With the first day of the NFL’s legal tampering period in the books, here’s a look at the winners and losers so far. Several prominent players secured lucrative contracts and a handful relocated through trades. While the official confirmation of signings and trades is slated for 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, the league is already abuzz with activity.
2024 NFL Free Agency Winners
Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins has been quarterbacking in the NFL for years and people have always doubted him. Teams didn’t give him long-term deals, fans called for upgrades. But now, Cousins is signing with the Atlanta Falcons on a four-year contract worth $180 million with $100 million guaranteed. This massive signing is more money than anyone would have projected Cousins to get just a few years ago.
Cousins is older, but he’s an adaptable quarterback, ready to seamlessly integrate into Atlanta’s lineup and help the Falcons to contention for an NFC South title. He continues to hover around the edge of the top 10 players in his position, with a younger roster around him looking for leadership. Add the fact the Falcons are signing Bears WR Darnell Mooney and now Cousins has a key playmaker. Mooney gets a three-year, $39M deal with $26M fully guaranteed. He was one of the top wide receivers available.
NFL Offensive Guards
Offensive guards have been getting massive contracts to start free agency. Robert Hunt signed with the Carolina Panthers for $20 million per season. Mike Onwenu signed with the New England Patriots for $19 million per season. Jonah Jackson signed with the Los Angeles Rams for $17 million per season. These average values are quite high, but these guys have earned it. So many teams have seen quarterback injuries derail their seasons, and are now investing in the offensive line.
Maxx Crosby
How did a player under contract win free agency? His team, the Las Vegas Raiders made a huge signing. The team signed defensive tackle Christian Wilkins to a massive four-year, $110 million contract. Wilkins will play on the interior of the line, eating up double teams from the offense. When this happens, it will free up space for Crosby to continue to dominate. Crosby has been one of the best edge rushers in the NFL over the past few seasons and is getting an addition to his team that will only increase his production.
NFL Free Agency Day 1 Losers
Minnesota Vikings
It’s no secret the Vikings wanted to keep Kirk Cousins as their quarterback. They failed to do so as he signed with the Atlanta Falcons. This puts the Vikings in a difficult position when trying to extend star wide receiver Justin Jefferson. How can they convince him to stay without having a solid quarterback to throw him the ball?
Tyjae Spears
Many hoped that Spears would take over the role that Derrick Henry had before his contract ran out, but that isn’t happening. The Tennessee Titans signed former Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard to a three-year, $24 million contract. Pollard’s been a productive back for a few years and will limit Spears’ potential workload for the future.
Trevor Lawrence
Lawrence was deemed an all-time prospect when he entered the league as the first overall pick in 2021. What he hasn’t had are adequate weapons to throw to. The Jacksonville Jaguars are losing their number one option in Calvin Ridley and to replace him they signed Gabriel Davis to 3 years at $39 million. Davis is a fine receiver, but he isn’t a difference-maker. Lawrence has several complimentary options to throw to, but the Jaguars haven’t given him a true number-one receiving threat.
Next: Chicago Bears Sign Running Back, But Not the One You Expected
