Ten of the best signings on Free Agency Day One

Free agency is back up and running in the NFL offseason for 2024, and there have already been a handful of blockbuster moves across the league.

Let’s take a look at ten of the best signings from day one…

10. Packers sign Josh Jacobs

An interesting signing which no one expected, but Josh Jacobs will bring an abundance of talent and energy to an emerging Green Bay offense. Jacobs arrival does mean Aaron Jones has been released, which will be a big shame for a lot of Packers fans. But Jacobs youth and upside should present a wise bit of business for the team, thinking about the long-term.

9. Bengals sign Geno Stone

A good fit for Cincinnati, Stone swaps between AFC North rivals to massively improve the Bengals’ defensive back play. The Bengals had one of the worst explosive pass play rates in the NFL in 2023, so the addition of Stone should help to plug that weakness in 2024.

8. Vikings sign Jonathan Greenard

With Danielle Hunter leaving, adding the talented Jonathan Greenard on the edge is a great move from the Vikings. One of Houston’s most consistent defenders in recent years, Greenard will prove to be a good asset for the team, and a player that DC Brian Flores will love. Good value and fit, this under-the-radar move looks to have ticked all the right boxes in Minnesota.

7. Titans sign Lloyd Cushenberry

Cushenberry was one of the best centers in 2023, and at just 26, he as all the potential to get even better. A four-year, $50 million deal feels a could deal for all parties, and Cushenberry will be a key player in Tennessee’s rebuilding offensive line for Will Levis.

6. Eagles sign Bryce Huff

Huff has been one of the Jets’ premier defenders in the last couple of years, and their fans will be devastated, if not surprised, to see him leave. But joining Philadelphia and a Vic Fangio defense feels the ideal fit for the player, who signs a three-year, $51.1 million contract to bolster a pass rush that went dormant at the end of last season.

Huff’s 21.3% pressure rate was second only to Micah Parsons, and he’ll continue to develop, in a signing which already feels similar to the deal for Haason Reddick two years ago. 

5. Packers sign Xavier McKinney

McKinney represents a huge improvement for the Packers on their current safety unit, and the versatility of the player will prove to be a key asset in Jeff Hafley’s defense. A leader and excellent in coverage, this is a huge move for Green Bay.

4. Commanders sign Frankie Luvu

Washington have landed a solid linebacker in Luvu, arguably Carolina’s best player last season, in a position that was of desperate need for the league’s worst defense last offseason. $12 million a year feels like a bargain, with Luvu is coming off consecutive 100-plus tackle and 20-plus pressure seasons. The Commanders defense is significantly better as a result of one move.

3. Eagles sign Saquon Barkley

Howie Roseman loves a big splash, but signing your division rivals’ best player might be his spiciest move as the Eagles GM. Saquon has agreed to a three-year, $37.75 million deal with Philadelphia and provides an instant upgrade on D’Andre Swift, (who had signed with Chicago) and give the team a great locker-room addition, especially considering those who they have lost this offseason. At still only 27 years old, Barkley is in his prime and will prove to be a tremendous home-run hitter out of this Eagles backfield.

2. Raiders sign Christian Wilkins

The Raiders D-Line is now one of the scariest in the NFL, after the team gave former Dolphins standout Christian Wilkins a huge four-year, $110 million contract. It was a bit surprising to see Wilkins actually reach the open market, having come off a career year where he totaled nine sacks and 23 quarterback hits. Pairing Wilkins alongside top pass rusher Maxx Crosby is going to revolutionise their defense.

1. Falcons sign Kirk Cousins

The biggest name to hit free agency, Cousins was always going to be a key domino in this year’s offseason, and the Falcons will be delighted to have their man. He agreed to a four-year, $180 million deal on Monday, and signals a big upgrade for the team.

If Cousins can return to form, the move likely makes Atlanta the team to beat in the NFC South. Let’s up that all the talent around him can develop into the superstars we expect them to become.