NFL Analysis
3/9/25
7 min read
NFL Free Agency 2025: Grades For Every Signing, Trade
The 2025 NFL league year is underway with plenty of action as free agency officially kicks off.
With a flurry of moves continuing to come in courtesy of established insiders, there's almost too much for the average fan to keep track of. Fortunately for you, The 33rd Team is here with a full free agency tracker to grade all of the signings, trades, and top extensions for players returning to their respective teams.
Let's go ahead and dive into these grades as moves continue to come in.
All contract details are courtesy of NFL insiders via X.
Grading Every Free Agent Signing, Trade
Ashton Dulin Re-Signs with Colts 
Grade: B
The Indianapolis Colts haven't asked Ashton Dulin to be a primary pass-catching target, but he's become such a key special teams contributor that they made sure to bring him back.
Dulin gets a two-year, $8.5 million deal to stay in Indy. When Dulin is asked to be a receiver, he still averaged a solid 1.71 yards per route run in 2024, and has enough juice on a 6-foot-1 and 215-pound frame that he makes a great depth receiver with special teams value.
dre greenlaw signs with broncos
Grade: B+
The Denver Broncos are taking a calculated risk, but land perhaps the top off-ball linebacker to hit free agency in Dre Greenlaw.
A torn Achilles cost Greenlaw essentially the entire 2024 season, but the Broncos still gave him a three-year, $35 million contract. The risk that Greenlaw doesn't return to full form is a concern, but at 27 years old he should still be in the prime of his career.
Greenlaw is a productive linebacker when healthy, and fits well into an already-stacked Broncos defense.
Javonte Williams signs with Cowboys
Grade: A-
The Dallas Cowboys have been content with veteran running backs recently, but this one comes with a cheap price tag and a whole lot of potential.
Javonte Williams signs a one-year deal for just $3 million. He hasn't been the same player since his promising rookie season after a 2022 knee injury, but the deal allows him to potentially work into a backfield rotation while likely mentoring a rookie, with the Cowboys expected to take a top RB in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Akeem Davis-GAither signs with cardinals
Grade: C
The Arizona Cardinals add a rotational linebacker in Akeem Davis-Gaither for a two-year, $11 million deal. That's about the going rate for a linebacker who will likely be a backup, but be given a chance to compete for a starting job.
Michael Hoecht signs with bills
Grade: B
The Buffalo Bills need EDGE depth after parting ways with Von Miller, and were able to find good value for a replacement.
Michael Hoecht gets a three-year, $24 million in Buffalo, and it's a great fit for the team. Hoecht is a 310-pound defender who is a big-bodied EDGE who generated 30 pressures this past season. He's a unique body type out wide, but that fits well with what the Bills are trying to do up front.
Mack Hollins signs with patriots
Grade: A-
A journeyman veteran receiver finds his next home, with the New England Patriots agreeing to a two-year deal worth $8.4 million for Mack Hollins.
Hollins brings a different play style and a big-bodied presence to the Patriots receiver room. He's also making less than $5 million per year, so it won't stop New England from continuing to pursue other weapons for Drake Maye and the passing game.
Even if the Patriots draft and sign some extra weapons, Hollins should still play some kind of role because of his size and ability to push the field vertically.
Darius Slayton RE-Signs with Giants
Grade: C-
Darius Slayton's production has continued to slip over the last couple of seasons, but the New York Giants believe in his ability to bounce back in 2025.
That's going to require a new quarterback, however, because the numbers have been ugly. Slayton had a brutal 2024 season, catching just 39-of-70 targets with just 1.08 yards per route run and a brutal drop rate of 15.2 percent.
The Giants are hopeful that he'll turn it around, but giving him a three-year, $36 million feels like a drastic overpay considering his struggles and the emergence of Malik Nabers as their clear No. 1 target.
Oren Burks signs with bengals
Grade: B+
This feels like a steal for the Cincinnati Bengals, who are desperate to find value in contracts as they hope to extend Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Oren Burks comes to Cincinnati on a two-year, $5 million deal with an opportunity to be a starter. At the very least, he's a core special teams player who can fill in at ILB, and even that's great value for $2.5 million per year.
Ryan Kelly signs with Vikings
Grade: B
It's a two-year, $18 million deal for Ryan Kelly, who lands in an interesting spot with the Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings get an upgrade on the interior of their offensive line, but the bigger question is who will play center between Kelly and Garrett Bradbury and who will be kicked out to guard. It's a bit of a funky fit, but someone should have no problem moving to guard to help bolster an offensive line that needs it.
Malik Harrison signs with STeelers
Grade: C
The Pittsburgh Steelers add a depth piece at linebacker in Malik Harrison on a two-year, $10 million deal. Not much to add to it, but it's fair value for a veteran who serves as a rotational player with the ability to be a spot starter.
Zach Wilson signs with Dolphins
Grade: C+
The Miami Dolphins needed some kind of viable backup plan in case Tua Tagovalia goes down again, and that will most likely be Zach Wilson in 2025.
It's only a one-year deal for Wilson, who has been unable to become a full-time starter again after flaming out with the New York Jets. Still, it might be his best chance at playing, while Miami gets a backup with some starting experience on a short-term deal.
Tershawn wharton signs with panthers
Grade: B-
If you were wondering where the Carolina Panthers put the Milton Williams money, here's your answer.
After being unable to land Williams, the Panthers pivoted to Tershawn Wharton, a former undrafted free agent who found a lot of success as a productive interior rusher for the Kansas City Chiefs. He gets a three-year deal worth up to $54 million.
Despite that production, that's an awfully high price tag on player who has only really had one full year of top-end production. Still, it's a key need for the Panthers that gets addressed as they continue to fill out their defensive with free agents.
Darrell Taylor Signs with TExans
Grade: B
The Houston Texans get a one-year deal for pass rusher Darrell Taylor. The former second-round pick cut down on his missed tackles this past season while still generating 31 pressures in a rotational role. That's a great fit on a cheap deal for a player who doesn't have to do too much on an already elite defensive unit.
Charvarius Ward signs with Colts
Grade: A
Secondary has been a huge issue for the Indianapolis Colts in recent seasons, and general manager Chris Ballard seems done messing around with his secondary.
Along with signing Bynum earlier in the day, the Colts made a big splash by signing Charvarius Ward to a three-year deal worth up to $60 million with $35 million guaranteed.
Ward has experience with championship-caliber teams in the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs. He also has a career opposing passer rating of just 82.9 when targeted. He had a down year in 2024 but was a second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler in 2023.
The Colts desperately needed an established No. 1 cornerback, and get exactly that on a pretty reasonable deal with Ward.
Josh Dobbs signs with Patriots
Grade: B
It's a two-year deal for Josh Dobbs and the New England Patriots. While the dollar amount has yet to be released, it's a smart move to add a journeyman veteran behind Drake Maye.
The bigger question is what this means for Joe Milton, who thrived in his one opportunity to see significant playing time in a win over the Buffalo Bills. He could end up being a trade piece in the coming days or weeks, or he could stay on the roster to also learn from a player with a high football IQ like Dobbs.
Kenny Pickett Traded to Browns for Dorian Thompson-Robinson
Eagles Grade: B-
Browns Grade: B-
In an uncommon trade, the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns swapped backup quarterbacks.
The move actually seems quite reasonable for both sides. The Eagles get a fifth-round pick in the backup QB swap, while the Browns get a QB in Pickett who could realistically compete for a starting job, while Deshaun Watson is expected to miss the 2025 season with another Achilles injury.
It's not a ground-breaking trade, but it feels like really good value and a fair deal for two teams.
Cody Barton signs with Titans
Grade: B
Cody Barton lands a three-year, $21 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, and will likely play a key part in the middle of that defense.
Barton had a career year for the Denver Broncos before getting paid by Tennessee. He isn't a superstar at the ILB position, but he's a very reliable tackler with a missed tackle rate of just 6.0 percent over his career. He'll play a key role in generating defensive stops for a defense needing to get better at multiple positions.
Bobby Brown III signs with Panthers
Grade: C+
The Carolina Panthers agree to a three-year, $21 million deal with Bobby Brown III after being unable to land Milton Williams in free agency.
Brown isn't much of a pass rusher, generating just three pressures this past season. However, he's a solid run defender who rarely misses tackles, and as a 324-pound defensive tackle, he'll be an asset in plugging up rushing lanes for a rebuilding franchise.
Malcolm Koonce Re-signs with raiders
Grade: B+
The Las Vegas Raiders already lost Robert Spillane but managed to keep another promising defender, Malcolm Koonce, in the building on a one-year, $12 million deal.
Koonce missed the entire 2024 season with a knee injury, but was a huge part of their defense in 2023, racking up 52 pressures on only 344 pass-rushing snaps. If healthy, this could end up being a huge move to keep Koonce in Las Vegas, and a prove-it deal to allow him to get paid in 2026 if he can get back to producing this season.
Khyiris Tonga signs with Patriots
Grade: C
Mike Vrabel clearly wants a vastly improved defense for the New England Patriots in 2025, and he's getting exactly that with these moves in free agency.
Khyiris Tonga isn't a guarantee to make the 53-man roster after signing a one-year, $2.7 million deal, but it's an interesting addition as a 338-pound nose tackle to plug up rushing lanes on early downs. Time will tell if he's a good enough scheme fit to make it through training camp.
Nate Hobbs signs with Packers
Grade: C
Cornerback depth was a big need for the Green Bay Packers and could become an even bigger need if they end up parting ways with Jaire Alexander.
Nate Hobbs gets a way bigger deal than expected: a four-year, $48 million contract. There are only $16 million in guarantees, but the number comes as a surprise, given his production at the NFL level.
It's unclear if Hobbs will play on the outside or in the slot, but at 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, he's now the biggest cornerback on the roster. The Packers needed to add some talent at the position, but the price tag for the player comes as a surprise.
Robert Hainsey signs with Jaguars
Grade: A-
The Jacksonville Jaguars stay busy, this time finding a good deal for what could be a terrific starting-caliber center on their offense.
Robert Hainsey missed most of 2024, but his peak came in a 2022 season where he allowed zero sacks on 800 pass-blocking snaps. If fully healthy, he could play a key role on Jacksonville's offensive line. Plus, for the Jaguars, it's only a three-year, $21 million deal, making it a worthwhile chance to take on a free agent.
Brandon Stephens signs with Jets
Grade: B
The New York Jets are banking on tapping into the potential of Brandon Stephens, who has shown flashes but struggled with consistency during his time with the Baltimore Ravens.
A three-year, $36 million deal for Stephens shows some level of faith that the former Ravens CB can replace D.J. Reed and play opposite of Sauce Gardner. Head coach Aaron Glenn will likely take a keen interest on getting the best out of the 27-year-old corner.
Donte Jackson signs with Chargers
Grade: C
Donte Jackson is a perfectly fine signing for the Los Angeles Chargers on a two-year, $13 million deal. He'll compete for a starting job in that secondary and serve as a veteran presence with some young defensive backs in that locker room.
Pat Jones II signs with Panthers
Grade: B-
The Carolina Panthers get a promising rotational pass rusher in Pat Jones II, signing him to a two-year, $20 million deal.
That's a bit on the expensive end for a backup EDGE, but he might end up being more than that in Carolina. He's still just 26 years old and has generated 56 pressures in the last two seasons as a rotational EDGE.
Laermy Tunsil Traded to Commanders
Texans Grade: D-
Commanders Grade: A-
The Washington Commanders take a huge swing with one of the biggest trades of the week, acquiring left tackle Laremy Tunsil from the Houston Texans. The trade sends a
Moving on from their elite left tackle makes very little sense for Houston. The Texans are actively trying to contend for a Super Bowl with an elite defense and a talented quarterback on a rookie deal. Instead of building around Tunsil to improve the OL, the Texans now have to completely rebuild the unit in order to keep Stroud upright.
The deal does send back multiple picks to Houston, but it's a brutal move to an already weak offensive line. As for the Commanders, they make another all-in move to protect Jayden Daniels with one of the best left tackles in football, putting them one step closer to being a top-tier contender in the NFC.
Jeremy Chinn signs with Raiders
Grade: B+
The Raiders lost Tre'von Moehrig to free agency, but find an awfully nice replacement for a fair deal.
Jeremy Chinn gets a two-year deal for $16 million. He's a versatile safety who can move all over the field and is a nice addition to slot in for Moehrig who can tackle, rush the quarterback, and play in coverage as a chess piece for their defense.
TJ Slaton signs with Bengals
Grade: B-
With a huge need for defensive talent, the Cincinnati Bengals bring in a stifling nose tackle in TJ Slaton on a two-year, $15 deal.
He's had some flashes at times with the Green Bay Packers, but the Bengals will need Slaton to take on an even larger role with all of their defensive needs. Still, that's a respectable offer for a proven veteran on the defensive front.
Roy Robertson-Harris Signs with Giants
Grade: B
A two-year, $15 million deal isn't going to break the bank for the New York Giants, who land a veteran interior pass rusher in Roy Robertson-Harris.
A solid depth signing for a team with some real impact pass rushers in the trenches. Robertson-Harris won't be the premier defensive star, but all of the attention that will go to other defenders could allow him to make some plays on passing downs in New York's defense.
Aaron Banks signs with the Packers
Grade: C+
The Green Bay Packers make a big swing on the offensive line money by throwing a bag at former San Francisco 49ers guard Aaron Banks.
The move makes sense from a scheme standpoint. The Packers became a heavy run team, but lacked a thick lineman like the 325-pound Banks to move bodies in the trenches. That's exactly what Banks can bring as a guard who also allowed just one sack in pass protection.
Still, that deal makes Banks one of the highest-paid guards in football, so he better be exactly what Green Bay was looking for in the trenches.
Grady Jarrett Signs with Bears
Grade: C
Grady Jarrett waited less than a day after being released from the Atlanta Falcons to find his next team.
The Chicago Bears continue investing in the trenches, this time giving Jarrett a three-year, $43.5 million deal with $28.5 million guaranteed.
While that may sound like an exciting splash move, that's too much money for a soon-to-be 32-year-old veteran who hasn't had the same kind of impact over the last few years that he had earlier in this career. Still, the Bears seem hellbent on building around their offensive and defensive lines, so it shouldn't be a surprise that they went after someone with Jarrett's resume.
Patrick Mekari signs with Jaguars
Grade: B+
As the Jacksonville Jaguars continue to overhaul their roster, they are investing in protecting their franchise quarterback by signing Patrick Mekari.
It's a reasonable three-year, $37.5 million deal for Mekari, who brings value as a versatile starting-caliber piece at both tackle and guard. That's a solid move for a Jaguars team that needs some depth up front to protect their No. 1 asset in Trevor Lawrence.
Luke Farrell signs with 49ers
Grade: C
Kyle Shanahan really wants to play 12 personnel apparently.
The San Francisco 49ers paid out big money to Luke Farrell, getting the former Jacksonville Jaguars tight end on a three-year deal worth up to over $20 million.
That's a lot of money for a backup TE, but one who will likely serve as an in-line option to block for Christian McCaffrey and operate in 12 personnel packages. Still, with so many other contract situations to deal with, it's a bit surprising to see the 49ers make a move like this one.
Josh Sweat signs with Cardinals
Grade: A+
The Arizona Cardinals have been starving for pass-rush help. Chandler Jones was the last pass rusher in Arizona to break 60 pressures, and that was all the way back in 2019.
Josh Sweat immediately fixes that, and the Cardinals still get good value on a four-year, $76.4 million deal. Landing an EDGE with 136 pressures over the last two seasons for less than $20 million a year on his deal is a massive win for a team trying to address its biggest need.
Josh Palmer signs with Bills
Grade: C
The Buffalo Bills aren't bringing back Amari Cooper, but are willing to pay an unproven commodity in Josh Palmer some serious money.
Palmer secures a three-year, $45 million deal to catch passes from Josh Allen. While there's been potential with Palmer, he's never had a 600-yard season in the NFL, but the Bills are still paying him $15 million a year to come in and potentially be a top target in their offense.
Instead of trying to draft a playmaker or look elsewhere in free agency, this move for Palmer feels a bit rich for a team with limited resources trying to make the right moves to be a legit Super Bowl contender in 2025 and beyond.
Talanoa Hufanga signs with Broncos
Grade: A-
When healthy, Talanoa Hufanga is one of the most disruptive safeties in the NFL, and the Denver Broncos are banking on that.
Hufanga gets a three-year, $45 million contract with $20 million in guarantees. A first-team All-Pro back in 2022, he's struggled to stay on the field since, playing just seven games this last season.
It's a bit of a risk on this contract, but the Broncos needed an impact safety, and Hufanga was easily the best available if he can stay healthy.
Dyami Brown signs with Jaguars
Grade: B
A surprising one-year deal for the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have been one of the busiest teams on the first day of free agency.
Dyami Brown gets a one-year, $10 million deal to be another key target for Trevor Lawrence in Liam Coen's offense. He won't be the premier target behind ascending young star Brian Thomas Jr. but he could play a key role in the passing game and lands with a new head coach coming in to turn the offense around.
It's a smart move for both sides. The Jaguars get another target for Lawrence, while Brown can re-enter the free-agent market in 2026 with a chance at a bigger payday next year.
Dayo Odeyingbo signs with bears
Grade: C+
Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears continue their strategy of piling up players in the trenches this offseason, this time by signing Dayo Odeyingbo.
However, the Bears made a pretty costly acquisition, paying $48 million over three years to the unproven pass rusher. He can kick inside or play wide, but this past season, he only broke 30 pressures for the first time in his career and had only three sacks.
That being said, it was an awfully promising career year for Odeyingbo, who had 42 pressures. He just needs to find a way to turn those into sacks to make the Bears feel good about such a significant investment.
Cam Bynum signs with Colts
Grade: A
The Indianapolis Colts are on the board with a move that's a massive upgrade for a depleted secondary, signing a ball-hawking safety in Cam Bynum.
Bynum gets a four-year, $60 million deal from Indianapolis to work with their new defensive coordinator in Lou Anarumo. That's a terrific deal for a Colts defense that had very few answers to a secondary that lacked top-tier talent, getting someone who can take care of things over the top as a free safety.
It's good value and a great player for a Colts team that was in need of an offseason win.
Eric Murray signs with Jaguars
Grade: C+
After signing Jourdan Lewis to a market-setting contract for a nickel, the Jacksonville Jaguars double down on their secondary by giving Eric Murray a three-year deal worth $22.5 million.
At 31 years old, Murray brings a stable veteran presence to Jacksonville's secondary without breaking the bank. He'll have a good shot at competing for a starting job, but will at least play some kind of role in their secondary.
Sam Darnold signs with seahawks
Grade: A
The Seattle Seahawks get their guy, taking a huge swing on their next starting quarterback with Sam Darnold.
With the quarterback market exploding, getting a quarterback with Darnold's resume for around $33 million per year seems like good value. It ends up being a three-year, $100.5 million contract for the journeyman veteran QB.
The problem is that the Seahawks still need to surround Darnold with a competent offensive line while figuring out how to replace Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf as top offensive weapons.
Poona Ford signs with Rams
Grade: A-
It's a three-year, $30 million for Poona Ford, who is staying in Los Angeles, but this time for the Rams.
He had a strong bounce-back year with the Los Angeles Chargers, generating 25 pressures and 23 defensive stops this past season. He still has plenty left in the tank at 29 years old and gives the Rams a key veteran up front of defense to pair with all of their ascending young talent.
That seems like the perfect kind of veteran addition to help mentor players like Braden Fiske.
Tre'von moehrig signs with Panthers
Grade: B
The first big safety is off of the board, with the Carolina Panthers throwing big money at Tre'von Moehrig.
It's a three-year, $51 million deal for Moehrig, who had developed into a reliable starting safety for the Las Vegas Raiders over the past few seasons. The former second-round pick should be a nice box safety on a decent price tag for a Panthers defense that needed an infusion of talent.
Moehrig, and hopefully Milton Williams, should quickly turn around that side of the ball for Carolina.
Isaiah Rodgers signs with Vikings
Grade: B-
Isaiah Rodgers has never played a full-time role on defense, but he'll likely have a chance to do that after signing with the Minnesota Vikings.
This grade isn't as much about Rodgers' two-year, $15 million deal as it is about what it might mean for the Vikings' chances of bringing Byron Murphy back to the secondary. It doesn't guarantee that they won't try to work with Murphy, but that money suggests the Vikings might be comfortable seeing if Rodgers can handle being a full-time starter in Brian Flores' defense.
D.J. Reed signs with Lions
Grade: A-
The Detroit Lions are replacing free agent cornerback Carlton Davis with another CB on the open market, signing D.J. Reed to a three-year, $48 million deal.
It's a fully guaranteed contract, which is a hefty price, but the right one for a defense that needed a second reliable starter. Reed is a smaller cornerback at 5-foot-9 on the outside, but he makes an ideal CB2 on the opposite side of Terrion Arnold, Detroit's first-round pick in the 2024 draft.
For a reliable starting cornerback, that's a more than fair deal.
Morgan Moses signs with Patriots
Grade: B+
With so many tackles who were set to hit the open market re-signing with their respective teams, the New England Patriots are opting to sign journeyman Morgan Moses to a sizeable deal.
It's a three-year, $24 million contract for a 34-year-old tackle that seems quite expensive on the surface. However, it's a fair deal for a player who can serve as a short-term starter, and Moses still played at a solid level in 2024 for the New York Jets, allowing just 16 pressures and two sacks.
There weren't a lot of awesome options at tackle for the Patriots, so at least they got someone with starting experience having to grossly overpay.
Milton Williams signs with Patriots
Grade: A
Plot twist! After initially appearing to be closing in on a deal with the Carolina Panthers, the New England Patriots have swooped in to acquire Milton Williams.
Using their war chest of cap space, the Patriots signed Williams to a $26 million per year deal that will make him one of the highest-paid defenders in the NFL. He's coming off of a strong year as a pass-rushing defensvive tackle opposite of Jalen Carter, and now gets a chance to show his worth as a key player on New England's defense.
It's been an unsurprisingly busy day for the Patriots, who land one of the top players on the FA market. It's an expensive deal, but the Patriots had to spend all this cap space somehow.
Carlton Davis signs with the Patriots
Grade: A-
The New England Patriots are signing Carlton Davis to a three-year, $60 million deal to be a starting cornerback opposite of Christian Gonzalez.
With so much money to spend in free agency, the Patriots are being aggressive and prioritizing their defense instead of the offensive line. Vrabel is a defensive-minded guy, and he gets a great CB2 option opposite of Gonzalez who is capable of making plays on the ball.
That's a more than fair deal for a cornerback at the top of the FA market, and is a huge upgrade in New England's secondary.
Dan Moore Jr. Signs with titans
Grade: B+
The Tennessee Titans had a disappointing season protecting Will Levis, but regardless of who plays quarterback next season, they'll at least have one upgrade in the trenches after signing Dan Moore Jr.
Moore is coming off a year where he allowed a career-high 12 sacks but also 41 pressures, which is a pretty surprising pressure-to-sack ratio. That should be cut down with his new team if the Titans can find another quarterback besides Levis.
It's an expensive deal for four years and $82 million in free agency, but Moore is still an upgrade over what Tennessee has at left tackle.
Paulson Adebo Signs with Giants
Grade: A+
The New York Giants make what might be one of the most underrated but valuable free-agent signings of Monday by bringing Paulson Adebo into the Big Apple.
Jonathan Jones from CBS Sports reported that the two sides were able to agree to a deal, although contract details weren't immediately released. Adebo suffered a broken leg that ended his 2024 season but has made it clear on social media that he's healthy and will be ready to go for training camp.
Adebo has been an ultra-productive corner the past two seasons, generating seven interceptions and 28 pass breakups. He's a great fit alongside some of New York's young cornerbacks like Deonte Banks and Dru Phillips.
Jimmy Garoppolo re-signs with RAms
Grade: C
The Los Angeles Rams made sure they had some quarterback depth by bringing Jimmy Garoppolo back on a one-year deal.
Garoppolo was a solid starter at the peak of his NFL career and has the experience and comfort in Sean McVay's system to fill in if something were to happen to Matthew Stafford. He's not going to be a star again, but it's a smart move to keep a backup around who knows what he's doing in the scheme.
$11 million is a lot for a backup QB, but there are few better backup options than Jimmy G.
Jourdan Lewis signs with Jaguars
Grade: B-
The Darnell Savage experiment in Jacksonville appears to be over.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are making Jourdan Lewis the highest-paid nickel in the NFL. He's been a stable presence for the Dallas Cowboys since 2017, and will now have a chance with a new team on a record-breaking deal.
The exact details of Lewis' contract weren't immediately available, but top-of-market money is a bit of a surprise for a solid but not-star veteran. Still, new general manager Jeff Gladstone addressed a clear need for Jacksonville.
Robert Spillane signs with patriots
Grade: A
Mike Vrabel gets a guy that will instantly fit his culture for the New England Patriots by signing veteran linebacker Robert Spillane.
A former UDFA in 2018, Spillane has turned into a legitimate starting ILB over the last two seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders. He racked up 158 total tackles with a missed tackle rate of just 6.0 percent, making him a key part of New England's depleted defensive roster to handle the middle of everything.
ESPN's Jeremy Folwer reported live that it was a three-year, $37 millon deal for Spillane, giving him respectable money for such a solid inside linebacker.
Javon Kinlaw Signs with Commanders
Grade: D+
The Commanders had a lot of money to spend in free agency, but this one is a bit of a surprise with how much they're willing to pay Javon Kinlaw.
The former first-round pick didn't work out in San Francisco before moving to the New York Jets, where he's been a decent but not great addition to their defensive line. Still, he's generated 65 pressures over the last two seasons, and with Jonathan Allen likely signing elsewhere in free agency, the Commanders needed some kind of help in the trenches.
Kinlaw gets a huge payday, but the Commanders might have been better off waiting for help through the draft to use that money on a free agent at another position.
B.J. Hill Re-Signs with Bengals
Grade: A-
Trey Hendrickson is actively seeking a trade, but the Cincinnati Bengals were still interested in keeping another of their defensive playmakers up front by re-signing B.J. Hill.
Hill is signing a three-year, $33 million deal to stay in Cincinnati, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. While he hasn't been a star on the Bengals' defense, he's been rock solid over the last few seasons, including generating 32 pressures and 29 defensive stops this past season.
It's a solid deal for a strong starter up front, especially for a defense that needs to retain some key talent going into 2025.
Elijah Mitchell signs with Chiefs
Grade: C+
The Kansas City Chiefs have a clear need for some running back help, even if Isiah Pacheco can get back to 100 percent in 2025.
Elijah Mitchell makes sense as a depth signing a on a cheap one-year deal. He's not going to see a ton of carries unless injuries pile up, and the Chiefs will likely bury him on the depth chart if they take an RB in this year's draft. Still, it's nice to have a backup plan in place.
Braxton Berrios Signs with Texans
Grade: C+
The Houston Texans are signing Braxton Berrios to a one-year, $2 million deal, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter live on ESPN.
It's not a bank-breaking move, but a small one for a receiver who has some success around the league. With how depleted the WR move was for Houston last season, a depth signing like this makes a lot of sense, even if it won't have a huge impact on their season.
Drew Dalman Signs with Bears
Grade: B
The Chicago Bears have made it clear that they want to spend this offseason rebuilding their offensive line to protect Caleb Williams. That trend continued at the start of free agency on Monday.
Drew Dalman, the top center on the open market, signed a three-year, $42 million deal, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. There weren't a lot of centers on the market with starting-caliber potential, but Dalman is an experienced starter who has allowed just four sacks over four seasons.
That's a lot of money to spend on a center, but it's clear what the Bears are trying to do this offseason.
Chris Godwin Re-signs with Buccaneers
Grade: A
It's three years and $66 million for Chris Godwin to come back to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
That extension keeps Godwin in Tampa Bay alongside an established No. 1 in Mike Evans, continuing to give the Buccaneers one of the best wide receiver duos in the NFL. That, alongside the emergence of rookie Jalen McMillan this past season, will allow quarterback Baker Mayfield to continue airing it out for the foreseeable future.
That's a huge win for a team that's losing an innovative offensive coordinator in Liam Coen, because at least they're keeping they're talent in house.
Jaylon moore signs with Chiefs
Grade: C
The Kansas City Chiefs needed to load up on offensive line help to protect Patrick Mahomes. It's just a bit of a surprise that they're willing to shell out so much money for an unknown commodity like Jaylon Moore.
A backup left tackle for the San Francisco 49ers, Moore is now signing a two-year, $30 million contract with over $21 million guaranteed. That's starting-caliber money for a player we know very little about, and has only played 831 offensive snaps over the last four seasons.
Maybe the Chiefs know something the rest of us don't, but that's a lot of money for someone who was previously a backup LT.
Haason Reddick Signs with Buccaneers
Grade: B+
After the Haason Reddick situation got ugly with the New York Jets, the veteran pass rusher is now signing a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
It's a worthwhile flier on a guy for Tampa Bay, who was just outside of the top 10 in pass rush win rate. If things work out, Tampa Bay can look into a more long-term extension, but now they have another guy that can get after the quarterback on a very solid defensive unit.
Khalil Mack re-signs with Chargers
Grade: A
Shortly after parting ways with Joey Bosa, the Los Angeles Chargers have decided to bring back Khalil Mack on a fully-guaranteed one-year, $18 million deal.
That's a lot of money for an aging 34-year-old pass rusher, who saw a sharp decline in his pass-rush productivity in 2024. That's all relative, however, because the Chargers had plenty of cap space to work with, and Mack's "decline" last season was still generating 52 pressures with six sacks and a pair of forced fumbles.
The return of (the) Mack gives the Chargers a No. 1 pass-rushing option while they continue to get younger on defense, with the chance to bring in a successor to the future Hall of Famer in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Jaycee Horn signs extension with Panthers
Grade: A-
For a team that has had some dark years, the Carolina Panthers wanted to make sure that one of their most promising young players would stay with them for the long haul.
Jaycee Horn gets a four-year, $100 million extension that makes him the highest-paid DB in NFL history. It's a huge move for the Panthers that lets them keep their CB1, who had some really strong years earlier in his career.
There's some concern that this deal might backfire given Horn's drop in production in 2024, but at just 24 years old, there's plenty of reasons to believe that he'll get back to playing like a top-tier cornerback for the next few years.
Davon godchaux traded to saints
Patriots Grade: C+
Saints Grade: C-
The New Orleans Saints are in cap hell, but that didn't stop them from trading a seventh-round pick for an average defensive lineman with two years left on his deal.
Davon Godchaux is an established NFL veteran, but not the kind of needle mover that would warrant taking on the remaining two years of his deal with how messy New Orleans' long-term cap situation looks. For the New England Patriots, they're able to get a draft pick while taking Godchaux's deal off of their books.
It's not a blockbuster move, but a bit surprising considering New Orleans' financial situation.
Sheldon Rankins signs with Texans
Grade: B
The Houston Texans are reuniting with Sheldon Rankins after a one-year hiatus while he was with the Cincinnati Bengals. While he's on the other side of 30 years old, Rankins saw real success as a pass-rushing interior defender with DeMeco Ryans in 2023, so a one-year flier hoping for that kind of production seems like a smart move.
Adam Butler re-signs with Raiders
Grade: B-
Adam Butler might not be the biggest star, but he plays a key role as a pass-rushing interior defender for the Las Vegas Raiders, generating 59 pressures and 10 sacks over the last two seasons.
The Raiders found good value in bringing him back on a reasonable three-year, $16.5 million deal with $11 million in guarantees.
John Bates Re-signs with commanders
Grade: C+
The Washington Commanders are sticking with last year's options at tight end after re-signing Zach Ertz and John Bates. While Bates isn't the biggest star at the position, he's a reliable tight end as an in-line blocker and should be a key part of 12 personnel and early running downs.
Jake Matthews signs extension with Falcons
Grade: A
Jake Matthews has been a reliable player on the blind side for the Atlanta Falcons, and they're deservedly rewarding him with a two-year deal worth up to $45 million with $38 million guaranteed. He hasn't allowed more than five sacks in a season since 2019 and never allowed more than 30 pressures during that span.
That's the kind of staple on the offensive line that you want to reward and keep around, so it's a smart move by Atlanta to make sure that Matthews is there to stay.
DK Metcalf traded to the Steelers
Steelers Grade: B-
Seahawks Grade: A-
The Pittsburgh Steelers are making it clear that they want wide receivers who can go deep after trading for DK Metcalf, but how does that fit schematically with George Pickens? The move might give Pittsburgh an out if they want to move on from Pickens down the road, but the fit feels a bit surprising given the other teams who were rumored to be interested in Metcalf's services.
For Seattle, it's a great return for a player who was seeking a big-time extension. The Seahawks appear focused on reshaping their roster this offseason, so getting a second-round pick for a disgruntled receiver feels like a major win for them.
Josh Allen signs extension with bills
Grade: A+
Believe it or not, it's actually a good thing to give an MVP quarterback a lot of money.
Despite having four years left on his deal, Josh Allen was given a six-year extension for $330 million, resetting the quarterback market as the highest-paid player in NFL history. He's still 28 years old and played some of his best football in 2024, making him worth every penny for a team continuing to build a Super Bowl contender around Allen.
Harold Landry signs with Patriots
Grade: B+
The New England Patriots got on the board early, which was expected as the team with the most cap space in the NFL by a wide margin. Landry didn't come cheap on a three-year deal for over $43 million, but he has a proven track record as a dominant pass rusher when healthy. He should be a nice complimentary EDGE opposite of Keion White, and a healthy Christian Barmore on the interior could quickly bolster what was a struggling defensive unit in 2024.
It might have been a lot to throw at a guy who has taken a bit of a step back since his ACL tear in 2022, but the Patriots need to outbid other teams to get good players in the building, or else they'll just be letting their cap space collect dust.
DAvante Adams signs with Rams
Grade: A
With the Los Angeles Rams expected to move on from Cooper Kupp, a key role needed to be filled in the offense. Davante Adams makes a ton of sense for the Rams and vice versa. The superstar receiver gets to move back out West on a two-year, $46 million deal with a star quarterback and a roster capable of competing for a Super Bowl.
Given his ability to separate against man coverage, Adams should quickly become a favorite target for Matthew Stafford.
Aaron Jones re-signs with Vikings
Grade: B
The Vikings are giving Jones a two-year, $20 million extension with $13 million guaranteed. It's a key move to keep a key offensive weapon in Minnesota, but it shouldn't hold the team back from looking at a younger successor to Jones on Day 2 of Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft, which seems to be extremely deep at the position.
Jones will see some age-related production at some point with his career workload, but this is still a solid deal for both sides that guarantees Minnesota has a talented RB in their offense going forward.
Nick Bolton Re-Signs with Chiefs
Grade: C+
In a loaded free agent class of off-ball linebackers, the Chiefs decided to stick with what they're comfortable with in their defense.
The problem is that they might have gotten better value with a cheaper option in free agency over giving Bolton a three-year deal with $30 million in guaranteed money.
It's not like he's completely breaking the bank with that kind of number, but as one of the highest-paid players now at his position, Bolton will need to take another step forward with his game to make this good value for the Chiefs in the coming years.
Myles Garrett Signs Extension with browns
Grade: A
The Cleveland Browns were adamant that they weren't going to move Garrett, and they put their money where their mouth was.
Garrett is now the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, making $40 million per year with over $120 million in guaranteed money. While the Browns have so many other questions about their roster, it's a huge win for the front office to be able to keep Garrett, who is one of the most dominant pass rushers in the NFL.
His presence on defense will allow the Browns to keep building around him instead of trying to figure out a succession plan.
Ronnie Stanley Re-signs with ravens
Grade: A-
Protecting Lamar Jackson should continue to be a top priority for the Baltimore Ravens, which is why it's such a relief that they were able to keep Stanley in the building.
The Ravens are giving Stanley a three-year deal for $60 million. He hasn't had his best couple of seasons at left tackle but is still 30 years old and should have a few more good seasons in him. It's also a pretty reasonable extension for both parties, and there's a strong chance that he could have gotten more guaranteed money by hitting the open market in free agency.
Geno Smith traded to the Raiders
Seahawks Grade: C
Raiders Grade: A-
A third-round pick for a starting quarterback isn't enough return for a starting-caliber quarterback, but it also gives the Seahawks an opportunity to explore other options in free agency.
The question is whether or not those other options are an upgrade over Geno Smith. He's a competent pocket passer who can carve up defenses when playing behind a reliable offensive line. It's an extremely prudent move for the Raiders to make sure they have a starting-caliber QB under center in 2025, especially if they're unable to land one of the top two QB prospects in this year's draft.
