The NFL’s offseason period is typically a long, boring one. However, one of the most exciting days during that period is the onset of free agency, which we got to witness on Monday. Teams all around the league are making moves, and each one of these moves provides optimism and renewed hope for even the most pessimistic fanbases. A lot happened over these first couple of days. Let’s recap some of the biggest signings of the first three days of NFL free agency.
NFL Free Agency: Biggest Moves
Bears Sign TJ Edwards to 3-Year Deal
The Chicago Bears made the first big move of the NFL free agency period, signing former Eagles’ star linebacker TJ Edwards to a three-year contract worth $19.5 million. Edwards is one of the more underrated defenders in the league, and Chicago was able to grab him for a surprisingly small price.
Broncos Sign Ben Powers to 4-Year Deal
The next big name to come off the board was Ben Powers, who got a massive contract in Denver. After the debacle that was the Broncos’ 2022 season, they came into this off-season understanding the need to upgrade their offensive line. Denver had a pay a hefty price, one of $52 million, but they get some valuable help on the line.
49ers Sign Javon Hargrave to 4-Year Deal
Javon Hargrave entered NFL free agency as one of, if not the best defensive tackles available. He got paid as such, receiving $84 million over the course of this new contract. Hargrave was a staple piece on an excellent Eagles’ defense, and will make an immediate impact in Santa Clara
Raiders Sign Jimmy Garoppolo to 3-Year Deal
The Raiders made their big splash early, signing Jimmy Garoppolo. With a vacancy at the quarterback position, and the fact that their seventh-overall selection in the NFL draft is too low for a top quarterback prospect, this move makes sense. Josh McDaniels and Jimmy Garoppolo will reunite in Las Vegas, attempting to resuscitate the franchise.
Falcons Sign Jesse Bates to 4-Year Deal
The Falcons made a huge move, landing one of the best players in the entire free agent class. They’ll be paying Bates $16 million per year, but given his level of play throughout his career, his impact on the defense will be well worth it.
Giants Sign Bobby Okereke to Four-Year Deal
After a surprising and quick rise to contention last year, the Giants suddenly find themselves in win-now mode. They helped their chances out a lot with this signing. The former Colts linebacker is one of the better linebackers in all of football, and they were able to sign him for just about $10 million a year.
Vikings Sign Marcus Davenport to 1-Year Deal
Minnesota made their first big move of the period, signing star defensive lineman Marcus Davenport to a one year, $13 million deal. The Vikings get immediate pass-rush help, and they won’t be on the hook for a multiple-year commitment, either.
Raiders Trade Darren Waller to Giants
In one of the more shocking moves of the off-season, the Raiders’ traded Darren Waller to New York. Waller has missed a lot of time due to injuries recently, but he remains one of the better tight ends in the league. Now, he joins a talented, young Giants roster.
Panthers Sign Miles Sanders
On day three, the Panthers continued their string of big moves during this off-season. Carolina picked up former Eagles’ running back Miles Sanders. Sanders remains one of the premier running backs in the league, and will help whichever quarterback they draft.
Bengals Sign Orlando Brown to Four-Year Deal
The Bengals made their first splash on the market on Wednesday, signing Orlando Brown to a four year, $64 million deal. Over the past couple of years, the Bengals have made efforts to shore up the offensive line, and they got a stud in Orlando Brown.
Patriots Sign JuJu Smith-Schuster to Three-Year Deal
The Patriots made their first major investment on day three. New England signed Juju to the three-year, $33 million deal. Juju will replace Jakobi Meyers, and will be the newest weapon at the Patriots’ disposal.
Colts Trade Stephon Gilmore to Cowboys
In another big trade coming on Tuesday, the Colts sent five-time Pro Bowler Stephon Gilmore to Dallas. Gilmore is a bit past his prime, but he still has a ton of talent to bring. Indianapolis received a fifth-round pick for Gilmore.
Saints Re-sign Michael Thomas to 1-Year Deal
The Saints don’t have a lot of cap room, but they were able to retain Thomas. Thomas has struggled with injuries recently, but is one of the better receivers in the league — when healthy. He’ll be catching passes from Derek Carr in 2023.
Buccaneers Sign Baker Mayfield
As Tampa bay searches to find a replacement for Tom Brady, the first player they’ve set their eyes on is Baker Mayfield. Baker has bounced around a bit since leaving Cleveland, but will compete for the #1 spot in training camp.
