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NFL free agent frenzy

By Nick Meyers

Since the end of the recent NFL season, the free agency moves have been consistently pouring in for every team, with no signs of any slowing down.

But with moves being made by all 32 teams, which teams were able to fulfill their goals, and which lost more than they gained?

Baltimore Ravens

The most noteworthy free-agent signing is likely the surprising situation involving the Baltimore Ravens and Max Crosby.

While it seemed the Ravens were acquiring an elite QB rusher and outside linebacker at first, the deal eventually fell through when the Ravens stated they were not comfortable with Crosby’s medical condition regarding his recent meniscus tear.

Then, just a day later the Ravens decided to instead sign Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million deal, further signifying the end of the Max Crosby deal.

While the Ravens were able to fill one of the biggest holes on the defensive side of the ball, they are now lacking on the offensive line after failing to re-sign Tyler Linderbaum, a 3x Pro Bowl center.

Philadelphia Eagles

Another team that made several defensive moves this offseason was the Eagles, who were forced to let multiple core members of their squad including Reed Blankenship, Nakobe Dean and Jaelan Phillips, go.

They also recently settled on a one-year $7 million deal with longtime TE Dallas Goedert to avoid a significant dead cap hit. As of writing this, the Eagles also recently acquired former Chiefs WR Hollywood Brown on a one-year, $6.5 million deal, raising even more questions about A.J. Browns future as an Eagle.

Compared to most other teams, I believe the Eagles have not had a great offseason so far. They have not made many new moves and have lost a large portion of their defensive depth with nearly no replacements. While they were simply unable to sign everyone due to the extremely high cost of many contracts, it will nonetheless limit the strength of what was an elite defense.

Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders, who are now the top spenders throughout the offseason, with over $280 million going towards overhauling all sides of the field on new weapons.

Most notably among these acquisitions were Tyler Lindenbaum, a three-time Pro Bowl center, signed to a three-year, $81 million deal; former Eagles LB Nakobe Dean; and offensive threats like WR Jalen Nailor and FB Connor Heyward.

With them currently holding the first-overall pick in this year's draft, they will likely be going for a QB after the release of their former starter, Geno Smith.

With these moves, it is safe to say that the Raiders have had one of the most productive and helpful off-seasons, possibly in the entire league. In just the last few weeks, they gained many new players who will strengthen the offensive and defensive sides, while still holding the first overall pick in the draft.

San Francisco 49ers

Some of the biggest offensive deals this offseason were made by the 49ers, who were in desperate need of more offensive firepower with the loss of Brandon Aiyuk.

They responded to this need almost perfectly, signing the legendary Mike Evans from Tampa Bay and Christian Kirk from the Texans, giving Brock Purdy a brand-new group of weapons.

They also signed former Cowboy defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to strengthen their pass-rushing ability.

While these older players may pose a later threat to the team's longevity, San Francisco was still able to fill a current need that will undoubtedly make the team stronger.

Tennessee Titans

Another of the biggest spenders this offseason has been the Titans, who have dished out almost $270 million on more than 15 players as they go into full rebuild mode.

Most notably among these pickups is former Giants WR Wan’Dale Robinson, who was signed to a four-year, $78 million deal. Along with John Franklin-Myers, an edge rusher on a three-year $63 million deal.

They also signed veteran QB Mitch Trubisky, who will likely serve as more of a mentor to their second-year starter Cam Ward.

While these roster moves will greatly improve the Titans' strength and their current draft position, they still need offensive linemen, as many of their former starters have left and right guard Kevin Zeitler is still a free agent.

Kansas City Chiefs

With another of the biggest signings of the offseason, the Chiefs' landing of recent Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, it is clear they still see themselves as a Super Bowl-contending team.

On the defensive side, while they did gain S Alohi Gilman and DT Khyiris Tonga, they did lose very valuable pieces, most notably in former First-team All-Pro CB Trent McDuffie, who the Rams picked up.

Despite this and a few other defensive losses, the Chiefs have still filled many holes in the offense with the addition of Walker and even Justin Fields, who was signed for less than the previous backup, Gardner Minshew. The defensive additions they made will also be major contributors going into next year.

New England Patriots

Coming off a recent Super Bowl appearance, it seems the Patriots may be growing even stronger over this offseason.

So far, they have been able to add a consistent WR in Romeo Doubs to fill the hole left from Stefon Diggs, as well as the two-time Pro Bowler S Kevin Byard III, and OLB Dre’Mont Jones to add more of a pass-rushing presence.

This is another team that stands out for having some of the best additions this offseason; not only did they fill the holes left by players who were let go, but they also seem to have upgraded. When you also consider that they were able to make the Super Bowl with their previous team, the Patriots have even more of a chance to bring it home this year.

Nick Myers is a first-year student majoring in journalism. To contact him, email nwm5344@psu.edu.

Credits

Author
Nick Meyers
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Kiyoshi Mio