sacks last season and was penalized just four times. 

Onwenu, 26, has started 56 games in four seasons and was considered a franchise tag candidate this year. The Patriots instead placed the transition tag on safety Kyle Dugger and made a concerted effort to re-sign Onwenu because they knew he would be targeted by many teams in free agency.

He received an appropriate contract for a highly-rated right tackle and can hit the market again in three years with this relatively short deal or can be extended in two years. 

GRADE: A

WILLIAMS STAYS IN SEATTLE

TERMS: THREE YEARS, $64.5 MILLION ($43.85 MILLION GUARANTEED)

The Seattle Seahawks didn't want to lose a player for whom traded second- and fifth-round picks to acquire from the New York Giants at last year's trade deadline. 

Leonard Williams is still a force on the interior defensive line as he enters his 10th season. He had 41 tackles, nine tackles for loss, four sacks and 11 quarterback hits in the 10 games he played for Seattle. He was a priority re-signing as the team makes a transition to a new coaching staff led by Mike Macdonald. 

Williams, 29, was the sixth overall pick in the 2015 draft by the New York Jets and was a Pro Bowler in his second season. He has 43.5 career sacks, including 11.5 in 2020 with the Giants, who in 2019 sent third and fifth-round picks to the Jets to acquire him. 

GRADE: B

Panthers Sign OG Hunt to $100M Contract

Terms: Five years, $100 Million ($63 Million Guaranteed)

The Carolina Panthers added one of the league's top interior offensive linemen, offensive guard Robert Hunt. He was the Miami Dolphins' second-round pick in 2020 and is considered an excellent run blocker and pass protector who will provide better interior protection for QB Bryce Young, who was sacked 62 times last season (the second-most in the NFL). 

Hunt, 27, played every position except left guard during his four seasons in Miami, so he has the versatility and athleticism to move to tackle if the Panthers want. Hunt hadn't missed a game in his career until last season when a hamstring injury cost him six games. 

His $20-million-per-year deal makes him one of the NFL's top-paid guards. 

GRADE: A-

MINSHEW JOINS RAIDERS to Add QB Competition

TERMS: TWO YEARS, $25 MILLION ($15 MILLION GUARANTEED)

Gardner Minshew heads to Las Vegas to compete with Aidan O'Connell — and a possible draft pick — for the Las Vegas Raiders' starting quarterback job.

It's the fourth stop in Minshew's NFL career. He was drafted in the sixth round by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019 and started 20 games for the team in 2019 and 2020 with a 7-13 record. He left Jacksonville after Trevor Lawrence was drafted and spent the next two seasons backing up Jalen Hurts on the Philadelphia Eagles.

Indianapolis Colts coach Shane Steichen was Minshew's offensive coordinator in Philadelphia. He brought Minshew to Indianapolis last season to back up rookie first-rounder Anthony Richardson; Minshew took over after Richardson was injured. Minshew started 13 games with a 7-6 record and had a passer rating of 84.6 with 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions and added three rushing touchdowns. He was named to his first Pro Bowl as a replacement for Super Bowl–bound Patrick Mahomes.

Minshew gets a nice raise from the $3.5 million he earned with the Colts last season. He has an opportunity to further establish himself as an NFL starter if he beats out O'Connell — unless Minshew again has to play the bridge quarterback role if the Raiders select a quarterback at No. 13 overall or trade up in the first round to grab one. 

Grade: B

Bills Extend Pro Bowl OT Dawkins

Terms: Three Years, $60.5 Million

The Buffalo Bills extended the contract of three-time Pro Bowl left tackle Dion Dawkins, who was entering the final year of his current deal. The signing will give the Bills much-needed cap relief and ensure Josh Allen's blind-side protector remains in Buffalo for several more seasons.

Dawkins, 29, was the Bills' second-round pick in 2017. He's been a starter his entire career and has been a durable player with only a few games missed. Dawkins started every game last season — he allowed only one sack. 

Grade: A-

PAckers Shuffle RBs: Add Jacobs, Subtract Jones

TerMS: Four Years, $48 Million ($12.5 Million Guaranteed)

The Green Bay Packers are releasing starting running back and former Pro Bowler Aaron Jones, saving $5.2 million against the cap. They're signing the NFL's leading rusher in 2022, Josh Jacobs, to replace Jones. Jacobs is three years younger than Jones and comes to Titletown without a hefty guarantee. 

Jacobs was the Las Vegas Raiders' first-round pick in 2019. He's a two-time Pro Bowler who had his best season in 2022 with 1,653 rushing yards, a 4.9-yard average and 12 touchdowns. He added 53 receptions for 400 yards as one of the league's best dual-purpose backs. 

Last season was the worst of his five seasons. Jacobs held out until the regular season after the Raiders placed the franchise tag on him. He signed for $11.791 million, and his production fell to 805 rushing yards, six touchdowns and 37 catches for 296 yards in 13 games played (he was sidelined due to a late-season quad injury).

The Packers also dealt with injury problems last season when Jones missed six games — but he was terrific in Green Bay's late-season run with four consecutive 100-plus yard rushing games, including 118 rushing yards and three touchdowns in the wild-card round upset of the Cowboys in Dallas.  

Green Bay is hoping Jacobs can return to his elite status in 2024 — and beyond. 

GRADE: B+

PASS RUSHER HUFF LEAVES JETS FOR EAGLES

TERMS: THREE YEARS, $51.1 MILLION ($34 MILLION GUARANTEED)

Bryce Huff is another undrafted player who has developed into a highly paid, impact player.

Huff had only 7.5 sacks in his first three seasons with the New York Jets but emerged last season with 10 sacks and 68 quarterback pressures — despite playing only 42 percent of the defensive snaps. He didn't start any games over the past two seasons, but his quick pass rush moves got him plenty of play time as a pass rush specialist. He has improved as a run defender and had a career-high 10 tackles for loss last season. 

Huff, 26, could replace Hasson Reddick or Josh Sweat as an edge rusher if the Philadelphia Eagles trade one of them as has been rumored. Reddick has reached double-digit sacks four straight years but has received permission from the Eagles to seek a trade because he wants to find a team that will pay him $25 million per year or more as he hits 30 years old in 2024. 

Huff steps into this complicated situation as an up-and-coming edge rusher. 

GRADE: B+

Vikings SHore Up Edge with Greenard, Van Ginkel

Greenard Terms: Four Years, $76 million ($42 guaranteed)

Van Ginkel Terms: Two Years, $20 Million ($14 Guaranteed)

Jonathan Greenard, 26, comes off his best season as the Houston Texans' leader with 12.5 sacks in 15 regular-season games. He also posted career-highs in tackles (52), quarterback hits (22) and tackles for loss (15). The Minnesota Vikings likely signed Greenard to replace free agent Danielle Hunter.

Like Hunter, Greenard has battled injuries during his four-year career, missing 19 games over that span. But he is three years younger than Hunter and should wind up significantly less expensive — Hunter is expected to receive $25-27 million per year wherever he signs. 

Greenard was the Texans' third-round pick in 2020. He had eight sacks in 12 games during the 2021 season before a calf injury limited him to eight games and only one sack in 2022. When healthy, he is among the NFL's best edge players in both pass rushing and run defense.

It's a homecoming of sorts for Andrew Van Ginkel, who returns to the Upper Midwest — he was raised in Iowa and played college football at South Dakota, Iowa Western and Wisconsin. Van Ginkel was the Miami Dolphins' fifth-round pick in 2019 when Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores was the Dolphins' coach, so Flores knows him well and obviously lobbied for Van Ginkel to be signed. 

Van Ginkel, 28, had a career-high six sacks last season along with 19 quarterback hits, 69 tackles and eight tackles for loss, so he plays both the run and pass well. He also had an interception in each of the past two seasons and eight passes defensed in 2023 to showcase his versatility. That is further demonstrated by his ability to play inside linebacker as he did at times in Miami. Van Ginkel is a durable player who has played in every game the past four years.

Time will tell if Greenard and Van Ginkel can adequately replace the production of a four-time Pro Bowler in Hunter (16.5 sacks in 2023) and an emerging player in pending free agent D.J. Wonnum, who had a career-high eight sacks and is now likely to depart. 

GREENARD GRADE: B+

VAN GINKEL GRADE: A

BARKLEY LEAVES GIANTS FOR DIVISION-RIVAL EAGLES

TERMS: THREE YEARS, $37.75 MILLION ($26 MILLION GUARANTEED)

Saquon Barkley is moving from the New York Giants to the Philadelphia Eagles, keeping him in the NFC East. His deal, worth $12.58 million per year, will make him the league's fourth highest-paid running back behind Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara and Jonathan Taylor. Barkley can reportedly earn $9 million in incentives during the next three seasons.

The Giants did not place the franchise tag on Barkley this year as they did in 2023, but New York was interested in re-signing him. Now he's off to Philadelphia, and the G-Men are signing Devin Singletary to replace him at the much lower cost of $16.5 million for three years.

Barkley, 27, was the Giants' first-round pick (No. 2 overall) in 2018. He's a former Offensive Rookie of the Year and a two-time Pro Bowl back, who had 1,650 total yards with 10 touchdowns in the Giants' 2022 playoff season. However, he dropped to 1,242 combined yards (also with 10 touchdowns) in 14 games last season as the Giants' offense struggled with inconsistency and Daniel Jones' injury. 

Barkley will replace D'Andre Swift as Philadelphia's starter. Barkley will have a much better offensive line to run behind and a superior passing attack to take pressure off him. But he's an injury risk, having missed 24 games due to injuries during his six-year career. 

GRADE: B

COUSINS LEAVES VIKINGS FOR FALCONS

TERMS: FOUR YEARS, $180 MILLION ($100 MILLION GUARANTEED) 

Kirk Cousins is signing with the Atlanta Falcons, ending his six-year run in Minnesota. This is a mild surprise because the Minnesota Vikings and Cousins both talked about continuing with him at the helm. His tenure included two playoff appearances (with one victory in the 2019 wild-card round at New Orleans) and three Pro Bowl selections. The Vikings take a $28.5 million dead-money-hit with his departure.

Cousins entered the NFL as Washington's fourth-round pick in 2012 and was a three-year starter before signing a then-record fully guaranteed, $84 million contract for three years in 2018 with the Vikings.

He dealt with high expectations and scrutiny but was a consistent quarterback; he had a 101.2 passer rating and a 50-37-1 record in Minnesota. However, his postseason record is 1-3, including one loss with Washington. In 2022, Cousins directed eight fourth-quarter comebacks and led the Vikings to an NFC North title with a 13-4 record, but their season ended with a home playoff loss to the New York Giants when Cousins threw a final-play checkdown short of the first down that stoked fan ire. 

The Vikings couldn't place the franchise tag on Cousins due to a clause in his contract. The team expressed interest in extending his contract during the past two years but couldn't reach an agreement, with guaranteed money being the main stumbling block.

Cousins was having an excellent 2023 season before tearing his Achilles tendon in Week 8 against the Green Bay Packers. To that point, he had a 103.8 passer rating (third-ranked) and had the team on a three-game winning streak.

Cousins posted videos last week of him dropping back to pass, proving he is recovering well. Still, there is risk in signing a player who turns 36 (in August) and is coming off a major injury. But Cousins had never missed a start due to injury before last season.

If he stays healthy, Atlanta will solve its biggest issue. Cousins gives the Falcons a consistent veteran to provide stability for an offense that was held back by shaky quarterback play last season from Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke. 

Cousins leaves behind a coach he had great synergy with (Kevin O'Connell) and an outstanding supporting cast led by Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson and Jordan Addison. There's no Jefferson in Atlanta, but the Falcons have talented skill players to work with.

Atlanta's last three first-round picks have been on offense — TE Kyle Pitts, RB Bijan Robinson and WR Drake London. Plus, Cousins will have one of the NFL's highest-paid offensive lines to protect him. Another factor in Cousins' decision to sign with the Falcons was that his wife, Julie, is from the Atlanta area.

The pressure is on the Vikings to find a worthy successor through a short-term addition in free agency and long-term in the coming draft, which is the team's preference to reset the quarterback salary cap with a rookie contract.  

GRADE: A-

RAIDERS BOLSTER D-LINE By SIGNING WILKINS 

TERMS: FOUR YEARS, $110 MILLION ($84.75 MILLION GUARANTEED) 

The Las Vegas Raiders are signing one of the league's best run defenders, DT Christian Wilkins, to aid their 21st-ranked run defense in 2023. Wilkins is a former first-round pick by the Miami Dolphins who has started every game in the past three years and has been highly productive. 

Wilkins had 98 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in 2022. In 2023, Wilkins increased his market value by tallying a career-high nine sacks and 23 quarterback hits. He also had 65 tackles and 10 tackles for loss.

The Dolphins didn't have the cap room to franchise-tag their 28-year-old defensive captain. At $27.5 million per year, Wilkins becomes the third-highest-paid defensive tackle in the league behind Chris Jones and Aaron Donald.

Wilkins and DE Maxx Crosby give the Raiders a foundation for one of the league's most formidable defensive lines.   

GRADE: A

TITANS SIGNING POLLARD TO REPLACE HENRY

TERMS: THREE YEARS, $24 MILLION 

Tony Pollard was a fourth-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2019 and split time with Ezekiel Elliott in the backfield for several years. Pollard emerged as a Pro Bowler in 2022 after generating 1,378 combined yards with 12 touchdowns. He rushed for 1,005 yards last season and added 55 receptions and six touchdowns.

Pollard also contributed 55 catches for 311 yards while starting every game for the first time in his career. Pollard's career rushing average is 4.8 yards per carry, but that number dropped to 4.0 last season. 

He will take a pay cut on an average-per-year basis. He earned $10.091 million last season on the franchise tag but will get $8 million per year under his new contract.

Pollard returns to his home state of Tennessee — he grew up in Memphis. At 26, he provides a younger option to 30-year-old Derrick Henry, who is a free agent and won't return to the Titans. Pollard and second-year back Tyjae Spears will man the Tennessee backfield behind QB Will Levis for new coach Brian Callahan.

GRADE: B+

BEARS IMPROVE RUN GAME WITH SWIFT

TERMS: THREE YEARS, $24.5 MILLION ($15.3 MILLION GUARANTEED)

The Chicago Bears are adding to their rushing attack with D'Andre Swift, who is among the top running backs in a loaded free agent class. Swift is coming off the best rushing season of his four-year career.

He had 1,049 yards on the ground and six total touchdowns for the Philadelphia Eagles, who traded a fourth-round pick for him last offseason. He was selected to his first Pro Bowl in 2023.

Swift was Detroit's second-round pick in 2020, but injuries held down his production. He only missed one game last season with the Eagles. 

Swift is a fine dual-purpose back who has 195 career receptions. Although his reception numbers dropped last season (39 catches, 214 yards) in the Eagles' offense with their dominant wide receiver corps, Swift will provide an upgrade for the Bears as the No. 1 back over Khalil Herbert, who rushed for 611 yards to lead the team's running backs. 

GRADE: B+

Benoit's Take: It’s simple: Running backs who can create their own space and contribute to the passing game still have value. Those who can only run are replaceable — even if they run really well. The Bears have verified what the film already showed: Swift is in that first group of backs.

PITTMAN AGREES TO LONG-TERM DEAL WITH COLTS

TERMS: THREE YEARS, $70 MILLION ($46 MILLION GUARANTEED)

After placing the franchise tag on their top receiver, the Indianapolis Colts are signing Michael Pittman Jr. to a more cap-friendly deal. It will lower his cap hit from $22.8 million, which was his franchise tender. 

Pittman was the Colts' second-round pick in 2020. He led the team in receiving last season with 109 catches (fifth-most in the league) for 1,152 yards and four touchdowns. At 6-foot-4 and 223 pounds, he's a big target for Colts QB Anthony Richardson. Pittman has been consistently productive in his career, with 336 receptions in his first four seasons. 

The new contract, with a $23.33 million per year average, falls below the top-paid receivers who are in the $30 million per year range. But Pittman's yards per catch and touchdowns have not ranked among the NFL leaders in recent years.

The 26-year-old can increase those stats before he becomes free-agency-eligible in three years.

GRADE: A

EAGLES SIGN DICKERSON TO RECORD EXTENSION

TERMS: FOUR YEARS, $84 MILLION ($50 MILLION GUARANTEED)

Landon Dickerson becomes the highest-paid offensive guard in NFL history under this extension. The contract has incentives that could add $3 million to the deal. 

Dickerson was the Philadelphia Eagles' second-round pick in 2021 and was entering the final year of his rookie deal. He's a two-time Pro Bowler and a critical member of an offensive line that will be without Jason Kelce, who retired this offseason. Dickerson ranks among the top NFL interior linemen in run blocking and pass protection. 

GRADE: A+  

Morse HEADS TO JACKSONVILLE

TERMS: TWO YEARS, $10.5 MILLION ($7 MILLION GUARANTEED)

Mitch Morse was Buffalo’s starting center for the past five seasons but was released for $8.5 million in salary cap savings. He is expected to start at center for the Jacksonville Jaguars over Luke Fortner, who struggled last season.

Morse, a second-round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2015, played four years in Kansas City before joining the Buffalo Bills in 2019. He was a Pro Bowl pick in 2022.

The 31-year-old has 126 career starts and is considered an excellent pass-blocker.

GRADE: B+

March 10

WILSON GIVES STEELERS A BARGAIN DEAL

TERMS: ONE YEAR, $1.21 MILLION ($37.79 MILLION GUARANTEED FROM DENVER)

Talk about steals. The Pittsburgh Steelers signing nine-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson could be the ultimate bargain deal. He will have the opportunity to compete with Kenny Pickett for the starting job on a playoff team.

Wilson signed for the league minimum, knowing the Denver Broncos owe him $39 million this season, minus an offset for his Pittsburgh salary. His departure is a painful end to one of the worst trades in NFL history. Wilson played two subpar seasons in Denver after his mostly successful career in Seattle, which included a Super Bowl triumph in 2014. The trade cost the Broncos two first-rounders, two second-rounders, a fifth-rounder and three players.

Wilson rebounded from a poor 2022 season (4-11 as the starter) under Nathaniel Hackett to a 7-8 record in his 15 starts last season. His passer rating improved from 84.4 to 98.0 (eighth-ranked with 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions) in new coach Sean Payton’s offense. But Payton decided to move on from Wilson, despite a league-record $85 million dead-money-hit to the Broncos' cap in 2024 and 2025.

Wilson now seeks a Baker Mayfield–like career revival in the Steel City under Mike Tomlin.  

GRADE: A-

Benoit's Take: Pittsburgh is perhaps the best possible landing spot for Wilson. His skillset has always been best suited for a run-first offense, where the pass game centers around slower-developing designs that come off play-action. OC Arthur Smith is as good as any architect with schemes like these. He’ll call fewer timing-and-rhythm in-breaking play-actions than he did with Ryan Tannehill and more designed pocket movement.

MAYFIELD STAYS WITH BUCCANEERS

TERMS: THREE YEARS, $100 MILLION ($50 MILLION GUARANTEED)

Baker Mayfield took the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the divisional round in 2023, which led to a new deal for the first overall pick in the 2018 draft. He gets a big raise from his one-year, $4 million contract from last season and can earn up to $5 million per year in incentives.

Mayfield led the Browns to their first playoff win in 26 years in 2020, but injuries and lack of production derailed his career, leading to a trade that sent him to the Carolina Panthers. After a short stint with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022, he signed with the Buccaneeers last offseason and earned the starting job as Tom Brady's successor.

In Tampa Bay's late-season surge, Mayfield threw for 381 yards and four touchdowns in a win at Green Bay, part of a stretch run with five wins in the final six games of the season. Mayfield’s 28 regular-season touchdown passes were a career high, as was his 64.3 completion percentage. His 94.6 passer rating ranked 12th in the league.

The Buccaneers' desire to re-sign Mayfield was solidified by his excellent postseason play. He passed for 337 yards and three touchdowns in the wild-card win over the Philadelphia Eagles and followed it up with 349 passing yards and three touchdowns (and two interceptions) in a 31-23 divisional-round loss at Detroit.

GRADE: A-

Patriots Trade QB Mac Jones to Jaguars

Trade Terms: Jones for Jacksonville's 2024 sixth-round pick

The New England Patriots’ new football leaders — GM Eliot Wolf and coach Jerod Mayo — are clearing the deck for the arrival of a highly drafted rookie quarterback after the departure of Mac Jones. That was expected after a lackluster two years from the 2021 first-round pick.

Jones got off to a good start, leading the Patriots to the playoffs and getting picked for the Pro Bowl in his rookie season. He dealt with offensive coordinator instability in 2022 and then had 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions last season for a poor QB rating of 77.0 before he was benched by then-coach/GM Bill Belichick after 11 games. Jones had a 2-9 record as the starter in 2023 and has a career mark of 18-24.  

He’ll compete with C.J. Beathard to be Trevor Lawrence’s backup for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Potentially sitting behind Lawrence is a bump in the road for Jones’ career — he had missed only one start in over his three years in the NFL. Jones is likely to play out the last year of his rookie contract in 2024 because the Jaguars are unlikely to exercise his fifth-year option. So Jones, 25, should hit free agency in 2025 with the opportunity to choose a team that gives him a chance to revive his career.

Patriots Grade: C+

Jaguars Grade: C

>>READ: New Era in New England after Mac Jones Trade

GRAHAM BACK With PHILLY

TERMS: ONE YEAR, $5 MILLION (GUARANTEED)

The Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive captain returns after a 2023 season in which his play time was reduced to 34 percent of the team's snaps. Brandon Graham played in every game last season but produced only four sacks and seven quarterback hits, including one playoff game. He had 12 sacks and 176 quarterback hits in the 2022 regular season and playoffs.

With Fletcher Cox's retirement, Graham will continue his mentorship of young Eagles defensive linemen such as 2022 first-rounders Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith as the team seeks to rebound from last season’s disappointing finish.

Graham was Philadelphia’s first-round pick in 2010. He was a Pro Bowler in 2020, a Super Bowl champ in 2017 and has 73 career sacks.

GRADE: C

RAIDERS RE-SIGN CENTER JAMES

TERMS: THREE YEARS, $24 MILLION ($15.66 MILLION GUARANTEED)

The 26-year-old Andre James returns for his fifth season with the Las Vegas Raiders, who signed him in 2019 as an undrafted player.

He is a three-year starter at center whose play has steadily improved. He had only two penalties last season and was a priority re-signing for Las Vegas.

GRADE: B+

March 9

Chiefs Make Chris Jones Highest-Paid DT

Terms: Five years, $160 million ($95 guaranteed)

The Super Bowl champs made a critical move in re-signing their best defensive player and the NFL’s top-rated pending free agent. Chris Jones’ $32 million per year average tops Aaron Donald among defensive tackles.

It’s somewhat risky for the Kansas City Chiefs to give such a lucrative deal to a player who will turn 30 in July but this deal reportedly has all the guaranteed money in the first three years to lower the risk for the Chiefs.

Jones is deserving of such compensation as a First-Team All-Pro the past two seasons. He has made five straight Pro Bowls and is a three-time Super Bowl champion.

After holding out last training camp, he returned on a revised one-year deal for $19.5 million plus $5 million in potential incentives. 

Following a 17.5-sack season in 2022 (including playoffs), the former second-round pick remained highly productive in 2023 with 10.5 sacks, 29 QB hits and 13 tackles for loss in 16 regular-season games. He was a huge factor with six QB pressures in the Chiefs’ overtime win over the 49ers in the Super Bowl.  

Grade: A

Browns AcQuire Jeudy From Broncos

Trade Terms: Jeudy for Cleveland's 2024 fifth- and sixth-round picks

The Denver Broncos traded a former first-round pick to the Cleveland Browns and in the process dumped an underachieving receiver. Jerry Jeudy has no 1,000-yard seasons and only 11 career TDs despite being picked seven spots ahead of Justin Jefferson in the 2020 draft. Denver also gained immediate salary cap relief from Jeudy’s guaranteed fifth-year option of $12.987 million. This opens up a starting spot for 2023 second-round pick Marvin Mims.

It’s a mixed bag for Cleveland. It paid a low price in draft choices for a 24-year-old player who has talent and obviously needed a new start. But the Browns will pay a high salary in 2024 to Jeudy, who could be the team’s No. 3 receiver behind Amari Cooper and Elijah Moore. However, Moore had only 640 receiving yards last season and Cooper turns 30 in June.

Broncos Grade: B-

Browns Grade: C

March 8

Ravens Re-Sign Star DT Justin Madubuike

Terms: Four years, $98 million ($75.5 million guaranteed)

Justin Madubuike hit the jackpot after he led all NFL DTs with 13 sacks last season and made his first Pro Bowl along with being selected Second-Team All-Pro. He added 33 QB hits, 56 tackles and 12 tackles-for-loss in a dominant season for the league’s No. 1 scoring defense.

He came off his rookie contract as the Baltimore Ravens’ third-round pick in 2020. The Ravens not only signed one of their best defensive players long-term, but they also gained an estimated $10 million in needed salary cap relief from the $22.1 million franchise tag the team placed on Madubuike. Before this signing, Baltimore was an estimated $10 million over the 2024 cap.  

The team could have forced Madubuike to play under the franchise tender after he had only 8.5 sacks over his first three seasons. But the Ravens usually believe in their homegrown players and showed that faith in re-signing an excellent player who is only 26 (the perfect age to sign a free agent) and hasn’t missed a game in the past two seasons.  

Grade: A

Patriots Re-Sign Tight End Hunter Henry

Terms: Three years, $27 million ($15.8 million guaranteed)

Hunter Henry took a pay cut from his previous three-year, $37.5 million deal signed in 2021 with the New England Patriots. He brings continuity at tight end to a team in transition with a new coach and likely rookie QB to be drafted next month.

Henry, 29, is a former second-round pick of the Chargers. He is a solid blocker but is coming off a down season receiving-wise from his previous standards with only 42 catches for 419 yards in 14 games in 2023. Henry missed the last three games because of a knee injury. 

He had six TD receptions as he dealt with New England’s quarterback issues last season with the rotation of Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe. Henry also was a team captain in 2023.

Grade: B

March 7

Chiefs Retain LB Drue Tranquill

Terms: Three years, $19 million ($12.5 million guaranteed)

Analysis: was a valuable free agent addition to the Kansas City Chiefs’ second-ranked defense last season. He spent his first four seasons as a fourth-round pick of the Chargers. Tranquill had 146 tackles and five sacks in his final Chargers season.

He started eight regular-season games and one playoff game in 2023 for Kansas City. Tranquill had 78  tackles, 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and seven tackles-for-loss in the regular season and added 21 tackles in the Chiefs’ postseason run.

Tranquill, 28, is expected to replace pending free agent Willie Gay as a 2024 full-time starter.

Grade: B+

Rams Bring Back OG Kevin Dotson on Big Deal

Terms: Three years, $48 million ($15.5 million guaranteed)

Kevin Dotson was the Pittsburgh Steelers’ fourth-round pick in 2020 and started 30 games in his three seasons in the Steel City. The Los Angeles Rams acquired him in a bargain trade last year that only cost them a swap of late-round picks. He had a breakout season as one of the highest-rated guards in the league and now his salary will reflect that improved level of play.

Dotson’s run blocking took a big step forward in Los Angeles and he cut down his penalties from 12 in 2022 to only two last season. The 27-year-old was the Rams’ starter at right guard but also has played left guard.

Grade: B+

Bears Re-Sign Pro Bowl CB Jaylon Johnson

Terms: Four years, $76 million ($51.4 million guaranteed)

The Chicago Bears’ defense took a big step forward in 2023 and their top cornerback Jaylon Johnson is a key player. He had four interceptions, 10 passes defensed and 36 tackles last season as he made his first Pro Bowl team and was selected Second-Team All-Pro.

The only concern with Johnson is his injury history. He has missed 14 games during his four-year career (including three games last season due to hamstring and shoulder injuries).  

The Bears placed the franchise tag on their 2020 second-round pick and then signed him to the long-term deal that makes him one of the league’s top-paid corners.

Grade: A-

Saints Bring Back Safety Tyrann Mathieu

Terms: Two years, $13.75 million ($6.5 million guaranteed)

The cap-strapped New Orleans Saints lowered Tyrann Mathieu’s 2024 salary cap hit from $12.067 to $5.567 million (per Spotrac) with a deal that will keep him in New Orleans for at least the 2024 season.

Mathieu, 31, has started 34 games with seven interceptions and 166 tackles as a productive safety over the past two seasons with the Saints. The “Honey Badger” is a three-time All-Pro and has been selected to three Pro Bowl teams, although the last time was in 2021 while with the Chiefs. New Orleans is the fourth NFL team for Mathieu.

Grade: B

Jaguars Bring Back OG Ezra Cleveland

Terms: Three years, $28.5 million ($14.5 million guaranteed)

The Jacksonville Jaguars acquired the former Minnesota Vikings starting guard for a sixth-round pick at last year’s trade deadline. Ezra Cleveland, 25, was a second-round pick by the Vikings in 2020 and a four-year starter in Minnesota. This is a pricey deal from the Jaguars for a player who has been considered average thus far in his career.

The Jaguars like his ability to play tackle if needed (which was his college position at Boise State). He started four games for Jacksonville at left guard and one game at left tackle.

Grade: C

March 6

ERTZ SIGNS WITH COMMANDERS

TERMS: ONE YEAR, $5 MILLION INCLUDING INCENTIVES

Three-time Pro Bowl TE Zach Ertz joins his former Cardinals coach and new Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. If Ertz stays healthy and earns a role with the Commanders, he’ll provide a veteran receiving option for Washington’s soon-to-be-drafted first-round quarterback.

Ertz was the Eagles’ second-round pick in 2013 and spent nine years in Philadelphia as one of the league’s best tight ends. His best season was in 2018 with 116 catches for 1,163 yards and eight TDs.

The 33-year-old has 709 career receptions but is coming off a season with only 27 catches for 187 yards in seven games for the Cardinals. He suffered a mid-season quad injury and was released after recovering. He joined the Lions’ practice squad in the postseason.

GRADE: C-

March 5

Texans Re-Sign TE Dalton Schultz

Terms: Three years, $36 million ($23.5 million guaranteed)

Dalton Schultz parlayed last year’s one-year, $6.25 million contract with the Houston Texans into a new three-year deal to remain a key target for Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud. Schultz had 59 receptions for 635 yards and five TDs in the 2023 regular season. He added six catches, 80 yards and one TD in the postseason as the Texans unexpectedly made it to the AFC Divisional Round.

Schultz was the Dallas Cowboys’ fourth-round pick in 2018. He spent five seasons in Dallas and was franchise-tagged in 2022 before signing with the Texans in 2023 free agency.

Grade: B+

March 4

Bucs Retain Pro Bowl WR Mike Evans

Terms: Two years, $52 million ($35 million guaranteed)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers kept their five-time Pro Bowl receiver off the open market with this important re-signing for the team’s passing game. Mike Evans, 30, is consistently productive with an NFL-record 10 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to start his career.

This is a fair contract with the top wide receivers headed for more than $30 million per year. It’s a win for the Bucs that the deal is for only two years because receivers in their 30s can bring diminished returns and the 6-foot-5, 231-pound Evans has dealt with soft tissue injuries. He played in every game last season, recording 79 catches for 1,255 yards and 13 TDs. The receiving TD total tied for the league lead with Tyreek Hill.

Grade: A

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Jeff Diamond

Award-Winning NFL Executive

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Jeff Diamond is a former general manager of the Minnesota Vikings and team president of the Tennessee Titans. He was selected NFL Executive of the Year after the Vikings’ 15-1 season in 1998.