NFL Free Agency Frenzy: Early Winners and Bold Moves
The dust has settled on the first wave of NFL free agency, leaving a trail of massive contracts, surprising trades, and a clearer picture of each team’s vision for the upcoming season. This period serves as a crucial window into the strategic thinking of NFL organizations, revealing their immediate needs, long-term aspirations, and overall approach to roster construction.
This year’s free agency period was marked by aggressive spending from some teams and shrewd maneuvering by others. The New England Patriots, armed with considerable cap space, made headlines with a spending spree exceeding $200 million. Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders took a different approach, opting to bolster their roster through a series of impactful trades.
The quarterback carousel continued its relentless spin, with several notable signal-callers finding new homes. Geno Smith, Sam Darnold, and Justin Fields each landed in new cities, hoping to revitalize their careers. The focus now shifts to veterans like Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson, whose decisions will undoubtedly shape the landscape of the league.
Amidst the whirlwind of activity, several moves stood out as particularly impactful. Here’s a look at some of the most intriguing acquisitions and trades from the first week of free agency:
Rams Bolster Receiving Corps with Adams Acquisition
The Los Angeles Rams, seeking to inject new life into their passing game, landed veteran wide receiver Davante Adams. Adams, a Bay Area native who played college football at Fresno State, was the top-rated free agent on many analysts’ boards after being released by the Jets.
While Adams might not be the explosive playmaker he once was, he remains a polished route runner with a knack for creating separation. The Rams, who recently parted ways with Cooper Kupp, clearly believe that Adams is the superior option at this stage of their respective careers.
Kupp, while a valuable contributor to the Rams’ success, doesn’t possess the all-around ability that Adams brings to the table. Adams is a six-time Pro Bowler with five consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons, a testament to his consistent production.
In Los Angeles, Adams will form a formidable duo with rising star Puka Nacua, giving quarterback Matthew Stafford a pair of reliable targets. Adams’ versatility to line up in the slot or on the outside adds another dimension to the Rams’ offense. Last season, he took 361 snaps in the slot and 431 snaps on the outside, demonstrating his adaptability. He excels at running intermediate routes, making him a perfect fit for the Rams’ offensive scheme.
"We’re going to do some good things," Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell said, expressing his excitement about Adams’ arrival. "He is a great player, excited to play next to him and just can’t wait for this season to start."
Patriots Address Needs with Landry Signing
The New England Patriots, desperate to improve their roster after a disappointing season, utilized their league-leading cap space to make several key additions. They spent over $200 million on players expected to contribute immediately.
While the Patriots’ acquisition of Milton Williams, a disruptive defensive tackle, is noteworthy, the signing of linebacker Harold Landry stands out as a particularly impactful move. Williams agreed to a four-year, $104 million deal, but it is Landry who might be the missing piece of the defense.
Landry’s familiarity with new Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, dating back to their time together in Tennessee, should facilitate a smooth transition. Landry’s understanding of Vrabel’s defensive philosophy will allow him to seamlessly integrate into the Patriots’ scheme and become an instant leader on the defense.
The Patriots struggled to generate pressure last season, finishing with an NFL-worst 28 sacks. Landry, with his proven track record of getting to the quarterback, is expected to significantly improve New England’s pass rush. He has accumulated 64 pressures and 19.5 sacks over the past two seasons. His arrival brings 50.5 career sacks to the Patriots, a mark that ranks sixth in Titans history.
Commanders Invest in Offensive Line with Tunsil Trade
The Washington Commanders, committed to building a strong supporting cast around young quarterback Jayden Daniels, made a bold move by trading for Houston Texans standout left tackle Laremy Tunsil. In exchange for Tunsil, the Commanders sent a package of draft picks to Houston.
Tunsil’s arrival bolsters the Commanders’ offensive line and ensures that Daniels has reliable protection on his blindside. The five-time Pro Bowler, still just 30 years old, is considered one of the top left tackles in the league.
Last season, Tunsil allowed only two sacks and 19 pressures in 1,026 snaps. According to ESPN analytics, he had an impressive 93% pass block win rate.
The Commanders already boasted a strong offensive attack, ranking seventh in total offense and among the top three in rushing in 2024. Tunsil’s presence at left tackle will only enhance the Commanders’ offense, providing Daniels with the time and space he needs to develop into a star quarterback.
The Tunsil trade marks the second significant move the Commanders have made since the start of March. The earlier trade brought star wide receiver Deebo Samuel to Washington. These acquisitions highlight the Commanders’ commitment to maximizing their window of opportunity while Daniels is still under his rookie contract.
Bears Prioritize Offensive Line Upgrade to Protect Williams
The Chicago Bears, determined to provide their highly touted rookie quarterback Caleb Williams with the best possible environment for success, made a concerted effort to improve their offensive line. Chicago acquired guards Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney in separate trades and signed USA TODAY Sports’ top-ranked free agent center, Drew Dalman.
Dalman allowed a pressure rate of just 4.8% in nine games last year, while Jackson gave up zero sacks and nine pressures in four games, according to Pro Football Focus. While both players were limited by injuries last season, their addition represents a clear upgrade over the Bears’ 2024 offensive line.
Thuney, a four-time Super Bowl champion, is widely regarded as one of the best guards in the NFL. He had the third-highest pass-blocking grade among all guards last season, according to Pro Football Focus, even after moving to left tackle to fill a void.
Thuney’s experience and leadership will be invaluable for Williams, who was sacked 68 times last year, the third-most in NFL history.
While Williams acknowledges that some of the sacks were his fault, due to his tendency to hold onto the ball too long, the improved offensive line will undoubtedly provide him with better protection and more time to make plays. Additionally, offensive-minded head coach Ben Johnson can help Williams refine his game and become a more efficient quarterback.
Chiefs Take Calculated Risk on Moore at Left Tackle
The Kansas City Chiefs, seeking to solidify their offensive line after struggling at the left tackle position last season, acquired career backup offensive tackle Jaylon Moore.
The Chiefs rotated through four different starting left tackles last year, and guard Joe Thuney was even forced to step in at the position late in the season. While Thuney performed admirably, he was clearly overwhelmed playing on the outside, as evidenced by his struggles in Super Bowl 59.
The Chiefs appear confident that Moore can address their need at left tackle. While the move is undoubtedly risky, the Chiefs clearly studied Moore extensively and liked what they saw on tape. Given the track record of general manager Brett Veach and head coach Andy Reid, they deserve the benefit of the doubt.
Moore has only 12 regular-season starts in his four-year career. He played behind Trent Williams during his time with the 49ers, which is not held against him. He possesses the physical attributes necessary to succeed at the position, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 311 pounds.
In limited action, Moore has shown flashes of potential. Last season, he allowed one sack and 10 pressures in 271 offensive snaps, including 159 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. In 447 career snaps, he has surrendered five sacks and 31 pressures.
Moore signed a two-year deal worth $30 million, a testament to the Chiefs’ belief in his potential. While the move is a gamble, it could pay off handsomely if Moore can develop into a reliable starter and provide long-term stability at left tackle.
