NFL free agency officially begins on March 11 at 4 PM. However, the tampering period is open so a ton of signings have emerged in the NFL news. Let’s take a look at our favorite teams, also the Bears.
Packers
Traded for LB Zaire Franklin for Colby Wooden. Franklin was costly for the Colts but was a second team all pro a few years ago. With Quay Walker signing big 3 years 45 million with the Raiders, this was a good move by Gutekunst.
Traded Rashan Gary for a 2027 4th round pick to the Cowboys. Cap heaven (11 million) for the Packers
Re-signed Sean Rhyan 3 years 33 million. Packers will keep him at center most likely after he did well there.
Signed CB Benjamin St Juste to 2 years 10 million. Cheaper CB but the Packers need CBs.
Signed RB Chris Brooks 2 years 4.85 million.
Signed LB Nick Niemann 1 year 2.25 million. Hello, Niemann- Jerry Seinfeld
Cut oft-injured Elgton Jenkins to save 19 million
Malik Willis gone to the Dolphins, Quay to the Raiders, Doubs still out there
Restructured Xavier McKinney to save 9.2 million and Aaron Banks for 12.7 million. Kick that can of cap hell
Packers earned a 7th round comp pick from last offseason.
Vikings
Cut Jonathan Allen, Javon Hargrave, Aaron Jones in cap hell and center Ryan Kelly retired
Restructured Christian Darrisaw, Justin Jefferson and TJ Hockensen for cap savings
Re-signed LB Eric Wilson 3 years 22.5 million and tendered Ivan Pace 1 year 3.52 million (original tender)
Signed CB James Pierre 2 years 8.5 million
Jalen Nailor signed to the Raiders 3 years 35 million
Kwefi is gone but cap hell is here to stay
Lions
Signed center Cade Mays 3 years 25 million with 14 guaratneed. Upgrade over Glasgow and very good pass protector.
Signed swing tackle Larry Borom who can play RT, LT, LG and RG. Borofill replacing retired Dan Skipper
Cut Taylor Decker for 11 million and Glasgow for 5.5 million. Youth movement, Lions top 5 youngest team now
Lions traded RB David Montgomery to Texans for 4th round pick, 2027 7th round pick and C/G Juice Scruggs. Nice haul but will miss Knuckles
ERFA tendered K Jake Bates. He is the Master Bates
DT/DE Onwuzurike contract tolled at 1 year 1.25 million. Nice surprise addition from injury
Lost Alex Anzalone to Bucs (2 year 17.5 million), CB Amik Robertson to Commanders 2 years 16 million, NT Roy Lopez to Cardinals (2 years 11.5 million) and backup QB Kyle Allen to the Bills. Holmes has some work to do
Bears
Bears cut Tremiane Edmunds for 15 million in savings and signed LB Devin Bush 3 years 30 million.
Bears traded a 5th round pick for center Garrett Bradbury after Drew Dalman suddenly retired.
Signed Coby Bryant 3 years 40 million from Seattle replacing Brisker or Byard (both UFAs)
Signed LT Braxton Jones 1 year 5 million after Ozzie Trapilo will be injured most of the year
Signed DT Naville Gilmore 2 years 10 million
Signed 3rd string Case Keenum 2 years 5.5 million
Signed ILB Demarcus Jackson 2 year 7.5 million and DE Daniel Hardy 2 years 5 million.
Saints
Signed RB Travis Etienne (4 years 52 million) and G David Edwards (4 years 61 million). Nice moves
Signed TE Noah Fant 2 years
Signed DT John “Nichels” Ridgeway 2 years 5.71 million
Signed punter Ryan Wright 4 years 14 million (they will punt alot)
Restructured Alvin Kamara, Chase Young, Justin Reid, Juwan Johnson and Erik McCoy to get out of cap hell for the millionth year in a row.
Loomis strikes again
Falcons
New President Matt Ryan and new GM Ian Cunningham (from Bears but Bears didn’t get comp picks LOL)
Signed Tua for 1.3 million because the Dolphins dumped him with 99 million dead cap
Signed Jahan Dotson 2 years 15 million. How many failed 1sts can they collect including Penix and Pearce
Signed punter Jake Bailey 3 years 9 million. They will punt alot too
Signed kicker Nick Folk 2 years
Signed DE Cam Thomas 1 year 3 million
Signed LB Christian Harris
Signed Olamide Zaacheaus and cut Darnell Mooney for 7.4 million in savings
Franchise tag for TE Kyle Pitts (15.045 million). Signed Austin Hooper 1 year 3.25 million as well
LOL Falcons
Day 1 tampering is in the books. Let’s see if day 2 brings anymore crazy contracts and when we actually hit the bargain bin signings for Brad Holmes to wake up.