Head-scratching moves What was the biggest head-scratcher signing of free agency? Matt Bowen, NFL analyst: The Jaguars signing safety Eric Murray. While Murray can play in split-field coverages and contribute to special teams, his three interceptions in 124 career games make the three-year, $22.5 million deal seem like an overpayment. Jeremy Fowler, national NFL reporter: The Jaguars signing center Robert Hainsey. Despite his familiarity with coach Liam Coen, Hainsey wasn’t a starter last season, and the $21 million over three years seems excessive. Pamela Maldonado, sports betting analyst: The Titans signing offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. The four-year, $82 million contract is a gamble given Moore’s struggles in pass protection, potentially limiting Tennessee’s ability to address other needs. Eric Moody, fantasy football writer: The Commanders signing defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw. With only 9.5 sacks and 74 pressures in 58 games, the three-year, $45 million contract, including $30 million guaranteed, is concerning given Kinlaw’s health issues. Aaron Schatz, NFL analyst: The Jets signing cornerback Brandon Stephens. Stephens’ three-year, $36 million deal is puzzling given his ranking of 81st out of 92 cornerbacks in coverage DVOA metric in 2024. Ben Solak, NFL analyst: The Commanders signing Kinlaw. Despite his physical prowess, the $15 million per year is a hefty price for a player lacking consistent, starting-caliber play. Mike Tannenbaum, NFL front office insider: The events in Pittsburgh. While the DK Metcalf trade and extension makes sense, the Steelers’ quarterback situation with Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson remains unresolved. Lindsey Thiry, national NFL reporter: The Jaguars signing Murray. While the Jags needed defensive upgrades, the three-year, $22.5 million deal for Murray seems steep given his lack of production. Seth Walder, NFL analyst: The Bears signing defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and the Chiefs signing offensive tackle Jaylon Moore. Jarrett’s declining numbers and Moore’s questionable pass block win rate make these deals head-scratchers. Field Yates, NFL analyst: The Jaguars signing Murray. While solid for the Texans, the decision to fill secondary gaps with players over 30, including Jourdan Lewis, is surprising. What was the best overall move from free agency week? Bowen: The Rams signing wide receiver Davante Adams. Adams is an upgrade over Cooper Kupp and fits well in Sean McVay’s offense, providing a strong one-two punch with Puka Nacua. Fowler: The Bucs signing defensive end Haason Reddick. With a $14 million one-year deal, Reddick’s return to form could bolster Tampa Bay’s pass rush, reminiscent of their 2020 Super Bowl run. Maldonado: The Vikings signing defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. Allen’s three-year, $60 million deal brings much-needed disruption and toughness to Minnesota’s defense. Moody: The Chargers signing running back Najee Harris. Harris’ one-year, $9.25 million deal aligns well with Greg Roman’s offensive strategy, promising a strong 2025 season. Schatz: The Bills signing edge rusher Joey Bosa. Bosa’s one-year, $12.6 million contract is a high-risk, high-reward move aimed at enhancing Buffalo’s pass rush. Solak: The Ravens re-signing offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley. Baltimore’s three-year, $60 million extension for Stanley secures a key player in their competitive window. Tannenbaum: The Patriots signing defensive tackle Milton Williams. Williams’ $26 million per year deal is a significant investment in a young player with potential for growth. Thiry: The Rams signing Adams. With Matthew Stafford retained, Adams’ addition strengthens the Rams’ offensive arsenal. Walder: The Lions signing cornerback D.J. Reed. Reed’s consistent performance and $16 million deal make him a valuable addition to Detroit’s defense. Yates: The Raiders trading for quarterback Geno Smith. Acquiring Smith for a third-round pick provides the Raiders with much-needed quarterback stability.
NFL Free Agency: Experts Weigh In on the Best and Most Puzzling Moves
As the dust begins to settle on the whirlwind that is NFL free agency, it’s time to take a step back and evaluate the moves that have been made. Since the official opening last Wednesday, we’ve seen a flurry of activity with teams making significant signings and trades. Some teams have made headlines with splashy acquisitions, adding standout players like Sam Darnold, Davante Adams, Justin Fields, Josh Sweat, and Carlton Davis III to their rosters. Meanwhile, other top free agents, such as Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, and Stefon Diggs, are still on the hunt for their next team.
With so much happening, we turned to 10 of our NFL experts to get their take on the best and most puzzling moves of free agency so far. We’ll continue to update this file with new questions each day, so be sure to check back for more insights. This week, we’ll be discussing bargain contracts on Wednesday, teams that aced free agency on Thursday, and teams that came up short on Friday.
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