Shocking Deal: Pittsburgh Steelers have finally breaks their bank fees $500 million deal to…
2024 NFL Free-Agency Tracker: Grading Every Major Move
Former No. 2 pick Chase Young plans to sign with the Saints. Plus, the Bears traded Justin Fields to the Steelers, who also traded Kenny Pickett to the Eagles after signing Russell Wilson.
The NFL’s calendar turned over at 4 p.m. ET Wednesday and now every move that’s been made during free agency’s legal tampering period can become official.
Since Monday, plenty has happened. Brian Burns was traded to the Giants, Tee Higgins demanded a trade, Christian Wilkins signed for $110 million and Kirk Cousins bolted from the Minnesota Vikings to join the Atlanta Falcons.
Ridley is headed to Tennessee, Cousins is going to Atlanta and Wilkins will be playing for the Raiders.
Steve Roberts/USA TODAY Sports (left); Jamie Sabau/USA TODAY Sports (center); Jasen Vinlove/USA TODAY Sports (right)
Since then, we’ve also seen Derrick Henry sign with the Baltimore Ravens, while trades have sent Joe Mixon to the Houston Texans and Morgan Moses to the New York Jets. We also saw Jake Elliott agree to a new four-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, making him one of the highest-paid kickers in history.
Finally, check out our handy top 50 NFL free agents list with salary projections for each player. As free agency unfolds, we’ll have grades for each signing as it happens.
[ 2024 NFL Free Agency: Latest News & Analysis ]March 18
Edge Chase Young plans to sign with the Saints
Young, the 2020 No. 2 pick, agreed to a one-year, fully guaranteed $13 million deal.
Brett Davis/USA TODAY Sports
Chase Young had to wait a week, but his patience turned into a lucrative prove-it-deal from the New Orleans Saints.
Young, the 2020 No. 2 pick, agreed to a one-year, fully guaranteed $13 million deal from the Saints, according to reports. That’s plenty of money for Young after a down season, and a low-risk, high-reward addition for the Saints, who needed another edge rusher next to veteran Cameron Jordan.
Young struggled against the run, playing in 12 games for the 49ers—he was traded from Washington to San Francisco during October’s trade deadline. But Young made an impact in the Super Bowl against the Chiefs, showing that he can still rush the passer at a high level.
If Young stays healthy and improves his areas of weakness, the Saints could have a dominant defensive front, possibly setting up Young for a long-term contract next offseason. Young had high expectations in Washington as the 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year, but he dealt with many injuries in his first four seasons in the league.
Grade: B
QB Justin Fields traded to the Steelers
Russell Wilson’s signing sparked an eventful week for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who it initially seemed would have Kenny Pickett battle for the starting quarterback job.
Pickett is now with the Eagles, but Wilson could have competition with the arrival of Justin Fields, who was traded by the Chicago Bears for a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick from the Steelers. The pick could turn into a fourth rounder if Fields plays 51% of the offensive snaps this season.
The Bears should get dinged for not landing at least a Day 2 pick for a signal-caller with plenty of upside. Chicago reportedly turned down better offers for Fields because they wanted to do right by the 2021 first-round pick, who almost surely would’ve gotten more time in the Windy City had the Bears not fortuitously ended up with the No. 1 pick via trade.
Fields has a path to a starting job in Pittsburgh, but he’ll likely need to beat Wilson, who will reportedly start the summer as the starter. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Fields upstage Wilson in his new home, though.
The Steelers will have the most intriguing quarterback competition in training camp. It only cost them about $5 million total in 2024 salaries for Wilson and Fields to upgrade a QB room that had Pickett, Mason Rudolph and Mitchell Trubisky last season.
Steelers Grade: A
Bears Grade: C-
March 15
OT Tyron Smith to sign with the Jets
The New York Jets have filled their third offensive lineman vacancy of the offseason after landing a new left tackle to protect Aaron Rodgers’s blindside.
Former Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith reportedly plans to sign with the Jets on a one-year contract that could go as high as $20 million if the 33-year-old veteran hits incentives in 2024.
Smith will join fellow newcomers Morgan Moses and John Simpson to form the Jets’ new-look offensive line, improving one of the worst units in the NFL last season. With the arrivals of Moses and Smith, Alijah Vera-Tucker will likely take a starting spot at guard with 2023 second-round pick Joe Tippmann handling the center duties.
If Rodgers stays healthy, he should have time to operate behind the revamped offensive line, but the Jets would be wise to draft an offensive tackle with both starting tackles being 33 years old.
Injuries have also been an issue for Smith, but when available, he still remains one of the top left tackles in the game. Smith is a two-time first-team All-Pro and eight-time Pro Bowler.
Grade: B
Steelers QB Kenny Pickett traded to Eagles
Scott Galvin/USA TODAY Sports
Kenny Pickett apparently wanted no part of competition, instead ensuring he’ll be a backup out of the limelight.
On Friday, the Steelers traded their 2021 first-round pick to eastern Pennsylvania, with Philadelphia and Pittsburgh swapping picks. Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Steelers’ acquisition of Russell Wilson was too much for Pickett to stomach, prompting him to ask out.
Frankly, it’s an embarrassment for a quarterback who could have worked hard this offseason and then legitimately fought for his job with a middling, aging veteran. Instead, Pickett took the easy way out, now guaranteed to hold a visor, wear a clipboard and move one step closer to his post-NFL life.
Steelers grade: A-
Eagles grade: D
QB Jimmy Garoppolo agrees to sign with the Rams
Jimmy Garoppolo isn’t moving very far.
After being released by the Raiders after his two-game suspension for violating the performance-enhancing drug policy, Garoppolo has found a new home with the Rams.
In Los Angeles, Garoppolo will back up Matthew Stafford, perhaps signaling the end of his time as a starter. Between his time with the Patriots, 49ers and Raiders, Garoppolo posted a 43–20 record, with 94 touchdown passes and 51 interceptions. The zenith of his career was 2019, when Garoppolo helped lead San Francisco to Super Bowl LIV.
Grade: B
March 14
WR Keenan Allen traded to the Bears
Allen had 108 catches for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns in 13 games played last season.
Brad Rempel/USA TODAY Sports
The dust has settled on the Los Angles Chargers’ four star players with massive cap hits.
Wide receiver Keenan Allen has reportedly been traded to the Chicago Bears after declining to take a pay cut to remain in Los Angeles. Jim Harbaugh’s squad gained a fourth-round pick for sending Justin Herbert’s reliable target to Chicago to possibly play with Caleb Williams, the potential No. 1 pick in next month’s draft.
The departure of Allen will hurt the Chargers, but they do have the No. 5 pick in the draft to possibly select wide receiver prospects Rome Odunze or Malik Nabers. On Wednesday, the Chargers cut Mike Williams, but found a way to retain edge rushers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack after both agreed to pay cuts.
As of now, Herbert has Joshua Palmer, 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston and tight end free-agent additions Will Dissly and Hayden Hurst as his top targets.
For the Bears, they have a standout receiving tandem with Allen, DJ Moore, and they recently signed running back D’Andre Swift. The Bears could add more firepower with the No. 9 pick to pair with the No. 1 pick.
Allen, who’s entering his age-32 season, recorded 108 catches for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns in 13 games played last season. Allen has a base salary of $18.1 million for the final year on his deal.
Bears grade: B+
Chargers grade: C+
WR Marquise Brown to sign with the Chiefs
The reigning back-to-back champions have made a splash signing.
Wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown is reportedly signing with the Kansas City Chiefs for a one-year deal worth up to $11 million. Brown, a 2019 first-round pick, likely makes the Chiefs stronger because he might be better than Marquez Valdes Scantling, the recently released wideout who helped the Chiefs win two Super Bowls.
Brown is coming off a few quiet seasons with the Cardinals. He never met the high expectations after the Cardinals acquired him in a trade with the Ravens. Brown, however, will get a chance to reignite his career with Patrick Mahomes, who made this signing possible after agreeing to restructure his contract.
Brown, who recorded 51 catches for 574 yards in 2023, will join a pass-catching crew that includes star tight end Travis Kelce and wide receiver Rashee Rice. The defending champions are well equipped to become the first team to win three consecutive Super Bowls after re-signing Chris Jones and adding Brown.
Grade: B+
LB Devin White to sign with Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are banking on a former No. 5 pick to aid one of the worst linebacker groups in the NFL.
Devin White and the Eagles have reportedly agreed to a one-year, $7.5 million deal. It’s essentially a prove-it deal for White, who probably expected his second NFL contract to make waves after a strong start to his career.
White was an impressive rookie in 2019 and helped the Buccaneers win the Super Bowl during his second season. But he’s had a rough last two years in Tampa Bay, which included losing his starting job last season. Perhaps the low-risk contract could be worth it for the Eagles if White manages to find his top form with his new team.
Grade: B-
RB AJ Dillon to re-sign with Packers
It seemed the Green Bay Packers were ready to move on from running backs Aaron Jones and AJ Dillion after the team splurged on Day 1 of free agency with the signing of Josh Jacobs.
But the Packers still had money left to at least retain one of the pair, agreeing to re-sign Dillion, a 2020 second-round pick. He’ll remain the No. 2 back in Green Bay, but he might not have the same workload he had while playing next to Jones, who was released before joining the Vikings.
Jacobs could have a heavy workload in 2024 after the Packers committed $14 million to the former rushing champion. But it was wise for the team to retain Dillion, who might be needed in case Jacobs deals with injuries.
Grade: C+
WR Curtis Samuel to sign with Bills
The Bills landed a speedy wideout to address the departure of Gabe Davis.
Wide receiver Curtis Samuel and the Bills reportedly agreed to a three-year, $24 million deal with upside to go as high as $30 million. The contract includes $15 million guaranteed.
Samuel had to wait a few days to find his new home, but he’s in an ideal situation with Josh Allen and offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who worked with Samuel in Carolina. The deal might end up being a bargain for the Bills because Samuel proved last season he can still get open downfield.
Davis received a three-year, $39 million contract from the Jaguars. Samuel isn’t as physical and can’t block as well as Davis, but he’s been more consistent in the passing game. Samuel recorded at least 60 catches, 600 receiving yards and four touchdowns the past two seasons playing in a poor Washington offense.
Grade: B
QB Sam Howell traded from Commanders to Seahawks
He completed 63.4% of his attempts with 21 touchdowns and a league-worst 21 interceptions in 2023.
Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports
The Commanders are moving on from the past in every way possible.
On Thursday, Washington traded quarterback Sam Howell to the Seahawks, with both teams sending two picks each. Seattle receives fourth- and sixth-round picks, while the Commanders get third- and fifth-rounders.
Howell, 23, started all 17 games last year and led the NFL with 612 pass attempts. He completed 63.4% of his attempts with 21 touchdowns and a league-worst 21 interceptions. Now, he lands in Seattle as a backup to Geno Smith.
Commanders grade: A-
Seahawks grade: C+
DT Arik Armstead agrees to sign with the Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are making moves to upgrade their defensive line.
On Thursday, Jacksonville signed defensive tackle Arik Armstead to a three-year deal, $51 million deal, giving the Jaguars a nice piece alongside edge rusher Josh Allen.
Armstead, 30, spent the first nine years of his career with the 49ers, notching 33.5 sacks, including five sacks in 2023. His best year came in ’19, when Armstead totaled 10 sacks to help San Francisco reach the Super Bowl.
Grade: A-
Edge D.J. Wonnum agrees to sign with the Panthers
Nobody has spent more freely than the Panthers. That continued on Thursday.
After a full-blown spending spree during the legal tampering period, Carolina jumped back into the market with a two-year, $12.5 million deal for edge rusher D.J. Wonnum.
Wonnum was very productive throughout the first four years of his career with the Vikings, posting 23 sacks. In two of his past three campaigns, he’s notched eight.
With Brian Burns out, Carolina has to find more pass rush. Wonnum isn’t Burns, but he’s a good piece for the front seven.
Grade: A-
CB Kendall Fuller signs with the Dolphins
The Dolphins were forced to remake their roster a bit due to a salary cap crunch, and they’re finding value.
After signing linebacker Jordyn Brooks earlier in the week, Miami has landed corner Kendall Fuller on a two-year deal worth $16.5 million. A longtime starter for both the Commanders and Chiefs, Fuller can play corner and safety.
At 29 years old, Fuller should slide into a starting role alongside Jalen Ramsey after the release of veteran corner Xavien Howard. Additionally, he’s a solid playmaker with 16 career interceptions.
Grade: B+
S DeShon Elliott signs with the Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are aggressively attempting to hit the reset button on its back seven.
After signing Patrick Queen away from the Baltimore Ravens, general manager Omar Khan went to the secondary and found safety DeShon Elliott, paying him $6 million over two years.
For Pittsburgh, Elliott will be a nice piece alongside All-Pro Minkah Fitzpatrick. The Steelers also released cornerback Patrick Peterson on Wednesday, creating cap space and snaps to fill as well.
As for Elliott, this will be his fourth team in as many years. Last season, Elliott was with the Miami Dolphins and played 94% of the snaps. Over the past four years, the lowest percentage he’s played is 82%.
Grade: B
March 13
LB Eric Kendricks to sign with Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys joined the free agency frenzy by taking a player from their NFC rivals.
After reportedly agreeing to terms with the 49ers, veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks had a change of heart and now plans to sign a one-year deal with the Cowboys, reuniting with Mike Zimmer, the new defensive coordinator in Dallas.
Kendricks played many seasons with Zimmer during their time together with the Vikings. The 10th-year veteran spent last season with the Chargers, where he recorded 117 total tackles and 3.5 sacks. The 32-year-old Kendricks might not be the long-term answer in Dallas, but they needed depth at linebacker and someone who was familiar with Zimmer’s scheme.
Grade: C+
QB Joe Flacco to sign with Colts
Anthony Richardson’s new backup doesn’t have a cool mustache, but he does have a shiny Comeback Player of the Year award.
Joe Flacco, who had a memorable short stint with the Browns, has reportedly agreed with the Colts on a one-year deal worth up to $8.7 million, including $4.5 million guaranteed.
Flacco was instrumental in helping the Browns reach the postseason, leading to the former Super Bowl-winning signal-caller having a tight race against Bills safety Damar Hamlin for Comeback Player of the Year. Flacco, 39, had five sensational regular-season performances before the Browns flamed out in the wild-card loss against the Texans.
This is a savvy move from the Colts, who had an impressive 2023 season thanks to Gardner Minshew helping the team adjust without Richardson, who only played four games during his rookie season. Minshew is now with the Raiders, but the Colts have insurance with Flacco in case Richardson deals with injuries again in ’24.
Grade: B+
DT Sheldon Rankins to sign with Bengals
Sheldon Rankins’s one-year, prove-it-deal with the Houston Texans paid off, but he won’t be playing for DeMeco Ryans in 2024.
The veteran defensive tackle reportedly agreed to join the Cincinnati Bengals on a two-year, $26 million contract. Rankins, a 2016 first-round pick of the Saints, recorded six sacks last season while starting 15 regular season games for the Texans, who paid Rankins $9.7 million last year.
The Bengals were in need of an interior defensive lineman because in-house free agent D.J. Reader could be on the way out. Reader reportedly plans to meet with the Lions soon.
Grade: B
OT Jonah Williams to sign with Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals added a new offensive tackle minutes after releasing D.J. Humphries.
Former Bengals tackle Jonah Williams reportedly agreed to a two-year, $30 million contract with the Cardinals. Williams primarily played left tackle during his five seasons in Cincinnati, but moved to right tackle last season to accommodate the signing of Orlando Brown Jr.
Now the Cardinals will need to decide whether to slot Williams at left tackle or move 2023 first-round pick Paris Johnson Jr. to Humphries’s old spot. Regardless of which side Johnson patrols, the Cardinals gave themselves cap space relief and a reliable tackle in Williams.
Grade: B
K Nick Folk re-signs with the Titans
The Titans had a busy few hours.
After signing receiver Calvin Ridley for $92 million along with landing backup quarterback Mason Rudolph, Tennessee now has retained Folk.
Folk gets a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Titans, giving Tennessee one of the most reliable legs in the game for another year. Last season, Folk missed only one of 30 field-goal attempts, and was a remarkable 11-of-12 from beyond 40 yards.
Despite being 39 years old, Folk remains a terrific kicker from all ranges.
Grade: B+
LB Bobby Wagner signs with the Commanders
No team has been busier in terms of volume signings than the Commanders. Add another to the list.
On Wednesday, Washington signed future Hall of Fame linebacker Bobby Wagner to a one-year deal worth $8.5 million. The front seven is loaded in the nation’s capital, with Wagner, edge rusher Dorance Armstrong, and defensive tackles Da’Ron Payne and Jonathan Allen near the line.
Last season, Wagner made a league-high 183 tackles with 3.5 sacks for the Seahawks upon his return after a one-year tour with the Rams.
A 10-time All-Pro, Wagner is one of the greatest players to ever play his position.
Grade: A
WR Calvin Ridley signs with the Titans
The Titans are seriously loo
