Winners and Losers of NFL Free Agency So Far
At the start of the offseason each year, NFL free agency is often the busiest time for general managers and teams as they aim to improve their rosters and depth by making impactful signings to help fill their biggest needs. The free agency period often includes blockbuster trades, extensions, unexpected signings, and much more. Through two weeks of free agency, it has been nothing short of chaotic as we have seen several high-profile players resign with their current squad and others deciding to begin a new chapter in their careers. Some of the biggest moves that have gone done include quarterback Kirk Cousins taking his talents to the Falcons, Derrick Henry signing with the Ravens and Russell Wilson inking a deal with the Steelers. Through all the smoke and chaos, there have been notable winners and losers in free agency so far.
Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers
Since the retirement of franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in 2022, head coach Mike Tomlin and the Steelers have struggled to find their replacement over the past two seasons. In the 2022 NFL Draft, the Steelers drafted homegrown quarterback Kenny Pickett in the first round with the hopes that Pickett would become the next face of the franchise. However, Pickett’s tenure did not work out as the Pittsburgh native was traded to the Eagles this offseason after two disappointing seasons with the Steelers. With the glaring need at quarterback, the Steelers wasted no time upgrading the position, as they signed former Broncos’ quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year deal and traded for promising young quarterback Justin Fields from the Bears. Despite having one of the league’s fiercest defensive units, general manager Omar Khan decided to bolster the Steelers’ linebacker unit, as the Steelers signed former Ravens’ linebacker Patrick Queen to a three-year deal. Coming off a first-round exit last postseason, the Steelers will be heading into next season having improved drastically on both sides of the ball and should not be taken lightly in the race for the AFC North division crown.
Loser: Dallas Cowboys
Following a third straight 12-win season that ended in heartbreak with the Cowboys being eliminated against the Packers in the Wild Card round, owner Jerry Jones made known at the Senior Bowl in late January that the sole focus of ownership and the front office this offseason is to go “all-in” for the 2024 season. With that said, the Cowboys have had a lackluster free agency period so far, as they have lost notable starters and rotational players, which has left Dallas with blatant holes and little cap space to work with. In free agency, some of the key departures that the Cowboys have suffered include Tyron Smith, Tony Pollard, Michael Gallup, Leighton Vander Esch, and Dorance Armstrong. Through the first two weeks, the sole free agent signing that the Cowboys have added to the roster is linebacker Eric Kendricks. Despite the addition of Kendricks and in-house re-signings that are not needle-moving, the Cowboys’ limited movement in free agency has put them in a difficult position as they only have a limited number of free-agent options and high draft picks to improve upon their 2023 roster.
Winner: Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons have been one of the most active teams this offseason as they hope to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2017. In free agency, the Falcons have made several “splash” moves, as they were able to convince former Vikings’ QB Kirk Cousins to sign a four-year, $180 million contract. Along with the addition of Cousins, the Falcons have bolstered their wide receiving core with the bringing in of Rondale Moore and Darnell Mooney. Following the signings that the Falcons have made on offense this offseason and the in-house weapons of Kyle Pitts, Bijan Robinson, and Drake London, the Falcons have the potential to have one of the NFL's best offenses next season. Given their current roster and the chance to acquire more players through the draft, the Falcons should be considered a favorite to reclaim the NFC South title and end their six-year playoff drought.
Loser: Buffalo Bills
Following another devastating postseason loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Bills entered the offseason having to face the reality of having a lot of talent on their roster. Buffalo had limited financial flexibility heading into free agency because the Bills had invested a lot in winning the Super Bowl the previous two seasons. In order to conserve money, the Bills were forced to remove several key players, including Tre'Davious White, Mitch Morse, and Jordan Poyer. Safety Micah Hyde is not expected to return, plus wide receiver Gabe Davis signed with the Jaguars, and pass rusher Leonard Floyd joined with the 49ers. With quarterback Josh Allen and star wideout Stefon Diggs still on the roster, the Bills may be able to overcome some of the free-agent departures but it should be anticipated that Buffalo will look dramatically different next season as they look to get over the hump in the playoffs.
