The NFL offseason has officially begun. Teams have started filling holes and signing players in an effort to contend in 2021. Here are all the biggest storylines from free agency.
Patriots go all in
The New England Patriots are not content with 7-9, third place and no postseason. They’ve gone out and spent $162 million in free agent deals in an effort to reverse their 2020 fortunes. This is uncharacteristic for the Patriots and it nearly matches the amount current owner Robert Kraft spent on purchasing the team in 1994 ($172 million). Notable additions are tight ends Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith, wide receiver Nelson Agholor, outside linebacker Matthew Judon and safety Jalen Mills.
Jets aren’t sitting idly by
The New York Jets, guided by new general manager Joe Douglas, own the second overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft, but they’re not content for a slow rebuild. The Jets have committed $75 million to improving the roster before the draft. The Jets franchise tagged safety Marcus Maye and signed wide receivers Keelan Cole and Corey Davis to help what’s likely to be a quarterback with their first-round draft pick.
Giants strike big
The New York Giants have landed what some consider the prize of the free agent market. Kenny Golloday has been considered one of the top wide receivers and overall players in the 2021 class. He signed a four-year, $72 million contract to bolster the Giants’ playoff hopes for next season.
WR market all but closed
The wide receiver market started slow, but quickly picked up steam and is all but closed at this point. JuJu Smith-Schuster returns to the Pittsburgh Steelers for one more year at $8 million. The aforementioned Nelson Agholor, Corey Davis and Kenny Golloday joined their new teams. Will Fuller IV joins the Miami Dolphins for a season worth $10 million. Curtis Samuel signed with the Washington Football Team for three years and $34.5 million. AJ Green heads to the Arizona Cardinals for one year, $8.5 million. Marvin Jones, Jr. signs with Jacksonville for two years, $14.5 million. Antonio Brown, Sammy Watkins and T.Y. Hilton are among the best remaining.
Cowboys commit to Dak Prescott
The Cowboys and Dak Prescott agreed to a record 4-year, $160 million deal. Despite Prescott coming off an ankle injury that cost him most of a season, the Cowboys felt their best option was with Prescott moving forward.
Trent Williams becomes highest paid offensive lineman.
The 49ers re-signed Williams for six years and $138 million. His base deal of $23.01 million puts him just ahead ($.01 million to be exact) of David Bahktiari as the highest paid offensive lineman.
Franchise tag hits big names
The New Orleans Saints elected to use their franchise tag on safety Marcus Williams. The Denver Broncos also tagged a safety: Justin Simmons. The Carolina Panthers franchise tagged star tackle Taylor Moton. The Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers franchise tagged star wideout Chris Godwin. Wide receiver Allen Robinson was tagged by the Chicago Bears.
