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The first day of 2024 NFL free agency is all but in the books, with dozens of big names agreeing to lucrative deals and a few others swapping locations via trade. Technically, signings and trades can’t become official until 4 p.m. ET Wednesday, but already the action is in full swing.
That said, here are some of Day 1’s biggest winners and losers:
Winner: Falcons’ playoff prospects
Going into free agency, Atlanta had just about everything to warrant widespread optimism — dynamic young skill weapons, a sturdy line, an opportunistic defense, a fresh coaching staff — except a legitimate quarterback. Now they have one in Kirk Cousins. Are they paying a pretty penny for an aging pocket passer coming off a serious injury? Sure. But Cousins is the kind of savvy, plug-and-play signal-caller who can help Atlanta make an immediate push for the NFC South title, if not more. He remains a borderline top-10 player at his position, and his supporting cast is just hitting its prime.
Cousins signing with Atlanta eliminated arguably the best fit for the oft-unfairly maligned Chicago Bears quarterback, and the Las Vegas Raiders spending high-end backup money on Gardner Minshew probably signals they’re done under center until the draft. With the Pittsburgh Steelers taking a flyer on Russell Wilson and the New England Patriots reuniting with Jacoby Brissett, there may not be a bevy of strong offers remaining. Keep an eye on these two as last-ditch possibilities: the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks.
Winner: Running backs worldwide
So much for the devaluation of the position. In a seemingly depressed market absolutely loaded with quality starters, four different running backs — Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, D’Andre Swift and Tony Pollard — agreed to deals averaging at least $8 million per year on the first day of free-agent action. Two of them eclipsed $12 million annually, giving them top-five…
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Author : Cody Benjamin
Publish date : 2024-03-12 01:08:09
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