The NFL offseason is firing up this week! Starting Monday, teams can negotiate with free agents. By Wednesday, the new league year kicks off, and that’s when contracts and trades become official. Even before all that, Sunday was packed with major moves, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling free agency period.
This past weekend saw teams make big signings and preliminary trade agreements, including impressive deals for wide receivers and quarterbacks. So, what were the standout moves? Which signings could change the league? And were there any head-scratchers among the decisions? Let’s break down some of the most notable transactions from Sunday.
First up, the Pittsburgh Steelers finally traded for a top-tier receiver, acquiring DK Metcalf. They gave up a second-round pick, which seems reasonable for an All-Pro player. However, Metcalf’s new $150 million contract makes him one of the highest-paid wideouts in the league. It’s a hefty price for a player who has yet to consistently perform at an elite level. Plus, there are still questions surrounding their quarterback situation.
Grade: C+
The Buffalo Bills acted fast, signing quarterback Josh Allen to a $330 million extension through 2030. While this is a lot for someone who’s never been to the Super Bowl, it could be a smart move. Paying him now might save them money in the long run, especially since top QBs are commanding huge salaries.
Grade: A-
The New England Patriots needed help on defense and signed edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney. He has a history of solid performance, but was released by the Titans at 28, which raises some flags. They gave him a big contract of $14.5 million per year, which could be risky. It will be interesting to see if they have more plans for their defensive unit.
Grade: C-
In a move to fill the gap left by Cooper Kupp, the Los Angeles Rams signed Davante Adams. Despite his age, he remains a Pro Bowl talent, and being in Sean McVay’s offense might rejuvenate his game. His two-year, $46 million deal is backloaded, giving the Rams some flexibility moving forward.
Grade: A-
On the other hand, the Minnesota Vikings extended running back Dalvin Cook, even with concerns about his durability at 30. He will earn $20 million, which is top-tier money for running backs. This move surprises fans, especially since the team has been focused on rebuilding. It raises eyebrows about their strategy moving forward.
Grade: B-
Lastly, the Cleveland Browns made waves by giving Myles Garrett a massive $123 million extension despite his recent complaints about the team’s competitiveness. While Garrett is a dominant force on defense, investing heavily in a player who seems unhappy with the team’s direction could be a questionable decision.
Grade: C
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