NFL Free Agency: The Moves That Missed the Mark
The frenzy of NFL free agency has subsided, leaving in its wake a trail of new signings, trades, and lingering questions. While some teams orchestrated brilliant moves, bolstering their rosters with impactful talent, others left analysts and fans alike scratching their heads. After highlighting the best moves of the free agency period, it’s time to dissect the decisions that fell short of expectations, focusing on potential pitfalls and questionable strategies.
Seahawks’ Quarterback Quandary: Darnold Over Smith?
One of the most puzzling decisions of the first free agency wave involves the Seattle Seahawks’ quarterback situation. The team opted to replace Geno Smith, their established starter, with Sam Darnold, a move that appears, on the surface, to be a lateral shift at best. Both quarterbacks share a similar origin story, having been drafted by the New York Jets and later seeking to revitalize their careers elsewhere.
However, a closer examination of their career statistics reveals a clear disparity in performance. Smith’s career completion percentage of 64.8%, passing yards per game of 203.6, and passer rating of 88 all surpass Darnold’s respective figures of 61.2%, 197.4, and 83.9. Furthermore, Smith demonstrated an exceptional ability to perform under pressure last season, boasting a 56.8% completion percentage when pressured, ranking fourth among qualifying quarterbacks in the NFL.
During his tenure as the Seahawks’ starter, Smith led the team to two Pro Bowl appearances and compiled a respectable regular-season record of 28-24. While Darnold experienced a resurgence of sorts last year in Minnesota, benefiting from Kevin O’Connell’s quarterback-friendly system, questions remain regarding the sustainability of that performance. His final two starts of the season saw him revert to his previous journeyman form, highlighted by a dismal 55.5 passer rating in the regular-season finale and an uninspiring outing in the postseason.
Although Darnold, at 27 years old, holds a seven-year age advantage over the 34-year-old Smith, the Seahawks’ decision to sign Darnold to a three-year contract raises further eyebrows. The team could have offered Smith a similar contract length without the looming concern of Father Time impacting his performance towards the end of the deal. Ultimately, the Seahawks’ choice at quarterback will be scrutinized closely in the coming years, with skepticism warranted at this stage. The team has an out on Darnold’s contract after only one year, which offers a bit of flexibility if needed.
Cowboys’ Running Back Woes: A Familiar Story
The Dallas Cowboys’ free agency inactivity mirrors their approach last season, particularly their reluctance to address the running back position. Last year, that inaction resulted in an NFL-low six rushing touchdowns and a 27th-place ranking in rushing offense, marking the worst rushing attack in the NFC East. This year, the Cowboys appear to be repeating the same mistake.
The team allowed Rico Dowdle, who accumulated a career-high 1,079 rushing yards, to depart in free agency. In his stead, they brought in Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders. While Williams enjoyed a breakout season in 2021, amassing 1,219 yards from scrimmage, he has struggled to regain his pre-injury form since suffering a season-ending knee injury in 2022. He has averaged less than four yards per carry in each of the past two seasons and saw his carries per game diminish towards the end of last year.
Similarly, Sanders’ production has declined since leaving Philadelphia after the 2022 season. He hasn’t surpassed 75 rushing yards in a single game since departing the Eagles, where he benefited from running behind a dominant offensive line. The Cowboys’ inability to adequately address their running back situation could once again hamstring their offense and limit their chances of contending in the NFC.
Texans’ Offensive Line Gamble: Protecting Stroud at What Cost?
The Houston Texans made a perplexing move by trading Laremy Tunsil, their best offensive lineman, to the Commanders. This decision is particularly baffling considering that quarterback C.J. Stroud was sacked an AFC-high 52 times last season. Tunsil excelled in both pass protection and run blocking, boasting the highest pass-blocking grade (89.1) and run-blocking grade (74) among Houston offensive linemen in 2024, according to Pro Football Focus. He allowed only four sacks and 23 pressures this past year.
Adding to the Texans’ offensive line overhaul, they also traded away guard Kenyon Green following an underwhelming 2024 campaign. While the team signed guard Laken Tomlinson in free agency, significant question marks remain at both tackle positions. As it stands, Blake Fisher and Tytus Howard are slated to start at left and right tackle, respectively.
Last season, Stroud faced pressure on an NFL-high 274 of his dropbacks. With Tunsil’s departure, the Texans’ offensive line has arguably become weaker, placing Stroud at even greater risk of being exposed to relentless pressure. This move is a significant gamble that could potentially jeopardize Stroud’s development and hinder the Texans’ offensive output.
These moves, while perhaps driven by specific team strategies or long-term plans, carry considerable risk and have generated considerable debate among NFL observers. Whether they prove to be shrewd maneuvers or costly missteps remains to be seen, but their potential impact on the fortunes of the Seahawks, Cowboys, and Texans is undeniable. The upcoming season will serve as a crucial test, providing the ultimate verdict on these controversial free agency decisions.
