Top five re-signings of free agency

The frenzy of free agency is finally past its peak. And while there have been some impressive moves for players to new teams, some deals to keep stars at their current franchises have also stood out.

Here are our top five re-signings of the 2023 NFL offseason so far:

5. Buccaneers re-signing Jamel Dean

It has been a difficult offseason in Tampa Bay so far, but resigning Jamel Dean is brilliant news for Buccaneers fans.

Dean is a top young cornerback, and Tampa gets exceptional value with this re-signing. The Bucs have lost a lot of players in their once exemplary secondary, so keeping their star on the roster is a huge boost going into the new year.

Dean is the cornerstone of their defensive back unit and at $52 million for four years, this is great deal for Tampa Bay.

4. Giants re-signing Daniel Jones

After days of hard-fought, down-to-the wire negotiating the New York Giants reached a new four-year contract with quarterback Daniel Jones.

Jones, who turns 26 in May, had a career year for New York in 2022, completing 67.2% of his passes, finished with 3,205 passing yards and a 92.5 passer rating. The Giants went 9-6-1 in Jones’ starts and advanced to the postseason for the first time since 2016. Jones led the Giants to a wild card playoff victory in Minnesota, their first postseason triumph since 2011.

Many have and will question the amount New York have spent on this contract. But Jones has done more than enough to earn a chance to prove himself going forward, and tying him down long-term is an ideal situation for this improving Giants team.

3. Commanders re-signing Daron Payne

Washington made Payne the second highest paid defensive tackle in NFL history, after he was franchise tagged in February. Payne enjoyed a career year with the Commanders in 2022, and the former first-rounder is an elite player for any team.

There has been a lot of talk about change at the top of the organisation at the Commanders, but keeping players like Payne around for the new era of the franchise is going to be so important.

A great move for Washington.

2. Eagles re-signing James Bradberry (and keeping Darius Slay)

The Eagles have lost some major pieces this offseason; Javon Hargrave to the 49ers, T.J. Edwards to the Bears and now CJ Gardner-Johnson has signed with the Lions. Philadelphia have regressed in having to give up a lot of talent of defense, but keeping James Bradberry in town is such an important re-capture.

It looked like the Eagles would also lose Darius Slay, one of the best cover defenders in the league over the last couple of years. To keep both him and Bradberry in town is a huge achievement for Philly heading into 2023.

1. Seahawks re-signing Geno Smith

Like in New York, the long-term future of the quarterback position in Seattle has been up for debate for a while. But bringing back the Comeback Player of the Year in Geno Smith is possibly the best piece of business so far this offseason.

An incentive-laden, three-year deal that pays Smith $40 million guaranteed is the perfect contract for the Seahawks, with lots of wriggle-room if they want to move on in a year or two. It creates the ideal environment for Smith to confidently lead the team this autumn while Seattle potentially drafts and develops a rookie heir with the first-round pick.

With more business elsewhere, it should be another positive year in Seattle.