Favorite Free Agent Signings: AFC

Teams are currently more focused on the 2023 NFL Draft than what remains in free agency. Here are my favorite free agent signings of the AFC.

Baltimore Ravens

Nelson Agholor, WR

The uncertain future of Lamar Jackson has the Baltimore Ravens in something of a holding pattern. Until the Ravens work something out with their franchise quarterback, the signing of Nelson Agholor is the team’s best signing of the offseason. He’s also one their few signings of the offseason. 

Cincinnati Bengals

Orlando Brown, LT

As long as he’s the quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals, protecting Joe Burrow will be priority #1. For that reason alone, Orlando Brown is the team’s best free agent addition. The signing did reportedly damage the relationship with the previous left tackle, Jonah Williams. Hopefully, for the team and Burrow, Williams eventually accepts a move to the right side.

Cleveland Browns

Dalvin Tomlinson, DT

I hoped that the Minnesota Vikings could find a way to retain Dalvin Tomlinson. Unfortunately they were too restricted by their salary cap situation. The Vikings loss is a big gain by the Cleveland Browns. They added a very good defensive lineman.

Pittsburgh Steelers 

Patrick Peterson, CB

I enjoyed Patrick Peterson on the Vikings the last two seasons. He played well. I kinda wanted him to stay. Unfortunately, the Vikings defense had to get younger and faster. As with Tomlinson, the Vikings loss is another team’s gain. 

New York Jets

Mecole Hardman, WR

Even when a particular clown quarterback finally lands with the New York Jets, Mecole Hardman will be my favorite signing for the team.

Buffalo Bills

Taylor Rapp, S

I’ve liked Taylor Rapp since his University of Washington days. I hope that he finds a home in the Buffalo Bills defense. 

New England Patriots

JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR

JuJu Smith-Schuster got a Super Bowl ring with the Kansas City Chiefs. He probably won’t see similar team success with the New England Patriots but he might find more personal production. I just see him fitting in well with the Patriots. 

Miami Dolphins

Jalen Ramsey, CB

I really liked the signing of linebacker David Long but I have to go with the trade for Jalen Ramsey. The corners are well set with Ramsey and Xavien Howard in new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s defense. 

Houston Texans

DeMeco Ryans, head coach

I’m skipping the player signings and going to the hiring of DeMeco Ryans as head coach. I hate that he gets his head coaching shot with the Houston Texans. The franchise is a mess. Ryans clearly wanted the job. Perhaps he’s the one that stops the Texans from continuing to be a mess. 

Indianapolis Colts

Gardner Minshew, QB

It’s easy to like the signing of Gardner Minshew. Wherever the unconventional quarterback goes fun typically follows. 

Jacksonville Jaguars

Roy Robertson-Harris, DL

The Jacksonville Jaguars has spent the offseason retaining their own players. Roy Robertson-Harris appears to have found a football home in Jacksonville. He emerged as a key player on a fast improving defense. 

Tennessee Titans

Andre Dillard, OT

The Philadelphia Eagles drafted Andre Dillard in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft to be their franchise left tackle. Unfortunately for Dillard, the Eagles drafted a rugby player in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Jordan Mailata is now one of the better left tackles in the league. Dillard is still that first round talent and the Tennessee Titans might’ve lucked into their franchise left tackle. 

Kansas City Chiefs

Jawaan Taylor, LT

After failing to re-sign Orlando Brow, the Kansas City Chiefs signed Jawaan Taylor to be their left tackle. Taylor has played all of his four years in the league on the right side. The Chiefs clearly believe that he can make the switch to the left side. 

Denver Broncos

Mike McGlinchey, OT

The Denver Broncos are banking Mike McGlinchey and Garrett Bolles being one of the best tackle tandems in the league. Sean Payton has always smartly favored building a strong offensive line. 

Los Angeles Chargers

Eric Kendricks, LB

Eric Kendricks has been one of my favorites since the Vikings selected him in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft. His departure was the most painful of this offseason. I’m glad that it’s the Los Angeles Chargers that signed him as he returns to old college stomping grounds.

Las Vegas Raiders

Duke Shelley, CB

I’ll go with another former Vikings player. Duke Shelley was in Minnesota for less than a season. The Vikings had trouble with cornerback consistency all season until Shelley entered the lineup. He was one of the few bright spots on a truly terrible defense. His play earned him a shot with the Las Vegas Raiders.