| NFC EAST |
| WASHINGTONWR DEEBO SAMUEL on why he wanted to be a Commander. Ben Standig of The Athletic: Deebo Samuel walked into San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan’s office in early February with purpose and a measure of sadness.The two connected even before the NFC West power selected the wide receiver in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Shanahan coached Samuel’s team at that year’s Senior Bowl. That player-coach dynamic continued for six seasons, joining forces to help the 49ers to two Super Bowl and four NFC championship appearances.Now Samuel was about to tell the only NFL head coach he knew it was time for a breakup.“One of the hardest things was walking into the office and talking to Kyle about this,” Samuel said.The 49ers and the 2021 Pro Bowler were coming off down seasons. San Francisco’s fixes would come in the form of several salary-cap-related releases. Samuel would potentially have faced the axe if not for this proactive conversation about wanting permission to seek a trade. Samuel described the chat as “tough” but necessary. His criteria made creating a shortlist of five potential destinations more straightforward.“I like winners,” he said.In the year 2025, the Washington Commanders meet that standard. San Francisco traded Samuel to last season’s NFC championship finalist on March 1 for a fifth-round selection.“They’ve already proven they can win,” Samuel said of Washington’s attractiveness during his introductory video news conference Thursday afternoon. “I’m just coming to add my little dog mentality and contribute to the offense in any aspect they need me.”There’s no mystery there. The Commanders, who finished 12-5 in the 2024 regular season, lacked playmakers on offense beyond quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin. Precisely, Washington needed help generating yards after the catch. Few players are more associated with that aspect than the 6-foot, 215-pound receiver with running back skills and a mentality to run past — and over — defenders.Washington general manager Adam Peters was San Francisco’s vice president of player personnel in 2019 when the 49ers snagged Samuel with the 36th overall pick. Peters’ insight into the player and the person fueled the trade that addressed one of the Commanders’ primary offseason needs.Samuel’s usage is unconventional by traditional receiver standards. Think of a moveable chess piece who gets the ball in space rather than a standard route-running outside receiver, though that’s part of his arsenal as well. That fit in offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s up-tempo system seems ideal.Samuel said he expected to meet with Kingsbury later in the day but knows what to expect since the 49ers and Cardinals faced off twice a year during Kingsbury’s four seasons as Arizona’s head coach. He’s also familiar with McLaurin, a fellow member of the 2019 draft class. Then there’s Daniels, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year and college teammate of San Francisco wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.“That’s all B.A. talked about. ‘My boy is going to win the Heisman, my boy is about to do this, my boy is about to do that,’” Samuel said. “(Jayden) came to the league and played tremendously well. Everything (Brandon) said was going to happen, happened.”Some amount of faith was required in projecting Samuel as the right addition. He’s coming off an uninspiring campaign with 51 receptions for 670 yards and four touchdowns — three receiving, one rushing — and a career-worst 3.2 yards per carry on 42 rushing attempts. Various injuries cost Samuel eight games over the past three seasons and perhaps sapped some burst that made the dual-threat a dynamic physical threat.Following the trade request, reports surfaced about Samuel being overweight last season and throughout his 49ers career.“That don’t move me,” Samuel responded.Samuel arrived with one year remaining on a three-year, $71.5 million extension signed with San Francisco in 2022. This week, Washington agreed to guarantee his 2025 salary of $17 million. The contract tweak included adding incentives to potentially raise the overall value to $20 million before the receiver plays a down with his new team.“That meant a lot,” Samuel said. “It kind of shows what they think.”Besides the receiver’s peace of mind knowing he won’t be released before the regular season (spoiler: That wasn’t happening anyway), the new terms aren’t significant from Washington’s end. What’s more notable is that the Commanders did not extend Samuel’s deal. Washington will let the player’s performance dictate what comes next. Samuel and those around him seem to understand that.“I’m very motivated,” Samuel said. “It’s not just me, but everybody around me is motivated. … I’m going to push myself to get to where I need to be.” |
| NFC WEST |
| SAN FRANCISCOJohn Lynch on the need to clear out some cash. Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com: The 49ers have said goodbye to a number of players since the start of the league year and General Manager John Lynch said on Wednesday that it has been “terrible” to see those players depart, but he also offered some positive thoughts for fans worried that the team is preparing to take a step backward.Lynch spoke to reporters at Stanford’s Pro Day and said that those fans should know “we have a plan” to restock the roster. Lynch noted that the 49ers have “a lot of picks” in the upcoming draft — they currently hold 11 selections — and that the team is looking long-range when it comes to their financial planning.“The bottom line is you’re always looking at years out,” Lynch said, via Matt Barrows ofTheAthletic.com. “And we forecast it, and we’ve got some big things coming our way. And you have to clear the requisite room to be able to do that. And you don’t want to get to a point where you have to do things to keep your roster afloat. You want to have that flexibility.”Quarterback Brock Purdy’s contract is one of the big things that the 49ers have to deal with and Lynch declined to elaborate on where things stand on that front while discussing what’s still to come for the 49ers this offseason. |
| AFC WEST |
| LOS ANGELES CHARGERSAfter three years with the Jets, TE TYLER CONKLIN has a one-year deal with the Chargers. ESPN.com: Veteran tight end Tyler Conklin has agreed to a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers, his agent, Mike McCartney, said Friday.The deal is for $3 million and could grow to as much as $4.5M with incentives, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.Conklin joins a tight end room in L.A. that also includes Will Dissly.Conklin spent the past three seasons with the New York Jets, with whom he established himself as a reliable possession receiver. He had 170 receptions, tied for eighth among tight ends over that span, for 1,622 yards and seven touchdowns.Conklin’s numbers dropped in 2024, as the Jets’ passing attack revolved around wide receivers Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams. Conklin did manage a career-high four touchdown catches, including the 500th touchdown pass of quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ career in the Jets’ final game of the season.When Conklin was targeted, it usually was as a checkdown option. He averaged only 5.23 air yards per target, by far his lowest among his three seasons in New York. Statistically, he was the most surehanded pass catcher on the team, with no drops in 73 targets in 2024.Conklin, 29, signed with the Jets in 2022 and played out his entire contract (three years, $20.3 million). |
| AFC NORTH |
| PITTSBURGHEventually, QB AARON RODGERS will be a Steeler. So hears Mike Florio ofProFootballTalk.com: The “when” remains to be seen. The “if” is slowly becoming more clear.As one source in the general vicinity of those who would be in position to know said Sunday, it’s a “safe bet” that quarterback Aaron Rodgers eventually will sign with the Steelers.Rodgers, if you haven’t heard, spent more than six hours visiting the Steelers on Friday.We know, we know. Nobody ever knows what Rodgers plans to do. He speaks to only a small handful of people. And those to whom he speaks refrain from flapping their yaps, for fear of being exiled to the island.But it’s human nature to talk. Everyone tells one person something they weren’t supposed to tell anyone, with the understanding that the person they tell won’t tell anyone. And so on. And so on. And so on.Regardless, the signs are pointing to Rodgers landing in Pittsburgh for 2025. Could it change? Yes. Again, it’s a “safe bet” it won’t.It remains to be seen when the announcement will be made. If only there were an event coming up next month in Pittsburgh featuring the guy whose show Rodgers appears on every Tuesday during football season.Oh, wait. There is. |
| THIS AND THAT |
| GRADE A FREE AGENT SIGNINGSSeth Walder of ESPN.com gives out 9 free agent signings that are worthy of an A or A- (plus one that should have been):A GRADES1. Linebacker Zack Baun re-signs with the EaglesThe deal: Three years, $51 million ($34 million guaranteed)The Eagles signing Baun to a one-year, $1.6 million deal, converting him to an off-ball linebacker and then getting a near-Defensive Player of the Year performance, is one of the best transactions and development coaching jobs you’ll see in the NFL. Now it’s time for the Eagles to pay market rate (or in this case, perhaps less) for Baun. And he’s worth it.Despite only one interception, Baun allowed minus-26 EPA as the nearest defender in 2024, the best mark for a linebacker by a mile per NFL Next Gen Stats (next best was minus-11). He did that while allowing 0.6 yards per coverage snap, sixth best among linebackers. He ranked ninth in run stop win rate among off-ball linebackers with at least 10 starts (41%). And he forced five fumbles and recorded 3.5 sacks. He even recorded another forced fumble and two more picks in the playoffs, including one in the Super Bowl. And he finished fifth in Defensive Player of the Year voting.So yes, heckuva year. The Eagles, who ranked second in EPA per play on defense this season, wanting to bring him back makes all the sense in the world.We saw a lot of linebacker re-signings — and they were pricey. If Nick Bolton and Jamien Sherwood are getting $15 million per year, then giving Baun $17 million per year after the season he just had is a slam dunk.And $17 million per year isn’t a top-of-market deal. A reasonable comparison could be Tremaine Edmunds in 2023, who was coming off a breakout season (but not as good as Baun’s 2024) and got what would be the equivalent of $22.4 million per year from the Bears. Not to mention Roquan Smith’s deal in 2023, Fred Warner’s in 2021 or Shaquille Leonard’s in 2021, which would equate in the current salary cap to $24.8 million, $29.1 million and $30.1 million deals annually. Baun at $17 million per year is a great price.2. Guard Kevin Zeitler signs with the TitansThe deal: One year, $9 millionA year ago, I wrote that the Lions signing Zeitler at a value price — one year for $6 million then — was one of my favorite moves of their offseason. Well, it’s a new team but the same story, with the NFL overlooking Zeitler again because he’s a temporary solution.There’s no question that Zeitler is old; he just turned 35. But he also is the best pass protector in this free agent guard class. And offensive linemen age much better than players at most other positions.Zeitler ranked sixth in pass block win rate (94%) last season after ranking 12th the season before in Baltimore and 11th the season before that. That’s reliability! His run block win rate (72%) was a little above average.I understand that teams want to find solutions for years to come early in free agency, which is why younger players such as Aaron Banks and Will Fries got big money. But if I had to bet on whether one of Banks, Fries or Zeitler will be an above-average pass protector in 2025, I’m choosing Zeitler without hesitation! To get him signed for less than half the annual value of Banks (and without any guaranteed cost beyond this year) is so much better of a deal.I like what Tennessee is doing for its offensive line, especially if it drafts Miami quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 pick in April. The Titans are prioritizing getting his protection right and doing a very good job of it.3. Cornerback D.J. Reed signs with the LionsThe deal: Three years, $48 millionAlmost every time I write about cornerbacks, I’m compelled to include a note about how volatile players at the position are. But the 28-year-old Reed is an exception, a consistent player year in and year out and, in my view, a long underrated player. I liked it when the Jets signed him three years ago, and I like this signing by Detroit.Here are Reed’s yards allowed per coverage snap from 2022 to 2024: 0.6, 1.0 and 0.8, respectively. That’s three straight seasons better than average (1.1) in the category relative to other outside corners. Dating to his time in Seattle, Reed has been better than average in five consecutive seasons.He also averaged a 13% target rate in his three seasons in New York, slightly lower than average despite playing opposite Sauce Gardner!Those are strong numbers and exactly what the Lions need. I’d rather have Reed than Carlton Davis III, and the Lions got him for cheaper than what the Patriots paid Davis.4. Offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. signs with the TitansThe deal: Four years, $82 million ($50 million guaranteed)We don’t know who will play quarterback for the Titans in 2025, but that person will have better pass protection with Moore now on the team.Moore is coming off a nice season in which he put up career highs in both pass block win rate (93%, 11th best out of 66 qualifiers) and run block win rate (76%, 23rd best). Offensive line can be a place where players take longer to develop, so I’m inclined to invest in Moore’s improvement.That becomes easy to do when considering who else was available on the tackle market. Cam Robinson isn’t as good as Moore as a pass protector, Jaylon Moore is unproven and has worse numbers, and Jedrick Wills Jr. has several question marks attached to him. To me, Moore was the one to go with, and $20.5 million per year is not top-tier tackle money at all.Last season, Titans tackles JC Latham (88%) and Nicholas Petit-Frere (82%) ranked 40th and 64th in pass block win rate among tackles. If Latham — their first-round pick in 2023 — develops, the Titans could have a really nice pair of tackles, which is crucial for setting a quarterback up for success.5. Wide receiver Davante Adams signs with the RamsThe deal: Two years, $46 million ($26 million guaranteed)Three years ago, the Rams were seeking a second wide receiver to play alongside Cooper Kupp and they signed veteran Allen Robinson to a three-year, $45 million deal. It didn’t go great. Fast-forward to 2025, and they’re trying the veteran free agent route again. With Kupp being released (he signed with the Seahawks), the Rams are turning to Adams on a two-year deal to line up opposite Puka Nacua. And this time, I think it will turn out better.Make no mistake: Adams is on the decline. He’s 32, and we often underestimate the rate at which age can erode a player’s ability. Maybe I’m doing it right now. But Adams’ decline is coming from such a high peak, and the evidence is there that he’s still a very good receiver. And in my view, he is a value at the price Los Angeles paid. Even in his down 2024 season, Adams averaged 2.1 yards per route run — and he was catching passes from Gardner Minshew (with the Raiders) and Aaron Rodgers (in a dysfunctional Jets offense). That’s still pretty good.The advanced metrics suggest a similar story. His open score was 77 last season (via ESPN’s receiver scores), down from a peak of 99 in 2020 but still well above average. (Adams’ catch score dropped to a disastrous 5 last season, but it is more volatile from year to year, and I’d be less worried about age affecting his hands than his shiftiness.)Now put that player in a Sean McVay offense in which he can be the No. 2 option behind an exceptional Nacua, and there’s a world where this could really work out, at least for a year. It makes all the sense in the world for the Rams, running it back with quarterback Matthew Stafford for another year with great offensive playmakers and an exceptional defensive line in place. I think the $23 million per year for Adams is going to age very well. After all, if Tutu Atwell is getting $10 million these days, you had better believe Adams is worth $23 million.A- GRADES6. Edge rusher Malcolm Koonce re-signs with the RaidersThe deal: One year, $12 millionI’m surprised. I thought Koonce was going to be a hot name this offseason and land a pretty big deal based on his upside. But this could be injury-related.Koonce missed the entire 2024 season with a knee injury. But Koonce showed promise in 2023, with 8.0 sacks and a 17% pass rush win rate at edge (22nd best out of 50 qualifiers) in his first season as a starter. Koonce started 11 games that season after moving past first-round rookie Tyree Wilson on the depth chart.Now, Koonce has a one-year, prove-it deal. And it’s good for the Raiders that the rest of the league didn’t have much interest. At best they get an ascending edge rusher on a bargain deal. At worst, it’s only a $12 million commitment.7. Running back Rico Dowdle signs with the PanthersThe deal: One year, $3 millionIf you told me before free agency that Dowdle had signed with Carolina and nothing else, I’d prepare to be quite critical. This is a team that burned a second-round selection on Jonathon Brooks in last year’s draft then signed Chuba Hubbard to an extension during the season. Why bring in another free agent running back?It turns out that there was a good reason: They got a bargain!Download the ESPN app and enable Adam Schefter’s news alerts to receive push notifications for the latest updates first. Opt in by tapping the alerts bell in the top right corner. For more information, click here.Dowdle recorded 61 rush yards over expectation last season for the Cowboys, per NFL Next Gen Stats. That’s more than Aaron Jones (plus-41), Najee Harris (minus-3) or Javonte Williams (minus-83). Dowdle caught 39 passes for 249 yards (1 receiving yard over expectation) and was a shade above average in pass block win rate for a running back. But those are solid numbers — certainly better than those of Harris or Williams. Yet Harris got a couple of million dollars more, and Williams got Dowdle’s same contract from Dowdle’s old team.The Panthers are spending this offseason, which means they might not be spenders next offseason. As a result, they might give Dowdle some run this season, let him walk in free agency and pick up a late-round compensatory pick for him. This deal is cheap enough that they can think about that type of thing.Or it might be worth having Dowdle inked at this rate just to flip him at the deadline. A bargain is a bargain, and there are ways the Panthers can turn that into a little value, even if they didn’t need a running back.8. Guard Mekhi Becton signs with the ChargersThe deal: Two years, $20 millionBy signing Becton, the Chargers were able to upgrade their running game. And in waiting patiently for the guard market to come to them, they were able to get him to sign a contract at a good price.Los Angeles ranked 10th in EPA per designed running back carry last season but was ranked only 25th in yards before contact (2.2) on running back carries. And the Chargers were 26th in the same category when looking at only interior runs (2.0).Enter Becton, who can be a quick upgrade at guard. A 2020 first-round pick by the Jets as a tackle, Becton was a successful reclamation project for the Eagles in 2024. A year ago, he signed a one-year deal with Philadelphia for under $3 million and the Eagles turned him into a guard, where he became an asset. Becton recorded a 92% pass block win rate (average) and a 72% run block win rate (above average) in Philadelphia.Coincidentally, Becton’s pass block win rate was identical to Chargers guard Trey Pipkins III — whom Becton will presumably replace in the starting lineup — to the tenth of the percentage point (91.8%). But his run blocking was significantly better than Pipkins’ below-average run block win rate of 67.3%.There is some risk. Becton has played guard for only one season, and it’s reasonable to wonder how he’ll do when separated from Eagles run game coordinator and offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland. He was also playing next to Lane Johnson, which had to help.But this is well worth it for the Chargers at these terms. While Aaron Banks and Will Fries received $19.25 million and $17.6 million annually, respectively, Becton comes in far cheaper at $10 million per year. And I don’t think our outlook for Becton ought to be much different than for either of those players. Plus, if the team releases Pipkins due to signing Becton, it will save $6.75 million in 2025 cash it otherwise would have spent.9. Wide receiver Chris Godwin re-signs with the BuccaneersThe deal: Three years, $66 million ($44 million guaranteed)Not only did the Buccaneers get Godwin back — they got him back for pretty cheap.Godwin was clearly the best wide receiver available in a wideout-thirsty market when the negotiation period started March 10. He wasn’t around for long though, returning to the Buccaneers for only $22 million per year. Considering Tee Higgins’ new contract averages $28.75 million per year, that DK Metcalf cost $30 million per year and a second-round pick and that Davante Adams cost $23 million per year, the Bucs getting Godwin back at this price is a bargain. Having a second playmaker for Baker Mayfield to target beyond Mike Evans is crucial for the health of the Tampa Bay offense.Godwin comes with some risk, of course. He just turned 29 and is coming off an ankle injury that limited him to only seven games in 2024. But he’s also coming off his best season since he tore his ACL at the end of the 2021 season, increasing his yards per route run from 1.8 in 2022 and 1.9 in 2023 to 2.5 in a limited sample in 2024. Godwin posted a career-high 68 in ESPN’s open score in 2024. He was worth bringing back, particularly at this price.THE HINDSIGHT A GRADEOffensive tackle Ronnie Stanley re-signs with the RavensThe deal: Three years, $60 millionOriginal grade: B+When doing these instant-reaction grades, there are always a few I look back on and realize that my first instinct wasn’t the correct one. This is particularly likely early in the process, when the markets at each position haven’t yet come into focus. Sometimes, I’m too generous (a B+ for the Patriots signing Harold Landry III seems a little much in retrospect). And sometimes I’m not generous enough.The latter was the case when I gave Baltimore the B+ for re-signing Stanley. I was overly focused on his injury history and not what I wrote in the first two sentences of my analysis — that the Ravens had to bring back Stanley and were fortunate this contract didn’t cost them more.There is risk in retaining Stanley, no doubt. But there were no great options at tackle, and one has to look no further than the Chiefs, who settled for paying Jaylon Moore, a former backup with poor metrics, $15 million per year to see that. Protecting Lamar Jackson is paramount for the Ravens, and to get Stanley back at only $20 million per year and $44 million guaranteed is basically a bargain considering the alternatives. He should be on this list. |
| RANKING THE TEAMSWhy does ESPN.com rank the Chiefs ahead of the Eagles (much less a bunch of other teams): 1. Kansas City ChiefsUnder-the-radar move: Signing running back Elijah MitchellThe addition of Mitchell didn’t cost the Chiefs much (a little over $2 million on a one-year deal) and if he’s healthy, he gives the the team speed out of the backfield. That’s been hard to find for Kansas City lately, as it lacked a breakaway threat at running back last season. Mitchell offers a nice contrast to Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco, the Chiefs’ other top backs. — Adam Teicher2. Philadelphia EaglesUnder-the-radar move: Changing the quarterback depth chartThe Eagles traded Kenny Pickett to the Browns for a 2025 fifth-round pick and quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson. This likely means 2023 sixth-round pick Tanner McKee will ascend to the No. 2 spot behind Jalen Hurts. McKee has earned the promotion by impressing in practice and maximizing his limited opportunities. He went 30-of-45 (67%) for 323 yards with four touchdowns to no interceptions in two games last season. Philadelphia showed some interest in Thompson-Robinson before the 2023 draft and will now have the chance to help grow his game behind the scenes. — Tim McManus3. Detroit LionsUnder-the-radar move: Hiring running backs coach Tashard ChoiceThe Lions have completely revamped their coaching staff after eight assistants left to take new positions in the offseason. Choice will enter his first season as the Lions’ new running backs coach, and Scottie Montgomery will change to wide receivers and assistant head coach. The addition of Choice is huge for Jahmyr Gibbs, who led the NFL in touchdowns (20) in 2024. Choice coached Gibbs at Georgia Tech from 2020 to ’21 and the two developed a close relationship. — Eric Woodyard4. Buffalo BillsUnder-the-radar move: Re-signing running back Ty JohnsonThe Bills made a variety of moves to retain their own, and keeping Johnson on a two-year deal benefits the offense as a whole and gives the team some insurance in 2026. Johnson complemented James Cook, along with rookie Ray Davis, and earned a role as the team’s go-to third-down running back. Cook will be a free agent next offseason, so it benefits the team to have another member of the room under contract for multiple years. — Alaina Getzenberg5. Baltimore RavensUnder-the-radar move: Re-signing fullback Patrick RicardThe headliners of the Ravens’ free agent class have been offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, but the return of Ricard on a one-year, $2.87 million deal is key to Baltimore’s smashmouth identity. He received the nickname “Pancake Pat” for putting so many defenders on their backs. With Ricard as the lead blocker last season, the Ravens averaged 5.8 yards per carry, which was the best in a single season in NFL history.In six seasons as Baltimore’s fullback, Ricard has helped four running backs (Gus Edwards, Mark Ingram, J.K. Dobbins and Derrick Henry) produce over 800 rushing yards in a single season. — Jamison Hensley6. Washington CommandersUnder-the-radar move: Re-signing tight end John BatesBates is not a dynamic pass-catcher — he has 61 career receptions over four seasons, including eight last season. But the Commanders made it a priority to keep him around because of his blocking ability. Coaches had talked in the past about his unique ability to handle defensive ends when needed in pass protection, which is a rarity among modern tight ends. Bates might not catch more than 10 passes this season, but his value remains high. — John Keim7. Cincinnati BengalsUnder-the-radar move: Re-signing defensive end Joseph OssaiOssai, a 2021 third-round pick, quietly had a strong finish to the season, with at least a half-sack in six of the final seven games. It was enough production to make him a compelling free agent. But he decided that if he was going to do a one-year deal in 2025, he might as well stay in Cincinnati. If Ossai can build on last season, he can be a much-needed edge rusher for a defense that needs more disruption. — Ben Baby8. Los Angeles RamsUnder-the-radar move: Re-signing left tackle Alaric JacksonQuarterback Matthew Stafford agreed to an adjusted contract on the same day as Jackson’s re-signing, so this transaction was overshadowed despite being a key part of Los Angeles’ offseason plan. Bringing back Jackson — and keeping veteran right tackle Rob Havenstein — also allows the Rams flexibility early in the draft, as offensive tackle is no longer a pressing need to address. — Sarah Barshop9. Green Bay PackersUnder-the-radar move: Re-signing kicker Brandon McManusThe Packers learned the hard way that kickers aren’t easy to find — even in the draft. After a revolving door of inexperienced kickers ever since they moved on from Mason Crosby following the 2022 season, they finally had enough. So six games into last season, Green Bay brought in the veteran McManus, who stabilized the situation. He missed only two kicks the rest of the way — one in the regular season and one in the playoffs. — Rob Demovsky10. Minnesota VikingsUnder-the-radar move: Re-signing safety Theo JacksonRealizing they were going to lose incumbent starter Camryn Bynum in free agency, the Vikings got his understudy signed and locked down for the next three years. Jackson has been impressive in the past two training camps and in his limited defensive snaps. In exchange for a reasonable deal worth a little more than $9 million, the Vikings secured a replacement for Bynum who has given them every reason to believe he will be an effective starter. — Kevin Seifert11. Los Angeles ChargersUnder-the-radar move: Re-signing safety Elijah MoldenMolden was the most underrated player on the Chargers defense in 2024; he was second among defensive backs in tackles (72) and interceptions (three). However, perhaps the most critical aspect of his role was his emergence at deep safety. This allowed Los Angeles to move safety Derwin James Jr. to the nickel cornerback spot, which resulted in an All-Pro season. With Molden back, expect another league-best season for James and the Chargers’ defense. — Kris Rhim12. Denver BroncosUnder-the-radar move: Re-signing tackle Matt PeartWhile Peart’s signing might not have made too many ripples in the free agency pond, he has carved out a niche as a reliable swing tackle. His only two starts last season came against the Chargers, and he also played as a right tackle and an extra blocking tight end. He moved to their kicking units after the Chiefs blocked a field goal on the final play of the game in October. Peart and Alex Palczewski, as well as starters Garett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey, give the Broncos their top four tackles back after they were one of the league’s best offensive lines in 2024. — Jeff Legwold13. Houston TexansUnder-the-radar move: Signing defensive end Darrell TaylorGetting Taylor as a rotational player was a savvy move. He has 24.5 sacks in four seasons, including 9.5 in 2022. The Texans rotate often to keep the defensive line fresh, so when defensive ends Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. head to the sideline, Houston now has someone coming in who could get after quarterbacks. Coming off the bench, Taylor strengthens an already-strong unit. — DJ Bien-Aime14. Tampa Bay BuccaneersUnder-the-radar move: Promoting Kevin Carberry to run game coordinatorThe Bucs did the two best things they possibly could to account for the loss of Liam Coen. They promoted pass game coordinator (and “wizard”) Josh Grizzard to offensive coordinator. And the importance of keeping Carberry, their offensive line coach last season, can’t be overstated. He played an integral role in their run game improving from a league-worst 88.8 rushing yards per game in 2023 to fourth-best with 149.2 in 2024.The Bucs’ 5.3 yards per rush also set a new franchise record and according to Elias Sports, they became the sixth team since the merger to have a 1,000-plus rushing yard improvement in a full season year-over-year. — Jenna Laine15. San Francisco 49ersUnder-the-radar move: Hiring Gus Bradley as a defensive assistantThe Niners’ biggest move of the offseason was undoubtedly bringing back Robert Saleh as defensive coordinator. While adding Bradley didn’t generate as many headlines, it’s a move that could pay dividends in the short and long term. Bradley has 12 years experience as an NFL defensive coordinator and another four as a head coach. And, if Saleh has success and takes another head coaching job, Bradley would then become an obvious candidate to take over as coordinator in San Francisco or for Saleh wherever he might land. — Nick Wagoner16. Seattle SeahawksUnder-the-radar move: Re-signing linebacker Ernest Jones IVA team re-signing its top free agent usually commands plenty of attention, but Jones’ return on a three-year, $28.5 million deal got somewhat overlooked amid the fervor of the Geno Smith and DK Metcalf trades. Bringing back Jones was a priority given the way he transformed their defense after his midseason arrival from Tennessee. Seattle did so on a reasonable contract. It averages $9.5 million and gives the team plenty of financial protection, with more than $2.5 million tied to per-game roster bonuses that Jones can earn only if he stays healthy. — Brady Henderson17. Pittsburgh SteelersUnder-the-radar move: Signing safety Juan ThornhillInjuries have kept Thornhill from playing a complete season since 2021, and he hasn’t forced a turnover since a three-interception campaign in 2022 (his final year in Kansas City). But the 2019 second-round pick is a younger safety option with more upside than 31-year-old Damontae Kazee, who is an unrestricted free agent after three seasons in Pittsburgh. The rest of the safety position was a patchwork group in 2024, with Cameron Sutton moving from corner to safety and the brief return of former first-round pick Terrell Edmunds.Despite his injury risk, Thornhill gives the team quality secondary depth. — Brooke Pryor18. Miami DolphinsUnder-the-radar move: Signing punter Ryan StonehouseA punter? Really? Yes, really! Stonehouse is the NFL’s single-season record holder for average yards per punt (53.1 in 2022), and he’s averaged more than 50 yards per punt over his three-year NFL career. The Dolphins have had one of the league’s worst special teams units over the past four seasons, and getting a field-flipper such as Stonehouse could change their fortunes under first-year special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman. — Marcel Louis-Jacques19. Atlanta FalconsUnder-the-radar move: Hiring defensive line coach Nate OllieThe news of the Falcons hiring Ollie got lost in the news cycle when the team announced it was bringing in former Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich as defensive coordinator. But Ollie brings developmental chops to an inexperienced line after the release of defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. With Ollie as the assistant defensive line coach, the Texans finished tied for fourth in the NFL in sacks (49) last season. The Falcons ranked 31st (31). As the defensive line coach in Indianapolis, Ollie guided the Colts to an Indy-era franchise-record 51 sacks in 2023. — Marc Raimondi20. Arizona CardinalsUnder-the-radar move: Signing quarterback Jacoby BrissettThere are two reasons for this answer. The first is that Brissett has experience in Arizona’s scheme having played for offensive coordinator Drew Petzing and quarterbacks coach Israel Woolfork in Cleveland, so the transition should be seamless for him. The second is that he’s another veteran presence for Kyler Murray in the quarterback room, someone who can help him navigate life as a professional, even though he’s heading into Year 7. — Josh Weinfuss21. Dallas CowboysUnder-the-radar move: Signing defensive end Solomon ThomasThe Cowboys did not lay out a big financial investment in Thomas (just $3 million guaranteed), yet he can fill a number of roles in Matt Eberflus’ defense and in the locker room. He played for new defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton with the Jets, so he can help teach what the new position coach wants. He has also been productive with 8.5 sacks over the past two seasons.Mainly, Thomas’ experience will be a plus for a defense that lost some leadership in free agency and potentially needed a fresh voice anyway. — Todd Archer22. Chicago BearsUnder-the-radar move: Signing wide receiver Olamide ZaccheausThe Bears got younger and faster at receiver behind their two top targets. Zaccheaus signed a one-year deal in Chicago after his bounce-back season with the Commanders (45 catches, 506 yards and three touchdowns). This is an inexpensive way to enhance the offense with a 27-year-old slot receiver who just played with another young quarterback. Coach Ben Johnson covets fast receivers and can get creative with where he lines up Zaccheaus, who took a handful of snaps in the backfield last season. — Courtney Cronin23. Indianapolis ColtsUnder-the-radar move: Restructuring right tackle Braden Smith’s dealThe Colts lost two key members of their offensive line to free agency in center Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries. So it is no small matter that they found middle ground with Smith and reduced his salary cap charge to a more manageable number. Indy is already facing the challenge of rebuilding its depth. Smith has had a lot of challenges lately — including an undisclosed issue that sent him to the non-football illness list last season — but he is said to be past that and is now ready to play. — Stephen Holder24. New England PatriotsUnder-the-radar move: Signing quarterback Joshua DobbsA two-year, $8 million deal — with $3.8 million guaranteed — for a quarterback is a notable investment for a team that already has Drake Maye and Joe Milton III on the depth chart. It could simply be that the Patriots want an even-keeled veteran to mentor Maye. It could also be that New England will entertain trade offers for Milton. Dobbs serves as insurance if a solid offer presents itself. — Mike Reiss25. Carolina PanthersUnder-the-radar move: Signing running back Rico DowdleAdding Dowdle on a one-year, $2.75 million deal is solid insurance to back up Chuba Hubbard, as 2024 second-round pick Jonathon Brooks is expected to miss most of next season with an ACL injury. Dowdle was also a much cheaper option than Miles Sanders, who was released when he wouldn’t renegotiate his contract. The release saved the Panthers $5.23 million in cap space. — David Newton26. Las Vegas RaidersUnder-the-radar move: Re-signing defensive end Malcolm KoonceKoonce missed the entire 2024 season due to a torn ACL. If he can return to full strength and play at the level he did before the injury, he could be a major plus for Las Vegas’ defense after five of its defensive starters walked away in free agency. In 2023, he had eight sacks, 29 pressures and an above-average pass rush win rate of 17.4%. He also had three sacks resulting in a forced fumble — tied for third-most in the league. — Ryan McFadden27. New York JetsUnder-the-radar move: Signing tight end Stone SmarttSmartt has only 31 career receptions, but he flashed for the Chargers last season during a three-game stretch in December against the Chiefs, Bucs and Broncos with 11 catches for 141 yards. He made the switch from quarterback to tight end in his final college season, so there’s upside with him as he continues to develop at the position.The Jets are also undergoing big changes at tight end, giving Smartt, who is going into his fourth NFL season, the chance to make the roster and contribute. — Rich Cimini28. Jacksonville JaguarsUnder-the-radar move: Signing quarterback Nick MullensMullens spent the past three seasons in Minnesota under coach Kevin O’Connell, who is part of the Sean McVay coaching tree just like new Jaguars coach Liam Coen and offensive coordinator Grant Udinski. Coen’s offense should be similar to Minnesota’s, so Mullens will offer Trevor Lawrence another tutor. — Mike DiRocco29. New Orleans SaintsUnder-the-radar move: Re-signing cornerback Isaac YiadomThe Saints are going to need cornerback depth now that Paulson Adebo and Marshon Lattimore are gone, and Yiadom played well when he started eight games due to injuries in 2023. He returns on a moderate contract and will give the Saints a familiar face in a defensive backs room that has gone through a lot of changes in the past few months. — Katherine Terrell30. Cleveland BrownsUnder-the-radar move: Hiring offensive line coach Mike BloomgrenDespite a disastrous 2024 season for their offense, the Browns are poised to return their starting offensive line. Cleveland did make a change at position coach, bringing in Bloomgren, the former Rice coach. He is a veteran coach with experience in both the NFL and college ranks. He could help stabilize the unit as the offense tries to return to head coach Kevin Stefanski’s wide zone roots in 2025. The Browns ranked 23rd in yards before contact per rush (2.43) last season. — Daniel Oyefusi31. Tennessee TitansUnder-the-radar move: Signing safety Xavier WoodsSigning the veteran to a two-year, $10 million deal is an extreme bargain. Woods played at least 90% of the defensive snaps for the Panthers over the past two seasons. That durability is much-needed considering Amani Hooker hasn’t played a full season in his six-year career. Woods also brings a tone-setting attitude to Tennessee and should help shore up the last line of defense, which gave up plenty of long runs to backs last season. — Turron Davenport32. New York GiantsUnder-the-radar move: Signing defensive lineman Chauncey GolstonThe Giants badly needed to add defensive line depth. Golston is one of several new defenders. He had a solid 9.3% pass rush win rate as a defensive tackle with the Cowboys last season, which would have ranked 21st in the NFL if he had played enough snaps there to qualify. He seems to be an ideal fit next to Dexter Lawrence II in pass-rush situations with New York. — Jordan Raanan |
