Stay up to date with the latest free agency news from USA TODAY. The NFL’s legal tampering period began on Monday, allowing teams to negotiate with free agents before the official start of the league year. Several high-profile deals were made during this period, including wide receiver DK Metcalf moving to the Steelers and Davante Adams joining the Rams.
Monday saw significant movement for top players and teams, with some emerging as winners while others faced challenges. The New England Patriots made key signings on defense, bolstering their roster with top talents like defensive tackle Milton Williams and cornerback Carlton Davis. The Patriots also added linebacker Robert Spillane and edge rusher Harold Landry, strengthening their defense for the long term.
The Chicago Bears also made moves to protect their young quarterback, Caleb Williams, by acquiring guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, along with center Drew Dalman. These additions will provide Williams with solid protection and allow him to continue his development in his second season.
The Jacksonville Jaguars used their ample cap space to address needs on both the offensive line and in the secondary. They signed players like center Robert Hainsey, guard Patrick Mekari, safety Eric Murray, and cornerback Jourdan Lewis to improve their team in key areas.
The market for rookie contract cornerbacks saw a significant boost, with players like Jaycee Horn, Carlton Davis, and Jourdan Lewis securing lucrative deals. This bodes well for young cornerbacks approaching the end of their rookie contracts, such as Derek Stingley, Trent McDuffie, and Sauce Gardner.
Overall, the first day of the legal tampering period showcased exciting moves and strategic investments by various teams, setting the stage for an intriguing NFL offseason.
The likelihood of the Titans using the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft on a top quarterback is increasing, especially with their recent moves. Former Steelers tackle Dan Moore Jr. has been signed by the Titans to play left tackle alongside Peter Skoronski, a first-round pick from 2023. This move allows J.C. Latham, a first-round pick from 2024, to transition back to his familiar position at right tackle. With Lloyd Cushenberry III at center, the Titans now have a strong group of blockers that could provide solid protection for the potential No. 1 overall pick. While there is still room for improvement in the skill positions, the team is now better positioned to address those areas in the upcoming draft.
On the other hand, some teams did not fare as well during the NFL legal tampering window:
1. Houston Texans: With limited cap space, the Texans were unable to make significant moves and ended up trading away their top offensive lineman, Laremy Tunsil. They missed out on key offensive tackle options in free agency and may struggle to find a starting tackle in the draft. While they made some improvements on defense, the team still faces challenges in a competitive AFC.
2. San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers lost several key players in free agency, including guard Aaron Banks, safety Talanoa Hufanga, and cornerback Charvarius Ward. Despite signing tight end Luke Farrell, the team may have overpaid for a blocking tight end with limited receiving production. With important needs on both the offensive and defensive lines, the 49ers’ use of cap space may hinder their ability to contend in 2025.
3. New York Giants: The Giants missed out on acquiring a quarterback like Matthew Stafford and may not have a shot at the top quarterback prospect in the draft. With uncertainty at the quarterback position, the team faces challenges heading into a crucial year for the coaching staff and front office. While the addition of cornerback Paulson Adebo provides a bright spot, the team still has significant needs at quarterback.
In summary, while some teams made significant moves during the legal tampering period, others struggled to address key areas of need, potentially impacting their competitiveness in the upcoming season.
At the time of writing, Holland, considered one of the top safeties in the class, is yet to sign a deal. He has some injury concerns after missing a total of seven games over the past two seasons but is a valuable starter who has played under a different coordinator each year of his career. At 25 years old, there is still room for improvement, but teams may be hesitant to offer him a top-market contract.
In a recent move, the New York Jets lost tackle Moses to division rival New England in a deal worth three years and $28.5 million. This leaves the Jets with Max Mitchell, a 2022 fourth-round pick, and Carter Warren, a 2023 fourth-rounder, as potential options at left tackle unless Olu Fashanu, a 2024 first-round pick, transitions from right tackle.
The Jets also signed Justin Fields to a two-year, $40 million deal with $30 million guaranteed. With a thin offensive line, Fields may face challenges as the team’s starting quarterback in 2025. Furthermore, the team secured cornerback Brandon Stephens with a three-year, $36 million contract. Despite being ranked 100th out of 116 qualifying cornerbacks by Pro Football Focus in 2024, Stephens was given top-20 money by the Jets, who are relying on head coach Aaron Glenn to help him improve his performance.
For more insights on the winners and losers of the NFL tampering window, visit USA TODAY.
