The 2024 NFL 12 months formally began on Wednesday, and due to the “authorized tampering window” totally free company that opened Monday, it has been a frenzied week.
Marquee free brokers at each place and facet of the ball have modified addresses to the tune of good-looking contracts. Up-and-coming gamers have agreed to offers with the expectation they’ll change into franchise cornerstones. And growing old stars have secured alternatives that maybe signify their closing pictures at glory.
Very like the groups buying expertise, we entered free company with a rating of the highest 150 gamers, because of the experience of former NFL government of the 12 months Randy Mueller. Because the agreements and signings have piled up, we’ve ranked the acquisitions of these prime 150 gamers.
Some groups have pulled off daring strikes that appear destined to propel them towards their targets. The Atlanta Falcons set the quarterback market in movement by luring Kirk Cousins away from the Minnesota Vikings on a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million assured. The Philadelphia Eagles awarded former NFC East rival Saquon Barkley a $46.75 million deal — one of many richest working again contracts within the final 4 years. The Houston Texans bolstered their protection by touchdown the main pass-rushing free agent Danielle Hunter on a $49 million contract. The checklist goes on.
There have been good cut price offers just like the New England Patriots signing Jacoby Brissett to be their bridge quarterback, headscratchers, just like the Washington Commanders selecting Marcus Mariota, probably for a similar position, and gambles, just like the Pittsburgh Steelers turning to Russell Wilson and Minnesota entrusting Sam Darnold with the duty of changing Cousins.
An period ended because the Tennessee Titans let Derrick Henry depart for Baltimore, the place he’ll goal to assist Lamar Jackson and the Ravens recover from the hump. And in Henry’s place, former Dallas Cowboys star Tony Pollard now takes over because the Titans’ characteristic again. After which Tennessee pulled off an upset, luring prime wideout Calvin Ridley away from Jacksonville for $92 million ($50 million assured).
We’re breaking all of it down: the great, the dangerous and the ugly that has unfolded throughout this primary week of free company. Right here we go. (Gamers are listed under so as of their free-agent rating.)
Stay updates: Free-agent information from throughout the NFL
FA tracker: New groups and contract particulars for the highest 150 free brokers
Finest out there gamers: Who’s nonetheless available on the market?
Texans land edge rusher Danielle Hunter
Grade: A
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 1
Already boasting a proficient younger go rusher in Will Anderson Jr., the Texans pull off a transfer to make their protection that rather more formidable, including Hunter — the highest edge rusher on the free agent market.
Hunter, who agreed to a two-year, $49-million deal, is coming off a profession 12 months, recording 16 1/2 sacks to go along with 83 tackles (a league-best 23 for a loss). It was his fifth double-digit sack season for the eight-year veteran.
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Eagles add RB Saquon Barkley
Grade: B-plus
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 2
One other working again comes off the market as the previous Giants star heads to NFC East neighbor Philadelphia. Barkley, who performed on the franchise tag final season, lands a three-year deal that might pay him as much as $46.75 million and consists of $26 million assured. Barkley is not going to reset the working market with this deal, but when he meets incentives, he may draw a mean wage of $15.83 million, which might be the second-most for working backs in NFL historical past.
The Eagles wished to improve their speeding assault regardless of receiving a 1,000-yard season from newcomer D’Andre Swift final season. Philadelphia let Swift depart through free company to the Bears, nevertheless, and zeroed in on Barkley, who has recorded three 1,000-yard seasons within the final six years, and got here shut final season (962 speeding yards and 6 touchdowns on 247 carries). Barkley simply turned 27, however the Eagles anticipate him to proceed to supply like one of many prime backs within the league, which might add a welcome ingredient to an offense that options dual-threat quarterback Jalen Hurts and the dynamic vast receiver tandem of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.
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Falcons add QB Kirk Cousins
Grade: A
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 3
Kicking off a brand new period underneath not too long ago employed head coach Raheem Morris, the Falcons are also beginning over at quarterback after touchdown the four-time Professional Bowl passer on a four-year, $180 million contract that comes with a $50 million signing bonus and $100 million assured.
Cousins had spent the final six seasons in Minnesota. He now heads South, the place he reunites with Morris, who was an assistant throughout Cousins’ early years in Washington.
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Cousins is coming off a season shortened by a torn Achilles, however has appeared good in latest exercises and is predicted to be able to go by the beginning of the season. Cousins not solely has familiarity with Morris, however he may also acknowledge parts of Atlanta’s offensive scheme as a result of Falcons coordinator Zac Robinson realized underneath Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell when each have been assistants with the Rams in 2020 and 2021.
The NFC South is vast open, so Cousins and the Falcons, who boast a roster stuffed with younger, up-and-coming expertise, may make some noise instantly.
Browns maintain edge rusher Za’Darius Smith
Grade: A
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 4
The Browns wished to carry onto Smith, who was a pleasant complementary go rusher reverse Myles Garrett. Cleveland and the Eleventh-year veteran agreed to a two-year deal price $23.5 million. Smith recorded 27 tackles, 5.5 sacks and 20 quarterback hits final season with the Browns, who ranked first within the NFL in complete protection and sixth in sacks (49).
Raiders add DT Christian Wilkins
Grade: A
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 5
Wanting to bolster the inside of a line that options the proficient Maxx Crosby on the sting, the Raiders added Wilkins, the highest defensive deal with outdoors of Chris Jones. Wilkins, who recorded 9 sacks for the Dolphins final season, is predicted to signal a four-year deal price $110 million with $85.75 million assured.
Wilkins drew curiosity from the Vikings, Browns, Texans and Lions, however opted for Las Vegas, the place head coach Antonio Pierce and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham search extra influence gamers to bolster their assault within the trenches.
Vikings add edge Jonathan Greenard
Grade: B
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 6
It seems possible they are going to lose go rusher Danielle Hunter to free company, so the Vikings are bringing Greenard into the combo. The 27-year-old recorded 12 1/2 sacks and 48 pressures for the Texans final season. Hunter’s deal options $42 million in assured cash, in line with The Athletic’s Jeff Howe.
The Vikings are hoping that final 12 months’s profession 12 months was an indication of issues to come back from Greenard and never only a flash within the pan. He had eight sacks as a second-year professional in 2021, however simply 1 1/2 sacks in an injury-shortened marketing campaign in 2022. He rebounded together with his first double-digit sack season in 2023. If he can keep wholesome, Greenard has the potential to be an actual pressure up entrance for Brian Flores’ protection, which is among the many most blitz-happy within the league.
Packers add RB Josh Jacobs
Grade: A
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 7
Hoping to offer younger quarterback Jordan Love the help of a simpler speeding assault, the Packers agreed to a take care of the two-time Professional Bowl working again. Jacobs, who has recorded 1,000-yard campaigns in three of the final 5 seasons with the Raiders, was considered one of many prime backs available on the market, together with Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry and Austin Ekeler.
He ought to assist guarantee steadiness to Inexperienced Bay’s offense, which desires to ascertain the run after which capitalize on huge performs downfield out of the play motion. It’ll be attention-grabbing to see how this impacts the position of Aaron Jones, who’s within the closing 12 months of his contract.
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Packers add S Xavier McKinney
Grade: A
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 8
After opting to let security Darnell Savage depart earlier within the day (he agreed to phrases with the Jaguars), the Packers upgraded with McKinney, who agreed to a four-year deal price $68 million.
McKinney has nice vary and ball expertise and may assist shore up the again finish of a Packers protection that ranked among the many backside third within the league in takeaways. It now finds itself in transition after coach Matt LaFleur switched defensive coordinators within the offseason, firing Joe Barry and luring Boston Faculty head coach Jeff Hafley to Inexperienced Bay.
Titans add C Lloyd Cushenberry
Grade: A
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 9
Second-year basic supervisor Ran Carthon has attacked this offseason with the purpose of upgrading the offense round younger quarterback Will Levis and discovering a dependable heart to anchor the road is an enormous a part of that. Cushenberry, a third-round pick of LSU in 2020, steadily improved every season with the Broncos and now involves Tennessee. His energy, athleticism and eager instincts are an enormous purpose why he’s considered probably the greatest younger facilities within the recreation.
Eagles add edge rusher Bryce Huff
Grade: A
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 10
Including disruptive edge rushers ranked excessive on the Eagles’ buying checklist this offseason, they usually have acquired one in Huff, agreeing to pay him $51.1 million over three seasons. Huff, who went undrafted out of Memphis in 2020, had a breakout season with the Jets in 2023, racking up 10 sacks and 29 tackles as a rotational go rusher. Now he’ll presumably transfer right into a beginning position with the Eagles, who hope he can proceed to ascend and provides new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio a pressure off the sting.
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Giants add G Jon Runyan
Grade: B
Randy Mueller’s prime 150 rating: No. 11
The Giants have questions at working again (with Saquon Barkley now headed for Philadelphia) and quarterback, the place Daniel Jones continues to disappoint. However they’re making an attempt to no less than guarantee whoever strains up at these positions could have sufficient go safety and run help.
Runyan involves New York from Inexperienced Bay, the place he established himself as an efficient and versatile inside lineman. He’ll attempt to assist improve a line that surrendered a league-high 85 sacks in 2022.
49ers add go rusher Leonard Floyd
Grade: B
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 12
Might the 49ers’ lengthy seek for a dependable pass-rushing sidekick for Nick Bosa lastly have come to an finish? They actually hope so after agreeing to a two-year deal price as much as $24 million. The 49ers gave Bosa’s former school teammate Chase Younger a attempt through commerce final season, however Younger was wildly inconsistent. So, GM John Lynch turned his consideration to the 31-year-old Floyd, a constant and sturdy participant who within the final 4 seasons has recorded 10-1/2, 9-1/2, 9 and 10-1/2 sacks (and has missed just one recreation throughout that point). He’ll now reunite together with his former Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, a brand new assistant head coach for San Francisco.
Titans land WR Calvin Ridley
Grade: A
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 13
Second-year GM Ran Carthon pulls off an upset, signing Ridley away from Jacksonville, and beating out New England for his providers as properly. Ridley agreed to a four-year, $92 million take care of $50 million assured.
The transfer basically offers Tennessee and second-year QB Will Levis two No. 1 receivers in Ridley (76 catches, 1,016 yards, eight touchdowns) and DeAndre Hopkins (75 catches, 1,057 yards, seven touchdowns).
Seahawks maintain DE Leonard Williams
Grade: A
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 14
Months after buying him in a midseason commerce, the Seahawks are hanging onto Williams, giving the defensive lineman a three-year, $64.5 million deal. Williams, the sixth decide of the 2015 draft, had stints with the Jets and Giants, however has settled in properly with Seattle. He recorded 4 sacks, 41 tackles (9 for a loss) and 11 quarterback hits in 10 video games for the Seahawks.The Seattle protection will look completely different in 2024 as former Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald takes over for Pete Caroll and revamps the unit to suit his imaginative and prescient. However Williams will maintain down a vital position regardless.
Payments re-sign DT DaQuan Jones
Grade: B
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 15
The Payments parted methods with a handful of defensive mainstays in latest days, however they’re holding onto one within the 32-year-old Jones, who has spent the final two seasons in Buffalo. Jones missed 12 video games final season with a pectoral damage, however when wholesome is disruptive within the trenches. In 2022, Jones had 38 tackles (three for a loss) and 11 quarterback hits, two sacks and a fumble restoration. He agreed to a two-year, $16 million take care of $10.5 million assured
Giants add OT Jermaine Eluemunor
Grade: A
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 16
Revamping their offensive line but once more, the Giants added the versatile Eluemunor, who began at proper deal with in Las Vegas, but in addition can play left deal with. Eluemunor, whose deal is for 2 years, $14 million, is the second free-agent offensive line addition made by New York, which agreed to phrases with guard Jon Runyan earlier Monday. The Giants gave up 85 sacks in 2023, making the road an offseason precedence.
Steelers add LB Patrick Queen
Grade: A
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: 17
The Ravens made the powerful name to forgo choosing up the fifth-year possibility on Queen’s rookie contract after they paid Roquan Smith, and now they’ll need to face Queen twice a 12 months as their 2020 first-round decide joins the rival Steelers. Queen, who agreed to a three-year, $41 million deal, is coming off a career-best 133-tackle season. He additionally had 3.5 sacks and 6 go breakups, a pressured fumble and a fumble restoration. The Professional Bowl linebacker will assist fortify a Steelers protection that ranked twenty first within the league in yards allowed, but did maintain foes to simply 19.1 factors per recreation (sixth greatest).
Jets add G John Simpson
Grade: B-plus
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 18
Retaining Aaron Rodgers upright is the best precedence for the Jets, in order that they agreed to a two-year, $18 million take care of Simpson, who began all 19 of the Ravens’ video games (common season and playoffs) at left guard final season. Whereas sturdy, Simpson does have to change into extra constant, however the Jets are relying on the 2020 fourth-round decide to do exactly that.
Falcons add WR Darnell Mooney
Grade: C-plus
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 19
Mooney, who agreed to a three-year, $39 million contract, actually has big-play potential. He confirmed in 2021, his second NFL season, what a menace he may be, with 81 catches for 1,055 yards. Nevertheless, Mooney hasn’t topped 500 yards in both season since then. The 2020 fifth-round decide leaves Chicago with 213 catches with 2,593 yards and 11 touchdowns. Can a contemporary begin and pairing with Kirk Cousins, Kyle Pitts and Drake London translate right into a revival for Mooney?
Commanders add LB Frankie Luvu
Grade: B
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 20
Badly in want of playmakers with sideline-to-sideline vary because of misses within the draft and free company, Washington agreed to a three-year, $36 million contract with Luvu, who’s coming off back-to-back 100-plus deal with seasons with the Panthers. Luvu is now on his third workforce in seven seasons, however he has displayed regular enchancment after getting into the league as an undrafted participant out of Washington State. Final season’s 125 tackles, 5 go deflections and two pressured fumbles all signify profession highs.
Jets add LT Tyron Smith
Grade: A
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: 21
Decided to keep away from the error they made final 12 months, the Jets are investing closely of their defensive position. Smith — an eight-time Professional Bowl and two-time All-Professional choice — will defend Aaron Rodgers’ blind facet after agreeing to a one-year deal price as much as $20 million. Smith has to remain wholesome. The 34-year-old hasn’t performed a full season since 2015 and has performed a mixed 30 video games within the final 4 seasons. But when he can keep on the sector, whereas paired with the not too long ago acquired Morgan Moses (commerce with Baltimore), the Jets may have a really proficient set of bookends to assist maintain Rodgers, who’s coming off an Achilles tear and restore surgical procedure, upright in a make-or-break season for coach Robert Saleh and GM Joe Douglas.
Texans add DE Denico Autry
Grade: C
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 23
Autry comes at a comparatively inexpensive worth for a go rusher (two years, $20 million with $10.5 million assured), and he’ll give Houston a complement to younger Will Anderson Jr. However Autry is coming off his first double-digit sack season and is 34, so a decline is feasible. Which means Houston could not see the complete return on its funding.
Cardinals add DT Justin Jones
Grade: C
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 24
Arizona makes a transfer to beef up the inside of its defensive position, giving Jones a three-year deal price $30.1 million with $19.75 million assured. Jones is coming off his two best seasons (52 tackles, three sacks in 2022; 49 tackles, 4 1/2 sacks in 2023). His new deal represents a big bump from his two-year, $12 million deal he performed on in Chicago, the place he did have his share of ups and downs. That raises the query of whether or not the Cardinals overpaid.
Chargers maintain S Alohi Gilman
Grade: B
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 28
The Chargers reward their 2020 sixth-round decide with a two-year, $11 million contract as he comes off of a profession 12 months (73 tackles, two interceptions, three pressured fumbles and two fumble recoveries). L.A. has restricted assets due to wage cap restrictions however nonetheless manages to maintain a promising younger participant within the combine.
Commanders add S Jeremy Chinn
Grade: B
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: 29
In want of playmakers on the again finish of their protection, the Commanders are hoping Chinn can recapture the shape he sported in 2020 and 2021 when he recorded 117 and 107 tackles, respectively. He has battled damage in every of the final two seasons, but when wholesome, the previous second-round decide boasts nice versatility as a hybrid security/linebacker and can make his presence felt. At one 12 months, $5.1 million, Chinn, who has performed a mixed 18 video games the final two seasons, comes at a superb worth.
Jaguars add WR Gabe Davis
Grade: C-plus
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 32
This will not be the vast receiver information the Jaguars and their followers most desperately need to hear. Main wideout Calvin Ridley (1,016 yards, eight touchdowns) remained unsigned throughout the opening of the authorized tampering window. However in Davis, the Jaguars get a strong No. 2 possibility on a three-year, $39 million deal. Incentives may bump his earnings as much as $50 million.
Davis spent the primary 4 seasons of his profession as Stefon Diggs’ sidekick in Buffalo, averaging 682 yards and 6.75 touchdowns on 40.75 receptions a season. At 6-2, 225, Davis is aware of use his dimension to his benefit and performs with physicality, however nonetheless must execute with higher consistency.
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Eagles reunite with S C.J. Gardner-Johnson
Grade: B
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 33
Two seasons in the past, Gardner-Johnson led the NFL with six interceptions whereas serving to the Eagles attain the Tremendous Bowl. He left Philly for Detroit final offseason, however accidents restricted him to simply three video games. Now, the 26-year-old Gardner-Johnson is headed again to Philly, the place he hopes he can recapture his playmaking methods. The Eagles missed Gardner-Johnson and his ball-hawking expertise, they usually opened up the checkbook to show it, awarding him a three-year contract price as much as $33 million. If Gardner-Johnson can keep wholesome, he’ll make a distinction on a protection that’s beginning over underneath the not too long ago employed Vic Fangio.
Lions add DT D.J. Reader
Grade: A
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 34
Seeking to additional bolster their protection in hopes of constructing on final season’s success, the Lions added the huge run-stuffer with a two-year, $27.5 million take care of $9 million assured. The 6-3, 335-pound Reader recorded 34 tackles and 7 quarterback hits for Cincinnati final 12 months.
Chargers add RB Gus Edwards
Grade: C
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 35
The Chargers seem set to maneuver on from Austin Ekeler and have reunited Edwards together with his former Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman. Curious transfer. Edwards is an efficient runner, however he has all the time shared the workload and has by no means had a 1,000-yard season. He’ll come at a less expensive worth than Ekeler, however Ekeler is likely one of the most versatile backs within the recreation. So until the Chargers are planning on drafting somebody as properly and utilizing him because the lead again (and Edwards because the complementary piece), the Chargers will possible see a drop-off right here.
Panthers add go rusher D.J. Wonnum
Grade: B
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 36
The Panthers have made a concerted effort to strengthen their defensive entrance after transport Brian Burns to the Giants. The newest addition is Wonnum, the Vikings’ 2020 fourth-round decide who has spent the final two seasons at outdoors linebacker after taking part in defensive finish his first two seasons. It’s a two-year deal for Wonnum, who recorded a career-high eight sacks in 15 video games (14 begins) in 2023.
Ravens add RB Derrick Henry
Grade: B
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 38
After permitting Gus Edwards to depart through free company, the Ravens wanted an influence working again within the worst method and have agreed to phrases with the highly effective Henry. The four-time Professional Bowl again and five-time 1,000-yard rusher agrees to a two-year deal price as much as $20 million. Henry is coming off of a 1,167-yard, 12-touchdown marketing campaign and simply turned 30 in January. The Ravens imagine that he has sufficient left within the tank to function their workhorse again. If that’s the case — and that’s the one query on this situation, given the mileage Henry has logged throughout his profession — Henry will in flip ease strain on Lamar Jackson, who has led the workforce in speeding extra occasions than anybody throughout the group would really like. After years of piecing collectively a speeding assault with Jackson and a committee of backs, the Ravens may now have the power to supply essentially the most potent floor recreation (and most balanced offense) they’ve fielded in years.
Panthers add G Robert Hunt
Grade: B-minus
Randy Mueller’s prime 150 rating: No. 39
With defending and creating second-year quarterback Bryce Younger the best of priorities, the Panthers made a transfer to fortify the inside of their offensive line. Hunt is a 2020 second-rounder who has performed each guard and deal with, however he’s now considered as a guard. Hunt has handled some accidents, however is huge, bodily and highly effective. If he can stay wholesome, he’ll make an influence. He could have good familiarity with the ideas of the Panthers’ offense as a result of new coach Dave Canales runs an offshoot of the Shanahan offense that Mike McDaniel runs in Miami.
Patriots re-signing OL Mike Onwenu
Grade: B
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 40
Amid nice waves of change, the Patriots made continuity alongside their offensive line a precedence. The 2020 sixth-rounder agreed to a three-year, $57 million take care of $38 million assured. Onwenu affords nice versatility together with his potential to play each deal with and guard.
Panthers add DT A’Shawn Robinson
Grade: A
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: 41
Fortifying a protection that served as the intense spot final season, Carolina has added the ninth-year veteran on a three-year, $22.5-million deal. Robinson has nice familiarity with Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, having performed for him when Evero was an assistant with the Rams, so the transition must be easy.
Dolphins re-sign G Isaiah Wynn
Grade: C-plus
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 44
When he’s on the sector, the 6-foot-2, 310-pound Wynn is a powerful, fast and athletic inside lineman able to bolstering an offensive assault within the trenches. However “when he’s on the sector” is the important thing phrase. Sturdiness has confirmed extraordinarily difficult for the 2018 Patriots first-round decide. Wynn performed within the first seven video games of the 2023 season, serving to Miami to a 5-2 begin. However a quad damage prompted him to overlook the rest of the season. Wynn has performed guard and deal with, however is greatest suited to guard. The Dolphins gave him a one-year deal so it’s not an enormous danger or dedication, however the transfer continues to be a little bit of a raffle contemplating Wynn has performed in solely 50 of 99 attainable video games over six seasons.
Bears add RB D’Andre Swift
Grade: A
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 45
Agreeing to a three-year deal price a reported $24 million, the fifth-year veteran cashes in on a profession season with the Eagles through which he served as a characteristic again for the primary time. Swift rushed for 1,049 yards and 5 touchdowns on 229 carries; he additionally recorded 39 catches for 214 yards and a landing for Philadelphia. No matter what they do at quarterback, the Bears badly wanted a dependable again after making an attempt to piece collectively a speeding assault final season. Justin Fields led the workforce with 657 speeding yards whereas Khalil Herbert and D’Onta Foreman mixed for 1,036 yards and 6 touchdowns. Swift receives a big increase after taking part in on a one-year, $1.7 million deal final season.
David Montgomery was drafted by the Bears.
D’Andre Swift was drafted by the Lions.And now, they’ve swapped groups.
Which participant would you moderately have in your backfield? pic.twitter.com/5fjpriT4Zb
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) March 11, 2024
Steelers add QB Russell Wilson
Grade: B
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 46
After two tumultuous years in Denver, Wilson will get a contemporary begin with Pittsburgh. He’ll signal a one-year deal for the league minimal (simply over $1 million) to play for the Steelers whereas additionally incomes the just about $38 million owed to him by the Broncos.
Including Wilson creates an intriguing state of affairs for the Steelers, who’ve stated they continue to be dedicated to 2022 first-rounder Kenny Pickett. The previous Pitt star has been moderately mediocre, nevertheless. Presumably, Pickett and Wilson will battle for the beginning job. Wilson’s resume actually dwarfs Pickett’s, however does Wilson nonetheless have the talents to be an efficient NFL starter after posting among the worst numbers of his profession in Denver? A number of expertise evaluators across the league imagine the reply is sure and chalk up the struggles of 2023 and 2022 to 2 dangerous conditions with the Broncos.
This can be a low-risk transfer for Pittsburgh. If Pickett wins, the Steelers have a veteran mentor/backup in Wilson at a low value. If Wilson wins the beginning job, which he ought to if he does certainly nonetheless have his fastball, new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has a artful veteran able to directing a unit that should take care of the Ravens, Bengals and Browns and their star quarterbacks.
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Seahawks re-sign TE Noah Fant
Grade: C-plus
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 47
Fant boasted nice potential when he got here to Seattle as a part of the Russell Wilson commerce. However he has simply 82 catches for 900 yards and 4 touchdowns within the final two seasons mixed. Fant, who agreed to a two-year, $21 million contract, has all the instruments to change into a extra impactful weapon for Seattle. Can new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb assist him maximize his potential?
Rams add G Jonah Jackson
Grade: A
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 49
Aiming to increase Matthew Stafford’s profession a bit additional, the Rams are investing closely within the inside of their offensive line after reaching an settlement with Jackson on a three-year, $51 million deal that options $34 million assured. The Professional Bowl left guard turned an immediate starter for the Lions, who chosen him out of Rutgers within the third spherical of the 2020 draft (Stafford’s closing season with the workforce). Now Jackson will reunite with the quarterback and goal to solidify a line that has endured a great deal of change the final two seasons.
Eagles add LB Devin White
Grade: A
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: 51
The Eagles’ defensive overhaul continues with the addition of former Professional Bowl linebacker Devin White, who agreed to a one-year deal price as much as $7.5 million. White, a first-round decide in 2019, reeled off three straight 100-plus deal with seasons from 2020 to 2022, however he missed three video games final season and completed with 83 tackles to go along with two interceptions and a pair of.5 sacks. He offers new Philadelphia defensive coordinator Vic Fangio one other instinctive, aggressive playmaker with good vary.
Jaguars maintain C Mitch Morse
Grade: A
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 52
After transforming the deal of guard Brandon Scherff, the Jaguars made one other transfer to make sure Trevor Lawrence has the very best go safety, giving Morse a two-year, $10.5 million contract. Jacksonville was middle-of-the-pack in passing regardless of boasting a quarterback considered a generational expertise popping out of school, and ranked among the many backside third of the league in speeding, so Morse ought to assist coax the Jaguars towards enchancment.
Packers re-sign KR Keisean Nixon
Grade: A
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: 55
The All-Professional kick returner lands a three-year deal price as much as $19.2 million. Nixon has led the NFL in kick returns the final two seasons, averaging 27.45 yards per try, incomes All-Professional honors annually.
Vikings add LB Blake Cashman
Grade: B
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 57
The VIkings proceed their mission of upgrading a protection that ranked sixteenth within the league, including Cashman on a three-year, $25.5 million deal. This can be a little bit of a projection signing as a result of Cashman’s resume options only one season as a starter. Nevertheless, the previous Texans fifth-rounder was robust in opposition to the run and strong in pass-coverage whereas notching a career-best 106 tackles, 5 go deflections and an interception in 2023. The Vikings now hope he can proceed his ascent with them.
Commanders add RB Austin Ekeler
Grade: B
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 60
One of the versatile backs within the league over the past seven seasons (39 speeding touchdowns, 30 receiving touchdowns), Ekeler will now take his skills to Washington, the place the Commanders are beginning afresh with a brand new proprietor, basic supervisor and head coach. The 29-year-old Ekeler is coming off an injury-hampered season (628 speeding yards and 5 touchdowns and 436 receiving yards and a landing after flirting with 1,700 all-purpose yards in 2021 and 2022). However he nonetheless may be an efficient again so long as well being is on his facet. The 2-year, $11.43 million deal is an efficient funding for Washington, and considerably much less per season than working backs Saquon Barkley, Tony Pollard, Josh Jacobs and D’Andre Swift landed.
Lions add edge rusher Marcus Davenport
Grade: B-minus
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 61
An ankle damage lower Davenport’s lone season with the Vikings to 4 video games. He recorded simply two sacks and 7 pressures. However at 28, and with a resume that features 142 tackles, 21 1/2 sacks and 7 pressured fumbles in 5 seasons with the Saints, Davenport seemingly boasts the potential to have an effect for Detroit so long as he can keep wholesome. The one-year deal is a low-risk funding for the Lions.
Jaguars add CB Ronald Darby
Grade: C
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 62
Coming into his tenth NFL season and about to show 30, Darby lands together with his sixth workforce, agreeing to a two-year deal price as much as $10 million. Darby gives good versatility, however struggles with sturdiness, having performed a full season simply as soon as in his profession. He began seven of 16 video games for Baltimore final season in his return from a 2022 torn ACL and recorded 28 tackles and 7 go breakups.
Dolphins add LB Jordyn Brooks
Grade: B
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 63
The Dolphins are getting a run-stopping linebacker who has recorded 100-plus tackles every of the final three seasons whereas taking part in alongside Bobby Wagner. Brooks has additionally steadily improved in go protection. Brooks suffered a torn ACL in Week 17 of the 2022 season, however returned to motion in Week 1 the next 12 months. He had 111 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 4 go breakups in 2023, which he now has cashed in for a three-year, $30 million deal.
Commanders add C Tyler Biadasz
Grade: B
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 65
With their offensive line badly in want of an overhaul, the Commanders and new head coach Dan Quinn lured the Professional Bowl heart to Washington. The Commanders final season ranked twenty seventh in speeding and yielded the second-most sacks within the league (65), so Biadasz and different reinforcements (who may observe by way of free company and the draft) meet an actual want. Including a high quality, veteran heart additionally is a brilliant transfer with Washington anticipated to make use of the No. 2 decide on a quarterback. Whether or not it’s Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye, the younger passer could have the posh of leaning on Biadasz to assist establish blitzes and the mandatory protections.
Vikings add edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel
Grade: B
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 67
Brian Flores will get a well-known face in Van Ginkel, a 2019 fifth-round decide who performed underneath the Vikings defensive coordinator when Flores was head coach in Miami. Van Ginkel brings good versatility as an edge rusher able to bringing strain from both facet. He additionally comes at an inexpensive worth (two years, $20 million — $14 million assured).
Payments add WR Curtis Samuel
Grade: B
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: 69
The Payments have discovered their substitute for former No. 2 wideout Gabe Davis, who signed with Jacksonville earlier this week. Samuel, a second-rounder in 2017, agreed to a three-year deal price as much as $30 million, with $15 million in assured cash. Samuel, 27, is coming off of a 62-catch, 613-yard season with 4 touchdowns for Washington. He recorded 64 catches for 656 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2022. Samuel battled accidents in 2021, taking part in simply 5 video games, however proved far more sturdy final season and was utilized in a wide range of methods, which is able to allow him to enhance Stefon Diggs properly.
Dolphins add CB Kendall Fuller
Grade: B
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 70
The Dolphins signed the ninth-year veteran to a two-year deal price $16.5 million in hopes that Fuller, who received a Tremendous Bowl with Kansas Metropolis in 2019, might help bolster their secondary. Fuller, who spent the final 4 seasons in Washington, has the power to play on the surface and within the slot and at occasions has been used at free security.
Buccaneers re-sign LB Lavonte David
Grade: A
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: 71
After locking up vast receiver Mike Evans and quarterback Baker Mayfield simply earlier than the beginning of free company, the Bucs have retained one other roster cornerstone. David agreed to a one-year deal price $10 million. The Thirteenth-year veteran stays a pressure, having racked up 134 tackles (his tenth 100-tackle season) together with 4 1/2 sacks for the Bucs. The 34-year-old has proven no indicators of a drop-off.
Payments maintain edge rusher A.J. Epenesa
Grade: B
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 76
The 2020 second-round decide will stay in Buffalo on a two-year deal price as much as $20 million after recording 6 1/2 sacks in every of the final two seasons as a rotational go rusher. Epenesa wasn’t drafted within the second spherical (54th total) to be a part-time participant, however he and the Payments appear comfy together with his position, and he has discovered a approach to maximize his alternatives in every of the final two seasons. It’ll be attention-grabbing to see if Leonard Floyd’s departure will translate into extra snaps for Epenesa.
Chiefs add WR Marquise Brown
Grade: B
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: 79
The Chiefs have wanted a speedster to assist take the highest off defenses and restore the home-run menace to their offense. They might have discovered their man in Brown, who is out there however coming off back-to-back injury-shortened seasons. Brown recorded 51 catches on 101 targets for 574 yards and 4 touchdowns in 14 video games final season with the Cardinals, who spent the primary half of the season with out a rehabbing Kyler Murray. However the Chiefs are hoping well being and a pairing with Patrick Mahomes might help Brown recapture the shape that helped him reel in 91 receptions for 1,008 yards and 6 touchdowns his closing season in Baltimore (2021). Brown is a sixth-year professional who was a first-round decide by Baltimore in 2019; he spent the final two seasons in Arizona. If he stays wholesome, Brown may match properly with Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice.
Broncos re-sign TE Adam Trautman
Grade: C
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: 80
The fifth-year professional returns on a two-year deal. A starter in 12 of Denver’s video games final season, Trautman isn’t a serious offensive weapon. He recorded 22 catches for 204 yards and three touchdowns, however Sean Payton is a fan, having drafted him in New Orleans.
Titans add G/T Saahdiq Charles
Grade: D
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: 81
The Titans make a transfer to bolster their line by including Charles on a one-year, $2.5 million deal. Charles has expertise. However he struggled to discover a match with Washington at guard or deal with and had a tough time staying on the sector due to accidents. Can he flip over a brand new leaf with a brand new franchise and system?
Dolphins add DT Neville Gallimore
Grade: C
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 82
The Cowboys’ 2020 third-round decide didn’t begin a single recreation final season however appeared in all 17 contests, tallying 16 tackles, a sack and two tackles for a loss. Miami has a gap at defensive deal with after shedding Christian Wilkins to Las Vegas. However Gallimore looks like extra of a depth signing than a substitute for the extremely disruptive Wilkins.
Jets add DT Javon Kinlaw
Grade: B-plus
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 85
In want of huge our bodies to pair with Quinnen Williams, Robert Saleh reached again to his San Francisco days to carry the 2020 first-round decide to New York. Kinlaw battled accidents for a lot of his time in San Francisco, however when lastly wholesome, he made his presence felt. In 2023, Kinlaw recorded 25 tackles, 3 1/2 sacks, six quarterback hits and three go breakups whereas beginning all 17 video games. The 49ers have been anticipated to face competitors of their efforts to retain Kinlaw, and their former defensive coordinator received. If Kinlaw, who agreed to a one-year deal, can keep wholesome, this might wind up being a steal.
Dolphins add C Aaron Brewer
Grade: C
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 86
Seeking to additional improve Tua Tagovailoa’s supporting forged, the Dolphins agreed to a three-year, $21 million take care of Brewer, the previous Titans heart. The one drawback is Brewer gave up seven sacks in 2023, in line with TruMeda, and the Dolphins need to do the whole lot attainable to guard Tagovailoa. Brewer is, nevertheless, a superb run blocker, possessing the athleticism that makes him superb for Miami’s zone-blocking scheme. Undrafted in 2020 out of Texas State, Brewer should take one other leap ahead in his growth.
Cardinals add OT Jonah Williams
Grade: B
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 87
Working to fortify Kyler Murray’s line, the Cardinals signed Williams away from the Bengals. Williams moved from left deal with to proper deal with final season and began each recreation there for Cincinnati. He presumably will play proper deal with for Arizona as properly after signing a two-year, $30 million deal that options $19 million in assured cash.
Bengals add TE Mike Gesicki
Grade: C
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 88
Cincinnati provides a serviceable piece to the puzzle within the seventh-year veteran, who recorded 29 catches for 244 yards and a landing with New England final season. That was the least-productive season of Gesicki’s profession since his rookie 12 months in 2018. He did report two 700-yard seasons with Miami in 2020 and 2021. However a 362-yard 2022 marketing campaign adopted earlier than he departed for New England. So, which model of the 2018 second-round decide are the Bengals getting? They actually hope for one thing extra intently resembling the 2020/2021 model. However at one-year, $3.25 million, this isn’t a high-risk transfer.
Vikings add QB Sam Darnold
Grade: C
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 89
After shedding Kirk Cousins to the Falcons, the Vikings are rolling the cube with Darnold, the third decide of the 2018 draft. Darnold failed miserably with the Jets and Panthers, however the Vikings are hoping {that a} season on the sidelines and classroom with Kyle Shanahan has turned the turnover-prone USC product (Darnold has thrown 63 touchdowns and 56 interceptions whereas fumbling 38 occasions) right into a extra essentially sound participant and decision-maker.
Darnold acquired a one-year deal price $10 million, so it’s a low-risk dedication for the Vikings. And Darnold will acknowledge massive parts of Minnesota’s offense as a result of coach Kevin O’Connell is a disciple of Sean McVay, who’s a disciple of Shanahan. However this nonetheless feels just like the Vikings, who may need made the playoffs for a second straight season if not for Cousins’ season-ending Achilles tear and poor depth at quarterback, are taking a raffle when different choices had included Jacoby Brissett (now with the Patriots), Gardner Minshew (joined the Raiders) and Ryan Tannehill (nonetheless out there).
Seahawks add S Rayshawn Jenkins
Grade: C
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 90
On the lookout for assist in the secondary after releasing Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs, Seattle reached a two-year, $12 million contract with Jenkins, an eighth-year veteran who spent the final three years with Jacksonville. Jenkins is greatest suited in man protection and is a half-beat sluggish to react in zone protection, in line with Mueller’s scouting report. New Seattle coach Mike Macdonald acquired lots out of a patchwork secondary in Baltimore, so it’ll be attention-grabbing to see how he does with Jenkins, who’s coming off back-to-back 100-tackle seasons.
Chiefs add TE Irv Smith Jr.
Grade: C
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 91
Intriguing signing by the Chiefs. The 2019 second-round decide by the Vikings has spent the final two seasons in Cincinnati however hasn’t had a prolific position, recording a mixed 18 catches for 115 yards and a landing in 12 video games (six begins). His greatest season got here in 2020 when he had 30 catches for 364 yards and 5 touchdowns. Smith is athletic and versatile sufficient to function a run blocker or line up within the slot or cut up out vast. However he hasn’t flashed sufficient to offer purpose to imagine that he could have a big sufficient position to ease strain on Travis Kelce.
Texans add LB Azeez Al-Shaair
Grade: B-plus
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 92
DeMeco Ryans pulls off one other reunion with one among his former 49ers costs. Al-Shaair, who served as a rotational linebacker in San Francisco and left for Tennessee final season, is headed to Houston on a three-year, $34 million contract. Al-Shaair recorded 163 tackles, two sacks, 4 go breakups and a fumble restoration for Tennessee and now joins the AFC South rival Texans and Ryans, who need to defend their divisional title.
Titans add RB Tony Pollard
Grade: B-minus
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 93
It appeared extremely possible that Derrick Henry can be transferring on from Tennessee, and now that’s basically a surety. The Titans agreed to phrases on a three-year, $24 million take care of Pollard, the previous Cowboys working again. The 26-year-old Pollard isn’t as completed as Henry. He has two 1,000-yard seasons to his identify in comparison with Henry’s 5 (together with Henry’s 2,000-yard 2020 marketing campaign). However Pollard is three years youthful and has 1,268 fewer carries, which means he may have longevity on his facet.
Pollard’s first season as a characteristic again got here in 2023, after he cut up time with Ezekiel Elliott to begin his profession in Dallas. However he proved versatile as a runner and pass-catcher out of the backfield. Pollard lacks the ability of Henry, however the Titans apparently are in search of a distinct model of working again to help younger quarterback Will Levis. Pollard additionally is probably going a less expensive different to Henry, who possible seeks a rise on final 12 months’s earnings of $10.5 million.
Jets add QB Tyrod Taylor
Grade: A
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 94
Decided to not make the identical mistake they did final 12 months by neglecting to signal a confirmed backup to Aaron Rodgers, the Jets added the well-traveled Taylor. The 34-year-old QB possesses all the expertise and smarts essential to enter a recreation on quick discover and maintain his workforce afloat. He can also man the helm as an efficient interim starter, one thing Zack Wilson, who’s on his method out, couldn’t do final 12 months.
Commanders add LB Bobby Wagner
Grade: A
Randy Mueller’ Prime 150 rating: No. 95
As he seems to instill a brand new tradition and set up a brand new protection, head coach Dan Quinn is reaching into his previous, bringing his former Seahawks star to Washington with him. Wagner, a nine-time Professional Bowl linebacker and six-time All-Professional choice, agreed to a one-year contract price $8.5 million, together with $6 million assured. A bodily playmaker and vocal chief, the 33-year-old Wagner led the NFL with 183 tackles final season.
Giants add RB Devin Singletary
Grade: C
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 97
Seeking to fill the void left by Saquon Barkley’s departure for Philadelphia, the Giants add Singletary, who rushed for a career-high 898 yards on 216 carries final season whereas with Houston. Singletary is regular, however he’s not on Barkley’s stage by way of explosiveness, and won’t command the eye from defenses that may ease strain on Daniel Jones.
Jaguars add S Darnell Savage
Grade: C
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 98
The Jaguars get a sixth-year professional who actually has playmaking potential, but in addition lacks the consistency essential to go from borderline strong to nice. Savage recorded 4 interceptions and 75 tackles as a second-year professional in 2020, however his manufacturing has declined ever since.
Patriots reunite with QB Jacoby Brissett
Grade: A
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 114
On the lookout for a contemporary begin at quarterback as they kick off the Jerod Mayo period, the Patriots are bringing again a well-known face in Brissett, whom New England drafted within the 2016 third spherical. Brissett agreed to a one-year $8 million take care of a possible $4 million extra in incentives.
Brissett is the right bridge for the Patriots, who maintain the third decide and will use that on a quarterback. He has performed in a wide range of programs, is sturdy and possesses robust management expertise.
Raiders add QB Gardner Minshew
Grade: B
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 120
After stepping in for an injured Anthony Richardson, conserving the Colts afloat and serving to lead them on a shock playoff hunt, Minshew lands in Las Vegas, the place he’ll have an opportunity to begin because the franchise begins a brand new period in earnest.
Minshew went 7-6 as a starter final season and threw 15 landing passes and 9 interceptions. He’ll compete with Aidan O’Connell, who went 5-5 as a starter final season with 12 landing passes and 7 interceptions. Minshew has confirmed he could make performs and win video games on this league. However on the very least, the Raiders get a high quality backup with beginning expertise.
Colts add QB Joe Flacco
Grade: B
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 128
With final 12 months’s prized first-round decide Anthony Richardson getting back from season-ending shoulder surgical procedure, and Gardner Minshew now with the Raiders, the Colts wanted a dependable veteran. Enter Flacco, who got here off the sofa final season and led the Browns on an unbelievable playoff hunt. The 39-year-old Flacco agreed to a one-year take care of the Colts price as much as $8.7 million with $4.5 million assured. Many of the high quality backups – and a few shaky backups – agreed to offers throughout the first two days of the authorized tampering window opening. The Colts selected Flacco, who went 4-1 as a starter final 12 months, over Ryan Tannehill (the opposite unsigned veteran with vital beginning expertise, who’s youthful however comparable and didn’t play in addition to Flacco final season) and Tyler Huntley, a profession backup.
Browns add QB Jameis Winston
Grade: C
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 131
Final season confirmed why the Browns want a veteran, starter-capable backup to Deshaun Watson. Winston, who spent the final 4 seasons in New Orleans and went 6-4 as a starter whereas showing in 21 video games, actually can step in and sling the rock across the yard. He’ll additionally match properly into any locker room. Winston, nevertheless, stays a roller-coaster at quarterback. If he’s referred to as upon to offer the identical stabilizing pressure and effectiveness Joe Flacco offered throughout final season’s playoff run, the Browns could wind up disillusioned.
Giants add QB Drew Lock
Grade: B
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: 140
Daniel Jones’ days as Giants starter could possibly be numbered after a 2023 marketing campaign marked first by poor play after which a season-ending ACL tear. Jones is predicted to make a full restoration, however he could return to competitors from Lock — the 2019 second-round decide shipped by Denver to Seattle as a part of the Russell Wilson commerce. Lock has spent the final two seasons as Geno Smith’s backup. He went 1-1 instead of an injured Smith this previous season and threw three landing passes and three interceptions. If Lock has developed whereas studying behind Smith, and if he can lower down on the turnovers, he could possibly be an possibility for Brian Daboll and the Giants.
Commanders add QB Marcus Mariota
Grade: C
Randy Mueller’s Prime 150 rating: No. 144
It’s a superb transfer in that Mariota will present a much-needed veteran presence and mentorship to whomever Washington drafts with the No. 2 decide. It’s a shaky transfer if the Commanders anticipate far more than that out of Mariota, who went 5-8 in his final stint as a starter (Atlanta, 2022) whereas throwing for simply 2,219 yards and 15 touchdowns together with 9 interceptions.
Unranked additions
Rams add QB Jimmy Garoppolo
Grade: B
The previous 49ers starter will miss the primary two video games of the season for violating the league’s coverage on performance-enhancing medication. Nonetheless, this transfer makes loads of sense for the Rams. Garoppolo performed underneath Sean McVay mentor Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco, so he ought to have the ability to make a seamless transition to L.A.’s offense, despite the fact that there are some variations. The acquisition offers the Rams a quarterback with Tremendous Bowl expertise to again up Matthew Stafford, who’s 36 and has missed a mixed 10 video games the final two seasons.
Titans add QB Mason Rudolph
Grade: B
In want of a veteran insurance coverage coverage for the younger Will Levis, the Titans acquired former Steelers third-round decide Mason Rudolph on a one-year, $3.62 million deal. A seventh-year professional, Rudolph has began 13 of his 21 NFL video games. That features the ultimate 4 video games of the 2023 season, of which he received the final three. He had three landing passes and no interceptions in these three wins. The Titans plan for Levis — their 2023 second-round decide — to enter the season as their starter, however have elected to not re-sign Ryan Tannehill. Malik Willis, a third-year professional, is the one different quarterback on the roster.
Jaguars add DL Arik Armstead
Grade: B
A late lower this offseason after refusing to take a pay lower from the 49ers, Armstead finds a house and a brand new three-year, $51 million deal. Armstead was as a result of depend roughly $18 million in opposition to San Francisco’s cap. He finds a well-known face in Jacksonville as GM Trent Baalke drafted him with the Niners in 2015. This previous season, Armstead was restricted to 12 video games by varied accidents and deliberate to have surgical procedure to restore a torn meniscus this offseason. If wholesome, he offers the Jaguars a disruptive pressure within the trenches and a veteran presence on the protection.
Vikings add RB Aaron Jones
Grade: B-minus
Minnesota wanted a working again after releasing Alexander Mattison, final 12 months’s main rusher. Jones wanted a house after the Packers launched him upon signing Josh Jacobs. And so, the 2 former rivals will workforce up in hopes of blocking Inexperienced Bay from the NFC North. Jones has gone from fifth-round decide (2017) to Professional Bowl rusher (2000) with three 1,000-yard seasons to his identify, and he ought to match properly in Minnesota’s system, as a result of it’s similar to Inexperienced Bay’s. The primary query: Can Jones keep wholesome? A hamstring pressure restricted him to simply 11 video games, 656 yards and two touchdowns final season, and he turns 30 this season. However at one 12 months, $7 million, he comes at an inexpensive worth.
Colts re-sign DB Kenny Moore II
Grade: A
In a transfer that displays the evolution of the sport and significance of depth at defensive again due to how closely groups depend on the go, the Colts have re-signed Moore to a three-year, $30 million contract that makes him the highest-paid nickel nook NFL historical past. The Professional Bowl again has averaged 2.4 interceptions and seven.8 go breakups per season.
Saints add QB Nathan Peterman
Grade: D
After shedding Jameis Winston to the Browns, the Saints sought a veteran backup and settled on Peterman. There’s a big drop-off from Winston, who for his nine-year profession has handed for 22,104 yards, 141 touchdowns and 99 interceptions, to Peterman, nevertheless. Peterman, a seventh-year professional, has thrown 4 landing passes and 13 interceptions in 15 appearances (5 begins) and owns a 1-4 report as a starter. The Saints’ quarterback depth chart at the moment consists of starter Derek Carr, Taysom Hill, who splits time between quarterback, tight finish and working again and receiver, Peterman and second-year professional Jake Haener.
(Prime photograph of Tyron Smith: Cooper Neill / Getty Photos)