NFL free agency: best moves
While Aaron Rodgers and Lamar Jackson are two big names still on the market in the NFL, there have been some notable moves in other parts of the league.
The fates of two of the league’s top quarterbacks still hang in the balance. Neither Aaron Rodgers nor Lamar Jackson has been signed to a team yet. Other notable players still on the market are wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and linebacker Bobby Wagner. However, there were plenty of other big moves to note around the NFL as the first week of free agency has come and gone. Jimmy Garoppolo, Jessie Bates III, and Orlando Brown Jr. all have new homes in the league. Let’s take a look at some of the best free agency moves made so far in the NFL.
Best 2023 NFL free agency signings
DT Javon Hargrave to the San Francisco 49ers
The Niners signed defensive tackle Javon Hargrave to a 4-year, $84,000,000 contract. Alongside Nick Bosa and Arik Armstead, Hargrave will complete the San Francisco defense as one of the best in the league. Hargrave is one of the best interior pass rushers in the league with a career-high 11.5 sacks in 2022.
DT Dre’Mont Jones to the Seattle Seahawks
Dre’mont Jones joined the Seattle Seahawks on a 3-year, $51,530,000 deal. He is an excellent pass rusher, with 6.5 sacks and 28 pressures in 2022, something the Seahawks can definitely use on defense.
DT Dalvin Tomlinson to the Cleveland Browns
The Browns signed Davlin Tomlinson to a 4-year, $57,000,000 contract. Cleveland has desperately needed help in their defense, and Tomlinson, one of the NFL’s best interior defensive lineman, could be a big difference-maker for them. He played all 13 games with the Vikings last season, finishing with 42 tackles, three for a loss, and 2.5 sacks.
OT Jawaan Taylor to the Kansas City Chiefs
After failing to come to an agreement and give Orlando Brown Jr. the franchise tag, the Chiefs signed Jawaan Taylor on a 4-year, $80,000,000 contract - quite the large chunk of change. He’s expected to play left tackle, which will be a transition for Taylor, who usually plays right. Brown was able to do it, so the Chiefs are hoping Taylor will, too.
OT Orlando Brown Jr. to the Cincinnati Bengals
Speaking of Orlando Brown Jr., he ended up signing with the Bengals on a 4-year, $64,092,000 contract. Quarterback Joe Burrow is likely tired of getting sacked, so adding protection on the o-line was a priority for Cincy. Brown has played both right and left tackle and has excelled at both, made four Pro Bowls, and won a Super Bowl.
WR Jakobi Meyers to the Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders signed Jakobi Meyers to a 3-year, $33,000,000 contract. First of all, he was quite cheap. He’s also familiar with coach Josh McDaniel’s methods as he was Meyers’ offensive coordinator for two years with the Patriots. In his NFL career, he’s had 235 receptions for 2,758 yards and eight touchdowns over 39 regular-season starts.