We’re finally here! The first week of NFL free agency, a time that always feels like a mix of Christmas morning and Black Friday chaos, has arrived. Some teams land shiny new toys, while others hand out questionable contracts like they’re Oprah giving away cars. So, what did your team do? Let’s dive into the excitement and break down some of the biggest moves so far…
Patriots Hit the Reset Button
Mike Vrabel arrives to change the culture in New England.
The New England Patriots, fresh off a very forgettable season, are strategically hitting the reset button under the new leadership of head coach Mike Vrabel. They bid farewell to several veteran leaders, including center David Andrews, corner Jonathan Jones, and defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. But fear not, they’re replacing them with players who bring a new level of toughness and leadership—like cornerback Carlton Davis III, d-lineman Milton Williams, and linebacker Robert Spillane. This uncharacteristic spending for New England shows that team owner Robert Kraft is not afraid to invest in a strong and experienced culture, reminiscent of the one that led them to success under the legendary Bill Belichick.
Seahawks Load Up with Stars
QB Sam Darnold dons his new Seahawk threads.
Seattle’s another team that wasn’t afraid to make some bold moves, landing Cooper Kupp (yes, former triple crown winner, OPOY, and Super Bowl champion Cooper Kupp) and pass-rusher Demarcus Lawrence to bolster their squad. Oh, and they also signed quarterback Sam Darnold to replace Geno Smith, giving Darnold yet another shot at proving he’s more than just a journeyman after a surprisingly successful season in Minnesota. The Seahawks’ fearless approach to free agency is definitely one to watch.
Jets Bring in Proven Talent
Could Justin Fields be the answer at QB?
New York made a sneaky-good move by signing defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi, a guy who’s won three Super Bowls with the Chiefs. He’s durable, experienced, and he’ll pair up with Quinnen Williams to create one scary defensive front. Gang Green also made a surprising splash by securing former Bears/Steelers QB Justin Fields to lead them past the failed Aaron Rodgers era. Fields reunites with flashy young receiver and former Ohio State teammate to see if they can finally be the ones to lead the Jets to playoff success.
Bills Bet on a Healthy Joey Bosa
Joey Bosa looks to prove he’s not done in this league yet.
The Buffalo Bills made one of the riskiest moves of the offseason: rolling the dice on Joey Bosa, signing him to a one-year, $12.6 million deal. When he’s healthy, the elder Bosa brother is a nightmare for quarterbacks. When he’s healthy. That’s the big question. If he stays on the field, this could be a game-changing move. If not, well… Bills fans will have to hope Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller finds the fountain of youth.
Broncos Give Bo Nix a Security Blanket
Can Bo Nix take the next steps after a promising first season?
Denver signed tight end Evan Engram to a two-year, $23 million deal, which means flashy QB Bo Nix has a new reliable target. Engram’s a great weapon when he’s on, but he’s had his ups and downs through tenures with the Giants and Jaguars. Let’s see if experienced coach Sean Payton can unlock his full potential.
Tennessee Titans: Protecting… Someone?
Could Will Levis’s time in Tennesee be complete?
The Titans made two massive moves to upgrade their offensive line, signing veteran tackle Dan Moore Jr. and guard Kevin Zeitler. Great signings, but who exactly are they protecting? The Titans could be rolling with second-year QB Will Levis, or they might be gearing up to draft a new signal-caller in a star-studded draft class. Either way, keeping their quarterback upright is priority No. 1.
Cardinals Get a Pass Rusher
Josh Sweat gets a fresh start in AZ.
Arizona beefed up their defense with star Eagles rusher Josh Sweat, giving him a four-year, $76.4 million deal with $41 million guaranteed. The Cardinals need a lot of help in a lot of areas, and Sweat, a man who dominated this past Super Bowl to the tune of hearing his name chanted for MVP, should provide a much-needed boost to their pass rush. Hopefully, it’s money well spent.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, some of the biggest moves from the first week of free agency. Some teams made brilliant signings, while others took some serious risks. But that’s what makes free agency fun! Let’s see which moves pay off and which have fans screaming at their TVs by midseason.
