Since free agency’s official start this year on March 13, teams have been quick to add pieces to their roster that they believe will best help them compete in the 2024-25 season. Some teams have been very active in free agency thus far, acquiring players aggressively. While others, like the Dallas Cowboys, have been rather quiet. Whether active or not, each team will be assessed on their best signing (so far). As it is rather early into the new season, and the draft is a little less than a month away, these free agent’s standings are always up to change. Nonetheless, here are the current best signings/trades each NFL team has made.
Note: this list does not include re-signings.
Division: AFC
AFC East
Buffalo Bills
Best signing: Curtis Samuel (WR)
While the Bills have experienced significant departures of defensive backs, these departures have been slowly filled in by lesser-known players like Cam Lewis, as well as resigning Taylor Rapp. The Bills will focus on their main strength – Josh Allen and his arm. While the defense might not post record numbers, it is still staffed by competent players but will need to rely on Josh Allen playing well. Curtis Samuel has proved to be a reliable, versatile player who will complement Stefon Diggs and Khalil Shakur, hopefully giving Josh Allen the targets he needs.
Miami Dolphins
Best Signing: Jordyn Brooks (LB)
Jordyn Brooks has proved himself to be a reliable linebacker during his tenure with the Seahawks and will prove to be a fundamental piece to the Dolphins’ battered linebacker corps. With the departures of Andrew Van Ginkel and Jerome Baker, as well as the injuries of Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips, Brooks will immediately play a valuable role in Miami. Brooks will be joined by veteran Shaquil Barrett and injury-prone Anthony Walker, Jr as Miami’s new linebacker corps.
New York Jets
Best Signing: Tyron Smith (OL)
Tyron Smith has had a dominant career in Dallas, often ranking as one of, if not, the best tackles in the league over his thirteen-year stint wearing the star on his helmet. While there is a question of age (Smith will be 33 going into the season), he has not shown signs of his performance significantly slowing down, though injuries have kept him sidelined (he has missed 37 games over the past four seasons). If he can stay healthy, he can be the lineman QB Aaron Rodgers relies on to keep him protected in an offensive line that is not considered to be too strong. Smith is a gamble, but even if it does not work out, his new contract is relatively cheap and only valid for one season.
New England Patriots
Best signing: K.J. Osborn (WR)
The New England Patriots have had a fairly quiet off-season thus far, opting to re-sign core defensive and offensive players as they manage their rebuild under Jerod Mayo’s new regime. K.J. Osborn, while not as explosive as other receivers on the market, comes extraordinarily cheap for a player who played well in Minnesota but flew under the radar given Vikings’ Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison’s stellar play throughout the year. K.J. Osborn’s one-year, 4 million dollar contract should be considered a steal considering his talent. Further, his presence will surely make any rookie quarterback feel at home.
AFC South
Indianapolis Colts
Best signing: Raekwon Davis (DE)
Though the Colts have been primarily resigning players this off-season, they have made efforts at acquiring new talent. While Raekwon Davis is not going to bring the same dominance he had earlier in his career in Miami, he will prove to be a reliable veteran presence in an inconsistent defensive line. While one can make the argument here for the signing of Joe Flacco after his surprisingly good stint in Cleveland, with second-year QB Anthony Richardson returning, Indianapolis needs to pivot to deepening their defensive corps.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Best signing: Arik Armstead (DE)
While the Jaguars have had an active off-season signing new players to their roster, no other player will likely have such an immediate impact on the team’s performance as former 49er Erik Armstead. The Jaguars defensive line played poorly last season – particularly their interior defensive line. Armstead will look to step up and provide immediate relief for them. If he plays anywhere close to how he has been playing so far in his career, he should prove to be the best off-season signing the Jaguars have made thus far.
Houston Texans
Best Signing: Joe Mixon (RB)
You can put a lot of the signings the Texans have made this off-season here and it probably would not be wrong, given their exceptionally successful off-season thus far. However, the departure of Devin Singletary to the New York Giants left a significant gap at running back that Joe Mixon will fill. The Texans, particularly Head Coach DeMeco Ryans, have faith that Joe Mixon will live up to the consistency he’s had in Cincinnati, and will prove to be a reliable running back who can also help open up CJ Stroud’s passing options.
Tennessee Titans
Best signing: Calvin Ridley (WR)
There was a reason numerous teams were aggressively pursuing former Jaguar Calvin Ridley, namely his open-field explosiveness and general consistency as a player. Prior to his arrival, the best receiver on the team was DeAndre Hopkins, who, while one of the best receivers in recent history, is headed toward the end of his career. Ridley and Hopkins, along with Treylon Burks, will provide three proven receivers for QB Will Levis to target.
AFC West
Denver Broncos
Best signing: Josh Reynolds (WR)
If it were not for the departure of WR Jerry Jeudy, the most obvious runner-up would be Brandon Jones at safety. However, with Jeudy’s departure, Josh Reynolds will give the Broncos valuable depth at wide receiver going into the 2024-25 season. He proved in Detroit to be capable of consistent production and he is coming to the Broncos relatively cheap with a two-year, $14 million contract.
Los Angeles Chargers
Best signing: Gus Edwards
Under the new leadership of Jim Harbaugh, there has been a clear indication that the Chargers will be looking to bolster their rushing offense. Gus Edwards has notably never been the starting running-back in his career, acting more as a complementary piece for the Ravens in recent years. However, he has so far not given anybody any reason as to why he will not dominate in Los Angeles. He has consistently played well and will very likely fit well into Head Coach Jim Harbaugh’s offensive schemes.
Kansas City Chiefs
Best signing: Marquise Brown (WR)
Since Tyreek Hill’s departure to Miami in 2022, the Kansas City Chiefs have lacked a consistent, mature level of play in their wide receiver corps. Marquise Brown has played very well in Arizona (though he has not played a full season since 2021) and will surely be a go-to target for QB Patrick Mahomes. Moreover, he was signed on a light one-year, $11 million contract, meaning if he does not fit in well, Kansas City can walk away with minimal loss.
Las Vegas Raiders
Best signing: Christian Wilkins (DL)
It is hard to say Christian Wilkins is not the best signing the Las Vegas Raiders made this off-season. Following his outstanding tenure in Miami, he joins the Las Vegas Raiders’ defensive line. Together with Maxx Crosby, as well as other emerging threats like Malcom Koonce, it is not hard to imagine the Las Vegas Raiders’ defensive line being the biggest nightmare of opposing quarterbacks.
AFC North
Cincinnati Bengals
Best signing: Geno Stone (S)
Geno Stone is coming off a dominant season with the Baltimore Ravens and will provide immediate relief to the broken safety corps of Cincinnati. The Bengals’ secondary was problematic for much of the 2023-24 season and led to a great deal of issues when trying to slow down opposing teams’ passing games. Geno Stone is coming off of a seven-interception year and provides the versatility of moving to cornerback, if necessary. If Geno Stone plays anywhere like he did last year, he will be a fundamental piece for the Bengals’ secondary, making him the best signing of the off-season.
Cleveland Browns
Best signing: Jordan Hicks (LB)
The Cleveland Browns have had a quiet off-season, relying on re-signing players and rehabilitating injured players to help them return to the playoffs next season. While the Browns arguably should continue to focus on signing a stronger offensive line or wide receiver corps, it appears they will wait for the 2024 draft to begin addressing those needs. In the meantime, replacing defensive players they have lost in free agency has also been a goal of Cleveland. Following the departure of Anthony Walker Jr and Sione Takitaki, the Browns will lean on veteran Jordan Hicks. Hicks, while 31, has proven to be a reliable linebacker in his career and will provide a degree of reliability and consistency for the Browns defense.
Baltimore Ravens
Best signing: Derrick Henry (RB)
Out of all the Raves off-season signings, Derrick Henry emerges as the obvious contender for the best one. Henry had a dominant stint in Tennessee, proving to be the NFL’s most threatening talent at running back. Paired with QB Lamar Jackson, the Ravens’ 2024-25 offensive scheme will likely be run-heavy, using Henry’s power and Jackson’s finesse. If Derrick Henry runs like he has so far in his career, it is likely he will be the final piece for the Ravens offense that was needed to get them to the Super Bowl.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Best signing: Justin Fields (QB)
While Patrick Queen is a close second, it would not be right to ignore the player who might prove to be the next franchise quarterback, Justin Fields. Fields had an impressive 2023-24 season, winning the hearts of Chicago Bears fans who wanted to keep him as their quarterback going into the 2024-25 season. Unfortunately for the fans and Justin Fields, General Manager Ryan Poles felt differently, trading him to Pittsburgh for a late-draft pick in 2025. Fields will further develop under Head Coach Mike Tomlin and veteran QB Russell Wilson and will eventually, perhaps this upcoming season, take the reins in Pittsburgh. Nonetheless, considering how the Steelers were able to acquire a promising young quarterback for practically nothing, Fields is the most obvious choice here.
Division: NFC
NFC East
Washington Commanders
Best signing: Bobby Wagner (LB)
Though he likely will not put up the numbers he did during his tenure in Seattle, Bobby Wagner will offer the Commanders a solid veteran presence and will open up Washington’s defensive scheme. His presence will allow them to utilize 3-4 schemes, Dan Quinn’s (typical) go-to scheme. Bobby Wagner’s presence as a veteran leader under this new scheme will be valuable as Washington will need to rely on strong, consistent defense to make up for the rebuilding offense.
Dallas Cowboys
Best signing: Eric Kendricks (LB)
The Cowboys have had an abnormally quiet off-season, thus far. They have opted to re-sign a few players ahead of their projected expensive off-season in 2025. With this, Eric Kendricks, the former Los Angeles Charger, emerges as the best signing the Cowboys have made this off-season. With Leighton Vander Esch retiring, Eric Kendricks is needed to fill the role of a reliable linebacker for the Cowboys, providing crucial depth going into the 2024-25 season.
Philadelphia Eagles
Best signing: Devin White (LB)
Unlike their NFC East rivals, the Cowboys, the Philadelphia Eagles have been one of the most active teams in free agency thus far. This fact made it hard to figure out who the best signing was. Considering the Philadelphia Eagles’ main weakness was their defense, both their linebacker corps and secondary, Devin White emerges as their best signing. While it is tempting to say running back Saquan Barkley or wide receiver Devante Parker, who will likely make the most overt splashes, it fails to address one of the chief components as to why the Eagles suffered such a significant collapse. Considering Vic Fangio’s defensive scheme relies significantly on a strong linebacker corps, Devin White was the best signing.
New York Giants
Best signing: Brian Burns (LB)
While the best signings thus far have been mostly cheaper, reliable players that will serve as strong offensive or defensive foundations, Brian Burns stands out on this list as a gamble. Burns will serve as yet another weapon for the New York Giants defense, pairing with Dexter Lawrence and Kayvon Thibodeaux. Together, the Giants hope they can provide a dominant defensive front, controlling the line of scrimmage. Burns does come with a significant price tag with a five-year $150 million contract, making him a significant gamble. Nonetheless, the Giants pay top dollar to a consistently good player while addressing other issues such as offensive line and receivers through smaller acquisitions, as well as the upcoming draft.
NFC South
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Best signing: Bryce Hall (CB)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have spent a lot of effort and money this off-season re-signing players such as QB Baker Mayfield and wide receiver Mike Evans. With this, they have not spent a significant amount of money signing new players to their roster. One player that arguably serves as their best pickup is former Jets cornerback, Bryce Hall. Bryce Hall is nothing exceptional, rather a more consistent No. 3 cornerback, however, this is actually what Tampa Bay needed. Injuries have plagued their cornerback corps and Bryce Hall is a great addition to add consistent depth. Out of all their pickups this off-season so far, Bryce Hall will likely emerge as the best.
Atlanta Falcons
Best signing: Kirk Cousins (QB)
Kirk Cousins is simply the best addition to the Atlanta Falcons roster this off-season, maybe the best of the last two seasons. The reasoning is simple, the Falcons desperately needed a quarterback as Desmond Ridder proved to not be the answer, so they went out and got the best quarterback on the open market.. Cousins joins a Falcons team with reliable talent all around on offense, who will be able to use his veteran presence and mind to get the Falcons to be reliably consistent.
Carolina Panthers
Best signing: Robert Hunt (G)
One of the main components of the Panthers’ embarrassing 2023-24 season was their inability to protect quarterback Bryce Young, who was sacked 62 times in the 2023-24 season; the second most in the NFL. Robert Hunt was a consistent guard for the Miami Dolphins, only allowing 12 sacks in 3,316 career snaps. If the Carolina Panthers truly care about developing their offense under Bryce Young, a strong offensive line is essential. Though he comes with a five-year, $100 million contract, Hunt will likely prove to be worth the investment as the offensive line develops.
New Orleans Saints
Best signing: Chase Young (DE)
The Saints have long needed a dominant pass rusher and it is likely Chase Young will make an immediate splash for them. Chase was dominant in both Washington and San Francisco and has not shown any signs of slowing down. Young will also attract a lot of offensive line attention, allowing other pass rushers like Carl Granderson and Cameron Jordan to take advantage of Young’s disruption.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
Best signing: Sean-Murphy Bunting (CB)
Going into the off-season, the Arizona Cardinals needed to address one of their weakest positions, cornerback. Sean-Murphy Bunting has had a productive career and will likely be Arizona’s CB1. While the fifth-year corner has an extensive history of injuries dating back to 2020, if he stays healthy, he can be a great addition to Arizona’s weakened secondary.
San Francisco 49ers
Best signing: De’Vondre Campbell (LB)
If it were not for Erick Kendricks’ signing with the Cowboys after he had backed out of a deal with the 49ers, then the best signing would probably be Maliek Collins or Spencer Floyd. However, with Erick Kendricks backing out, the 49ers have shown interest in adding depth in their linebacker corps, particularly as Dre Greenlaw is coming off a torn achilles. Campbell has shown that when he is healthy, he can be one of the most dominant linebackers in the NFL. Together with Fred Warner, a healthy De’Vondre Campbell can be an integral force in bringing the 49ers back to the Super Bowl.
Los Angeles Rams
Best signing: Tre’Davious White (CB)
The Los Angeles Rams needed cornerback talent going into this off-season and Tre’Davious White is an experienced veteran who has proved to consistently play well when he is not injured. White was expected to sign a longer, more lucrative contract next off-season but the Rams were able to get him on a one-year, $10 million contract. This contract does not tie them down to White and is low-risk, high-reward if White can stay healthy.
Seattle Seahawks
Best signing: Jerome Baker (LB)
The Seahawks should be happy with their decision to sign Jerome Baker, even if he is just a temporary solution following the departures of Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks. Baker brings a veteran presence to the Seahawks’ linebacker corps as it adjusts to a new scheme under Mike Macdonald. With Tyrel Dodson, he will be integral to the Seahawks’ defense that lacks serious depth at linebacker, which will likely be further addressed in the 2024 draft.
NFC North
Chicago Bears
Best signing: D’Andre Swift (RB)
As the Bears are expected to use their first overall pick on former USC Trojan Caleb Williams, they will likely rely on their run game as Williams transitions his arm to the NFL. With Swift, the Bears will get a reliable running game as he looks to mimic his 1000+ yard, Pro Bowl season. For a rookie quarterback, Swift is a valuable asset for the Bears as he can pick up yards on the ground and through the air, likely becoming a go-to target for Caleb Williams.
Detroit Lions
Best signing: DJ Reader (DT)
One of the biggest problems for the Lions during the 2023-24 season was their defense, ranking 23rd in the league, allowing 23.2 points per game. DJ Reader offers a consistent, veteran presence as the Lions have looked to bulk up their defense this off-season. Reader will help the Lions stop the run which was a consistent problem for them last season.
Green Bay Packers
Best signing: Josh Jacobs (RB)
Following the departure of Aaron Jones, the Packers needed a dominant, consistent running back and they will surely get that with Jacobs. Jacobs’ presence will be immediate, arguably having the best offensive line he has had so far in his NFL career. If the Packers want to mimic their productive 2023-24 season, they could not afford to lose their running game and Jacobs will ensure that does not happen.
Minnesota Vikings
Best signing: Jonathan Greenard (LB)
Following Danielle Hunter’s departure to the Houston Texans, the Vikings have been quick to make former Texan Jonathan Greenard their premier edge rusher. Greenard played very well in Houston and put up impressive numbers in his three years in the NFL. When stacked up against Danielle Hunter, Greenard puts up significantly better numbers, making him an obvious upgrade. If he stays healthy, expect him to be the leader of a dominant Viking defense.
Photo: Via the NFL
