Among the well-known players moving on Monday were Brian Burns, Kirk Cousins, and Saquon Barkley.
How about getting off to a great start?
The first day of the NFL free agency session in 2024 saw a number of well-known players sign deals.
With the Denver Broncos footing the majority of Russell Wilson’s $38 million contract, the deal is believed to be a one-year, team-friendly one. It all began late on Sunday night when Wilson declared his intention to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
While deals aren’t official until Wednesday, on Monday morning, among other notable transactions, Christian Wilkins signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, Josh Jacobs left Sin City for the Green Bay Packers, Kirk Cousins joined the Atlanta Falcons, and Saquon Barkley chose the Philadelphia Eagles over the New York Giants.
Here are some winners and losers from the first day of NFL free agency, as additional agreements may be announced late on Monday:
WINNER: Philadelphia Eagles
The general manager of the Eagles, Howie Roseman, is a businessman if there is one thing about him. Philadelphia moved quickly to get things done after a disappointing 2023, even if they had a 10-1 start. They agreed to trade defensive end Bryce Huff and running back Barkley to the New York Jets. Albert Okwuegbunam, a tight end, Brandon Graham, and guard Landon Dickerson were also extended by the team.
In any sport, especially when teams are huge, team building is all about making the occasional upgrade on the margins. As of right now, the Eagles have officially checked that box. Nick Sirianni and company must now maximize the talent on the field.
LOSER: Atlanta Falcons
Cousins is a great quarterback. He has plenty of experience and can be a solid QB1 for a contending team. But paying a soon-to-be 36-year-old a reported $180 million, with $100 million guaranteed, over four years coming off a torn Achilles feels like a mistake brewing.
The Falcons were close to making the playoffs last season despite having a clear hole at quarterback. They have plenty of young talent with high potential on both sides of the ball, with new head coach Raheem Morris also looking promising. But, knowing the context surrounding Cousins, opting for that profile at quarterback might not be the right infusion of talent.
WINNER: Washington Commanders
After years of disappointment, the Commanders signed Adam Peters from the San Francisco 49ers to assist in creating a cohesive team. Running back Austin Ekeler, edge Dorance Armstrong, center Tyler Biadasz, and linebacker Frankie Luvu have all agreed to deals, making day one off to a promising start. Zach Ertz, a seasoned tight end, was another name until Monday.
Luvu is a steal from the Carolina Panthers, Armstrong and Biadasz were enticed away from the Dallas Cowboys, and Ekeler from the Los Angeles Chargers is a dual-threat upgrade over Antonio Gibson. The most important factor, though, is how Washington handles the quarterback position.
LOSER: New York Giants
The Giants took plenty of flack on Monday. That continues here. They lost two stars in Barkley — let alone to a divisional rival — and safety Xavier McKinney to the Green Bay Packers, players that move them down the needle. Devin Singletary, formerly of the Houston Texans, agreed to a deal but is far from an upgrade over Barkley.
New York brought in two offensive linemen in Jermaine Eluemunor and Jon Runyan to better protect an often-rushed Daniel Jones, but how the QB recovers from a torn ACL is key.
Brian Burns was the big fish, reportedly being acquired in a trade with the Panthers. The Giants gave up 2024 second- and fifth-round picks while reportedly signing the soon-to-be 26-year-old to a five-year, $150 million deal with $87.5 million guaranteed. Burns definitely can reach higher levels as he hits his prime, but his production might not even matter to the Giants if the team still can’t compete. Basically, he’d be the defensive version of Barkley.
WINNER: Running backs
It’s reasonable to conclude that the 2024 class valued running backs. Eight players in the position signed lucrative reported contracts and will be key members of their new teams.
Philadelphia Eagles, Saquon Barkley: $37.75 million for three years, with potential to earn $46.75 million
Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers: $48 million over four years
Austin Ekeler, Washington Commanders: $11.43 million over two years
Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans: $24 million over three years
D’Andre Swift, Chicago Bears: $24 million over three years
Devin Singletary, New York Giants: $16.5 million for three years, with potential to earn $19.5 million
Gus Edwards, Los Angeles Chargers: $6.5 million over two years
Antonio Gibson, New England Patriots: $11.25 million over three years
