NFL free agency's legal tampering window opened on Monday afternoon and clubs wasted little time attempting to improve their 2024 campaign outlook. Hundreds of millions of dollars were shelled out via multi-year contracts that carried hefty guarantees.
Certain general managers navigate the dangerous waters of free agency better than others. We combed through Monday's busy dealings to swiftly identify six immediate winners and losers.
2024 NFL FREE AGENCY WINNERS
WINNER: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES, SAQUON BARKLEY, RB
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman broke his cardinal rule of not spending premium resources at running back to add Saquon Barkley from his division rival New York Giants. Roseman signed Barkley to a three-year contract worth $37.75 million contract that contains $26 million fully guaranteed at signing. Barkley has never played behind an offensive line as elite as the one in Philadelphia. His dual-threat abilities are going to be a perfect match for quarterback Jalen Hurts.
WINNER: HOUSTON TEXANS, DENICO AUTRY, DL
Texans general manager Nick Caserio made an extremely shrewd signing by adding former Titans defensive lineman Denico Autry on a reasonable two-year deal worth $20 million. Autry is entering his age-34 season, but he did record a career-high 11.5 sacks this past season. Head coach DeMeco Ryans will appreciate Autry's inside-outside versatility while moving him around as necessary.
Autry will immediately replace Jonathan Greenard, who signed a lucrative deal with the Minnesota Vikings. Autry is an excellent fit for a contending Texans team. Will Anderson Jr. will appreciate picking Autry's brain as he prepares to take the next step in his development.
WINNER: MINNESOTA VIKINGS, ANDREW VAN GINKEL, EDGE
Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah entered free agency understanding he'd likely have to replace Danielle Hunter, who produced 16.5 sacks last season. Adofo-Mensah began taking steps toward the inevitable by slightly overpaying for Greenard, who is a good, hard-nosed player. The value of the Andrew Van Ginkel deal is even better.
Van Ginkel agreed to a reasonable three-year contract worth $20 million. Van Ginkel reunites with Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who coached him in Miami for three seasons (2019-2021). Van Ginkel is an outstanding fit for Flores' attack-style defense.
2024 NFL FREE AGENCY LOSERS
LOSER: JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS, GABE DAVIS, WR
The wide receiver market has been reasonable thus far, probably due to a lack of big-time playmakers hitting free agency. The Jaguars bucked the trend by signing former Buffalo Bills wideout Gabe Davis to a three-year deal worth $39 million with incentives up to $50 million. Jaguars GM Trent Baalke continues leading his team down a confusing path.
Davis' addition signals that the Jaguars won't be re-signing Calvin Ridley. Baalke ultimately parted with a third-round pick for one disappointing season of Ridley. Davis has struggled with drops throughout his career and has never surpassed 1,000 receiving yards despite playing with Josh Allen and opposite Stefon Diggs. Furthermore, Davis and Jaguars receiver Christian Kirk often occupy similar areas of the field.
LOSER: ARIZONA CARDINALS, SEAN MURPHY-BUNTING, CB
Sean Murphy-Bunting signed a one-year prove-it deal worth $5 million with the Tennessee Titans in free agency last offseason. Murphy-Bunting didn't appear to take full advantage of his opportunity in Nashville, although his new payday says otherwise. Murphy-Bunting allowed 45 receptions on 69 targets for a completion percentage of 65.2%, according to Pro Football Focus.
The Titans were overly reliant on Murphy-Bunting and they fielded a below-average pass defense as a result. It's surprising to witness Murphy-Bunting get a multi-year contract worth more than $8 million annually in Arizona.
LOSER: CAROLINA PANTHERS, ROBERT HUNT, IOL
I'm sorry, how much?
The guard market has unexpectedly exploded this offseason. The Panthers followed suit by signing Robert Hunt to a five-year contract worth $100 million. Hunt is now the league's second-highest-paid guard yearly despite never qualifying for an All-Pro team, matching Quenton Nelson and his $20 million annual salary. The Panthers understandably want to better protect Bryce Young, but their desperation showed in the market.
