The first wave of free agency is complete.
Every year the free agency period provides us a glimpse inside each organization – what they are thinking, approach for the immediate and long-term future and roster construction.
The New England Patriots spent upwards of $200 million during the first wave of free agency and the Washington Commanders aggressively made trades.
The quarterback carousel is churning as Geno Smith, Sam Darnold and Justin Fields all found new homes. All eyes are on Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson as we await their decisions.
The first week of free agency featured many highlights. Here are my favorite moves of free agency thus far:
Rams bring Davante Adams back to West Coast
Adams is originally from the Bay Area and played college football at Fresno State. He was the No. 1 free agent on my board when the Jets released him.
The 32-year-old wide receiver isn’t the prolific playmaker he once was but he’s still a smooth route runner who knows how to create separation.
The Rams officially parted ways with Cooper Kupp. While Kupp ranks third in franchise history in receiving touchdowns and receptions, Adams is the superior all-around wide receiver, especially at this point in each of their respective career.
Adams is a six-time Pro Bowler and has five straight 1,000 receiving-yard seasons, tied for the second-longest active streak in the NFL. He’ll form a tremendous wideout due with Puka Nacua in Los Angeles. Adams has the versatility to line up in the slot or outside. He had slot 361 snaps in the slot and played on the outside 431 times last season, and he thrives running intermediate routes.
“We’re going to do some good things,” Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell said. “He is a great player, excited to play next to him and just can’t wait for this season to start.’
Harold Landry reuniting with Mike Vrabel in New England
Armed with the most cap space in the NFL entering the new league year, New England justifiably went on a spending spree. The Patriots doled out over $200 million dollars in overall contract value to players who should make immediate impacts this season.
Milton Williams agreed to a four-year deal worth $104 million, a person familiar with the situation told USA TODAY Sports. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t given permission to discuss contracts.
Williams’ 54 pressures last year ranked in the top 10 for all interior defensive linemen this past season. He’s a disruptive defensive tackle with huge upside. But my favorite move in New England is the addition of Landry.
Patriots new head coach Mike Vrabel and Landry know each other well from their days together in Tennessee. Landry’s familiarity with Vrabel’s defensive philosophy should make for a seamless transition and he’ll instantly become a defensive leader.
The Patriots had an NFL-worst 28 sacks last year. Landry will swiftly improve New England’s pass rush. He’s tallied 64 pressures and 19.5 sacks the past two seasons. He comes to the Patriots with 50.5 career sacks all in a Tennessee uniform, which ranks sixth in Titans history.
Laremy Tunsil lands in nation’s capital
The Texans traded their standout left tackle to the Commanders for a collection of draft picks.
Tunsil bolsters Washington’s offensive line and will be tasked to protect Jayden Daniels’ blindside. He’s a five-time Pro Bowler who’s just 30 years old.
The 6-foot-5, 313-pound left tackle allowed only two sacks and 19 pressures during 1,026 snaps last season. He had a 93% pass block win rate, per ESPN analytics.
Washington had the seventh ranked total offense and a top three rushing attack in 2024. Tunsil’s ability at left tackle will only strengthen the Commanders offense in Daniels’ sophomore season and beyond.
Tunsil marks the second big trade the Commanders made since the start of March. The Tunsil trade was preceded by a deal that landed wide receiver Deebo Samuel in the nation’s capital. Both moves signal the Commanders are going all in while they are in an advantageous position of having a budding star quarterback on a rookie contract.
Bears fortify offensive line
The Bears made a concerted effort to bolster their offensive line. Chicago acquired guards Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney in separate trades and then signed USA TODAY Sports’ top ranked free agent center in Drew Dalman.
Dalman allowed just a 4.8% pressure rate in nine games last year and Jackson gave up zero sacks and nine pressures in four games, per Pro Football Focus. Both Dalman and Jackson were limited by injuries, but they present a clear upgrade from Chicago’s 2024 O-line. Plus, Thuney is a four-time Super Bowl champion and regarded as one of the best guards in the NFL. Thuney had the third-highest pass blocking grade for all guards last season, per Pro Football Focus (even though he slid over to left tackle later in the year to help end Kansas City’s revolving door at the position).
Thuney’s experience and leadership will be invaluable for Caleb Williams and the Bears. Williams was sacked 68 times last year, which is the third-most in NFL history.
Williams acknowledged some of the sacks were his fault. He tended to play oft-script and hold onto the football too long. Offensive-minded head coach Ben Johnson can help Williams become a better quarterback. The offensive line Chicago’s assembled will aid, in a big way, in that effort as well.
Chiefs taking calculated chance at left tackle
Kansas City went through four starting left tackles last year. Guard Joe Thuney filled in admirably when he moved to left tackle to finish the season, although, he was overwhelmed playing on the outside (just rewatch Super Bowl 59).
The Chiefs seem to be confident that they fixed a glaring position of need after they acquired career backup offensive tackle Jaylon Moore.
Is it risky choice? Sure. But the Chiefs clearly studied Moore, liked what they saw on tape and Andy Reid and Brett Veach deserve the benefit of the doubt.
The former 49ers tackle registered only 12 regular season starts in four seasons, albeit playing behind Trent Williams doesn’t warrant criticism. He looks the part when on the field. He’s 6-foot-4, 311 pounds and moves well. The left tackle allowed one sack and 10 pressures in 271 offensive snaps, including 159 pass-block snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. He’s given up five sacks and 31 pressures in 447 career snaps.
Moore signed a two-year deal worth $30 million, a person familiar with the situation told USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they aren’t authorized to discuss the contract. He has the potential to fill a big void and be Kansas City’s long-term answer at left tackle.