Grading the good, bad and ugly of every major NFL free agency 2024 deal

[Pelican Press 0]

Grading the good, bad and ugly of every major NFL free agency 2024 deal

This year’s NFL free agency began with a bang late Sunday night, when quarterback Russell Wilson announced on social media he would join the Pittsburgh Steelers. League sources said it’s a one-year deal.

Wilson was allowed to negotiate early with teams after the Denver Broncos told Wilson last week they would be releasing him from his mammoth contract. The legal tampering window for everyone else began Monday at noon ET. Players and teams can officially sign deals when the new league year begins Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.

We’re grading all the noteworthy deals, many of which will include players from our list of the top 150 free agents, so keep checking back to see how your favorite teams and players are faring. (Players are listed below in order of their free-agent ranking.)

Live updates: Free-agent news from across the NFL
FA tracker: New teams and contract details for the top 150 free agents
Best available players: Who’s still on the market?

March 11

Eagles add RB Saquon Barkley

Grade: B-plus

****** Mueller’s top 150 ranking: No. 2

Another running back comes off the market as the former Giants star heads to NFC East neighbor Philadelphia. Barkley, who played on the franchise tag last season, lands a three-year deal that could pay him up to $46.75 million and includes $26 million guaranteed. Barkley will not reset the running market with this deal, but if he meets incentives, he could draw an average salary of $15.83 million, which would be the second-most for running backs in NFL history.

The Eagles wanted to upgrade their rushing ******* despite receiving a 1,000-yard season from newcomer D’Andre Swift last season. Philadelphia let Swift depart via free agency to the Bears, however, and zeroed in on Barkley, who has recorded three 1,000-yard seasons in the last six years, and came close last season (962 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 247 carries). Barkley just turned 27, but the Eagles expect him to continue to produce like one of the top backs in the league, which would add a welcome element to an offense that features dual-threat quarterback Jalen Hurts and the dynamic wide receiver tandem of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.

GO DEEPER

Howe: A peek behind the scenes of the Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson, Baker Mayfield deals

Falcons add QB Kirk Cousins

Grade: A

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 3

Kicking off a new era under recently hired head coach Raheem Morris, the Falcons also are starting over at quarterback after landing the four-time Pro Bowl passer on a four-year, $180 million contract that comes with a $50 million signing bonus and $100 million guaranteed.

Cousins had spent the last six seasons in Minnesota. He now heads South, where he reunites with Morris, who was an assistant during Cousins’ early years in Washington.

GO DEEPER

How to sum up Kirk Cousins’ six prolific seasons in Minnesota? It’s complicated

Cousins is coming off a season shortened by a torn Achilles, but has looked good in recent workouts and is expected to be ready to go by the start of the season. Cousins not only has familiarity with Morris, but he will also recognize elements of Atlanta’s offensive scheme because Falcons coordinator Zac Robinson learned under Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell when both were assistants with the Rams in 2020 and 2021.

The NFC South is wide open, so Cousins and the Falcons, who boast a roster full of young, up-and-coming talent, could make some noise immediately.

Browns keep edge rusher Za’Darius Smith

Grade: A

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 4

The Browns wanted to hold onto Smith, who was a nice complementary pass rusher opposite Myles Garrett. Cleveland and the 11th-year veteran agreed to a two-year deal worth $23.5 million. Smith recorded 27 tackles, 5.5 sacks and 20 quarterback hits last season with the Browns, who ranked first in the NFL in total defense and sixth in sacks (49).

Defensive tackle ********** Wilkins, a hot commodity on the FA market, chose the Raiders. (Sam Navarro / USA Today)

Raiders add DT ********** Wilkins

Grade: A

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 5

Eager to bolster the interior of a line that features the talented Maxx Crosby on the edge, the Raiders added Wilkins, the top defensive tackle outside of Chris Jones. Wilkins, who recorded nine sacks for the Dolphins last season, is expected to sign a four-year deal worth $110 million with $85.75 million guaranteed.

Wilkins drew interest from the Vikings, Browns, Texans and Lions, but opted for Las Vegas, where head coach Antonio Pierce and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham seek additional impact players to bolster their ******* in the trenches.

Vikings add edge Jonathan Greenard

Grade: B

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 6

It appears likely they will lose pass rusher Danielle Hunter to free agency, so the Vikings are bringing Greenard into the mix. The 27-year-old recorded 12 1/2 sacks and 48 pressures for the Texans last season. Hunter’s deal features $42 million in guaranteed money, according to The Athletic’s Jeff Howe.

The Vikings are hoping that last year’s career year was a sign of things to come from Greenard and not just a flash in the pan. He had eight sacks as a second-year pro in 2021, but just 1 1/2 sacks in an injury-shortened campaign in 2022. He rebounded with his first double-digit sack season in 2023. If he can stay healthy, Greenard has the potential to be a real force up front for Brian Flores’ defense, which is among the most blitz-happy in the league.

Packers add RB Josh Jacobs

Grade: A

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 7

Hoping to provide young quarterback Jordan Love the support of a more effective rushing *******, the Packers agreed to a deal with the two-time Pro Bowl running back. Jacobs, who has recorded 1,000-yard campaigns in three of the last five seasons with the Raiders, was regarded as one of the top backs on the market, along with Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry and Austin Ekeler.

He should help ensure balance to Green Bay’s offense, which wants to establish the run and then capitalize on big plays downfield out of the play action. It’ll be interesting to see how this impacts the role of Aaron Jones, who is in the final year of his contract.

GO DEEPER

NFL free-agency takeaways: What to make of the Day 1 run on running backs

Packers add S Xavier McKinney

Grade: A

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 8

After opting to let safety Darnell Savage depart earlier in the day (he agreed to terms with the Jaguars), the Packers upgraded with McKinney, who agreed to a four-year deal worth $68 million.

McKinney has great range and ball skills and should help shore up the back end of a Packers defense that ranked among the bottom third in the league in takeaways. It now finds itself in transition after coach Matt LaFleur switched defensive coordinators in the offseason, ******* Joe Barry and luring Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley to Green Bay.

Titans add C Lloyd Cushenberry

Grade: A

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 9

Second-year general manager Ran Carthon has attacked this offseason with the goal of upgrading the offense around young quarterback Will Levis and finding a reliable center to anchor the line is a big part of that. Cushenberry, a third-round pick out of LSU in 2020, steadily improved each season with the Broncos and now comes to Tennessee. His strength, athleticism and keen instincts are a big reason why he’s regarded as one of the best young centers in the game.

Eagles add edge rusher Bryce Huff

Grade: A

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 10

Adding disruptive edge rushers ranked high on the Eagles’ shopping list this offseason, and they have acquired one in Huff, agreeing to pay him $51.1 million over three seasons. Huff, who went undrafted out of Memphis in 2020, had a breakout season with the Jets in 2023, racking up 10 sacks and 29 tackles as a rotational pass rusher. Now he’ll presumably move into a starting role with the Eagles, who hope he can continue to ascend and give new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio a force off the edge.

GO DEEPER

Why the Jets let Bryce Huff leave, and how they plan to fill his void

Giants add G Jon Runyan

Grade: B

****** Mueller’s top 150 ranking: No. 11

The Giants have questions at running back (with Saquon Barkley now headed for Philadelphia) and quarterback, where Daniel Jones continues to disappoint. But they’re trying to at least ensure whoever lines up at those positions will have adequate pass protection and run support.

Runyan comes to New York from Green Bay, where he established himself as an effective and versatile interior lineman. He’ll try to help upgrade a line that surrendered a league-high 85 sacks in 2022.

49ers add pass rusher Leonard Floyd

Grade: B

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 12

Could the 49ers’ long search for a reliable pass-rushing sidekick for Nick Bosa finally have come to an end? They certainly hope so after agreeing to a two-year deal worth up to $24 million. The 49ers gave Bosa’s former college teammate Chase Young a try via trade last season, but Young was wildly inconsistent. So, GM John ****** turned his attention to the 31-year-old Floyd, a consistent and durable player who in the last four seasons has recorded 10-1/2, 9-1/2, nine and 10-1/2 sacks (and has missed only one game during that time). He will now reunite with his former Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, a new assistant head coach for San Francisco.

Seahawks keep DE Leonard Williams

Grade: A

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 14

Months after acquiring him in a midseason trade, the Seahawks are hanging onto Williams, giving the defensive lineman a three-year, $64.5 million deal. Williams, the sixth pick of the 2015 draft, had stints with the Jets and Giants, but has settled in nicely with Seattle. He recorded four sacks, 41 tackles (nine for a loss) and 11 quarterback hits in 10 games for the Seahawks.The Seattle defense will look different in 2024 as former Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald takes over for Pete Caroll and revamps the unit to fit his vision. But Williams will hold down a crucial role regardless.

Bills re-sign DT DaQuan Jones

Grade: B

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 15

The Bills parted ways with a handful of defensive mainstays in recent days, but they’re holding onto one in the 32-year-old Jones, who has spent the last two seasons in Buffalo. Jones missed 12 games last season with a pectoral injury, but when healthy is disruptive in the trenches. In 2022, Jones had 38 tackles (three for a loss) and 11 quarterback hits, two sacks and a fumble recovery. He agreed to a two-year, $16 million deal with $10.5 million guaranteed

Giants add OT Jermaine Eluemunor

Grade: A

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 16

Revamping their offensive line yet again, the Giants added the versatile Eluemunor, who started at right tackle in Las Vegas, but also can play left tackle. Eluemunor, whose deal is for two years, $14 million, is the second free-agent offensive line addition made by New York, which agreed to terms with guard Jon Runyan earlier Monday. The Giants gave up 85 sacks in 2023, making the line an offseason priority.

Jets add G John Simpson

Grade: B-plus

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 18

Keeping Aaron Rodgers upright is the highest priority for the Jets, so they agreed to a two-year, $18 million deal with Simpson, who started all 19 of the Ravens’ games (regular season and playoffs) at left guard last season. While durable, Simpson does need to become more consistent, but the Jets are counting on the 2020 fourth-round pick to do just that.

Falcons add WR Darnell Mooney

Grade: C-plus

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 19

Mooney, who agreed to a three-year, $39 million contract, certainly has big-play ability. He showed in 2021, his second NFL season, what a threat he can be, with 81 catches for 1,055 yards. However, Mooney hasn’t topped 500 yards in either season since then. The 2020 fifth-round pick leaves Chicago with 213 catches with 2,593 yards and 11 touchdowns. Can a fresh start and pairing with Kirk Cousins, Kyle Pitts and Drake London translate into a revival for Mooney?

Frankie Luvu is coming off back-to-back 100-plus tackle seasons with the Panthers. (Jim Dedmon / USA Today)

Commanders add LB Frankie Luvu

Grade: B

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 20

Badly in need of playmakers with sideline-to-sideline range thanks to misses in the draft and free agency, Washington agreed to a three-year, $36 million contract with Luvu, who is coming off back-to-back 100-plus tackle seasons with the Panthers. Luvu is now on his third team in seven seasons, but he has displayed steady improvement after entering the league as an undrafted player out of Washington State. Last season’s 125 tackles, five pass deflections and two forced fumbles all represent career highs.

Texans add DE Denico Autry

Grade: C

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 23

Autry comes at a relatively affordable price for a pass rusher (two years, $20 million with $10.5 million guaranteed), and he will give Houston a complement to young Will Anderson Jr. But Autry is coming off his first double-digit sack season and is 34, so a decline is possible. That means Houston may not see the full return on its investment.

Cardinals add DT Justin Jones

Grade: C

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 24

Arizona makes a move to beef up the interior of its defensive line, giving Jones a three-year deal worth $30.1 million with $19.75 million guaranteed. Jones is coming off his two most productive seasons (52 tackles, three sacks in 2022; 49 tackles, 4 1/2 sacks in 2023). His new deal represents a significant bump from his two-year, $12 million deal he played on in Chicago, where he did have his share of ups and downs. That raises the question of whether the Cardinals overpaid.

Chargers keep S Alohi Gilman

Grade: B

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 28

The Chargers reward their 2020 sixth-round pick with a two-year, $11 million contract as he comes off of a career year (73 tackles, two interceptions, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries). L.A. has limited resources because of salary cap restrictions but still manages to keep a promising young player in the mix.

WR Gabe Davis joins the Jaguars after four seasons with the Bills. (Gregory Fisher / USA Today)

Jaguars add WR Gabe Davis

Grade: C-plus

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 32

This may not be the wide receiver news the Jaguars and their fans most desperately want to hear. Leading wideout Calvin Ridley (1,016 yards, eight touchdowns) remained unsigned during the opening of the legal tampering window. But in Davis, the Jaguars get a solid No. 2 option on a three-year, $39 million deal. Incentives could bump his earnings up to $50 million.

Davis spent the first four seasons of his career as Stefon Diggs’ sidekick in Buffalo, averaging 682 yards and 6.75 touchdowns on 40.75 receptions a season. At 6-2, 225, Davis knows how to use his size to his advantage and plays with physicality, but still needs to ******** with greater consistency.

GO DEEPER

Bills clear cap-space hurdle with Josh Allen’s contract restructure

Chargers add RB Gus Edwards

Grade: C

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 35

The Chargers appear set to move on from Austin Ekeler and have reunited Edwards with his former Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman. Curious move. Edwards is a good runner, but he has always shared the workload and has never had a 1,000-yard season. He will come at a cheaper price than Ekeler, but Ekeler is one of the most versatile backs in the game. So unless the Chargers are planning on drafting someone as well and using him as the lead back (and Edwards as the complementary piece), the Chargers will likely see a drop-off here.

Panthers add G Robert Hunt

Grade: B-******

****** Mueller’s top 150 ranking: No. 39

With protecting and developing second-year quarterback Bryce Young the highest of priorities, the Panthers made a move to fortify the interior of their offensive line. Hunt is a 2020 second-rounder who has played both guard and tackle, but he’s now viewed as a guard. Hunt has dealt with some injuries, but is big, physical and powerful. If he can remain healthy, he’ll make an impact. He will have good familiarity with the concepts of the Panthers’ offense because new coach Dave Canales runs an offshoot of the Shanahan offense that Mike McDaniel runs in Miami.

Patriots re-signing OL Mike Onwenu

Grade: B

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 40

Amid great waves of change, the Patriots made continuity along their offensive line a priority. The 2020 sixth-rounder agreed to a three-year, $57 million deal with $38 million guaranteed. Onwenu offers great versatility with his ability to play both tackle and guard.

Bears add RB D’Andre Swift

Grade: A

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 45

Agreeing to a three-year deal worth a reported $24 million, the fifth-year veteran cashes in on a career season with the Eagles in which he served as a feature back for the first time. Swift rushed for 1,049 yards and five touchdowns on 229 carries; he also recorded 39 catches for 214 yards and a touchdown for Philadelphia. Regardless of what they do at quarterback, the Bears badly needed a reliable back after trying to piece together a rushing ******* last season. Justin Fields led the team with 657 rushing yards while Khalil Herbert and D’***** Foreman combined for 1,036 yards and six touchdowns. Swift receives a significant raise after playing on a one-year, $1.7 million deal last season.

David Montgomery was drafted by the Bears.
D’Andre Swift was drafted by the Lions.

And now, they’ve swapped teams.

Which player would you rather have in your backfield?

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic)

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

Steelers add QB Russell Wilson

Grade: B

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 46

After two tumultuous years in Denver, Wilson gets a fresh start with Pittsburgh. He’ll sign a one-year deal for the league minimum (just over $1 million) to play for the Steelers while also earning the almost $38 million owed to him by the Broncos.

Adding Wilson creates an intriguing situation for the Steelers, who have said they remain committed to 2022 first-rounder Kenny Pickett. The former Pitt star has been rather mediocre, however. Presumably, Pickett and Wilson will battle for the starting job. Wilson’s resume certainly dwarfs Pickett’s, but does Wilson still have the skills to be an effective NFL starter after posting some of the worst numbers of his career in Denver? Multiple talent evaluators around the league believe the answer is yes and chalk up the struggles of 2023 and 2022 to two bad situations with the Broncos.

This is a low-risk move for Pittsburgh. If Pickett wins, the Steelers have a veteran mentor/backup in Wilson at a low cost. If Wilson wins the starting job, which he should if he does indeed still have his fastball, new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has a crafty veteran capable of directing a unit that must contend with the Ravens, Bengals and Browns and their star quarterbacks.

GO DEEPER

Kaboly: Russell Wilson could set the Steelers back years, so they better win now

Seahawks re-sign TE Noah Fant

Grade: C-plus

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 47

Fant boasted great potential when he came to Seattle as part of the Russell Wilson trade. But he has just 82 catches for 900 yards and four touchdowns in the last two seasons combined. Fant, who agreed to a two-year, $21 million contract, has all of the tools to become a more impactful ******* for Seattle. Can new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb help him maximize his potential?

Rams add G Jonah Jackson

Grade: A

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 49

Aiming to extend Matthew Stafford’s career a bit further, the Rams are investing heavily in the interior of their offensive line after reaching an agreement with Jackson on a three-year, $51 million deal that features $34 million guaranteed. The Pro Bowl left guard became an instant starter for the Lions, who selected him out of Rutgers in the third round of the 2020 draft (Stafford’s final season with the team). Now Jackson will reunite with the quarterback and aim to solidify a line that has endured a good deal of change the last two seasons.

Jaguars keep C Mitch Morse

Grade: A

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 52

After reworking the deal of guard Brandon Scherff, the Jaguars made another move to ensure Trevor Lawrence has the best possible pass protection, giving Morse a two-year, $10.5 million contract. Jacksonville was middle-of-the-pack in passing despite boasting a quarterback regarded as a generational talent coming out of college, and ranked among the bottom third of the league in rushing, so Morse should help coax the Jaguars toward improvement.

Vikings add LB Blake Cashman

Grade: B

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 57

The VIkings continue their mission of upgrading a defense that ranked 16th in the league, adding Cashman on a three-year, $25.5 million deal. This is a bit of a projection signing because Cashman’s resume features just one season as a starter. However, the former Texans fifth-rounder was strong against the run and solid in pass-coverage while notching a career-best 106 tackles, five pass deflections and an interception in 2023. The Vikings now hope he can continue his ascent with them.

RB Austin Ekeler heads east to join the Commanders. (Gary A. Vasquez / USA Today)

Commanders add RB Austin Ekeler

Grade: B

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 60

One of the most versatile backs in the league over the last seven seasons (39 rushing touchdowns, 30 receiving touchdowns), Ekeler will now take his talents to Washington, where the Commanders are starting afresh with a new owner, general manager and head coach. The 29-year-old Ekeler is coming off an injury-hampered season (628 rushing yards and five touchdowns and 436 receiving yards and a touchdown after flirting with 1,700 all-purpose yards in 2021 and 2022). But he still can be an effective back as long as health is on his side. The two-year, $11.43 million deal is a good investment for Washington, and significantly less per season than running backs Saquon Barkley, Tony Pollard, Brandon Jacobs and D’Andre Swift landed.

Lions add edge rusher Marcus Davenport

Grade: B-******

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 61

An ankle injury cut Davenport’s lone season with the Vikings to four games. He recorded just two sacks and seven pressures. But at 28, and with a resume that includes 142 tackles, 21 1/2 sacks and seven forced fumbles in five seasons with the Saints, Davenport seemingly boasts the potential to have an impact for Detroit as long as he can stay healthy. The one-year deal is a low-risk investment for the Lions.

Jaguars add CB Ronald Darby

Grade: C

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 62

Entering his 10th NFL season and about to turn 30, Darby lands with his sixth team, agreeing to a two-year deal worth up to $10 million. Darby provides good versatility, but struggles with durability, having played a full season just once in his career. He started seven of 16 games for Baltimore last season in his return from a 2022 torn ACL and recorded 28 tackles and seven pass breakups.

Dolphins add LB Jordyn Brooks

Grade: B

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 63

The Dolphins are getting a run-stopping linebacker who has recorded 100-plus tackles each of the last three seasons while playing alongside Bobby Wagner. Brooks has also steadily improved in pass coverage. Brooks suffered a torn ACL in Week 17 of the 2022 season, but returned to action in Week 1 the following year. He had 111 tackles, 4.5 sacks and four pass breakups in 2023, which he now has cashed in for a three-year, $30 million deal.

Commanders add C Tyler Biadasz

Grade: B

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 65

With their offensive line badly in need of an overhaul, the Commanders and new head coach Dan Quinn lured the Pro Bowl center to Washington. The Commanders last season ranked 27th in rushing and yielded the second-most sacks in the league (65), so Biadasz and other reinforcements (who could follow through free agency and the draft) meet a real need. Adding a quality, veteran center also is a smart move with Washington expected to use the No. 2 pick on a quarterback. Whether it’s Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye, the young passer will have the luxury of leaning on Biadasz to help identify blitzes and the necessary protections.

Vikings add edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel

Grade: B

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 67

Brian Flores gets a familiar face in Van Ginkel, a 2019 fifth-round pick who played under the Vikings defensive coordinator when Flores was head coach in Miami. Van Ginkel brings good versatility as an edge rusher capable of bringing pressure from either side. He also comes at an affordable price (two years, $20 million — $14 million guaranteed).

Bills keep edge rusher A.J. Epenesa

Grade: B

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 76

The 2020 second-round pick will remain in Buffalo on a two-year deal worth up to $20 million after recording 6 1/2 sacks in each of the last two seasons as a rotational pass rusher. Epenesa wasn’t drafted in the second round (54th overall) to be a part-time player, but he and the Bills seem comfortable with his role, and he has found a way to maximize his opportunities in each of the last two seasons. It’ll be interesting to see if Leonard Floyd’s departure will translate into more snaps for Epenesa.

Jets add DT Javon Kinlaw

Grade: B-plus

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 85

In need of big bodies to pair with Quinnen Williams, Robert Saleh reached back to his San Francisco days to bring the 2020 first-round pick to New York. Kinlaw battled injuries for much of his time in San Francisco, but when finally healthy, he made his presence felt. In 2023, Kinlaw recorded 25 tackles, 3 1/2 sacks, six quarterback hits and three pass breakups while starting all 17 games. The 49ers were expected to face competition in their efforts to retain Kinlaw, and their former defensive coordinator won. If Kinlaw, who agreed to a one-year deal, can stay healthy, this could wind up being a steal.

Dolphins add C Aaron Brewer

Grade: C

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 86

Looking to further upgrade Tua Tagovailoa’s supporting cast, the Dolphins agreed to a three-year, $21 million deal with Brewer, the former Titans center. The only problem is Brewer gave up seven sacks in 2023, according to TruMeda, and the Dolphins have to do everything possible to protect Tagovailoa. Brewer is, however, a good run blocker, possessing the athleticism that makes him ideal for Miami’s zone-blocking scheme. Undrafted in 2020 out of Texas State, Brewer must take another leap forward in his development.

QB Sam Darnold gets (another) fresh start, this time with the Vikings. (Sergio Estrada / USA Today)

Vikings add QB Sam Darnold

Grade: C

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 89

After losing Kirk Cousins to the Falcons, the Vikings are rolling the dice with Darnold, the third pick of the 2018 draft. Darnold ******* miserably with the Jets and Panthers, but the Vikings are hoping that a season on the sidelines and classroom with Kyle Shanahan has turned the turnover-prone USC product (Darnold has thrown 63 touchdowns and 56 interceptions while fumbling 38 times) into a more fundamentally sound player and decision-maker.

Darnold got a one-year deal worth $10 million, so it’s a low-risk commitment for the Vikings. And Darnold will recognize large portions of Minnesota’s offense because coach Kevin O’Connell is a disciple of Sean McVay, who is a disciple of Shanahan. But this still feels like the Vikings, who might have made the playoffs for a second straight season if not for Cousins’ season-ending Achilles tear and poor depth at quarterback, are taking a gamble when other options had included Jacoby Brissett (now with the Patriots), Gardner Minshew (joined the Raiders) and Ryan Tannehill (still available).

Texans add LB Azeez Al-Shaair

Grade: B-plus

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 92

DeMeco Ryans pulls off another reunion with one of his former 49ers charges. Al-Shaair, who served as a rotational linebacker in San Francisco and left for Tennessee last season, is headed to Houston on a three-year, $34 million contract. Al-Shaair recorded 163 tackles, two sacks, four pass breakups and a fumble recovery for Tennessee and now joins the AFC South rival Texans and Ryans, who want to defend their divisional title.

Titans add RB Tony Pollard

Grade: B-******

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 93

It seemed highly likely that Derrick Henry would be moving on from Tennessee, and now that is essentially a surety. The Titans agreed to terms on a three-year, $24 million deal with Pollard, the former Cowboys running back. The 26-year-old Pollard isn’t as accomplished as Henry. He has two 1,000-yard seasons to his name compared to Henry’s five (including Henry’s 2,000-yard 2020 campaign). But Pollard is three years younger and has 1,268 fewer carries, meaning he could have longevity on his side.

Pollard’s first season as a feature back came in 2023, after he split time with Ezekiel Elliott to start his career in Dallas. But he proved versatile as a runner and pass-catcher out of the backfield. Pollard lacks the power of Henry, but the Titans apparently are looking for a different brand of running back to support young quarterback Will Levis. Pollard also is likely a cheaper alternative to Henry, who likely seeks an increase on last year’s earnings of $10.5 million.

Jets add QB Tyrod Taylor

Grade: A

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 94

Determined not to make the same mistake they did last year by neglecting to sign a proven backup to Aaron Rodgers, the Jets added the well-traveled Taylor. The 34-year-old QB possesses all of the skills and smarts necessary to enter a game on short notice and keep his team afloat. He also can man the helm as an effective interim starter, something Zack Wilson, who is on his way out, could not do last year.

Giants add RB Devin Singletary

Grade: C

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 97

Looking to fill the void left by Saquon Barkley’s departure for Philadelphia, the Giants add Singletary, who rushed for a career-high 898 yards on 216 carries last season while with Houston. Singletary is steady, but he’s not on Barkley’s level in terms of explosiveness, and will not command the attention from defenses that will ease pressure on Daniel Jones.

Jaguars add S Darnell Savage

Grade: C

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 98

The Jaguars get a sixth-year pro who certainly has playmaking ability, but also lacks the consistency necessary to go from borderline solid to great. Savage recorded four interceptions and 75 tackles as a second-year pro in 2020, but his production has declined ever since.

Patriots reunite with QB Jacoby Brissett

Grade: A

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 114

Looking for a fresh start at quarterback as they kick off the Jerod Mayo era, the Patriots are bringing back a familiar face in Brissett, whom New England drafted in the 2016 third round. Brissett agreed to a one-year $8 million deal with a potential $4 million more in incentives.

Brissett is the perfect bridge for the Patriots, who hold the third pick and could use that on a quarterback. He has played in a variety of systems, is durable and possesses strong leadership skills.

“Minshew Mania” heads to Las Vegas after Gardner Minshew’s deal with the Raiders. (Marc Lebryk / USA Today)

Raiders add QB Gardner Minshew

Grade: B

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 120

After stepping in for an injured Anthony Richardson, keeping the Colts afloat and helping lead them on a surprise playoff hunt, Minshew lands in Las Vegas, where he’ll have a chance to start as the franchise begins a new era in earnest.

Minshew went 7-6 as a starter last season and threw 15 touchdown passes and nine interceptions. He will compete with Aidan O’Connell, who went 5-5 as a starter last season with 12 touchdown passes and seven interceptions. Minshew has proven he can make plays and win games in this league. But at the very least, the Raiders get a quality backup with starting experience.

Browns add QB Jameis Winston

Grade: C

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 131

Last season showed why the Browns need a veteran, starter-capable backup to Deshaun Watson. Winston, who spent the last four seasons in New Orleans and went 6-4 as a starter while appearing in 21 games, certainly can step in and sling the rock around the yard. He’ll also fit well into any locker room. Winston, however, ******** a roller-coaster at quarterback. If he’s called upon to provide the same stabilizing force and effectiveness Joe Flacco provided during last season’s playoff run, the Browns may wind up disappointed.

Commanders add QB Marcus Mariota

Grade: C

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: No. 144

It’s a good move in that Mariota will provide a much-needed veteran presence and mentorship to whomever Washington drafts with the No. 2 pick. It’s a shaky move if the Commanders expect much more than that out of Mariota, who went 5-8 in his last stint as a starter (Atlanta, 2022) while throwing for just 2,219 yards and 15 touchdowns along with nine interceptions.

Vikings add RB Aaron Jones

Grade: B-******

****** Mueller’s Top 150 ranking: NR

Minnesota needed a running back after releasing Alexander Mattison, last year’s leading rusher. Jones needed a home after the Packers released him upon signing Josh Jacobs. And so, the two former rivals will team up in hopes of blocking Green Bay from the NFC North. Jones has gone from fifth-round pick (2017) to Pro Bowl rusher (2000) with three 1,000-yard seasons to his name, and he should fit well in Minnesota’s system, because it’s very similar to Green Bay’s. The main question: Can Jones stay healthy? A hamstring strain limited him to just 11 games, 656 yards and two touchdowns last season, and he turns 30 this season. But at one year, $7 million, he comes at a reasonable price.

(Top photo of Saquon Barkley: Rich Schultz / Getty Images)

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

NFL
#Grading #good #bad #ugly #major #NFL #free #agency #deal

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up