NFL: Midseason free agency check in

Free agency is where teams improve and find key contributors to their team’s culture.

Now that we are at the midway point of the season, let’s look back at some of the best free agency signings of this past offseason.

1. Derrick Henry - Titans → Ravens

The Ravens signed Henry as soon as free agency was underway, giving him a two-year, $16 million deal.

Other teams were interested, however, Henry had the intention of signing with the Ravens since he heard Baltimore was inquiring about a possible trade with the Titans during the prior season.

After getting off to a slow start against the Chiefs where he only carried the ball 13 times for 46 yards, he’s been on fire, leading the NFL in rushing yards (1,052) and rushing touchdowns (11) through nine games.

He and fellow teammate Lamar Jackson have led the Ravens to a 6-3 record and they are both in the running for MVP midway through the season.

Henry has already broken off a couple of huge 80+ yard runs as he is looking more and more like prime King Henry.

2. Saquon Barkley - Giants → Eagles

The former Giant turned on his fanbase, deservingly so, going to the division rival, Philadelphia Eagles on a three-year contract worth $37.75 million.

Upgrading from one of the worst offensive lines to one of the best was looked at as a benefit for Barkley heading into the season and it certainly has been.

He is averaging close to six yards per carry and has neared the century mark for rushing yards with 925 through nine games. Comparing that with the Giants, last season, Barkley finished with 962 rush yards in 14 games.

Barkley has elevated the Eagles with his athleticism, which has benefited the entire offense. His pass-catching ability and his shiftiness have helped open up the field for Jalen Hurts to be more comfortable.

Both Barkley and Henry are top candidates right now for Offensive Player of the Year and if they keep playing like they have to start the season, it will be a tough award to hand out.

3. Xavier McKinney - Giants → Packers

McKinney was a highly sought-after free agent this past offseason. The Packers ultimately secured him on a four-year, $67 million contract, strengthening their secondary, which had been a weakness in years past.

This season, however, it has been a different story. The Packers lead the league with 19 forced turnovers and McKinney has led the way with six interceptions through their first nine games.

4. Jonathan Greenard - Texans → Vikings

The Vikings were aggressive in free agency this offseason, revitalizing their defensive line with the additions of Greenard and fellow teammate Andrew Van Ginkel on the opposite side.

Greenard has been an enforcer for Brian Flores’ blitz-heavy defense. He had big shoes to fill, replacing pro-bowler Danielle Hunter and he has, registering seven sacks on the year so far.

5. Kirk Cousins - Vikings → Falcons

Cousins was the best quarterback available in 2024 free agency and the Falcons pounced on their chance to compete in a weaker NFC South division, securing him on a four-year, $180 million contract.

Cousins has been the veteran presence the Falcons needed this season as he has led them to a 6-3 record. Notably, he threw a career-high, 509 passing yards in an overtime thriller against the Buccaneers earlier this season.

His connection with wide receivers Drake London, and Darnell Mooney and tight end Kyle Pitts have been great. Atlanta’s receiving core has had the best seasons of their careers with Cousins under center.

6. Danielle Hunter - Vikings → Texans

Going into the offseason, the Texans were looking to capitalize on their new Super Bowl window with CJ Stroud showing signs of a franchise quarterback in his rookie season.

As a result, Hunter became a heavy target for the Texans as they were looking for a major upgrade opposite of defensive rookie of the year Will Anderson Jr.

Having recorded 5.5 sacks through the first half of the season, they have gotten what they asked for from Hunter.

7. Zack Baun - Saints → Eagles

Baun was an under-the-radar signing by Philadelphia this offseason. He didn’t have much expectation other than a rotational off-ball linebacker for the team, signing on only a one-year deal.

He has been anything but a rotational player though as he has registered 79 total tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble and one interception this season.

The Eagles were one of the worst tackling teams in the NFL last season, but with the addition of Baun this season, that has changed drastically.

8. Joe Mixon - Bengals → Texans

The running back position is looked upon as a fragile position where the fall-off comes quickly with age, however, Mixon has flipped the switch looking as efficient as ever in his age 28 season and his first year with the Texans.

Even after missing a three-game stretch with a high ankle sprain, he has run for over 600 yards and scored 6 rushing touchdowns in six games.

With the passing offense fading these past couple of weeks for the Texans, they’ve had to rely on Mixon even more, allowing greater opportunities for him to flourish.

9. Sam Darnold - 49ers → Vikings

Darnold and the Vikings have been the surprise team of the 2024-2025 NFL season. Sitting at 6-2, they are looking to compete for an NFC North division title.

To begin the season, people questioned if the Vikings could even win six games. They proved them wrong as they started the season 5-0.

Due to rookie draft pick, JJ McCarthy, receiving knee surgery on his meniscus before the season, Darnold got an opportunity to prove himself, and he has made everything of his opportunity, throwing for 1,900 yards and 17 touchdowns this season.

Time will tell if Darnold can keep up his great quarterback play and lead the Vikings to an unexpected playoff berth.

10. Darnell Mooney - Bears → Falcons

Mooney has looked amazing for the Falcons this season. His dynamic playmaking ability and crisp route running have made him Atlanta’s prime deep threat for Kirk Cousins.

Coming from the Bears, he was looking for a change of scenery as Chicago wasn’t invested in him after two sub-par seasons. However, the Falcons took the chance on him, paying him three years for $39 million.

The signing has paid off as Mooney’s 588 receiving yards have already surpassed his receiving yards total from each of the past two seasons. He has turned into a wide receiver that will be dangerous for years to come.

Owen Daszko is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email opd5073@psu.edu.