The free agency wheels continued to turn Tuesday on the second day of the legal tampering period. The unofficial start of free agency on Monday saw a wide range of major names come off the board, including Kirk Cousins, Saquon Barkley and Christian Wilkins, while quite a few stars found new homes in the second day. Ta.
After Cousins' dominoes fell on opening day, a large backup corps began to drop out, including Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota, the top two picks in the 2015 NFL Draft. Meanwhile, Aaron Jones, who was just released by the Packers on Monday, has agreed to a contract with the Minnesota Vikings, opting to remain in the NFC North.
As we continue to see the free agency pieces fall into place, let's take a look at all the major agreements made on Day 2 and evaluate them.
Vikings sign Aaron Jones
One of the minor themes of this free agency cycle is the fan-favorite running backs going up against divisional rivals. It happened on Monday when Saquon Barkley agreed to a deal with the Eagles, and now Aaron Jones is turning in his cheesehead for a Vikings helmet. After the Packers agreed to a deal with Josh Jacobs and released him on Monday, the veteran back agreed to terms with Minnesota. Jones is closer to 30 yards, but he's still a very impactful back, judging by his five straight 100-yard rushing games ending last season. On a one-year, $7 million deal, this is a tremendous acquisition for Minnesota, which struggled to run the ball in 2023.
School year:A
This marriage has been in the works for a long time leading up to the trade deadline, but it has finally come to fruition. Henry agreed to a two-year, $16 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens, forming one of the most lethal backfields in the NFL. The combination of Henry and Lamar Jackson gives Baltimore perhaps the best rushing attack in the league. Henry's ability to churn out hard yards could prove important come playoff time.
School year:A
Manager signs Marcus Mariota
It's strange to give this deal as high a rating, especially considering that no Commanders fan wants Marcus Mariota to be on the field in 2024. But I think he's a quality backup and especially valuable to Washington. The club has the No. 2 overall pick in this year's draft and is widely expected to select a quarterback. Does anyone know anything about being the No. 2 overall pick and being handed the keys to an organization? Marcus Mariota. In addition to having a veteran presence in the QB room, Mariota's unique background in the NFL could serve as a sounding board for managers to guide their rookies to success, which is a good thing. It will be a contract.
School year:B
Browns sign Jameis Winston
It's a little surprising that the Browns didn't choose to bring back Joe Flacco after his heroics last season, but Winston gives them a young option at the position to back up Deshaun Watson, who has plenty of starting experience. ing.
School year:B-
The Jets desperately needed a capable backup quarterback behind Aaron Rodgers, and they found a player in Tyrod Taylor. He hasn't shown the ceiling as high as a young QB could, but his floor isn't as low as it was a year ago when Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles tendon. Taylor went 2-3 with a 64.4% pass completion rate and a passer rating of 89.1 in five games he started for the Giants last season.
School year:C+
Minnesota was unable to retain Kirk Cousins and quickly pivoted to Sam Darnold as their next option at center. In fact, this is likely just the first step in the Vikings' plan to start a rookie quarterback, likely to be selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. Darnold spent last season as a reserve in San Francisco and has struggled for the most part since being handed the reins as a starter, so if he ends up as Minnesota's man under center, they could take a step forward in Year 1 after Cousins. It's going to be hard to see moving forward. .
School year:C
The Falcons solidified their quarterback position by acquiring Kirk Cousins on Monday and gave him a new weapon in Darnell Mooney on Tuesday. The former Bears wideout has had a tough time in recent seasons with Chicago's lackluster passing attack, which has led to a decline in production. But Mooney is only 26 years old and already has a 1,000-yard season under his belt. This could prove to be a smart deal for Atlanta given the improved quarterback play and talented skill position players around him.
School year:B+
Dolphins sign Shaq Barrett
Miami makes move, adds veteran on one-year deal worth up to $9 million; according to his agent (via ESPN). For the Dolphins, adding depth to their pass rush unit was much needed, especially after what happened last season when they lost both Jaylan Phillips and Bradley Chubb to injury. Barrett comes to the Dolphins as a strong rotation piece, a two-time Super Bowl champion and former All-Pro. Not only did they add depth behind Phillips and Chubb, but they also softened the blow of losing Andrew Van Ginkel in free agency.
School year:B
It wasn't that long ago that Gesicki had back-to-back 700-yard receiving seasons, but tight ends have struggled in recent years. A large part of that is simply due to the lack of playing time in his final years, playing with the Dolphins in 2022 and with the Patriots in 2023. If he can return to the form he saw in 2021, he would be a solid option. Especially if Joe Burrow in the Bengals' passing game finally grants wide receiver Tee Higgins' trade request. On a cheap one-year deal, this is a worthwhile deal for Cincy.
School year:B-
Smith hasn't reached second-round draft status yet, but he'll have a great chance to do so if Patrick Mahomes throws him the football. He has yet to surpass 400 receiving yards in a season and had just 115 receiving yards on 18 catches last season. That said, Andy Reid's offense has been very tight end-friendly for years outside of Travis Kelce, so there may be a chance for Smith to have a career year here. He will only be 26 years old at the start of next season.
School year:C
It wasn't cheap, but the Pittsburgh Steelers made a notable move on Tuesday. With autograph They signed former Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen to a three-year, $41 million contract.
Queen, a Pro Bowler last season and a former first-round pick of the Ravens, filled a significant need in the middle of Pittsburgh's defense. Queen is physical, a hard hitter, and a versatile player. Last season, he filled up the stat sheet with 133 tackles, 3.5 sacks, one interception, and one forced fumble.
Queen's addition adds another Pro Bowl-caliber player to a Steelers defense that already features TJ Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alex Highsmith and Cam Heyward.
The only thing holding this back from being an A's is the amount the Steelers are paying at a position that most teams aren't paying these days. Pittsburgh had success last season with a much more affordable linebacker until injuries wiped out the unit.
School year: B+
A large contract with a promising team. Shortly after the Joe Mixon trade was completed, the Texans reached terms with Hunter, adding another veteran. The deal is reported to be two years and worth a total of $49 million.. This is a contract with plenty of room to sign a quarterback on a rookie contract.
Hunter, 29, comes to Houston after recording 87.5 sacks in nine seasons at Minnesota. He had a career-high 16.5 sacks last season and was selected to his fourth Pro Bowl in five years.
Hunter brings talent and a veteran presence to a Texans defense looking to take the next step in 2024. But there's also some risk because there's a lot of money involved with this team. Hunter will need to continue playing at a high level for this to be considered a success.
School year: B+
New Orleans signed the two-time Super Bowl-winning linebacker to a one-year, $5 million contract, according to NFL Media. It's a good deal for a fourth-year starter who filled out the stat sheet during his time in Kansas City. Gay, who just turned 26, should be in his prime.
School year: a
The former Bills safety will remain in the AFC East after that. Reportedly signs a one-year, $2 million contract. With the Dolphins.
Yes, you read that right: the Dolphins actually acquired the former All-Pro for $2 million. Unless Poyer plays at his usual level, this will go down as one of the best deals of the offseason. But Poyer will be 33 next season, and he didn't record a pick last season for the first time since 2016.
However, this was not easy for the Dolphins, as they lacked funds.
School year: a-
