Free agency got off to a hot start, and many teams have been aggressive in getting the players that will help them contend next season. Over 250 players have signed with their respective teams, so who are the biggest winners of free agency?
1: New York Giants
Once again, Joe Schoen has done an amazing job in free agency. He was able to acquire players who wouldn’t blow the budget and would contribute in a big way in the future.
Current signings:
- RB Saquon Barkley (franchise tag)
- TE Darren Waller (via trade)
- LB Bobby Okereke (4 years, $40 million)
- DL Rakeem Nunez-Roches (3 years, $12 million)
- P Jamie Gillan (2 years, $4 million)
- RB Matt Breida (1 year, $2.3 million)
- WR Sterling Shepard (1 year, $1.3 million)
- LB Jarrad Davis (1 year)
- WR Isaiah Hodgins (1 year)
- LS Casey Kreiter (1 year)
- WR Jeff Smith
- WR Parris Campbell (1 year, $1.7 million)
- OLB Jihad Ward (1 year)
- WR Darius Slayton (re-signed, 2 years, $12 million)
- CB Leonard Johnson (3 years)
All of these are very team-friendly contracts They will help the Giants win now and additionally in the future. While the Giants still have holes they need to fill, they can be addressed in the draft.
2: Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys needed to be one of the most aggressive teams in free agency and acquire players to help them get past the NFC. Jerry Jones has not fallen short, as Dallas has been one of the most active teams in free agency and the trade market.
Current signings:
- RB Tony Pollard (franchise tag)
- S Donovan Wilson (3 years, $24 million)
- CB Stephon Gilmore (via trade)
- LB Leighton Vander Esch (2 years, $11 million)
- CB C.J. Goodwin (1 year, $1.317 million)
- QB Cooper Rush (2 years, $6 million)
- WR Brandin Cooks (via trade)
- OL Chuma Edoga (one-year deal)
- RB Ronald Jones (one-year deal)
Acquiring Stephon Gilmore created an amazing duo in the secondary alongside Trevon Diggs and adds much-needed defense. Brandin Cooks will join multiple weapons in the Cowboys’ offense which once again is expected to be a top-ten offense in the NFL.
3: Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos have been the biggest spenders in free agency so far, and are creating an identity under new head coach Sean Payton. While Russell Wilson played very poorly last season, with a competent head coach and getting healthy, I expect Wilson to have a bounce-back year in 2023.
Current signings:
- RT Mike McGlinchey (5 years, $87.5 million)
- TE Chris Manhertz (2 years, $6 million)
- LB Alex Singleton (3 years, $18 million)
- DE Zach Allen (3 years, $45.8 million)
- RB Samaje Perine (2 years, $7.5 million)
- QB Jarrett Stidham (2 years, $10 million)
- OL Ben Powers (4 years, $52 million)
- P Corliss Waitman (1 year, $940,000)
- OL Quinn Bailey (1 year, $870,000)
- LB Jonas Griffith (1 year, $940,000)
- FB Michael Burton (1 year)
- P Riley Dixon
It is clear that the Broncos are making it a priority to protect Russell Wilson and establish a strong running game. I’ve also liked what they’ve added on the defensive side, as well as special teams. Putting together an experienced coaching staff led by Sean Payton, Denver has done a nice job in free agency.
4: New York Jets
The New York Jets are going to come out of free agency as the biggest winners by far. The news broke on the Pat Mcaffee show that Aaron Rodgers’s intention was to play for the Jets this season, and a deal will be done. They’ve finally found a quarterback who will lead the offense, and contend for a playoff spot.
Current signings:
- WR Allen Lazard (4 years, $44 million)
- LB Quincy Williams (3 years, $18 million)
- K Greg Zuerlein (1 year, up to $3.5 million)
- S Chuck Clark (via trade)
- DL Solomon Thomas (1 year, $3.9 million)
- P Thomas Morstead
- WR Mecole Hardman
The Jets have completely turned their offense around. They revamped their wide receiver room, which will be accompanied by a top defensive unit. The Jets have been extremely aggressive so far in free agency, and are making it clear that they are going all out on making a playoff run next season.
5: Detriot Lions
Entering the off-season, it was clear that the Lions needed to bolster their defense. Detriot had a top-ten scoring offense in the NFL but struggled because their defense couldn’t stop opposing teams.
Current signings:
- CB Cam Sutton (3 years, $33 million)
- LB Alex Anzalone (3 years, $18.8 million)
- RB David Montgomery (3 years, $18 million)
- CB Emmanuel Moseley (1 year, $6 million)
- DL John Cominsky (2 years, $9.5 million)
- G Graham Glasgow (1 year, $4.5 million)
- DB Will Harris (1 year, $2.58 million)
- OL Matt Nelson
- RB Craig Reynolds (re-signed)
- S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (1 year, $8 million)
The Lions have invested heavily on the defensive side in the ball, and because of it will now be the frontrunners to win the NFC North. The interesting part of their off-season is that they still have the 6th and 18th overall pick. I’m intrigued to see what Detriot will do in the draft, whether they will continue to add on defense or potentially add their next franchise quarterback.
Each one of these five teams went into free agency with a set plan on how they can get back into contention next season and executed it. All of these franchises addressed their biggest needs and can address any depth or remaining holes in the draft.
