Minnesota Vikings
Andrew Van Ginkel, OLB
Jonathan Greenard was the biggest free agent signing by the Minnesota Vikings. Andrew Van Ginkel might be the most interesting. He’s a tremendously versatile football player. Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores was the head coach when the Miami Dolphins selected Van Ginkel in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Flores knows Van Ginkel. The coach knows how to take advantage of the player’s versatility. I can’t wait to see what Flores has planned. The Vikings lost edge rushers Danielle Hunter, D.J. Wonnum, and Marcus Davenport in free agency. Greenard and Van Ginkel were priority replacements.
Chicago Bears
Keenan Allen, WR
Technically, Keenan Allen isn’t a free agent signing. The Chicago Bears acquired him from the Los Angeles Chargers in a trade. The Chargers ridiculous salary cap situation and Allen’s huge contract were unsustainable. The Bears benefited. Allen joins D.J. Moore in an evolving offense that will benefit assumed #1 pick Caleb Williams.
Detroit Lions
D.J. Reader, DT
It’s easy to like the Detroit Lions signing of D.J. Reader. He was a favorite of mine for the Vikings. Reader will pair nicely with emerging Alim McNeill in the middle of the Lions defensive line.
Green Bay Packers
Xavier McKinney, S
For the second consecutive year, my favorite Green Bay Packers signing is a safety. For the Packers sake, the signing of Xavier McKinney has to be better than the signing of Tarvarius Moore. McKinney should be better. He’s a better player.
New York Giants
John Runyan, G
The New York Giants mostly lost players in free agency. They did add a solid offensive lineman in John Runyan.
Philadelphia Eagles
Saquon Barkley, RB
Last year, my favorite free agent signing for the Philadelphia Eagles was running back Rashaad Penny. Another year. Another running back. This year should be different as Saquon Barkley is one of the best backs in the league. If he can stay healthy, he should be a giant boost for the Eagles.
Washington Commanders
Frankie Luvu, LB
The Washington Commanders were probably the league’s most active team in free agency. They signed several players that I liked. Dorance Armstrong, Tyler Biadasz, Austin Ekeler, Jeremy Chinn. Frankie Luvu is my favorite as I truly hoped that he’d end up in Minnesota.
Dallas Cowboys
Eric Kendricks, LB
The Dallas Cowboys were probably the league’s least active team in free agency. They did swipe Eric Kendricks from an apparent signing with the San Francisco 49ers. Kendricks reunites with Mike Zimmer in Dallas. Kendricks was one of my favorites with the Vikings.
Carolina Panthers
Robert Hunt, G
Damien Lewis, G
I admire teams that aggressively attack a weakness. The Carolina Panthers decided that their interior offensive line needed an upgrade. They definitely did that by signing two of the best guards on the market. Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis are tasked with keeping Bryce Young clean.
Atlanta Falcons
Kirk Cousins, QB
It’s easier to honestly view Kirk Cousins’ time in Minnesota now that the time is done. He’s a very good quarterback. When he’s on, he’s one of the best throwers in the league. Unfortunately, he never did what the Vikings signed him to do. Win. He joined a team coming off of an NFC Championship appearance. He was expected to take that next big step. He didn’t come close. The Atlanta Falcons are clearly hoping that an older Cousins coming off an Achilles injury can do what he never did in Minnesota.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
None
I’m not a fan of any of the free agents the Tampa Bay Buccaneers added. At least they re-signed Baker Mayfield. He was my favorite free agent addition for the Buccaneers last year.
New Orleans Saints
Chase Young, Edge
I guess that Chase Young is my favorite free agent signing for the New Orleans Saints. It’s either Young or Oli Udoh. Young has so much talent. If he can play to that talent for the Saints, he could make a huge impact opposite Cameron Jordan.
Los Angeles Rams
Jonah Jackson, G
Like the Panthers, the Los Angeles Rams aggressively addressed their interior offensive line. The Rams re-signed Kevin Dotson to a big deal in advance of free agency. They targeted Jonah Jackson in free agency. As a rookie last year, Steve Avila made an impact at guard. He apparently will move to center. Dotson, Avila, and Jackson will form a giant, powerful interior.
San Francisco 49ers
Isaac Yiadom, CB
Isaac Yiadom is my favorite free agent addition for the San Francisco 49ers. Edge rushers Leonard Floyd and Yetur Gross-Matos are bigger, more significant additions. Yiadom is my favorite as he was one of the cornerbacks that I hoped would end up in Minnesota.
Arizona Cardinals
Jonah Williams, OT
I figured that Jonah Williams would be a long-time fixture for the Cincinnati Bengals. If he can play to the talent that made him the 11th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals added a very good offensive tackle.
Seattle Seahawks
Jerome Baker, LB
Jerome Baker is another player I liked for the Vikings. I thought that his connection to Brian Flores might pull him to Minnesota. The Seattle Seahawks are hoping that Baker can fill the linebacker spot once occupied by franchise-fixture Bobby Wagner.
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