NFL Free agency has been a true rollercoaster so far. Some teams have completely modified their whole rosters while other teams have kept a low profile. Regardless of the comparison, free agency has been a great one so far and let’s take a look at the top 10 moves from the first week of free agency.
10. 49ers: Deebo Samuel (WR) to the Commanders for a 2025 fifth-round pick.
Deebo Samuel had a very disappointing 2024 season in San Francisco, with his most memorable highlight being a dropped pass that could have won them the game. However, we can’t fully hate on Deebo Samuel–a few years ago he was one of the best playmakers in the NFL, and he can hopefully regain that title with Jayden Daniels under center. Trading Deebo for a 5th round pick could end up being a potential steal if he returns to his former glory.
9. Paulson Adebo (CB) signs with the Giants (3 years, $54 million)
Paulson Adebo is the most underrated cover man in this free agency class and possibly the whole NFL. Many people have probably never heard of this name before, but he has the potential to be a lockdown CB1. In 2023, he had totalled seven picks and 28 pass breakups despite missing the final 10 games of the season. The New York Giants are a complete mess, and there’s so much they need to address that I could write a whole article about. However, this is a great under the radar addition in an effort to strengthen their secondary.
8. Eagles: CJ Gardner Johnson (Safety) traded to the Texans with a 5th round pick for Kenyon Green (Guard) and a 6th round pick.
It came as a big surprise to all fans when CJGJ was traded to the Texans for a 5th and 6th round pick swap and a failed O-line prospect. Tensions arose in the Eagle’s secondary this year as Darius Slay called out CJGJ by stating that he wasn’t their next leader, which may have influenced the decisions leading up to this trade.
Kenyon Green was the Texans’ first round pick back in 2021 when he was the best guard in his draft class, but he’s turned out to be a big bust over the past few years. If anyone can turn a failed prospect around, however, it’s the Eagles O-line coach Jeff Stoutland, who worked with Mekhi Becton last year.
7. Seahawks: Geno Smith (QB) traded to the Las Vegas Raiders for a 2025-third round pick.
Geno Smith is a very under-the-radar QB who has actually put up great stats over the past few years. Since 2022, Smith has been 3rd in the NFL in completion percentage, 5th in QB passer rating, and has 13 games with at least 300 passing yards (fifth-most in the league). However, Raiders fans should not get very hopeful–Smith is already 34 and it is doubtful that he will pose a proper solution to their quarterback problem. The last time Raiders fans were hopeful about their QB (looking at you, JaMarcus Russell), it didn’t end very well.
6. Sam Darnold (QB) signs with the Seahawks (3 year, $100.5 million)
Sam Darnold had a career year in 2024 with the Minnesota Vikings. When comparing stats and characteristics, Darnold is like a younger version of Geno Smith–very gifted and aggressive, but he falls apart when things aren’t going his way. We saw this in the playoffs this year where he clearly crumbled against the L.A. Rams. The Seahawks have had a great turnout this offseason with the acquisition of Cooper Kupp, and they also have a good amount of pick and cap space to work with. Will they be successful in rebuilding a team around Darnold?
5. Justin Fields (QB) signs with the Jets (2 year, $40 million)
This trade came as a shocking move as many expected that Pittsburgh would stay with Justin Fields. However, the move seems promising for the Jets. We saw in the first few games of the 2024 season that Fields is more than capable of driving an offense. Hopefully, this move can help Jets fans recover from the defeat of the Aaron Rodgers era.
4. Davante Adams (WR) to the Rams (2 year, $44 million)
Heading into free agency after a heartbreaking loss in the NFC Divisional Round to the Eagles, the Rams were dead set on trading Cooper Kupp after his abysmal season. However, they ended up releasing him and picking up veteran receiver Davante Adam (who had just been released by the Jets). As long as Stafford is under center and doesn’t become washed, the Sean Mcvay crew always has the opportunity to go deep into the playoffs. Though Adams may be past his prime, he should still get a boost from this dynamic Rams offense.
3. Zack Baun (LB) stays with the Eagles (3 year, $51 million)
The Eagles prioritized their biggest need this offseason and re-signed Zack Baun to a three year deal. Zack Baun was a centerpiece of the Eagle’s defense in 2024 and a main reason for their dominance. He played a very subtle role in the New Orlean Saints until he exploded under the influence of one of the best defensive coordinators of all time, Vic Fangio. Hopefully this move can help counter the other defensive players the Eagles have lost (Josh Sweat, Milton Williams, and more.
2) Seahawks: DK Metcalf (WR) traded to the Steelers for a second round pick.
Any true football fan knows about the consequences that could arise if DK Metcalf and George Pickens (WR) played for the same team. Let’s just say they are both a little… aggressive. However, this combo could provide the right firepower for the Steelers in order to finally make them a Super Bowl-worthy team. After getting traded, Metcalf signed a 5 year, $150 million extension with the Steelers as well.
1) Bengals sign record extensions with Jamarr Chase (WR) and Tee Higgins (WR)
Jamarr Chase became the highest paid non-QB in the NFL after he signed a 4 year, $161 million contract extension while Tee Higgins signed a 4 year, $115 million extension. This keeps the Bengals in contention with a strong trio of Burrow, Chase, and Higgins. But the real question is, what is the purpose of an elite offense if their defense is absolute garbage? The 2024 Bengals possibly had one of the worst defenses in the league with the exception of a few stars such as Trey Hendrickson.
NFL Free Agency has not yet ended and there are still many questions to be answered. Where will Aaron Rodgers sign? Where will Russell Wilson sign? Are there any more exciting extensions that are yet to come our way? We also have the NFL Draft coming up soon as well. Stay tuned for more updates regarding more new free agency news in the next edition of the Force File.
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