The news cycle for the NFL has become year-round. To get an edge on your fantasy football leaguemates, let's take a look at the biggest NFL news stories from the past week.
News From AFC Teams
Baltimore Ravens News
The Ravens signed DT Justin Madubuike to a four-year, $98 million deal.
Why It Matters: Madubuike will get $75.5 million guaranteed. He ascended to the top echelon of defensive tackle play in 2023 after the Ravens took him in the third round of the 2020 draft. His cap hit is a little over $12 million for 2024, significantly less than the $22 million he would have gotten playing on the franchise tag the Ravens used to keep him last week.
The Ravens signed RB Derrick Henry (Tennessee) to a two-year, $16 million deal.
Why It Matters: This is an outstanding pairing of offensive scheme, personnel, and running back. Henry could be worth more than last year in Tennessee when he was going in the late second/early third round of drafts. His early best ball ADP at Underdog was 61 going into free agency. It should be in the 40s, if not higher, on this news.
Buffalo Bills News
The Bills signed OT Dion Dawkins to a three-year, $60.5 million extension.
Why It Matters: Josh Allen's blindside protector will stay in Buffalo for at least a few more years after he faked out the Bills fanbase with a post saying he was leaving and wondered if it would be "ok to eat ranch (dressing) now?". He becomes the leader of the line with longtime C Mitch Morse released and now in Jacksonville on a two-year, $10 million deal. This should give the already cap-strapped Bills some relief from Dawkins' previous 2024 cap number, which was over $16 million.
The Bills signed WR Mack Hollins (Atlanta) to a one-year deal and re-signed RB Ty Johnson.
Why It Matters: Hollins was signed to a very cheap contract but could still be the primary replacement for Gabe Davis, who left for Jacksonville in free agency. He's the only wide receiver on the roster with the size to replace Davis outside, and he's a good run blocker, which fits the new focus of the offense under Joe Brady. Johnson was the best of a cast of veteran backups to James Cook last year. His return is a good sign that Cook won't have any serious competition to his status as the #1 back heading into his third season.
Cincinnati Bengals News
Bengals WR Tee Higgins has requested a trade.
Why It Matters: He might not find the market he is looking for with a very strong and deep draft class. The Bengals won't want to give him up for a paltry return like the 5th and 6th round pick the Browns gave to get Jerry Jeudy, and any team that trades for him will likely be signing him to a long-term deal for at least $22-23 million a season. Don't be surprised if Higgins plays for the Bengals in 2024 and then hits free agency in 2025 because of the prohibitive cost of his second consecutive franchise tag.
The Bengals traded RB Joe Mixon to Houston and signed RB Zack Moss to a two-year, $8 million contract.
Why It Matters: Mixon is only due a little over five million for 2024 and was reportedly slated to be released, so the trade compensation is likely little. He could be game for a pay cut or restructure since the open market probably wasn't going to pay him that much for next season. Mixon was going in the eighth round of early best-ball drafts. He could move up on the promise of leading the backfield of a good offense after Dameon Pierce flopped last year and the Giants signed away Devin Singletary.
The Bengals signed S Geno Stone (Baltimore) to a two-year, $15 million deal and DT Sheldon Rankins (Houston) to a two-year, $26 million deal.
Why It Matters: Stone was outstanding in both NFL and IDP fantasy terms, filling in for Marcus Williams at times last year, but the Ravens weren't going to pay starter money to their 2020 seventh-round pick as a third safety. Stone will line up next to Dax Hill in the Bengals defensive backfield. He should be a value in IDP leagues and potentially one of the best bargains of the free agent safety class. Rankins will boost the pass rush inside, where the Bengals have been poor recently, and should create even more chances for EDGE Trey Hendrickson. The Bengals have been pursuing him in multiple past free agency periods and finally got their guy at three-technique defensive tackle.
The Bengals signed TE Mike Gesicki (New England) to a one-year deal worth up to $3.25 million.
Why It Matters: If Gesicki is going to make an impact, it will be as a receiver, but he probably won't make an impact after failing to do much in a toothless Patriots offense last year. The Bengals successfully got CJ Uzomah and Hayden Hurst nice deals after bounce-back seasons, but Irv Smith was unable to convert his opportunity to do the same last year. Now it's Gesicki's turn. He could also help replace slot receiver Tyler Boyd, who left in free agency.
Cleveland Browns News
The Browns traded a fifth- and sixth-round picks to Denver for WR Jerry Jeudy.
Why It Matters: The picks will be #135 and #202, so at least it's a high fifth-round pick. Jeudy has been a disappointment after the Broncos took him in the first round in 2020. He's not a bargain at his fifth-year option price of about $13 million, but the Browns won big on a similar deal for Amari Cooper two years ago. This is bad for Elijah Moore, who the team got for a pick swap last offseason, and maybe not that good for Jeudy, who will be behind Cooper in the pecking order for targets and contend with an ascendant David Njoku at tight end.
The Browns signed QB Jameis Winston (New Orleans) to a one-year deal.
Why It Matters: As we saw last year, the Browns backup got a lot of action when Deshaun Watson went down with a shoulder injury. Joe Flacco was a fantasy force in December, but he won't be back this season. Winston might not play up to Flacco's 2023 level, but he has a penchant for throwing downfield with impunity like Flacco and could be better for the pass offense than Watson - like Flacco was.
Denver Broncos News
The Broncos traded WR Jerry Jeudy to the Browns for a fifth and sixth-round pick.
Why It Matters: The hope is that 2023 second-round pick Marvin Mims' path to a bigger role is cleared with this move. But they also agreed to bring back Tim Patrick on a restructured deal, and Courtland Sutton is still on the roster. There's also the matter of who exactly will throw to the Broncos wide receivers this season…
The Broncos signed S Brandon Jones (Miami) to a three-year, $20 million deal.
Why It Matters: The safety merry-go-round was in full swing this week. Jones was a 2020 third round pick of the Dolphins, who haven't filled his strong safety spot yet. The Broncos will get significant savings from the $14.5 million they were slated to pay Justin Simmons before his release, but it's not a foregone conclusion that Jones will play near Simmons' level
Houston Texans News
The Texans signed LB Azeez Al-Shaair (Tennessee) to a three-year, $34 million deal.
Why It Matters: Al-Shaair should line up inside in a fantasy-friendly spot, and he'll be reunited with Demeco Ryans, who he spent four years with in San Francisco. Al-Shaair should see a nice-sized leap in value in IDP leagues on this news.
The Texans acquired RB Joe Mixon from Cincinnati.
Why It Matters: Devin Singletary heated up as the season went on last year, but the Texans weren't willing to pay him what the Giants did in free agency. Instead, they'll get Mixon for one year at about the same per year cost Singletary signed for over three years. Mixon is slowing down but can still be an efficient downhill runner and three-down back. His early Underdog ADP was in the 80s, which will certainly get a boost of at least a round or two on this news.
The Texans signed EDGE Danielle Hunter to a two-year, $49 million deal.
Why It Matters: With Jonathan Greenard going to the Vikings on a big free-agent deal, this is effectively a trade that could be a win-win. The Vikings are in a rebuilding phase with Kirk Cousins gone to Atlanta, and the Texans are in a win-now phase as the returning division champs with a quarterback on a rookie deal. Hunter has been one of the premier edge rushers in the league for a long time. Pairing him with Will Anderson could be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Hunter also returns to the Houston area where he grew up with this deal.
Indianapolis Colts News
The Colts signed WR Michael Pittman Jr to a three-year, $70 million deal with $46 million guaranteed.
Why It Matters: The Colts will likely get some cap relief from the $21.8 million number they would have had to pay on the franchise tag they used to retain Pittman earlier this month. Pittman is not an elite WR1, but he is a reliable #1 nonetheless, so this contract represents the growth of the cap as much as it does wide receiver continuing to cement its status as one of the premium positions after quarterback.
The Colts signed LB Zaire Franklin to a three-year, $31 million extension, re-signed DT Grover Stewart to a three-year, $39 million deal, and re-signed CB Kenny Moore to a three-year, $30 million deal.
Why It Matters: Franklin is an elite IDP producer and one of the leaders of the Colts defense. He is 28 and was set to hit free agency next year, but he will remain with the team until 2027 if he plays to the end of this very affordable deal. Off-ball linebacker is clearly one of the have-not positions when it comes to escalating value at the top of the pay scale. Stewart and Moore have both been with the team since 2017 and are cornerstones of their units. The Colts were able to bring them back at a reasonable price even though they made it to the open market.
The Colts signed QB Joe Flacco (Cleveland) to a one-year, $8.7 million deal.
Why It Matters: The Colts almost got to the playoffs last year despite having their #1 quarterback start only three games and finish only one. Flacco got his team to the playoffs as a mid-season street free-agent pickup. This marriage makes a lot of sense, and Flacco is a lot cheaper than last year's backup/starter, Gardner Minshew. This should also help Michael Pittman retain his value if Anthony Richardson goes down again, and it's arguable that Pittman would have significantly more value if Richardson does go down after Amari Cooper came alive with Flacco last year in Cleveland.
Jacksonville Jaguars News
The Jaguars traded a sixth-round pick to the Patriots for QB Mac Jones.
Why It Matters: Jones is actually a good fit in the conservative Jaguars passing game. He'll be cheap $2.78 million on the fourth year of his rookie deal, and should be able to beat out CJ Beathard, who is still under contract for 2024. Trevor Lawrence has played through a lot of injuries, so Jones may not get much of a chance to rehabilitate his value a la Baker Mayfield as he heads to free agency next year.
The Jaguars signed WR Gabe Davis (Buffalo) to a three-year, $39 million deal.
Why It Matters: With only $11 million coming in the form of a signing bonus, this is more of a prove-it deal than a long-term commitment. The Jaguars didn't stretch the field a lot with Ridley, but at least this indicates a desire to keep the deep passing game in play. The Jaguars have a lot invested at wide receiver, but their passing game isn't exactly putting opponents on their heels. The team was in on re-signing Ridley to the bitter end and lost out to Tennessee, so they weren't planning on Davis playing a cornerstone role in their passing game despite making him a priority in free agency.
The Jaguars signed S Darnell Savage (Green Bay) to a three-year, $21 million deal.
Why It Matters: Savage will line up next to playmaking safety Andre Cisco in the back of Ryan Nielsen's defense. He was a first-round pick and has the coverage and ball skills to play in the slot, but he isn't a big presence in run defense. Savage will replace Rayshawn Jenkins, who was released with one year left on his deal to save five million in cap room while taking on seven million in dead cap. 2023 fifth-round pick Antonio Johnson finished the year strong and gives the Jaguars a good third safety/nickel back.
Kansas City Chiefs News
The Chiefs re-signed DT Chris Jones to a five-year, $158.8 million deal with $90 million guaranteed.
Why It Matters: Jones has been elite at his position and arguably as - or more - important as Travis Kelce to the establishment of the Chiefs dynasty, so he earned every dollar. His cap hit is only $7.4 million this season, and the deal is effectively for three years and about $95 million if Jones falls off in the later years of the contract. He'll turn 30 before training camp opens this summer.
The Chiefs re-signed LB Drue Tranquill to a three-year, $19 million deal.
Why It Matters: Tranquill signed a one-year, $3 million prove-it deal last year and clearly proved he is a core part of their defense. Nick Bolton struggled with injuries, which opened the door for Tranquill to show how valuable he can be to the team even though they often only have two linebackers on the field. Bolton, Tranquill, and Leo Chenal will be the top three linebackers in Kansas City with Willie Gay Jr Jr. leaving in free agency.
Las Vegas Raiders News
The Raiders re-signed OL Andre James to a three-year, $24 million deal.
Why It Matters: James was surprisingly given a chance at the starting center job after the team traded stalwart Rodney Hudson to the Cardinals in 2021. Hudson retired after the 2022 season, and James has since earned a new contract with a new regime at a reasonable price compared to the top of the center market in free agency.
The Raiders signed DT Christian Wilkins (Miami) to a four-year, $110 million deal.
Why It Matters: The Dolphins' loss is the Raiders' gain here, as Miami's cap troubles meant there just wasn't room to keep one of the best defensive tackles in the league heading into his age 28 season. If last year's #7 overall pick Tyree Wilson hits, the Raiders will have the ability to keep offensive lines off balance with Wilkins, Wilson, and Maxx Crosby.
The Raiders signed Gardner Minshew (Indianapolis) to a two-year, $25 million deal.
Why It Matters: The Aidan O'Connell era was short-lived for the Raiders, who will likely trot out Minshew to start in Week 1, even if they take a quarterback in the first round. They played well enough under no longer interim head coach Antonio Pierce to pick 13th, which means the cost to move up for a top-four quarterback could be prohibitive with the Vikings and Broncos looking to do the same.
Los Angeles Chargers News
The Chargers signed RB Gus Edwards (Baltimore) to a two-year, $6.5 million deal.
Why It Matters: It isn't often that a team's first priority in free agency is a third-tier running back, but it isn't often that Jim Harbaugh takes over an NFL team in the offseason. Edwards is a downhill battering ram, which fits Harbaugh's ethos on offense to a tee. Edwards was going in the 16th round of early best ball drafts, which will end up being one of the best values for forward-thinking fantasy players. He should get into the top 10 rounds on this news.
The Chargers re-signed S Alohi Gilman to a two-year, $11 million deal.
Why It Matters: The new regime must see something they like in Gilman, who was very productive in his first full season as a starter last year after the team took him in the sixth round back in 2020. Gilman is cheap, even for this crowded safety market, which will help a team that is having some cap troubles.
The Chargers released WR Mike Williams.
Why It Matters: This one is because of the cap situation left by the previous regime, although most say that the now Raiders GM Tom Telesco was not in charge of contracts; that was ownership. Williams tore an ACL in Week 3 last year and had surgery in late October, so his market might be tepid until teams have a better idea if he'll be ready for Week 1. Depending on the cost, the list of teams that would be interested in adding Williams should be long, but he might have to wait until after the draft to get his best offer since teams are also counting on this deep wide receiver class to help address depth chart holes.
Miami Dolphins News
The Dolphins signed LB Jordyn Brooks (Seattle) to a three-year, $26 million deal.
Why It Matters: The Dolphins released Jerome Baker, which opened up $9.8 million in cap room and a spot for Brooks, who came back from an ACL tear last year and should be in his prime, turning 27 the season. Brooks' strong IDP value should be mostly intact with the move to Miami.
New England Patriots News
The Patriots traded QB Mac Jones to the Jaguars for a sixth-round pick and signed Jacoby Brissett (Washington) to a one-year deal.
Why It Matters: The Patriots are in a position to take whichever quarterback of Jayden Daniels (LSU) and Drake Maye (North Carolina) that the Commanders pass on at #2. With Jones gone to Jacksonville and Brissett, an ideal bridge quarterback, on board, they are set up to ease the pick at #3 into the offense. They could still trade down or take a non-quarterback if they aren't sold on whichever prospect (or Michigan's J.J. McCarthy) is there at 3.
The Patriots signed WR Kendrick Bourne to a three-year, $19.5 million deal.
Why It Matters: Bourne came out of the gate fast last year and was on track to lead the team in receiving before going down with a torn ACL in Week 8. He was free in early best ball drafts. Even though he might not be 100% to the start the season, unless the Patriots take Marvin Harrison Jr. at #3, Bourne is undervalued.
The Patriots signed RB Antonio Gibson (Washington) to a three-year, $11.25 million deal.
Why It Matters: Gibson was cheap as a third-tier running back signing, and there could be some hidden value as Washington never really had him in a consistent role in a consistent quality offense over his four years there. New England's offense isn't exactly fertile fantasy ground - and Rhamondre Stevenson is a formidable starter - but Gibson is an upgrade from last year's #2 back, Ezekiel Elliott.
The Patriots re-signed OL Michael Onwenu to a three-year, $57 million deal.
Why It Matters: Onwenu was the team's best free agent, so it's a good sign that they were able to keep him. He is a good guard but will likely play right tackle, where he played the most in 2023. The team also signed Steelers castoff Chukwuma Okorafor to a four million dollar, one-year deal. He's a candidate to start at the other tackle position with Trent Brown leaving in free agency.
The Patriots signed TE Hunter Henry to a three-year, $27 million deal.
Why It Matters: The last member of the Bill Belichick 2021 offensive spending spree to remain on the roster will be there with the first post-Belichick version of the team. Henry was productive enough to be a relevant fantasy tight end last year and should be considered in the late rounds of best ball drafts if you are going for quantity over quality.
New York Jets News
The Jets signed QB Tyrod Taylor (New York Giants) to a two-year contract.
Why It Matters: Now we know who we'll pick up in superflex leagues if Aaron Rodgers goes down again. Taylor was better than expected in a poor Giants offense last year, so he can keep the Jets offense pulse from flatlining like it did last year when Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles in the first drive of Week 1.
Pittsburgh Steelers News
The Steelers signed QB Russell Wilson to a one-year, $1.2 million deal.
Why It Matters: Depending on who you believe, Wilson as the starter could be a foregone conclusion, or perhaps he was just brought in as a backup plan if the hiring of Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator doesn't rescue Kenny Pickett's career. Wilson wasn't a terrible fantasy quarterback last year, so he has some value in superflex leagues whether he was brought in to start right away or not. His contract was the league minimum for a player of his experience because the Broncos are on the hook for $39 million minus whatever Wilson makes this season, so Wilson has nothing to gain by getting a bigger paycheck from them, which gave him leverage to pick his destination.
The Steelers signed LB Patrick Queen (Baltimore) to a three-year, $41 million deal.
Why It Matters: The Steelers have not been able to fill Ryan Shazier's shoes since he went down in 2017, which includes a trade-up to get Devin Bush in the first round in 2019. Queen is a great blitzer and athletic enough to stick with Austin Ekeler in coverage. He won't have to compete with a linebacker the caliber of Roquan Smith for tackles and should see his IDP value go up with this news. 2023 third-round pick Trenton Simpson should get the first shot at replacing Queen in Baltimore.
The Steelers traded WR Diontae Johnson and a seventh-round pick to Carolina for CB Donte Jackson and a sixth-round pick.
Why It Matters: There's no way to put a good spin on this for Pittsburgh. The relationship had broken down to the point where they had to take whatever they could get for Johnson. There was a report that Kansas City was also interested, but the Steelers did not want to trade Johnson to an AFC contender. The Steelers only have George Pickens and Calvin Austin III from last year's wide receiver core. Denzel Mims and Marquez Callaway lead the pack of players who have a real chance to make this roster in the wake of this deal. Jackson was set to be released if the Panthers couldn't find a taker, but should slot in as a speedy #2 cornerback with Joey Porter Jr Jr. facing #1 wide receivers.
Tennessee Titans News
The Titans signed RB Tony Pollard (Dallas) to a three-year, $24 million deal.
Why It Matters: The top priority for Brian Callahan's Titans in their first free agency foray under the new head coach was replacing Derrick Henry with a more dynamic back. Pollard was a bust for fantasy last year but should go back to a timeshare with Tyjae Spears, which could increase his explosive play rate. The two are almost interchangeable, with strong passing game skills and a burst to get to the open field, and they should have similar fantasy value. Spears was going in the sixth round and Pollard in the seventh before this news. Their ADPs are more likely to fall than to move up in fantasy drafts.
The Titans signed LB Kenneth Murray Jr. (Los Angeles Chargers) to a two-year, $15.5 million deal.
Why It Matters: Murray was a disappointment after the Chargers took him in the first round at #23 in 2020, but he was still able to get decent money from a Titans defense that lost Azeez Al-Shaair to the division rival Texans. Murray could have some IDP fantasy value, but he's just as likely to create fantasy value for the offensive players he has to cover and tackle.
The Titans signed WR Calvin Ridley (Jacksonville) to a four-year, $92 million deal.
Why It Matters: This was the biggest surprise of free agency, as most reports had Ridley signing with the Jaguars or Patriots. Ridley gives the Titans a high-quality pair of wide receivers in an offense that will look very different from the Derrick Henry-led attack we've seen in recent years. This probably won't be a good move for Ridley's fantasy stock unless Will Levis is better than expected, and it hurts DeAndre Hopkins as he's no longer the clear #1 target in the Titans pass offense.
The Titans signed QB Mason Rudolph (Pittsburgh) to a one-year deal.
Why It Matters: If Will Levis struggles, we might see Rudolph start in Tennessee. He was good for George Pickens' value and the Steelers passing game last year, but it was hard to be worse than Kenny Pickett and Mitchell Trubisky.
News About NFC Teams
Arizona Cardinals News
The Cardinals signed CB Sean Murphy-Bunting (Tennessee), DL Justin Jones (Chicago), LB Mack Wilson Sr. (New England) and DL Bilal Nichols (Las Vegas).
Why It Matters: The Cardinals defense outperformed low expectations last year and could get even better under Jonathan Gannon now that he can stock it with some players of his choosing. They might not be as much of a pushover as a fantasy matchup this season.
The Cardinals signed OT Jonah Williams (Cincinnati) to a two-year, $30 million deal.
Why It Matters: The Cardinals released D.J. Humphries this week after he suffered a torn ACL late last season and replaced him with Williams at a reasonable price by today's standards. Last year's #6 pick, Paris Johnson, will man the other tackle position for what could be an improved offensive line this season.
Atlanta Falcons News
The Falcons signed QB Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract.
Why It Matters: Kyle Pitts', Drake London's, and Bijan Robinson's fantasy outlooks just got a lot brighter. Cousins should be very familiar with the offensive system Zac Robinson is installing and healed from his Achilles tear in time for training camp. The Falcons should be the favorite to win the division now.
The Falcons signed WR Darnell Mooney (Chicago) to a three-year, $39 million deal with $26 million guaranteed.
Why It Matters: Mooney will likely be the fourth option in the passing game and only suitable as a late round pick in best ball leagues, where he was free before this news. The Falcons obviously think there's a lot more there than the Bears got out of their 2020 fifth-round pick. He'll be a deep threat to keep defenses honest and out of heavy box formations.
Carolina Panthers News
The Panthers signed OL Robert Hunt (Miami) to a five-year, $100 million contract and OL Damien Lewis (Seattle) to a four-year, $53 million contract.
Why It Matters: The hope here is that bolstering the pass blocking on the interior will help Bryce Young and his diminutive stature the way it helped Drew Brees in New Orleans. Hunt is also a road grader in the run game, which should help Chuba Hubbard outperform his very affordable 11th-round price tag in early best ball drafts.
The Panthers traded EDGE Brian Burns to the Giants for a second and fifth-round pick.
Why It Matters: The Panthers reportedly had an offer on the table of two first-round picks and one second from the Rams before last season, so this one hurts. This is a new regime under GM Dan Morgan, so we can't blame him for turning down the Rams. The Panthers must not have been willing to pay a top-of-the-market price for Burns after having him in the building for five years.
Carolina traded CB Donte Jackson and a sixth-round pick to the Steelers for WR Diontae Johnson and a seventh-round pick.
Why It Matters: Johnson immediately becomes the Panthers #1 receiver. He should be ahead of an aging Adam Thielen in the pecking order, and Bryce Young will be relying on him to get open on third down and early in progressions. Johnson's time with the Steelers was rocky, but he wasn't an Antonio Brown/Martavis Bryant-level distraction. Perhaps his malcontent ways will carry over to Carolina, but as long as he's getting consistent targets, it's more likely that Johnson puts his head and tries to rack up catches to get one more big contract heading into his age 29 season in 2025.
The Panthers signed LB Josey Jewell (Denver) to a three-year, $22.75 million deal.
Why It Matters: Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero knows Jewell's game well from their time together in Denver. He'll replace Frankie Luvu and should be in a good spot for his IDP value.
Chicago Bears News
The Bears signed RB D'Andre Swift (Philadelphia) to a three-year, $24.5 million deal with $15.3 million guaranteed.
Why It Matters: The Bears made Swift their top priority in one of the first moves to be announced after the opening of the "legal tampering" period. He should lead a backfield that was a three-man committee last year. He was going in the ninth round of early best ball drafts, which shouldn't go up too much with Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson still likely to play roles in the backfield.
The Bears signed TE Gerald Everett (Los Angeles Chargers) to a two-year, $12 million deal.
Why It Matters: Everett played under new Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron in Seattle and should be a viable target for whoever the quarterback is as a move tight end. This could take some of the edge off Cole Kmet's upside while keeping Everett from having standalone value unless Kmet misses time.
Dallas Cowboys News
The Cowboys signed LB Eric Kendricks (Los Angeles Chargers) to a one-year deal.
Why It Matters: The Cowboys finally did something in free agency, and it was to reunite defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer with the quarterback of his defense in Minnesota. The Cowboys linebacker play was a weakness last year, so Kendrick should be an upgrade even though he's on the back nine of his career. This is also a good development for his IDP fantasy value.
Detroit Lions News
The Lions traded a third-round pick to the Buccaneers for CB Carlton Davis III and a pair of sixth-round picks.
Why It Matters: The Lions now have a corner who can match up with #1 receivers, assuming Davis can stay healthy. There was some hope that the Lions could get Kansas City franchise tagged corner L'Jarius Sneed in a trade, but that evaporated when this was announced.
Green Bay Packers News
The Packers signed RB Josh Jacobs (Las Vegas) and released RB Aaron Jones.
Why It Matters: Jacobs is basically on a year-to-year deal, with only $13.7 million guaranteed on the four-year deal. With Jones gone to Minnesota, Jacobs should be the clear lead back and worth much more than his early best ball draft ADP of 59. Matthew Berry reported earlier this offseason that the Packers like 2023 UDFA Emanuel Wilson, and with no plans to bring AJ Dillon back, Wilson could be the #2 back and worth remembering as the injury upside play behind Jacobs.
The Packers signed S Xavier McKinney (New York Giants) to a four-year, $68 million deal.
Why It Matters: The Giants chose not to use a tag on McKinney, and they are unlikely to even get a high compensatory pick for losing him (or Saquon Barkley) because of the number of qualifying free agents they signed this week. McKinney should have a lot of IDP value as a do-everything safety in the back of the Packers defense.
Los Angeles Rams News
The Rams re-signed OL Kevin Dotson to a three-year, $48 million deal and signed Jonah Jackson (Detroit) to a three-year, $51 million deal.
Why It Matters: The Rams were one of the leaders at resetting the guard market with these two moves. They got Dotson for a pick swap last summer and parlayed that trade into a steady piece of their offensive line. Jackson became a pro bowler in only his second year after being drafted in the third round by the Lions in 2020. They were able to retain one of their guards, Graham Glasgow, on a reasonable deal, but have a hole at left guard now.
Minnesota Vikings News
The Vikings are signing EDGE Jonathan Greenard (Houston) to a four-year, $76 million deal, EDGE Andrew Van Ginkel (Miami) to a two-year, $20 million deal, and LB Blake Cashman (Houston) to a three-year, $25.5 million deal.
Why It Matters: The team isn't in a full rebuild, but they are looking to the future by favoring a longer team with the younger Greenard over keeping Danielle Hunter. Van Ginkel gives them another legitimate edge rusher to line up opposite Greenard, and Cashman is a productive inside linebacker to play next to 2023 breakout UDFA Ivan Pace Jr. Brian Flores' defense is retooling with only Harrison Smith left from the peak Mike Zimmer years.
The Vikings signed QB Sam Darnold (San Francisco) to a one-year, $10 million deal.
Why It Matters: Darnold had more than one team interested in his services but chose Minnesota, where he's almost certain to start Week 1 and have a chance to parlay his 2024 into an even bigger deal if he can prove that he's more than a bridge quarterback. Many mock drafts have the Vikings taking Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy, either at their #11 pick or by moving up, which would pair nicely with this signing. Otherwise, we'll see Nick Mullens and/or Jaren Hall back up Darnold.
The Vikings signed RB Aaron Jones to a one-year, $7 million deal.
Why It Matters: The Vikings didn't take long to add Jones, with the signing announced very soon after his release from Green Bay hit the news. He was still one of the best backs in the league last year but had trouble staying on the field. He'll be the clear lead back in this offense, with Ty Chandler probably backing him up, but it's still possible that the Vikings take a back in the draft because Jones is only under contract for one year, and Chandler is still mostly an unknown. Jones' early best ball ADP of 65 could go up and shouldn't go down, as this is about the best we could have hoped for entering an offseason filled with uncertainty for the back who will turn 30 during the season.
New Orleans Saints News
The Saints signed LB Demario Davis to a two-year, $17.25 million deal with $13.25 million guaranteed.
Why It Matters: This was one of the last moves to ensure that the Saints are cap compliant after entering the offseason over $80 million above the cap. Davis will be part of an aging defensive core that will try to keep up with the Bucs, who brought back most of their key free agents, and the Falcons, who added Kirk Cousins at the opening of free agency.
New York Giants News
The Giants signed OL Jon Runyan (Green Bay) to a three-year, $30 million deal and OL Jermaine Eluemunor (Las Vegas) to a two-year, $14 million deal.
Why It Matters: The Giants hired a new offensive line coach, Carmen Bricillo, who has been with Eluemunor at two stops, so they know what they are getting in him. He could become their right tackle with 2022 #7 pick Evan Neal moving inside to guard after he has struggled as a tackle. If Neal wins the right tackle job, Eluemunor would give the team a top swing tackle who can also play guard. Runyan was a solid starter for the Packers for the last three years after they took him in the sixth round in 2020. He'll immediately upgrade one of the guard spots on an offensive line that was a weak spot in 2023.
The Giants signed RB Devin Singletary to a three-year, $16.5 million deal.
Why It Matters: The Giants could still add another back in the draft, and 2023 fifth-round pick Eric Gray should have a role, but it looks like Singletary will finally get a chance to lead a backfield without looking over his shoulder. His early best ball ADP was in the 11th round. That will surely move into the top 10 rounds on this news.
The Giants traded a second and fifth-round pick to the Panthers for EDGE Brian Burns and signed him to a five-year, $141 million deal.
Why It Matters: The Giants are giving up the #39 pick, but getting Burns without giving up a first after the Rams were reportedly ready to give two plus a second last offseason is quite the coup. 2022 #5 pick Kayvon Thibodeaux was becoming quite the disruptor last year. Pairing him with Burns should increase the value of both, along with Dexter Lawrence wreaking havoc on the inside of the defensive line. The Giants let some signature picks walk in free agency this year and probably botched the Daniel Jones decision, but this move could make their fans forget quickly if their pass rush takes over a few games on third down.
Philadelphia Eagles News
The Eagles signed OL Landon Dickerson to a four-year, $84 million extension.
Why It Matters: Dickerson became the highest-paid guard in league history with this deal. It appears guard has been able to stay on the "have" side of the divide of positional value. Dickerson was a big hit as a second-round pick in #21 and has helped the Eagles offensive line remain one of the best in the league through a period of transition.
The Eagles signed EDGE Bryce Huff (New York Jets) to a three-year, $51.1 million deal and DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson to a three-year deal worth up to $33 million.
Why It Matters: With the signing of Huff, Josh Sweat and Haason Reddick's become clearly available via trade, but as of this writing, neither has been dealt. Huff was extremely productive as a role player for the Jets last year, obviously the Eagles think he can carry that over to a larger role. Gardner-Johnson is back with the Eagles after one year with the Lions to help patch up a secondary that had a lot of trouble containing opposing passing games last season.
The Eagles signed RB Saquon Barkley (New York Giants) to a three-year, $37.75 million deal.
Why It Matters: This is maybe the most consequential news for fantasy football players of the free agent frenzy. Barkley may get touchdowns vultured by Jalen Hurts and the tush push, and Hurts doesn't target running backs as much as some other quarterbacks, but he'll be playing with the best offensive line and offensive supporting cast of his career. He could easily return first-round value, and could get into the first round of fantasy drafts after having an early best ball ADP of 23 going into this week. The Eagles were seen as a team that wasn't going to spend at running back as a philosophical team-building principle, but the availability of a talent like Barkley's at a price that is only a mid-level starter at most positions was too enticing for Howie Roseman to pass up.
San Francisco 49ers News
The 49ers signed EDGE Leonard Floyd (Buffalo) to a two-year, $20 million deal and DE Yetur Gross-Matos (Carolina) to a two-year, $18 million deal.
Why It Matters: The 49ers also released Arik Armstead before free agency opened and let 2020 first-round pick Javon Kinlaw walk in free agency and rejoin Robert Saleh with the Jets as their defensive line continues with Nick Bosa as the only holdover from a once dominant group assembled under Saleh. Floyd should be the primary edge rush partner for Bosa, while Gross-Matos will be an edge setter on early downs and a part-time pass rusher on passing downs. He never broke out in Carolina after the team used the #38 pick to take him in 2020. The team also acquired DT Maliek Collins from Houston, which should close the door on Armstead returning.
Seattle Seahawks News
The Seahawks re-signed WR Tyler Lockett to a restructured two-year, $34 million contract.
Why It Matters: This gives the Seahawks significant cap relief from the $27 million number they had before redoing his deal. It does potentially delay 2023 first-round pick Jaxon Smith-Njigba's breakout but keeps Geno Smith in good hands with one of the best wide receivers in the league.
The Seahawks re-signed DL Leonard Williams to a three-year, $64.5 million deal.
Why It Matters: The Seahawks gave up second- and fifth-round picks for Williams last year (roughly the same as what the Giants gave up for Brian Burns), and now they won't have to see him walk in free agency. His IDP production got a big boost after the trade, and he should still be a top 10 defensive tackle in fantasy leagues in 2024.
The Seahawks re-signed TE Noah Fant to a two-year, $21 million deal.
Why It Matters: The Seahawks let Will Dissly (Los Angeles Chargers) and Colby Parkinson (Los Angeles Rams) go, so Fant could have a larger role and get into consistent fantasy relevance this year. The team did sign Pharaoh Brown, who flashed at times as a receiver for the Patriots, so the path isn't completely clear for Fant's takeoff, but he shouldn't be free in best ball drafts any longer.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers News
The Bucs re-signed QB Baker Mayfield to a three-year, $100 million deal.
Why It Matters: This always seemed like the most likely outcome for Tampa and Mayfield. The deal gives Mayfield $40 million guaranteed, including $10 of his salary next year, so unless he faceplants, it will be at least a two-year run as the starter. That's good news for Mike Evans, as he had a big resurgence with Mayfield last year.
The Bucs re-signed RB Chase Edmonds to a one-year deal.
Why It Matters: Rachaad White's fourth-round value in early best ball drafts is safe with Edmonds' return. The Bucs could still look to add a back in the draft, but this closes the door on any possibility of the team significantly upgrading at #2 running back behind White.
The Bucs re-signed LB Lavonte David to a one-year, $10 million deal.
Why It Matters: Tampa is committed to keeping the band together after a surprising division title and wild card win over Philadelphia last year. The defense will have to replace Shaq Barrett, Devin White, and Carlton Davis, but considering that they paid Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans and tagged Antoine Winfield Jr, keeping most of the defense together was an accomplishment.
Washington Commanders News
The Commanders signed EDGE Dorance Armstrong (Dallas) to a three-year deal worth up to $45 million, LB Bobby Wagner (Seattle) and LB Frankie Luvu (Carolina) to a three-year, $36 million deal.
Why It Matters: Of course the defense was going to be the priority with a new defensively-minded head coach in Dan Quinn. He'll reunite with Armstrong and Wagner (and Dante Fowler in a minor move), and add a very active linebacker in Luvu to pair with Wagner. The defense should be on the field enough for both to be good IDP linebackers. Armstrong will be the most valuable edge rusher on the Commanders roster, but it's not clear that he'll be productive enough to be relevant in IDP leagues.
The Commanders signed RB Austin Ekeler (Los Angeles Chargers) to a two-year deal worth up to $11.43 million.
Why It Matters: Ekeler was an afterthought in free agency and will be, at best, the 1A to Brian Robinson in an offense that will be in the bottom half of the league. He was playing hurt last year and could be more valuable than Robinson, but he could also get hurt again and see his value diminish even further. Both backs were going in the 80s/90s of early best ball drafts and are more likely to see that number get later in drafts than earlier.
