NFL Free Agency! The time in the NFL offseason when teams reload and refresh themselves with new and veteran talent, whether it’s through signings or trades. Everyone is vying for the best, to get ready for another very competitive season ahead of them, as well as early bragging rights for their respective divisions. Some teams know how to reload their rosters with that competitive edge, while other teams stay quiet and dormant until the NFL Draft to find their next talented playmakers. Here at TPS, we’re going to grade every NFL team’s progress in free agency… so far.
Here are the grades for all 32 NFL Teams’ 2024 Free Agency moves… so far:
Arizona Cardinals: C+
The Cardinals finished the 2023 season on a disappointing note, with a woeful 4-13 record. Kyler Murray did come back late in the season but didn’t have enough talent or offensive line protection around him. The Cardinals parted ways with Hollywood Brown, but signed veteran wide receiver, Chris Moore. The Cardinals also bolstered their offensive line by signing former Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle, Jonah Williams, and former Seattle Seahawks center, Evan Brown. The Cardinals also signed defensive lineman, Khyiris Tonga, former Tennessee Titans cornerback, Sean Murphy-Bunting, and linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. to help bolster the defense. Murphy-Bunting is a great addition to the Red Birds’ defense, as well as some offensive line protection for Murray, but the Cardinals still need a reliable wide receiver. Thankfully, the 2024 NFL Draft isn’t too far away.
Atlanta Falcons: A-
The Falcons’ biggest need for the 2024 season was finding a new quarterback, and that’s what they did, when they signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year $180 million deal, with the team. Cousins is a major upgrade from Desmond Ridder, who was traded to the Arizona Cardinals. Hopefully, Cousins can compete on day one, as he recovers from his Achilles injury. The Falcons also signed wide receivers Darnell Mooney, Ray-Ray McCloud, and KhaDarel Hodge giving Cousins a lot of talented wideouts to work with, adding to the team’s talent with the likes of Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts. The Falcons also signed defensive end, Kantavius Street, who’ll help out on defense. The Falcons are looking very fierce, as they look to give the Tampa Bay Buccaneers some serious competition in the NFC South, in the 2024 season.
Baltimore Ravens: B
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The Ravens took some losses during the 2024 offseason when Geno Stone and Patrick Queen both signed with the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers, respectively. The Ravens did land Derrick Henry, who is a massive upgrade at running back, for the team. The Ravens also added linebacker Chris Board and offensive tackle Josh Jones to the team. The Ravens have re-signed linebacker Malik Harrison, defensive linemen Justin Madubuike and Brent Urban, and cornerback Arthur Maulet on defense and re-signed wide receiver Nelson Agholor and quarterback Josh Johnson on offense. With the additions the Ravens have made so far, competition in the AFC North won’t be easy, as their rivals gained some new firepower for the upcoming 2024 season. However, the Ravens are always prepared for a challenge.
Buffalo Bills: B-
The Bills parted ways with star defensive talent including Tre’Davious White, Leonard Floyd, Micah Hyde, and Jordan Poyer, as well as wide receiver Gabe Davis, in free agency. They did sign former Washington Commanders wide receiver Curtis Samuel, who will strengthen the receiving core for the Bills, while also signing two-time Super Bowl champion safety Mike Edwards, defensive end Casey Toohill, and linebacker Nicholas Morrow to help bolster the defense. The Bills lost some strong talent on defense but got some younger talent who can develop into stars, as well as improved their receiver depth with Samuel and former Falcons’ receiver Mack Hollins.
Carolina Panthers: D
The Panthers enter the 2024 season looking to rebound after a very disastrous 2023 season where they went 2-15. The Panthers traded away linebacker Brian Burns to the New York Giants, for second and fifth-round draft picks, released Bradley Bozeman; who signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, Yetur Gross-Matos signed with the San Francisco 49ers, and Frankie Luvu signed with the Washington Commanders. The Panthers need to get Bryce Young’s help at the offensive line, and add receiver depth. They did add wide receiver Diontae Johnson, guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis, and offensive tackle Yosh Nijman. Will this help the Panthers improve for the regular season? We’ll just wait and see, as the Panthers also have to draft young talent to the team, but won’t select any picks until the start of the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Chicago Bears: B-
The Bears entered the 2024 offseason upgrading the running back room with the addition of D’Andre Swift, as well as added wide receiver depth to the roster, with the arrival of Kenan Allen via trade, and signed tight end Gerald Everett. They did trade Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers, as they prepare to draft a new quarterback, in the 2024 NFL draft. With the additions of Swift and Allen on offense, the Bears need a true number-one quarterback (possibly Caleb Williams) to compete in the NFC North, for a chance to win the division, for the first time since 2010. The Bears also added strong defensive talent with Kevin Byard, Jonathan Owens, and Amen Ogbongbemiga who will bolster the defense even further. They already have Montez Sweat, ready to roll for a full season, in the “Windy City.”
Cincinnati Bengals: B
The Bengals offseason began when they placed a franchise tag on wide receiver Tee Higgins and re-signed tight end Drew Sample. The Bengals did sign tight end Mike Gesicki and running back Zack Moss, to replace Joe Mixon, who was traded to the Houston Texans for a seventh-round pick. On defense, the Bengals added defensive end Sheldon Rankins and safeties Geno Stone and Vonn Bell. With the Bengals additions, on both sides of the ball, they look to rebound from their 9-8 last-place finish. They are banking on a stronger and more competitive 2024 season, in an already very tough AFC North division, but the Bengals do have Joe Burrow coming back from a season-ending wrist injury.
Cleveland Browns: B-
The Browns took a bit of a hit on defense, as they lost Anthony Walker Jr. and Mike Ford, but managed to re-sign Za’Darius Smith and Maurice Hurst Jr. along with adding Devin Bush and Jordan Hicks to bolster up the defense. The Browns did trade for Jerry Jeudy from the Denver Broncos in exchange for two draft picks and signed Nyheim Hines. However, the Browns did not re-sign Joe Flacco, as he signed a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts. The Browns added Jameis Winston and Tyler Huntley, to the roster, as backups for Deshaun Watson. Although losing Flacco might hurt, the Browns needed younger backups who could help with the run game, similar to Huntley backing up Lamar Jackson in Baltimore. If Watson does go down with another injury, the Browns’ new backups, who will be ready to roll, to help the team potentially make another playoff push, in the regular season.
Dallas Cowboys: D
The Cowboys have had a pretty quiet offseason, so far, yet they managed to sign Eric Kendricks to a one-year $3 million deal. However, they lost running back Tony Pollard to the Tennessee Titans, released wide receiver Michael Gallup, offensive tackle Tyron Smith signed with the New York Jets and released Stephon Gillmore. The Cowboys still have a very talented roster, that had 10 Pro Bowlers last season, who look to continue playing strong in a competitive NFC East. The Cowboys will sign more guys to the roster, as well as look for a new running back and offensive linemen, in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Denver Broncos: D
The Broncos are hitting the reset button after they released Russell Wilson, and look to start over. The Broncos also released safety Justin Simmons and released Chris Manhertz, who signed with the New York Giants. The Broncos did trade away Jerry Jeudy, after he struggled in 2023, to the Cleveland Browns. The Broncos did re-sign P.J. Locke, Justin Strnad, and Lil’Jordan Humphrey. The Broncos signed Cody Barton from the Washington Commanders, Brandon Jones from the Miami Dolphins, Matt Peart from the New York Giants, and Malcolm Roach from the New Orleans Saints. With only two quarterbacks on the roster, as of Mar. 24 (Jarett Stidham and Ben DiNucci), it is very clear the Broncos will draft a new quarterback in the NFL Draft, and build around this new quarterback for the 2024 regular season, as well as improve their pass rush, for the upcoming season.
Detroit Lions: B+
The Lions made some strong off-season moves, to bolster the roster, for the 2024 regular season. The Lions added Pro Bowl guard Kevin Zeitler, defensive end Marcus Davenport, and former Super Bowl 55 champion cornerback Carlton Davis via trade. The Lions did lose C. J. Gardner-Johnson to the Philadelphia Eagles, Pro Bowl Guard Jonah Jackson to the Los Angeles Rams, and Chase Lucas to the San Francisco 49ers. With the Lions in win-now mode, they look to have a strong 2024 season, and possibly return to the NFC Championship game, with a chance to compete for a Super Bowl 59 appearance.
Green Bay Packers: B
The Packers may have lost guard Yosh Nijman to the Carolina Panthers, strong safety Jonathan Owens to the Chicago Bears, and running back Aaron Jones to the rival Minnesota Vikings. However, they added some talent that will help the team benefit in 2024. The Packers signed running back Josh Jacobs to a four-year $48 million deal, and cornerback Xavier McKinney signed a four-year $67 million deal. With Jacobs in the lineup, it will be like the Packers never lost Aaron Jones to free agency, in the first place, as well as give Jordan Love a new Pro Bowl running back to work with.
Houston Texans: B+
The Texans added veteran presence, to both sides of the ball, with a trade for running back Joe Mixon and signing Danielle Hunter, who will replace Jonathan Greenard, who signed with the Minnesota Vikings. The Texans also signed Pro Bowl and two-time Super Bowl champion punter, Tommy Townsend. After a very successful 2023 season, the Texans are looking to return to the playoffs, with an even stronger roster, with other great additions on defense like Azeez Al-Shaair, Jeff Okudah, and Denico Autry, to make the competition even more fierce in the AFC South.
Indianapolis Colts: C
The Colts are coming into the 2024 season with Anthony Richardson returning from shoulder surgery, and bringing back Michael Pittman Jr. The Colts lost Gardner Minshew to the Las Vegas Raiders, via free agency, but did sign Joe Flacco to a one-year deal. The Colts also lost Zack Moss to the Bengals, but still have Jonathan Taylor in the lineup. The Colts however need to address the secondary. Julian Blackmon is still currently a free agent as of Mar. 24. He had a very good 2023 season where he had 88 tackles and eight pass deflections. If the Colts do bring Blackmon back or draft a new cornerback, the AFC South will be very competitive, with the Texans on the rise.
Jacksonville Jaguars: C+
After losing Calvin Ridley to the Tennessee Titans, via free agency, the Jaguars went in and signed Gabe Davis, from the Buffalo Bills. Davis isn’t as flashy as Ridley, but he can be very serviceable for the Jaguars receiver depth, this coming season. The Jaguars also signed former Bills center Mitch Moorse, and traded a sixth-round pick to the New Patriots for Mac Jones, to back up Trevor Lawrence. The Jaguars need more receiver help, and to add cornerbacks, whether it’s through free agency or the upcoming NFL Draft. If the Jags acquire the right talent, they can return to the playoffs, for the first time since 2022, and make a run.
Kansas City Chiefs: A-
As the saying goes, the rich get richer. As the Chiefs prepare for a possible three-peat Super Bowl run, they are proof positive, that they are indeed getting richer. The Chiefs re-signed defensive end Chris Jones and signed former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Hollywood Brown, and tight end Irvin Smith Jr., who will help Patrick Mahomes find other reliable throwing targets. The Chiefs did lose Willie Gay to the Washington Commanders, Mike Edwards to the Buffalo Bills, Jody Fortson to the Miami Dolphins, and L’Jarius Sneed (who helped the Chiefs defeat the Baltimore Ravens to reach Super Bowl 58) to the Tennessee Titans, via trade. The Chiefs also re-signed Drue Tranquil to a three-year $19 million deal, keeping the defense very sharp. Regardless, the Chiefs are still the cream of the crop when it comes to NFL supremacy, as long as Mahomes is still there, along with Travis Kelce and head coach Andy Reid.
Las Vegas Raiders: B
The Raiders have had a nice free agency period, where they’ve signed defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, to strengthen the Raiders’ defensive line. Wilkins will also help Maxx Crosby make the defensive line a force to be reckoned with. The Raiders may have lost Josh Jacobs to the Green Bay Packers, via free agency, but they did re-sign veteran running back Ameer Abdullah and center Andre James. The Raiders also signed tight end Harrison Bryant, guard Ben Brown, and veteran quarterbacks Anthony Brown and Gardner Minshew. Signing Minshew is a huge help for the Raiders. If or when they draft a quarterback, Minshew is a hedge against a rookie injury, and adds a veteran mentor, to learn from. With Antonio Pierce coming in as the head coach, for a full season, it should be a great time in the desert.
Los Angeles Chargers: C-
The Chargers, under the leadership of Jim Harbaugh, made some changes for the 2024 season. They signed running back Gus Edwards, tight end Will Dissly, and tight end Hayden Hurst. However, they did release Eric Kendricks (who signed with the Dallas Cowboys) and wide receiver Mike Williams (who signed with the New York Jets). The Chargers did re-sign Easton Stick and safety Alohi Gilman, who had a breakout year with 73 tackles, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions. Losing Mike Williams is going to hurt Justin Herbert and the Chargers, as Quentin Johnston has to step up, despite struggling in his rookie season. The Chargers need to get a new wide receiver, whether it’s signing a veteran free agent or through the NFL draft, with a draft class loaded with wide receiver talent. We’ll just wait and see what coach Harbaugh and the Chargers do leading into the 2024 regular season.
Los Angeles Rams: B-
The Rams enter the 2024 season without Aaron Donald, who announced his retirement from the NFL, this offseason. Now what to do? The younger defensive linemen need to step up with Donald retired. The Rams did bring back Darious Williams, who spent two seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars and brought in safety Kamren Curl from the Washington Commanders. The Rams signed veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, as a backup to Matthew Stafford. The Rams added Jonah Jackson, to secure the offensive line, and signed tight end Colby Parkinson, from the Seattle Seahawks. The Rams still need an edge rusher and secondary help, as free agency continues, as well as looking for young talent in the 2024 NFL draft.
Miami Dolphins: C
The Dolphins said their goodbyes to cornerback Xavien Howard, defensive lineman Christian Wilkins, offensive guard Robert Hunt, linebacker Jerome Baker, and Emmanuel Ogbah to name a few big names, who were released by the team. The Dolphins did sign tight ends Jonnu Smith and Jody Fortson, cornerback Kendall Fuller, safety Jordan Poyer, and linebackers Shaquil Barrett and Jordyn Brooks. These additions to the team should help Tua Tagovailoa improve his performance, for a good 2024 season, with a chance to have a home playoff game, as opposed to traveling on the road, for a playoff matchup.
Minnesota Vikings: D+
The Vikings offseason began with releasing Kirk Cousins. Cousins signed a massive four-year $180 million deal, with the Atlanta Falcons. The Vikings also parted ways with defensive end Danielle Hunter, running back Cam Akers, and linebacker Anthony Barr, to name a few veterans, no longer on the team. The Vikings did sign QB Sam Darnold, RB Aaron Jones, and LBs Jonathan Greenard and Blake Cashman, to name a few. Darnold may look like a massive downgrade from Cousins, but he can play, well at times, and will be a mentor to any rookie quarterback the Vikings may bring on through the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft.
New England Patriots: B
With Bill Belichick out of the picture, and Jerod Mayo in, as the new head coach, the first order of business for the Patriots was to ship Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars, in a trade for a sixth-round draft pick. The Patriots released wide receiver DeVante Parker, linebacker Chris Board, cornerback J.C. Jackson, safety Adrian Phillips, running back Ezekiel Elliott, offensive lineman Trent Brown, and defensive tackle Lawrence Guy, to name a few. The Patriots signed RB Antonio Gibson, offensive linemen Chukwuma Okorafor and Nick Leverett, signed QB Jacoby Brissett, and re-signed Jalen Reagor. Kendrick Bourne also signed a contract extension with the Pats, as well. The Patriots Still need a quarterback, offensive linemen, and a new star-studded wide receiver, if they want to return to relevancy. Bringing Brissett back to New England helps, as he can mentor a new rookie quarterback, during the regular season.
New Orleans Saints: C
The Saints didn’t make much noise during free agency, but they did sign Chade Young to a one-year deal, as well as signed WR Cedric Wilson, FB Zander Horvath, QB Nathan Peterman as a backup to Derek Carr, and LB Willie Gay. The Saints released QB Jameis Winston and WR Michael Thomas. The Saints also re-signed Johnathan Abram, helping the team out on defense. The Saints still need a safety, and an off-ball linebacker, to help complement Demario Davis as free agency continues, as well as looking to add young talent from the 2024 NFL Draft.
New York Giants: C+
Losing RB Saquon Barkley and safety Xavier McKinney certainly stings. However, trading for Brian Burns and signing him to a five-year $141 million extension, was a huge move for the G-Men. Signing offensive linemen Jermaine Eluemunor, Jon Runyan Jr., Aaron Stinnie (even though he’s dealt with injuries in the past), and Austin Schlottmann should help fix the offensive line problem- the Giants have had for years now. The Giants also added RB Devin Singletary, TE Chris Manhertz, WR Isaiah McKenzie, and safety Jalen Mills to the team. Even though Daniel Jones is coming back, the Giants still need to find a new quarterback and offensive line talent in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft.
New York Jets: A-
General Manager Joe Douglas is on a mission, to fix the Jets’ offensive line for Aaron Rodgers, and, “Oh my,” did they get to work! Douglas and the Jets brought in OT Morgan Moses via trade, from the Baltimore Ravens, signed guard John Simpson from the Ravens, and signed All-Pro tackle Tyron Smith. The Jets also signed WR Mike Williams, who was released by the Los Angeles Chargers, giving another wideout for Rodgers, to throw to, with Garrett Wilson already in the lineup. The Jets also signed backup quarterback, Tyrod Taylor, who played decently for the New York Giants in 2023. Rumors have been swirling around whether Zach Wilson will get traded away, along with rumors about the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams, potentially being interested in Wilson. We’ll see what happens with Wilson. In the meantime, the focus of the Jets is protecting Aaron Rodgers, or anyone else who is under center, when the regular season begins.
Philadelphia Eagles: A-
Despite the Eagles losing DT Fletcher Cox and center Jason Kelce to retirement, the Eagles signed Matt Hennessey and P. J. Mustipher, to replace them. However, the Eagles’ biggest prize, in free agency, was signing former New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley, after D’Andre Swift signed a three-year $24 million deal, with the Chicago Bears. Barkley is going to thrive in a very productive Eagles backfield. The Eagles also signed Bryce Huff from the New York Jets, traded for Kenny Pickett from the Pittsburgh Steelers, and brought back C. J. Gardner-Johnson (who was on the Eagles team that reached Super Bowl 57). With Barkley on the Eagles, it’s going to make the rivalry against the Giants more intense and make the Eagles more favored, to win the NFC East. We’ll see what happens when the 2024 season concludes.
Pittsburgh Steelers: B-
The Steelers released their former quarterbacks, Mason Rudolph and Mitch Trubisky, signed Russell Wilson for a steal and traded for Justin Fields while trading away Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles. We’ll have to see how the Wilson and Fields tandem do on the field. The Steelers also bolstered their defense by signing former Baltimore Raven Patrick Queen to a three-year $41 million deal, traded away Dionte Johnson to the Carolina Panthers for Donte Jackson, and signed DeShon Elliot. The Steelers look to get back to having a very competitive offense, as well as keep their defense very strong and competitive, against their AFC North rivals.
San Francisco 49ers: B
The 49ers haven’t made too many loud moves this offseason. That may be due to still having a loaded roster. The 49ers added Leonard Floyd; who had 9.5 sacks last season in Buffalo, Chase Lucas from the Detroit Lions, Issac Yiadom; who had 14 pass deflections, an interception, and a fumble recovery with the New Orleans Saints in 2023, and signed reliable backup QB, Joshua Dobbs. The 49ers did lose DE Chase Young, CB Isaiah Oliver, DT Arik Armstead, and WR Ray-Ray McCloud. Despite that, the 49ers still look aggressively tough and look to possibly return to the Super Bowl, and get over the hump.
Seattle Seahawks: B-
The Seahawks released defensive veterans Jamal Adams, Quandre Diggs, and Bobby Wagner. Adding Tyrel Dodson is a good start for young and fresh talent, as well as Jerome Baker, and K’Von Wallace. The Seahawks traded for QB Sam Howell, from the Washington Commanders, to serve as a backup to Geno Smith, and bolstered their offensive line with center Nick Harris, guard Tremayne Anchrum, and brought back George Fant who looks to improve the offensive line. The Seahawks also re-signed DE Leonard Williams and TE Noah Fant. This Seahawks team looks to bounce back after a disappointing season, where they finished with a 9-8 record and missed the playoffs.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A-
The Bucs have re-signed Baker Mayfield, to a three-year $100 million contract, after he helped the Bucs win the NFC South and win a playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles, in the 2023 season. The Bucs also re-signed Mike Evans to a two-year $41 million contract, re-signed Lavonte David to a one-year $10 million deal, brought back Antonie Winfield Jr. (even though he’s on the franchise tag), and re-signed Jordan Whitehead. The Bucs lost Shaquil Barrett and Carlton Davis, but the boys are back and ready to defend the NFC South, from the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints.
Tennessee Titans: C+
The Titans parted ways with former head coach Mike Vrabel, and released Derrick Henry and Ryan Tannehill, to start 2024 fresh. They brought in RB Tony Pollard from the Dallas Cowboys and signed Calvin Ridley to a four-year $92 million deal, giving Will Levis another talented wide receiver to throw to. On defense, the Titans added CB Chidobe Awuzie and LB Kenneth Murray, and the Kansas City Chiefs traded L’Jarius Sneed to the Titans, for a 2025 third-round draft pick. A decent haul of new talent, but will it be enough to help the Titans rebound, after a very disastrous 2023 season? We’ll just wait and see.
Washington Commanders: B-
The 2024 Commanders look to put behind their abysmal 2023 season, with new head coach Dan Quinn, and a reloaded roster. The Commanders brought in veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner, CB Noah Igbinoghene, RB Austin Ekeler, LB Dante Fowler, DE Dorance Armstrong, TE Zach Ertz, and veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota. The Commanders also brought in Pro Bowl guard, Tyler Biadasz and three-time Super Bowl champion guard, Nick Allegretti, to strengthen the offensive line. Great veteran additions for the Commanders, as they look to get out of their losing slump from 2023, but they still need to draft a new quarterback, more offensive linemen, and a young tight end, who can learn from Ertz. It’s going to be a very good time in Washington, under Quinn’s leadership!
