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You can access all individual NFL Free Agent Signing Grades via the link. Overall NFL Free Agent Team Grades will be posted below.
2024 NFL Free Agent Team Grades: NFC East
Dallas Cowboys: F
Acquired: LB Eric Kendricks.
Lost: RB Tony Pollard, WR Michael Gallup, OT Tyron Smith, C Tyler Biadasz, DE Dorance Armstrong, DE Dante Fowler, DT Johnathan Hankins, LB Leighton Vander Esch, CB Stephon Gilmore, S Jayron Kearse.
The Cowboys were considered by many to be the team to challenge the 49ers in the NFC, but were bounced in the first round by the Packers in blowout fashion. They were expected to add some pieces to make sure that wouldn’t happen again, but all they did in free agency was sign Eric Kendricks to replace the retired Leighton Vander Esch. Dallas also lost two valuable starting offensive linemen, which will be detrimental for Dak Prescott in 2024.
Given this, the Cowboys have to receive a failing grade for what they did – or rather didn’t do – in free agency.
New York Giants: D
Acquired: QB Drew Lock, RB Devin Singletary, WR Isaiah McKenzie, OT Jermaine Eluemunor, G Jon Runyan, G Aaron Stinnie, DE Brian Burns, S Jalen Mills.
Lost: QB Tyrod Taylor, RB Saquon Barkley, WR Parris Campbell, DT A’Shawn Robinson, OLB Isaiah Simmons, S Xavier McKinney.
The Giants were tasked with improving the offensive line and receiving corps entering this offseason. While they added three new blockers, none of them are particularly good, so the blocking won’t be much better in 2024 unless changes are made via the NFL Draft. The receiving corps, meanwhile, was untouched.
Brian Burns was at least added to strengthen the pass rush, but Saquon Barkley’s absence will be felt on the other side of the ball. Aside from the Burns trade, this was an extremely disappointing free agency period for the Giants.
Philadelphia Eagles: A
Acquired: QB Kenny Pickett, RB Saquon Barkley, WR DeVante Parker, WR Parris Campbell, G Matt Hennessy, NT P.J. Mustipher, OLB Bryce Huff, LB Devin White, LB Oren Burks, LB Zack Baun, CB/S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson.
Lost: QB Marcus Mariota, RB D’Andre Swift, RB Rashaad Penny, WR Olamide Zaccheaus, G Sua Opeta, C Jason Kelce, DE Haason Reddick, DT Fletcher Cox, LB Nicholas Morrow, LB Zach Cunningham, LB Shaq Leonard, S Kevin Byard, S Justin Evans.
The Eagles have enjoyed a terrific offseason, and when factoring in how Dallas has done nothing, it’s clear that Philadelphia is the class of the NFC East. Adding Saquon Barkley was huge, and it will take the already-explosive offense to another level. The defense also had to be addressed, and Philadelphia did that by signing Devin White and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. More than two players were needed, but new coordinator Vic Fangio will get more out of the returning talent than the previous coordinator did.
This offseason definitely deserves an “A” grade. I would have given the Eagles an A+ had they signed one more talented cornerback, but there’s little doubt that they put themselves back in Super Bowl contention by what they’ve done this spring.
Washington Redskins: B+
Acquired: QB Marcus Mariota, RB Austin Ekeler, WR Olamide Zaccheaus, TE Zach Ertz, G Nick Allegretti, C Tyler Biadasz, DE Dorance Armstrong, DE Clelin Ferrell, DE Dante Fowler, LB Bobby Wagner, LB Frankie Luvu, CB Michael Davis, S Jeremy Chinn, K Brandon McManus.
Lost: QB Jacoby Brissett, QB Sam Howell, RB Antonio Gibson, WR Curtis Samuel, TE Logan Thomas, OT Charles Leno, G Saahdiq Charles, C Nick Gates, DE Casey Toohill, DE James Smith-Williams, LB Cody Baron, CB Kendall Fuller, S Kamren Curl, K Joey Slye.
It’s weird to see the Redskins be awarded a positive grade in free agency. After all, their previous owner, Daniel Snyder, had a horrible habit of overpaying washed-up veterans on past production.
This current regime handled things differently. They added some upgrades to the offensive line in Tyler Biadasz and Nick Allegretti, while some of the defensive players they added have major potential, like Dorance Armstrong and Frankie Luvu. Washington obtained some veterans as well, but Austin Ekeler and Bobby Wagner were signed to reasonable deals.
These are all positives for Washington. I would have liked to have seen a tackle added to replace Charles Leno, and perhaps another cornerback, but the Redskins did a very good job overall.
2024 NFL Free Agent Team Grades: AFC East
Buffalo Bills: D
Acquired: QB Mitchell Trubisky, WR Curtis Samuel, WR Mack Hollins, OT La’el Collins, C Will Clapp, DE Casey Toohill, DT Austin Johnson, LB Nicholas Morrow, S Mike Edwards.
Lost: QB Kyle Allen, RB Damien Harris, WR Stefon Diggs, WR Gabe Davis, WR Trent Sherfield, C Mitch Morse, DE Shaq Lawson, DT Linval Joseph, DT Tim Settle, DT Poona Ford, DE/OLB Leonard Floyd, LB Tyrel Dodson, CB Tre’Davious White, CB Dane Jackson, S Micah Hyde, S Jordan Poyer.
Buffalo fans couldn’t have been happy when the team traded Stefon Diggs. The Bills received fair compensation for Diggs, but it was still a blow to their Super Bowl aspirations this season. Curtis Samuel was a nice signing, but he won’t do enough to compensate for the losses of Diggs and Gabe Davis if the receiver Buffalo drafts at No. 28 doesn’t live up to expectations.
Given that the Bills hurt their chances of winning in a season in which they’re considered a top-five team, they can’t be graded favorably at all.
Miami Dolphins: B
Acquired: TE Jonnu Smith, OT Jack Driscoll, C Aaron Brewer, DT Neville Gallimore, DT Benito Jones, DE/OLB Shaq Barrett, LB Jordyn Brooks, LB Anthony Walker, CB Kendall Fuller, CB Siran Neal, S Jordan Poyer.
Lost: WR Cedrick Wilson, G Robert Hunt, C Connor Williams, DE Andrew Van Ginkel, DE Emmanuel Ogbah, DT Christian Wilkins, DT Raekwon Davis, LB Jerome Baker, CB Xavien Howard, CB Eli Apple, S Brandon Jones, S Jerome Baker.
The Dolphins earned an “A” grade for their excellent offseason last year. They didn’t make nearly as much of a splash this spring. I liked that they were able to replenish their linebacking corps with Jordyn Brooks and Anthony Walker. Kendall Fuller was a great addition as well. The offensive line also had to be addressed, and Miami found a new, solid center in Aaron Brewer.
Miami also took a shot with some veterans like Shaq Barrett and Jordan Poyer. Both are on the decline, but there’s a chance at least one of them will play well next year, all while offering some quality locker room leadership.
I’d say the Dolphins did a decent job overall. Again, this free agency haul won’t make as much of an impact, but the Dolphins were able to strengthen their roster a bit.
New England Patriots: F
Acquired: QB Jacoby Brissett, RB Antonio Gibson, WR K.J. Osborn, TE Austin Hooper, OT Chukwuma Okorafor, G Nick Leverett, DT Armon Watts, ILB Sione Takitaki, S Jaylinn Hawkins.
Lost: QB Mac Jones, RB Ezekiel Elliott, TE Mike Gesicki, OT Trent Brown, C James Ferentz, LB Mack Wilson, CB Myles Bryant, CB J.C. Jackson, S Jalen Mills.
The Patriots had huge needs at receiver and offensive line, yet they largely failed to address those areas. The only receiver they signed was K.J. Osborn, who is a frustrating player who makes lots of mistakes. As for the offensive line, all the Patriots did was sign a couple of backup-caliber players.
It seems as though New England will be worse than it was last year. I’d say that could be part of the plan, except the Patriots will be drafting a quarterback No. 3 overall and need to give him as great of a supporting cast as possible.
New York Jets: A-
Acquired: QB Tyrod Taylor, WR Mike Williams, OT Tyron Smith, OT Morgan Moses, G John Simpson, DE Haason Reddick, DT Javon Kinlaw, DT Leki Fotu, CB Isaiah Oliver.
Lost: TE C.J. Uzomah, OT Duane Brown, OT Billy Turner, G Laken Tomlinson, C Connor McGovern, DE Carl Lawson, DE Bryce Huff, DT Quinton Jefferson, S Jordan Whitehead.
The Jets brought in some risky players this offseason, but they should be commended for doing so because it’s all part of their all-in plan with Aaron Rodgers this season. New York has this and perhaps next year with Rodgers, so acquiring players with high ceilings and low floors like Tyron Smith and Mike Williams made sense.
Of course, this could all blow up in the Jets’ face, but if Smith and Williams can remain healthy, the Jets will have given themselves a great shot at the Super Bowl. They should be graded highly for that.
2024 NFL Free Agent Team Grades: NFC North
Chicago Bears: D
Acquired: RB D’Andre Swift, WR Keenan Allen, TE Gerald Everett, OT Jake Curhan, G Matt Pryor, C Ryan Bates, C Coleman Shelton, DE Jacob Martin, S Kevin Byard, S Jonathan Owens.
Lost: QB Justin Fields, RB D’Onta Foreman, WR Darnell Mooney, TE Marcedes Lewis, G Cody Whitehair, C Lucas Patrick, DE Yannick Ngakoue, DT Justin Jones.
I’m so disappointed in the Bears. I loved their chances of winning the Super Bowl heading into the offseason because they finished the 2023 campaign on a hot streak and had tons of cap space entering free agency. And yet, all they did in free agency was sign D’Andre Swift. How discouraging.
I’ll give the Bears credit for trading for Keenan Allen, but there’s a big downside with him. Allen isn’t enough to save Chicago from a poor grade, as the Bears bungled the Justin Fields trade on top of their lackluster signings.
Detroit Lions: A-
Acquired: G Kevin Zeitler, DE Marcus Davenport, DT D.J. Reader, CB Carlton Davis, CB Amik Robertson.
Lost: QB Teddy Bridgewater, WR Josh Reynolds, G Jonah Jackson, DE Romeo Okwara, DE Julian Okwara, CB Cameron Sutton, S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson.
The Lions didn’t make many moves this offseason, but the few signings they pulled off were very impactful. Kevin Zeitler was needed as a replacement for Jonah Jackson, and he could end up being an upgrade. D.J. Reader will be a force in the middle of the defensive line. Carlton Davis and Amik Robertson were obtained to upgrade a struggling secondary.
Detroit also lost some key players, including Jackson, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and Cameron Sutton, so it wasn’t all positive. However, the Lions appear to be better heading into 2024 than they were last year.
Green Bay Packers: C
Acquired: RB Josh Jacobs, S Xavier McKinney, S Greg Joseph.
Lost: RB Aaron Jones, TE Joiah Deguara, OT David Bakhtiari, OT Yosh Nijman, G Jon Runyan, LB D’Vondre Campbell, S Darnell Savage, S Jonathan Owens.
The Packers are not a team that tends to make big splashes in free agency. It happens on occasion, but they usually settle on a few new players. This year, those players were Josh Jacobs and Xavier McKinney.
Both Jacobs and McKinney are very talented players, but I can’t help but think that the Packers overpaid for both, given that running back and safety are positions of low demand and high supply. There were so many great deals made on running backs and safeties, so Green Bay shouldn’t have overpaid. Still, the Packers improved, so I can’t ding them too badly for their overpays.
Minnesota Vikings: C
Acquired: QB Sam Darnold, RB Aaron Jones, WR Trent Sherfield, C Dan Feeney, DT Jerry Tillery, DE/OLB Jonathan Greenard, DE/OLB Andrew Van Ginkel, LB Blake Cashman, LB Kamu Grugier-Hill.
Lost: QB Kirk Cousins, QB Josh Dobbs, RB Alexander Mattison, WR K.J. Osborn, OT David Quessenberry, G Dalton Risner, DE Danielle Hunter, DE D.J. Wonnum, DE Marcus Davenport, DT Dean Lowry, LB Jordan Hicks, LB Troy Dye, K Greg Joseph.
The Vikings lost Kirk Cousins this offseason, so their free agency grade can’t possibly be favorable. It looked like Minnesota had something going during the middle of the 2023 season with the defense improving each week and Cousins playing the best football of his career, but Cousins was lost to an Achilles tear. Cousins had a chance to rebound this year, but will be doing it in Atlanta instead.
I don’t hate what the Vikings did otherwise, but they could have long-term problems if they end up drafting the wrong quarterback at the end of the month.
2024 NFL Free Agent Team Grades: AFC North
Baltimore Ravens: F
Acquired: RB Derrick Henry, OT Josh Jones, LB Chris Board.
Lost: QB Tyler Huntley, RB J.K. Dobbins, RB Gus Edwards, WR Odell Beckham Jr., WR Devin Duvernay, OT Morgan Moses, G Kevin Zeitler, G John Simpson, DE Jadeveon Clowney, DE/OLB Tyus Bowser, LB Patrick Queen, CB Ronald Darby, CB Rock Ya-Sin, S Geno Stone.
What a horrible offseason. Not only did the Ravens not signing anyone of note outside of an aging running back; they lost so many key players, including three starting offensive linemen and a top linebacker. Losing the three blockers, namely Morgan Moses and Kevin Zeitler, will be particularly painful for the team as a whole. The last time Lamar Jackson won MVP, Baltimore had a severely diminished offensive line the ensuing year, and Jackson didn’t perform up to his abilities as a result.
History has a real chance of repeating itself for the Ravens in 2024. I trust Baltimore’s front office to have a plan, but only to an extent. Things could really go south if Baltimore’s blocking replacements don’t do a good job.
Cincinnati Bengals: B
Acquired: RB Zack Moss, TE Mike Gesicki, OT Trent Brown, DT Sheldon Rankins, S Geno Stone, S Vonn Bell.
Lost: RB Joe Mixon, WR Tyler Boyd, TE Irv Smith, OT Jonah Williams, DT D.J. Reader, CB Chidobe Awuzie, S Nick Scott.
The Bengals had a middling offseason. They lost some key players, but were able to find replacements for most of them. For example, Joe Mixon is gone, but Zack Moss was acquired to take his place. Mike Gesicki will replace Irv Smith. Trent Brown will sub in for Jonah Williams. D.J. Reader is gone, but Sheldon Rankins will slot into his role. The only departure who wasn’t replaced was Chidobe Awuzie, and that could be done during the draft.
Cleveland Browns: C
Acquired: QB Jameis Winston, QB Tyler Huntley, RB Nyheim Hines, RB D’Onta Foreman, WR Jerry Jeudy, OT Hakeem Adeniji, DT Quinton Jefferson, LB Jordan Hicks, LB Devin Bush, CB Tony Brown.
Lost: QB Joe Flacco, RB Kareem Hunt, TE Harrison Bryant, C Nick Harris, DT Shelby Harris, DT Jordan Elliott, LB Anthony Walker, LB Sione Takitaki, S Duron Harmon.
Cleveland’s big move this offseason came via a trade. The team acquired Jerry Jeudy to serve as a viable threat across from Amari Cooper. Jeudy has a ton of upside, but he’s mostly been a disappointment in the NFL, so it’s hard to be too excited about the move.
Otherwise, the Browns didn’t do all that much. They lost some talented front-seven players, but didn’t do a great job of replacing them.
Pittsburgh Steelers: B+
Acquired: QB Russell Wilson, QB Justin Fields, QB Kyle Allen, RB Cordarrelle Patterson, WR Van Jefferson, WR Quez Watkins, DT Dean Lowry, LB Patrick Queen, CB Donte Jackson, S DeShon Elliott, P Cameron Johnston.
Lost: QB Kenny Pickett, QB Mason Rudolph, WR Diontae Johnson, C Mason Cole, DT Armon Watts, OLB Markus Golden, LB Kwon Alexander, LB Blake Martinez, CB Levi Wallace, CB Chandon Sullivan, CB James Pierre, S Patrick Peterson, S Keanu Neal.
The Steelers appeared to make a big mistake by signing Russell Wilson, albeit to a very cheap deal. However, they made up for it by stealing Justin Fields away from the Bears for very low compensation. Wilson will be the starter heading into training camp, but it shouldn’t take very long for Fields to overtake him.
There were other positives this offseason. Pittsburgh finally obtained a terrific linebacker in Patrick Queen, satisfying a need that had been present since Ryan Shazier’s devastating injury. The secondary was improved as well. I like what the Steelers did overall, save for the Wilson blunder, which won’t even hurt Pittsburgh financially.
2024 NFL Free Agent Team Grades: NFC South
Atlanta Falcons: A-
Acquired: QB Kirk Cousins, WR Darnell Mooney, WR Rondale Moore, WR Ray-Ray McCloud, TE Charlie Woerner, CB Antonio Hamilton.
Lost: QB Desmond Ridder, RB Cordarrelle Patterson, WR Mack Hollins, WR Van Jefferson, TE Jonnu Smith, TE MyCole Pruitt, DE Calais Campbell, DE Bud Dupree, CB Jeff Okudah.
The Falcons nearly made the playoffs last year despite having the worst season-long quarterbacking in the NFL. Other teams had terrible quarterbacks, but only because of injury. Atlanta had to endure Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke all year, and yet the team nearly took the NFC South.
Atlanta won’t have to worry about terrible quarterbacking any longer, barring injury. Enter Kirk Cousins, who will be able to lead the Falcons on a deep run into the playoffs. Not much else changed for Atlanta, but the team was already loaded in talent, so it did a good job in plugging the enormous hole at quarterback.
Carolina Panthers: B+
Acquired: WR Diontae Johnson, WR David Moore, OT Yosh Nijman, G Damien Lewis, G Robert Hunt, DT A’Shawn Robinson, DE/OLB Jadeveon Clowney, DE/OLB D.J. Wonnum, DE/OLB K’Lavon Chaisson, LB Josey Jewell, CB Dane Jackson, S Jordan Fuller, S Nick Scott.
Lost: WR D.J. Chark, TE Hayden Hurst, DE/OLB Brian Burns, DE/OLB Yetur Gross-Matos, DE/OLB Marquis Haynes, LB Frankie Luvu, LB Kamu Grugier Hill, CB Donte Jackson, CB C.J. Henderson, CB Shaq Griffin, S Jeremy Chinn.
The Panthers were the worst team in the NFL last year, but that doesn’t appear to be the case heading into 2024 in the wake of the moves the team made in free agency. I don’t expect Carolina to compete for a playoff spot this season or anything, but the team did a good job of adding talent to make it more competitive.
The big thing for Carolina was the money it spent on the offensive line, adding two high-priced guards to bolster a very weak interior. The Panthers also traded for Diontae Johnson to give Bryce Young a better threat. Some quality moves were made on defense as well. It wasn’t perfect, but the Panthers did a decent job of improving their roster.
New Orleans Saints: F
Acquired: WR Cedrick Wilson, OT Oli Udoh, DE Chase Young, LB Willie Gay, LB Khaleke Hudson.
Lost: QB Jameis Winston, WR Michael Thomas, TE Jimmy Graham, G Andrus Peat, G Max Garcia, DE Malcolm Roach, OLB Zack Baun, CB Isaac Yiadom, S Marcus Maye, S Lonnie Johnson.
The Saints earn an “F” for the second consecutive offseason. I don’t understand what they are thinking. Rather than blow everything up with a huge fire sale, allowing them to tank for a franchise quarterback, the Saints insist on navigating through cap purgatory with countless 8-9 or 9-8 seasons.
New Orleans didn’t do much this offseason aside from signing Chase Young and Willie Gay. The team should have been focusing on trading all of its valuable assets aside from Chris Olave and a couple others.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: F
Acquired: G Sua Opeta, C Ben Bredeson, DE/OLB Randy Gregory, CB Bryce Hall, CB Tavierre Thomas, S Jordan Whitehead.
Lost: OT Greg Gaines, G Matt Feiler, DE William Gholston, DE/OLB Shaq Barrett, LB Devin White, CB Carlton Davis, S Ryan Neal.
Like the Saints, the Buccaneers needed a hard reset in the wake of losing their franchise quarterback recently. Instead, they insist on mirroring New Orleans’ strategy. A very fluky trip to the second round of the playoffs has given Tampa Bay a false sense of its overall talent level, leading to bizarre moves like re-signing Baker Mayfield and failing to trade Mike Evans. Buccaneers fans may not want to see Evans go, but it would have been in the team’s best interest for the long haul. Instead, Tampa Bay will be condemned to mediocrity for years to come.
2024 NFL Free Agent Team Grades: AFC South
Houston Texans: A-
Acquired: RB Joe Mixon, WR Stefon Diggs, DE Danielle Hunter, DT Folo Fatukasi, DT Denico Autry, DT Mario Edwards, DT Tim Settle, LB Azeez Al-Shaair, CB Jeff Okudah, CB Myles Bryant, CB C.J. Henderson, S Lonnie Johnson, P Tommy Townsend.
Lost: RB Devin Singletary, OT George Fant, OT Josh Jones, C Michael Deiter, DE Jonathan Greenard, DE Jerry Hughes, DT Maliek Collins, DT Sheldon Rankins, DT Hassan Ridgeway, LB Blake Cashman, LB Denzel Perryman, CB Steve Nelson, CB Tavierre Thomas, S Kareem Jackson, S Eric Murray, P Cameron Johnston.
The Texans were full of surprises this offseason. They were initially heavily criticized by many for allowing Jonathan Greenard to walk, but they made up for it by signing Danielle Hunter. They then replaced Devin Singletary with Joe Mixon, but their most shocking move was trading for Stefon Diggs. Houston was already set at receiver, but Diggs’ presence will take the offense to another level.
Houston’s offseason has to be viewed favorably as a result. I was hoping the Texans would add to their offensive line, but they can do that during the draft.
Indianapolis Colts: C+
Acquired: QB Joe Flacco, DT Raekwon Davis.
Lost: QB Gardner Minshew, RB Zack Moss, WR Isaiah McKenzie, DE Jacob Martin.
The Colts barely signed anyone this offseason, but then again, they didn’t really lose anyone either. More importantly, they retained all of their major free agents, namely Michael Pittman Jr. Grover Stewart. It’s nice that Indianapolis is bringing almost everyone back, but the team had to do more in free agency to match the Texans and the Jaguars.
Jacksonville Jaguars: B
Acquired: QB Mac Jones, WR Gabe Davis, WR Devin Duvernay, C Mitch Morse, DT Arik Armstead, OLB Trevis Gipson, CB Ronald Darby, S Darnell Savage, K Joey Slye.
Lost: QB C.J. Beathard, WR Calvin Ridley, G Tyler Shatley, DE K’Lavon Chaisson, DE Dawuane Smoot, CB Darious Williams, S Rayshawn Jenkins.
Jacksonville has struggled through a pair of disappointing offseasons in recent years. Things have improved this spring. The Jaguars made some nice moves to strengthen weak spots on their roster, such as signing Mitch Morse to fill the big void at center, acquiring Arik Armstead to bolster the defensive line, and securing Darnell Savage to get a big upgrade at safety.
I’m not a fan of everything the Jaguars did, namely overpaying for Gabe Davis, but Jacksonville’s team free agency grade will be much higher than it was the past two offseasons.
Tennessee Titans: B
Acquired: QB Mason Rudolph, RB Tony Pollard, WR Calvin Ridley, G Saahdiq Charles, C Lloyd Cushenberry, DT Sebastian Joseph-Day, LB Kenneth Murray, CB L’Jarius Sneed, CB Chidobe Awuzie.
Lost: QB Ryan Tannehill, RB Derrick Henry, WR Nick Westbrook, OT Andre Dillard, OT Chris Hubbard, C Aaron Brewer, DE Denicco Autry, LB Azeez Al-Shaair, CB Sean Murphy-Bunting, CB Kristian Fulton, S Terrell Edmunds.
The Titans had a mixed offseason. Of course, they said goodbye to their long-time running back, as Derrick Henry signed with the Ravens. Tennessee had a natural replacement in Tyjae Spears, yet felt the need to spend big money on Tony Pollard, who is coming off an underwhelming season. Tennessee also signed Calvin Ridley, which an extremely risky move because Ridley has been a troublesome player for both the Falcons and Jaguars.
There were plenty of positive moves, however. One was adding Lloyd Cushenberry to upgrade center. Another was bolstering the cornerback spot, with Tennessee now possessing a stellar duo in L’Jarus Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie. I feel like all of this should average out to a “B” grade.
2024 NFL Free Agent Team Grades: NFC West
Arizona Cardinals: C
Acquired: QB Desmond Ridder, RB DeeJay Dallas, WR Chris Moore, OT Jonah Williams, C Evan Brown, DT Bilal Nichols, DT Justin Jones, DT Khyiris Tonga, LB Mack Wilson, CB Sean Murphy-Bunting.
Lost: WR Marquise Brown, WR Rondale Moore, OT D.J. Humphries, DT Leki Fotu, CB Antonio Hamilton.
The Cardinals made it a point to strengthen the trenches this offseason, with five of the 10 free agents they signed being offensive or defensive linemen. This is understandable, given how weak Arizona was there last year. The blockers they added were quality players, while the defensive linemen seem rather lackluster.
One of the best players Arizona signed was Sean Murphy-Bunting, who will help the secondary. However, he wasn’t nearly enough to cure the Cardinals’ woes in the defensive backfield. This free agency haul for Arizona feels incomplete as a whole. It’s not bad, but it’s just underwhelming.
Los Angeles Rams: B
Acquired: TE Colby Parkinson, G Jonah Jackson, CB Tre’Davious White, CB Darious Williams, S Kamren Curl.
Lost: QB Carson Wentz, C Brian Allen, DT Aaron Donald, DT Larrell Murchison, LB Troy Reeder, CB Ahkello Witherspoon, CB Duke Shelley, S John Johnson.
The Rams didn’t sign a single free agent last year, so this offseason is automatically better than the previous one. It’s superior, and not just by default. I love what the Rams did in the secondary, acquiring two cornerbacks with upside in Tre’Davious White and Darious Williams, as well as the solid Kamren Curl. Jonah Jackson was also a nice upgrade for the offensive line.
Unfortunately for the Rams, it wasn’t all positive. The team lost Aaron Donald to retirement, which really crushes their Super Bowl aspirations.
San Francisco 49ers: A-
Acquired: QB Josh Dobbs, OT Brandon Parker, DE Leonard Floyd, DE Yetur Gross-Matos, DT Maliek Collins, DT Jordan Elliott, LB De’Vondre Campbell, CB Isaac Yiadom.
Lost: QB Sam Darnold, TE Charlie Woerner, OT Matt Pryor, DE Chase Young, DE Randy Gregory, DE Clelin Ferrell, DT Arik Armstead, DT Javon Kinlaw, DT Sebastian Joseph-Day, LB Oren Burks, CB Isaiah Oliver, S Tashaun Gipson, S Logan Ryan.
It’s rare that a Super Bowl participant will improve during the enusing offseason, but that’s what happened to the 49ers. They lost Arik Armstead, but were able to improve overall. They managed to replace Armstead with the duo of Maliek Collins and Jordan Elliott, and there will be a new player behind them in De’Vondre Campbell, who was a great low-risk signing. Meanwhile, the edge rushing figures to improve with Leonard Floyd upgrading the overrated Chase Young.
It’s still hard to believe, but the 49ers have definitely upgraded their roster this offseason, so they should be graded as such. My only issue is that an offensive lineman could have been added, but San Francisco can do that in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Seattle Seahawks: C
Acquired: QB Sam Howell, OT George Fant, G Tremayne Anchrum, C Nick Harris, DT Johnathan Hankins, LB Jerome Baker, LB Tyrel Dodson, S Rayshawn Jenkins, S K’Von Wallace.
Lost: QB Drew Lock, TE Colby Parkinson, TE Will Dissly, G Damien Lewis, G Phil Haynes, C Evan Brown, LB Bobby Wagner, LB Jordyn Brooks, LB Devin Bush, S Quandre Diggs, S Jamal Adams.
The Seahawks lost some major talent this offseason. Their two starting safeties, top three linebackers, and all three starting interior offensive linemen departed. They managed to at least replace the linebackers well, signing Jerome Baker and Tyrel Dodson.
The other spots weren’t really filled. Seattle added a couple of pedestrian safeties, so that position will be a weakness. The same can be said of the interior offensive line. The Seahawks signed Nick Harris, but figure to be very weak at guard unless they can bolster the position in the 2024 NFL Draft.
2024 NFL Free Agent Team Grades: AFC West
Denver Broncos: F
Acquired: WR Josh Reynolds, OT Matt Peart, G Calvin Throckmorton, C Sean Mustipher, DT Malcolm Roach, LB Cody Barton, S Brandon Jones.
Lost: QB Russell Wilson, WR Jerry Jeudy, OT Cameron Fleming, C Lloyd Cushenberry, DT Mike Purcell, S Justin Simmons.
This was a disastrous offseason for the Broncos. They lost some real talent in Jerry Jeudy, Lloyd Cushenberry and Justin Simmons, and none of them were properly replaced. And then there’s the issue of quarterback. With Russell Wilson gone, Denver currently has only Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci remaining at the position, which is going to force the team to reach for a signal-caller at No. 12 overall. This could have been avoided had the Broncos just traded for Justin Fields, who was available at a great discount.
Kansas City Chiefs: C+
Acquired: QB Carson Wentz, WR Marquise Brown, TE Irv Smith.
Lost: WR Mecole Hardman, WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling, OT Donovan Smith, G Nick Allegretti, LB Willie Gay, CB L’Jarius Sneed, S Mike Edwards, P Tommy Townsend.
The Chiefs had major problems at receiver outside of Rashee Rice last year, so the front office absolutely had to find an upgrade at the position. They did this by signing Marquise Brown, who will provide Patrick Mahomes with a much better deep threat.
Brown is the only player the Chiefs signed who will see ample playing time, barring injury. Upgrades were needed at tackle and replacements had to be found for some departed defensive stars, but Kansas City didn’t have much cap space, so it’ll have to wait until the NFL Draft to address those positions. Check out my 2024 NFL Mock Draft for more.
Las Vegas Raiders: C-
Acquired: QB Gardner Minshew, RB Alexander Mattison, TE Harrison Bryant, DT Christian Wilkins.
Lost: QB Jimmy Garoppolo, RB Josh Jacobs, FB Jakob Johnson, WR Hunter Renfrow, TE Austin Hooper, OT Jermaine Eluemunor, OT Brandon Parker, G Greg Van Roten, DT John Jenkins, DT Jerry Tillery, CB Amik Robertson.
The Raiders have a high floor with their stellar defense and talented receiving corps. They can compete for a playoff spot, but they need to address their quarterback dilemma and poor offensive line. They did neither in free agency.
Technically, Gardner Minshew was signed, but he’s just a journeyman backup. The Raiders had a chance to acquire Justin Fields for barely any compensation, so it’s unclear why they didn’t pull the trigger. Minshew will be utilized in an offensive with mostly poor blocking and a depleted running game with Josh Jacobs gone. I liked the Christian Wilkins signing, but he wasn’t enough to save the Raiders’ disappointing offseason.
San Angeles Chargers: C-
Acquired: RB Gus Edwards, TE Will Dissly, TE Hayden Hurst, C Bradley Bozeman, DT Poona Ford, LB Denzel Perryman, LB Troy Dye, CB Kristian Fulton.
Lost: RB Austin Ekeler, WR Keenan Allen, WR Mike Williams, TE Gerald Everett, C Will Clapp, DT Austin Johnson, LB Eric Kendricks, LB Kenneth Murray, CB Michael Davis.
The Chargers got off to a good start in the offseason by hiring Jim Harbaugh, but things went quickly downhill after that. They lost all of their play-makers from recent years, with Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams joining the Redskins, Bears and Jets, respectively. The Chargers didn’t replace any of them, so they’ll have to find numerous star offensive players in the draft. They start with Marvin Harrison Jr., which is what I have happening in my 2024 NFL Mock Draft.
This draft is loaded with receiving talent, so what’s the problem, exactly? Well, the Chargers would be fine if they didn’t have any other needs, but there are several other weaknesses that they must address. They won’t be able to do all of that at the end of the month, so the Chargers figure to disappoint once again in 2024.
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