Minnesota Vikings
Isaiah Rodgers, CB
The Minnesota Vikings were busy. They added nine new players in the first week. They entered free agency with significant needs on the interior of the offensive and defensive lines. Most of their work in the first week was focused there. The Vikings signed defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave and offensive linemen Ryan Kelly and Will Fries. Cornerback was also a significant need. The Vikings clearly targeted Isaiah Rodgers as he was the first player they signed. I really only knew him for being suspended for the 2023 season for gambling. As a player, I only knew that he was the third corner on a very good Philadelphia Eagles defense. The more I look into Rodgers the more I think that he could be one of the best additions of an inspiring Vikings free agency.
Chicago Bears
Dayo Odeyingbo, Edge
Like the Vikings, the Chicago Bears had an initial focus on the interior of the offensive line. They traded for guards John Thuney and Jonah Jackson prior to the start of free agency. They signed center Drew Dalman as soon as they could legally do so. Entering the offseason, Indianapolis Colts edge Dayo Odeyingbo felt like a player that could be one of the surprise winners of free agency. He felt like an ascending player and one fortunate could add him at just the right moment in his career. The Bears became that team.
Green Bay Packers
Aaron Banks, G
The Green Bay Packers have only added two new players in free agency. They signed guard Aaron Banks to a surprisingly large four-year contract. They signed cornerback Nate Hobbs to a modest four-year contract. The signing of Banks was my favorite mostly because it took the Packers out of the bidding for Will Fries.
Detroit Lions
D.J. Reed, CB
D.J. Reed was one of the better cornerbacks available in free agency. I would’ve liked his signing a lot more if he’d signed with a team other than the Detroit Lions.
New York Giants
Paulson Adebo, CB
Paulson Adebo was one of my favorite cornerbacks in free agency. Because of his broken leg early in the season, I hoped that he’d fly under the radar of teams. Nope. Considering the three-year, $54 million deal he received from the New York Giants, there was a bidding war for Adebo.
Philadelphia Eagles
Zack Baun, LB
In one season, Zack Baun proved to be a perfect fit for Vic Fangio’s defense. The Philadelphia Eagles were unfortunately wise to keep him around for a while.
Washington Commanders
Laremy Tunsil, OT
The Washington Commanders made two trades that I really like. They acquired receiver Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers and offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil from the Houston Texans. It’s tough to pick a favorite but I’m going with the player tasked with protecting Jayden Daniels.
Dallas Cowboys
Kenneth Murray, LB
The Dallas Cowboys have set a low bar. As with the Commanders, the Cowboys made a couple trades that I like. They acquired cornerback Kaiir Elam from the Buffalo Bills and linebacker from the Tennessee Titans. Both were players that I liked coming out of college. Neither has truly lived up to their respective draft standing. Kenneth Murray has come closer to being the player he was drafted to be. Perhaps, he breaks out with the Cowboys.
New Orleans Saints
Cam Jordan, Edge
Despite a woeful salary cap situation, the New Orleans Saints found a way to keep one of their leaders. I just liked that one of my favorite Cal players is sticking with the team that drafted him.
Atlanta Falcons
Leonard Floyd, Edge
It was tough to find a favorite signing for the Atlanta Falcons. They haven’t done much. They did add a proven, but oldish, pass rusher in Leonard Floyd.
Carolina Panthers
Tershawn Wharton, DT
If the Vikings hadn’t signed Jonathan Allen and/or Javon Hargrave, Tershawn Wharton was one of my favorite defensive tackles in free agency. The Carolina Panthers added an ascending player.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Chris Godwin, WR
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers focused more on keeping their own players than adding new ones. The Buccaneers needed Chris Godwin back. Baker Mayfield definitely needed him back.
San Francisco 49ers
Demarcus Robinson, WR
The San Francisco 49ers have spent the early part of the offseason shedding salary. Most additions have been of the “under-the-radar” variety. They did add a proven receiver in Demarcus Robinson. They also took him from a division rival.
Los Angeles Rams
Davante Adams, WR
The Los Angeles Rams adding Davante Adams was interesting as it felt like a sway for Cooper Kupp. Despite being a year older than Kupp, Adams feels like a more impactful receiver. Matthew Stafford should like throwing to Adams and Puka Nacua.
Arizona Cardinals
Josh Sweat, Edge
Josh Sweat sure flipped a nice postseason run with the Eagles into a nice contract with the Arizona Cardinals. He was one of the top players on the free agency market. Now, we get to see whether he was an excellent rotational player or can be a team’s top pass rusher.
Seattle Seahawks
Sam Darnold, QB
After the season Sam Darnold just had with the Vikings, there’s a lot of pressure on the Seattle Seahawks to get a similar season out of him. The Seahawks receiving trio of D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba is down to Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp. That’s a far cry from Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
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