Best Free Agents Available: QBs | RBs | WRs | Defense
Grading 75 Key Free Agent Signings
Lions sign CB D.J. Reed (3 years, $48M)
Grade: A+ — The Lions secure the top corner and defensive player on the market for a bargain price, improving significantly from Carlton Davis.
Colts sign CB Charvarius Ward (3 years, $60M)
Grade: A — With ample cap space, the Colts address their most pressing need, securing a top-tier cornerback and defensive leader.
Chargers re-sign EDGE Khalil Mack (1 year, $18M)
Grade: A — The Chargers made the right call keeping Mack, a future Hall of Famer, to continue his high-level play well into his 30s.
Cardinals sign EDGE Josh Sweat (3 years, $76.5M)
Grade: A — The Super Bowl pass-rushing hero heads to Arizona to reunite with former Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, fortifying a major weakness.
Eagles re-sign LB Zack Baun (3 years, $51M, $34M guaranteed)
Grade: A — Philadelphia locks in a breakout defensive star with a significant raise, ensuring stability in their pass defense under Vic Fangio.
Patriots sign EDGE Harold Landry (3 years, $43.5M)
Grade: A — Landry reuniting with former Titans coach Mike Vrabel addresses a crucial need for a pass rush in New England, promising continued productivity.
Giants sign S Jevon Holland (3 years, $45M)
Grade: A+ — New York secures excellent value with Holland, a substantial upgrade in run defense and coverage compared to Xavier McKinney.
Buccaneers re-sign WR Chris Godwin (3 years, $66M)
Grade: A- — Despite potential changes in their passing game, the Bucs retain Godwin at a fair price, ensuring continuity with Mike Evans and Jalen McMillman for Baker Mayfield.
Vikings sign G Will Fries (5 years, $88M)
Grade: A — Fries adds depth to Minnesota’s interior offensive line, enhancing their run blocking with an underrated but solid addition.
Titans sign G Kevin Zeitler (1 year, $9M)
Grade: A — Zeitler, an elite journeyman blocker, brings consistency to Tennessee’s offensive line at a bargain price.
Ravens re-sign OT Ronnie Stanley (3 years, $60M)
Grade: A — Keeping their starting left tackle intact after a healthy season ensures stability for Lamar Jackson at a reasonable cost.
Patriots sign CB Carlton Davis (3 years, $60M, $34.5M guaranteed)
Grade: A — A smart move for the Patriots’ rebuilding secondary, Davis adds experience and coverage ability.
Broncos sign LB Dre Greenlaw (3 years, $35M)
Grade: B+ — Greenlaw remains a versatile, well-rounded playmaker, providing a steady presence for the Broncos.
Seahawks sign QB Sam Darnold (3 years, $100.5M, $55M guaranteed)
Grade: D — Sam is great. But this deal feels like a lateral move for Seattle, especially after moving on from Geno Smith. A pricey and questionable decision for a bridge QB.
More Key Signings
Rams sign WR Davante Adams (2 years, $46M)
Grade: A — The Rams make a strategic move, bringing in Adams to complement Puka Nacua and solidify their passing game with Matthew Stafford.
Ravens sign WR DeAndre Hopkins (1 year, $5M)
Grade: A — Hopkins adds a proven veteran presence to the Ravens’ receiving corps at an excellent price, complementing their offensive scheme.
Bears sign C Drew Dalman (3 years, $42M)
Grade: A+ — Chicago continues to overhaul its offensive line with Dalman, a smart acquisition to protect Caleb Williams and improve run blocking.
Vikings re-sign RB Aaron Jones (2 years, $20M)
Grade: A — Jones is a perfect fit for Kevin O’Connell’s offense, and his re-signing fills a key role for Minnesota.
Ravens re-sign OT Ronnie Stanley (3 years, $60M)
Grade: A — Keeping Stanley ensures consistency and protects Lamar Jackson’s blindside at a fair price.
Notable Trades
Steelers trade 2nd round pick to Seahawks for WR DK Metcalf
Grade: A — A massive win for Pittsburgh, adding a premier playmaker to their offense and pairing him with George Pickens to revamp their passing attack.
Raiders trade 3rd round pick to Seahawks for QB Geno Smith
Grade: B — A sensible move for the Raiders to bring in Smith as a bridge QB, but they’ll need to find a long-term solution soon.
Commanders trade 5th round pick to 49ers for WR Deebo Samuel
Grade: A — Washington makes a smart, low-risk trade to acquire a versatile weapon in Samuel, who should elevate their offense.
Commanders trade multiple draft picks to Texans for OT Laremy Tunsil
Grade: A+ — A stellar move for Washington, acquiring a top-tier left tackle to protect their young QB while only giving up reasonable draft picks.
Bears trade 4th round pick to Chiefs for G Joe Thuney
Grade: A — A savvy move by Chicago to bolster their interior line, bringing in a seasoned veteran to aid in the development of Caleb Williams.
Texans trade 7th round pick to Jaguars for WR Christian Kirk
Grade: C — A low-cost addition, but Kirk’s injury history and limited impact make this a risky move for Houston.
Browns trade QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson and 5th round pick to Eagles for QB Kenny Pickett
Grade: B — Pickett provides the Browns with a potential reclamation project to add depth at QB.
Pittsburgh Steelers sign Darius Slay former Eagle veteran cornerback. Grade: A- — The Steelers made a savvy move by signing Slay. At age 34, Slay remains one of the league’s premier cornerbacks, as evidenced by his Pro Bowl selections in recent years and his elite 2024 metrics, including a 51.7% catch rate allowed and 17 forced incompletions (tied for the NFL lead). His experience and leadership will elevate Pittsburgh’s secondary, especially alongside young talents like Joey Porter Jr. However, his age and potential for decline slightly temper the grade.
Franchise Tagged Players
Trey Smith, G, Chiefs ($23.4M)
Grade: A — Kansas City makes the right choice to keep Smith, securing their interior line with one of the league’s top young guards.
Tee Higgins, WR, Bengals ($26.2M)
Grade: B+ — The Bengals wisely tag Higgins, giving them more time to work out a long-term deal while also planning an extension for Ja’Marr Chase. So long as they get the longer term deal done!