Days into NFL free agency, most of the big names have signed with new teams and the winners are clear.
Here’s an assessment of the five biggest winners so far. (Contract figures are from Spotrac.)
New England Patriots
Per Over The Cap, the Patriots had more money to spend (a little more than $103M) in free agency than any other team, and they wasted no time writing massive checks. New England landed the best defensive player available when it agreed to a four-year, $104M deal with former Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams. They also signed cornerback Carlton Davis, edge-rusher Harold Landry III and linebacker Robert Spillane to sizable contracts. All four players should immediately step into starting roles in new head coach Mike Vrabel’s new system.
Offensively, New England signed offensive tackle Morgan Moses, who should address some of their line issues. The Patriots also picked up wide receiver help with the addition of Mack Hollins.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams proved that they are not done chasing Super Bowls by agreeing to a re-structured contract with QB Matthew Stafford. L.A. then signed WR Davante Adams to a two-year, $46M deal. If Adams is healthy, he and Puka Nacua have a chance to be one of the more productive wide receiver duos in football.
The Rams released Cooper Kupp, but Adams should be an ample replacement. The Rams also signed a reliable veteran backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings let QB Sam Darnold walk in free agency, and they have spent the extra money wisely. They re-signed star cornerback Byron Murphy to a three-year, $54M deal. Minnesota also kept running back Aaron Jones with a two-year, $20M agreement. They then bolstered their offensive line by giving veteran guard Will Fries an $88M deal.
Minnesota’s other big addition was veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, who is a two-time Pro Bowler and should make an immediate impact.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers have done a masterful job of re-signing their key players in recent years, keeping them in contention since Tom Brady’s retirement. That theme has continued. Tampa Bay re-signed Chris Godwin to a three-year, $66M deal, which was their top offseason priority. Godwin reportedly turned down more money from another team.
The Bucs also re-signed linebacker Lavonte David, the leader of their defense. They then added star pass-rusher Haason Reddick on a one-year, $14M deal. General manager Jason Licht should be pleased with how the start of free agency has gone for his team.
Justin Fields
Fields entered the 2024 season as the Steelers’ starting quarterback because Russell Wilson was hurt. He led the team to a 4-2 record and then lost his job. Despite the limited playing time, he still landed a two-year, $40M deal from the New York Jets.
Though he has essentially proven nothing in his NFL career, Fields will step into a starting role with the Jets. He has also been reunited with former Ohio State teammate Garrett Wilson, who is one of the top wide receivers in the league.
