NFL Free Agency: Quick Fixes and Strategic Overhauls
NFL free agency is often viewed as the fast lane to improvement, a stark contrast to the patient approach required by the draft. While the draft lays the foundation for long-term success, the open market presents teams with the opportunity to address immediate needs with proven veterans. Of course, this convenience comes at a price, as competition for top talent invariably leads to inflated contracts. However, with the ever-increasing salary cap, teams are more willing than ever to invest heavily in players who can provide an immediate boost.
Even when the most coveted free agents choose to stay with their current teams, general managers inevitably find ways to spend their money, seeking out instant upgrades that can propel their teams forward. This year’s free agency period was no exception, with several teams making significant moves to fill critical holes and bolster their rosters.
Here’s a look at ten teams that successfully addressed their pressing needs during this year’s free agency frenzy:
1. Chicago Bears: Rebuilding the Trenches
New head coach Ben Johnson made it clear at the NFL Scouting Combine that the Bears were intent on transforming their struggling offensive line. "I think it’s been done before," Johnson confidently stated, referencing the Carolina Panthers’ successful offensive line overhaul in the previous offseason.
The Bears didn’t waste any time executing Johnson’s vision. First, they acquired guard Jonah Jackson from the Los Angeles Rams for a mere sixth-round pick, reuniting Jackson with Johnson, who oversaw his development in Detroit. Next came the big splash: a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs for two-time All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney. To complete the transformation, the Bears signed Drew Dalman, arguably the best free agent center available, to a three-year, $42 million contract.
While it remains to be seen how these new additions will gel, the Bears have undeniably given their young quarterback, Caleb Williams, a fighting chance. Williams, who endured a league-worst 68 sacks as a rookie, will hopefully have more time to operate in the pocket. Moreover, the Bears have avoided the pressure of forcing a selection on the interior offensive line with their top draft picks.
2. Arizona Cardinals: Adding Edge to the Defense
Despite Jonathan Gannon’s innovative play-calling, the Cardinals struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks in 2024. The team finished 28th in ESPN’s pass-rush win rate, highlighting a critical need for more talent and investment on the defensive front.
The Cardinals addressed this need by signing Josh Sweat, a highly sought-after edge rusher coming off a strong performance in Super Bowl 59. Sweat’s four-year, $76.4 million contract represents a significant investment, but his $19.1 million average annual value is considered reasonable for a player at his position.
Sweat’s arrival marks a major change in his career trajectory. He transitions from being part of a loaded pass-rush in Philadelphia to becoming the focal point of opposing offenses. The Cardinals are banking on Sweat to become a consistent threat, and Gannon’s previous experience coaching Sweat in Philadelphia, where he recorded a career-high 11 sacks in 2021, suggests that he can maximize Sweat’s potential. With Sweat and the re-signed Baron Browning leading the charge, the Cardinals’ pass rush appears to be significantly improved.
3. Tennessee Titans: Continuing the O-Line Investment
The Titans have made it a priority to improve their offensive line for the third consecutive offseason. Despite bringing in a new head coach and one of the most respected offensive line coaches in the game, the team’s protection issues continued to plague them in 2024.
Tennessee ranked near the bottom of the league in pass-block win rate, contributing to a league-high turnover rate and a high number of sacks allowed. General manager Mike Borgonzi continued the overhaul effort by signing Dan Moore Jr. to a four-year, $82 million deal. Moore, a former Steelers left tackle, is a capable pass protector who allows JC Latham to return to his more natural position at right tackle.
The Titans also added veteran guard Kevin Zeitler on a one-year, $9 million contract. Zeitler, despite being 35 years old, remains a reliable pass protector and should provide a short-term solution to the team’s interior line struggles. These additions position the Titans to draft a quarterback with their top pick or pursue a veteran option, knowing they have a more solid foundation in place.
4. New York Giants: Bolstering the Secondary
After investing heavily in their pass rush last offseason, the Giants’ defense still struggled due to a lack of support in the secondary. The team ranked poorly in yards allowed per passing attempt and completion rate, highlighting the need for upgrades at safety and cornerback.
The Giants addressed these needs by signing Jevon Holland and Paulson Adebo. Holland should provide a much-needed deep-ball deterrent alongside Tyler Nubin, while Adebo brings playmaking ability to a unit that struggled to generate turnovers in 2024. While the Giants’ quarterback situation remains uncertain, the team can at least be confident that their defense is now more balanced and capable of competing.
5. Denver Broncos: Giving the Passing Game a Jolt
Head coach Sean Payton made it clear that he wanted to find a "joker" – a versatile offensive weapon who could create mismatches. The Broncos found that in Evan Engram, a tight end who was cut by the Jaguars and signed with Denver.
Since Payton’s arrival, the tight end position has been largely ineffective in Denver’s offense. Engram, despite being 30 years old, represents a viable option to inject some life into the passing game. He is expected to be a high-volume target in the short-to-intermediate game, providing quarterback Bo Nix with a reliable target and helping to generate yards after the catch. With the Broncos potentially missing out on top tight end prospects in the draft, Engram was a reasonable choice for short-term relief.
6. Los Angeles Rams: Replacing Kupp with Adams
The Rams averted a full-scale rebuild by resolving their situation with Matthew Stafford. However, they signaled the start of a new era by releasing long-time receiver Cooper Kupp. To fill the void, the Rams acquired Davante Adams.
While Adams is 32 years old, he remains one of the league’s most talented receivers. Despite playing with inconsistent quarterbacks in recent years, Adams could thrive as a No. 2 receiver alongside Puka Nacua. The Rams’ offensive system, which utilizes condensed formations, should be a good fit for Adams’ skill set, potentially rejuvenating his career.
7. Las Vegas Raiders: Settling the Quarterback Conundrum
The Raiders missed out on the top quarterback prospects in last year’s draft. This year, they addressed their quarterback need by trading for Geno Smith.
Smith’s arrival provides the Raiders with their best quarterback situation since Derek Carr’s departure. It also allows them to pursue other needs in the draft, such as a running back or a wide receiver. With the defense losing several key free agents, the Raiders will need to find replacements on that side of the ball as well.
8. Detroit Lions: Fortifying the Secondary
After overhauling their secondary last offseason, the Lions faced a potential setback when Carlton Davis III signed with the Patriots. Rather than relying solely on young, inexperienced players, the Lions signed D.J. Reed to a three-year, $48 million contract.
Reed, despite his smaller stature, is a consistent and tenacious player who is well-suited for Detroit’s defensive scheme. His veteran presence will help to guide the development of the Lions’ younger cornerbacks, ensuring that the team’s secondary remains a strength.
9. Minnesota Vikings: Beefing Up the Interior Line
After seeing their playoff hopes derailed by consistent pressure on the quarterback, the Vikings made it a priority to improve their interior offensive line. They signed guard Will Fries to a five-year, $88 million deal, a significant investment in a player who has shown promise as a pass protector. They also added center Ryan Kelly. These additions should solidify the Vikings’ offensive line and provide better protection for their quarterback, J.J. McCarthy.
10. Pittsburgh Steelers: Adding Stability at Cornerback
While the Steelers’ offseason has been dominated by talk of acquiring DK Metcalf and a new quarterback, the team quietly addressed a critical need by signing cornerback Darius Slay Jr.
Slay, a former Super Bowl champion, brings stability and experience to the Steelers’ secondary. He will line up opposite Joey Porter Jr., providing a veteran presence and improving what was previously a weak spot in the Steelers’ defense.
In conclusion, this year’s free agency period saw several teams successfully address their pressing needs, setting themselves up for a potentially improved season. While the long-term impact of these moves remains to be seen, these teams have at least taken a significant step toward achieving their goals.
