The Best Signings of NFL Free Agency
The NFL’s free agency period has been nothing short of explosive, with teams making bold moves to bolster their rosters for the upcoming season. Among the standout signings, the Los Angeles Rams’ addition of wide receiver Davante Adams on a two-year deal stands out as one of the most impactful. Adams, a three-time All-Pro, brings a wealth of experience and talent to a Rams offense that already boasts promising young receivers like Puka Nacua and Tutu Atwell. His ability to play alongside a variety of skill sets should create mismatches for opposing defenses, especially with head coach Sean McVay at the helm to maximize his potential.
Another savvy move came from the Minnesota Vikings, who reinforced their offensive line by signing center Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries. This was a much-needed upgrade for a team that saw its offense falter under pass-rush pressure last season. With these additions, the Vikings hope to protect their young quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, and build stability up front. The move not only strengthens their offensive line but also complements their existing roster, which already includes defensive stars like Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. This signing could be a game-changer if McCarthy thrives in his first full season as a starter.
The Biggest Head-Scratching Signings
Not every move this free agency has been met with applause. One of the most puzzling decisions came from the Indianapolis Colts, who signed quarterback Daniel Jones to a lucrative deal. Despite his inconsistencies and a career quarterback rating that ranks near the bottom of the league, the Colts opted for Jones over other options, raising eyebrows across the NFL. The move seems like a safer, short-term solution, but critics argue it doesn’t address the team’s long-term needs at the position.
Another questionable decision has been the Cincinnati Bengals’ handling of their star players. The team franchise-tagged wide receiver Tee Higgins for the second straight year, sparking trade rumors and potential discontent. Meanwhile, defensive end Trey Hendrickson has been given permission to seek a trade, and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase is still negotiating a new deal. This turmoil has fans worried that the Bengals are alienating their top talent around quarterback Joe Burrow, who has publicly called on management to retain the team’s key players. The Bengals’ inability to secure long-term deals with their stars could have serious repercussions on their competitiveness.
The Most Improved Teams from Free Agency
The New England Patriots have been one of the most active teams in free agency, breaking from their traditional draft-focused approach to splurge on talent. Their biggest signing, defensive tackle Milton Williams, will anchor their defensive line under new head coach Mike Vrabel. The Patriots also added much-needed offensive line help with Morgan Moses and bolstered their linebacker corps with Robert Spillane and Harold Landry. These moves, combined with the promising play of second-year quarterback Drake Maye, have given the team a reason to believe its window for contention is open. However, questions remain about whether the Patriots will surround Maye with enough firepower at receiver to truly compete.
While the Patriots’ spending spree has been notable, it’s worth remembering that their previous big splurge in 2021 yielded underwhelming results. This time, the hope is that familiarity and playoff-tested talent will make the difference. If Maye continues to develop and the new additions gel, the Patriots could be a dark horse in the AFC.
Teams with Work Left to Do
Several teams still have significant work to do to address their rosters before the season kicks off. The Cincinnati Bengals, as mentioned earlier, need to resolve their issues with Higgins, Hendrickson, and Chase. With Burrow’s public pressure on management, the Bengals must decide whether they’re willing to spend to keep their core intact. If they fail to do so, they risk undermining their chances of building on last season’s success.
The Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks are also under scrutiny for their lack of activity despite having cap space. The Cowboys restructured contracts to free up money but haven’t made any major signings, leaving fans wondering if they’ll remain a contender in the NFC. Meanwhile, the Seahawks traded away their two best offensive weapons—wide receiver DK Metcalf and quarterback Geno Smith—and replaced them with less proven players like quarterback Sam Darnold. While the Seahawks seem to be in the early stages of a rebuild, it remains to be seen how they’ll use the flexibility they’ve gained.
The Biggest Remaining Questions in Free Agency
One of the most pressing questions heading into the rest of free agency is how the San Francisco 49ers will build around quarterback Brock Purdy after his expected lucrative extension. For the past three seasons, the 49ers have enjoyed the luxury of having a talented quarterback on a rookie deal, but Purdy’s impending payday will change that dynamic. To remain competitive, the team must surround him with enough talent, but they’ve already parted ways with key players like Deebo Samuel, Charvarius Ward, and Talanoa Hufanga to clear cap space. The question now is whether the 49ers can replenish their roster with players who can help Purdy elevate the team back to Super Bowl contention.
Another lingering question is where veteran quarterback Russell Wilson will land. After a solid season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Wilson is still on the market, and his ability to elevate a team’s offense could make him a valuable addition for a playoff hopeful. While Wilson may no longer be the elite quarterback he once was, he could still serve as a steady, experienced presence for a team looking to make a deep postseason run. Whether he ends up back in Pittsburgh or with another contender remains to be seen, but his signing could be one of the most impactful moves of the offseason.
In conclusion, this year’s NFL free agency has been a mix of shrewd signings, head-scratching decisions, and lingering questions that will shape the league’s landscape for years to come. As teams continue to refine their rosters, the real winners and losers of this free agency period will become clearer as the season unfolds.
