NFL free agency grades 2024: Live analysis of every key free agent signing and trade

The NFL free agency and trade insanity is here for 2024 with the open negotiations period starting on Monday, March 11, and the new league year set to go into effect on Wednesday.

Like every year, several potential free agents are staying off the market, either re-signed or franchise-tagged by their teams, but many others are set to change teams by either agreeing to terms with another club or being traded.

Sporting News will once again provide the latest analysis of the most significant moves around the NFL. Keep track of all the key signings and trades during 2024 NFL free-agency below.

NFL FREE AGENCY 2024: Live tracker | Ranking the top 75 players overall

NFL free agency grades 2024: The latest key signings and trades

Grading 75 overall free agent signings

BEST FREE AGENTS AVAILABLE: QBs | RBs | WRs | Defense

Falcons sign QB Kirk Cousins for 4 years, $180 million

A — The Falcons are truly a quarterback away from being a playoff contender. He gives the team the big edge at the position in the division and this is a great offensive fit for him with Zac Robinson.

Raiders sign DT Christian Wilkins for 4 years, $110 million

A — The Raiders land their much-needed inside pass rusher and run-stopping force to complement Maxx Crosby from the edge. It’s typical aggressive Tom Telesco splurge for a defensive star.

Vikings sign EDGE Jonathan Greenard for 4 years, $76 million

A — The Vikings needed to reboot their pass rush with Danielle Hunter not being re-signed for Brian Flores’ defense. Greenard, coming off breakout production in Houston, is a fine new starting end for their scheme.

Eagles sign EDGE Bryce Huff for 3 years, $51 million

A — The Eagles needed to get younger on the pass rush and replenish the defensive front for Vic Fangio. Huff, the rising former Jet, fits that philosophy.

Texans sign DT Denico Autry for 2 years, $20 million

A — It’s a nice price to upgrade the DeMeco Ryans front with a versatile producer and also takes away from the division rival Titans.

Panthers sign G Robert Hunt for 5 years, $100 million

A — Carolina badly needed to get more athletic and improve its run blocking and Hunt does the trick inside after another strong season in Miami.

Titans sign CB Chidobe Awuzie for 3 years

B — Awuzie is a top-seasoned corner when healthy so he should help a weak spot for Tennessee assuming he recovers well from his torn ACL.

Eagles sign RB Saquon Barkley for 3 years, $37.8 million

C — This is a very expensive pickup as a feature back who is rather inconsistent and both big-play and big-run dependent. The Eagles don’t throw much to the running back, either. He will be productive, but they could have gotten away with a cheaper option.

Packers sign RB Josh Jacobs for 4 years, $48 million

A — With the team releasing Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon being a free agent, this is a workhorse upgrade for an underrated rushing attack to help Jordan Love. Jacobs, the former prolific Raider, also can be a nice outlet in the passing game.

Ravens sign RB Derrick Henry for 2 years, $20 million

A — This was not a well-kept secret that Baltimore was targeting the “King” to replace Gus Edwards and JK Dolbbins. This is a great move as the power-running complement to Lamar Jackson’s rushing and downfield passing. Henry can stay productive on a Super Bowl contender.

Steelers sign QB Russell Wilson for 1 year, $1.2 million

A — Wilson finds his third team after Seattle and Denver at age 35, trying to save his career. Pittsburgh gets a cheap contingency for Kenny Pickett as it tries to improve its offense overall. Given the near-minimum price, it’s a low-risk, high-reward move.

Commanders sign LB Frankie Luvu for 3 years, $36 million

A — Dan Quinn’s defense scores the best pure linebacker on the market, one that has some second-level pass rush juice. The former Panther is not at the level of Micah Parsons, but can play that hybrid role well in Washington.

Steelers sign LB Patrick Queen for 3 years, $41 million 

A — The Steelers have been trying to fill the big cleats of Ryan Shazier for years with a rangy, active linebacker and the bonus in landing Queen to fill that void is also weakening the Ravens.

Vikings sign EDGE Andrew Van Ginkel for 2 years, $20 million

B — The Vikings got Greenard to replace Hunter and also added the versatile playmaking of Van Ginkel for Flores whose coverage will be a nice complement to Greenard’s upfield pass rush work.

Packers sign S Xavier McKinney for 4 years, $68 million

B+ — The Packers splurged a bit to fill one of their weak defensive spots as they also parted away with Darnell Savage at the same to ensure a major all-around playmaking upgrade.

Bengals sign S Geno Stone

B — The former Raven had a breakout year working in a unique three-safety set and the Bengals desperately needed some help at the position after free-agent departures killed it last season.

Commanders sign RB Austin Ekeler for 2 years, $11.43 million

A — Washington got Ekeler on the cheap here to add a key cog to the new passing game under Kliff Kingsbury. He’s a good complement to Brian Robinson Jr. and will have a key outlet role for a young QB.

Browns sign LB Jordan Hicks for 2 years, $8 million

B — Hicks has a little left in the tank to help Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah with his solid upfield and lateral tackling vs. run and pass.

Falcons sign WR Darnell Mooney for 3 years, $39 million

A — Mooney was one of the more underrated values in free agency and he’s a perfect fit as a complement to Drake London and Kyle Pitts with his big-play ability with now big-armed QB Kirk Cousins.

Titans sign RB Tony Pollard for 3 years, $24 million

C — Pollard was underwhelming as a lead back in Dallas and there’s some redundancy with the explosive potential and receiving skills for second-year back Tyjae Spears. But it’s clear Brian Callahan’s offense is going away from the power running of Derrick Henry and trying to get more wide open.

Commanders sign EDGE Dorrance Armstrong for 3 years, $45 million

B — Dan Quinn’s influence brings one of his underrated Cowboys pass rusher to town to boost a unit that traded Montez Sweat and Chase Young.

Titans sign C Lloyd Cushenberry

B — The Titans had to replace free agent Aaron Brewer inside and they land Cushenberry, a stout blocker to anchor next to Peter Skoronski.

Dolphins LB Jordyn Brooks for 3 years, $30 million

C — Miami got Brooks and former Brown Anthony Walker to try to help David Long Jr. but it is hoping the Seattle first-rounder gets back on track upfield vs. the run and in the pass rush.

Dolphins sign C Aaron Brewer for 3 years, $21 million

B — The Dolphins picked up the former Titan, making it clear they don’t have the cap space to re-sign Connor Williams.

Rams sign G Jonah Jackson for 3 years, $51 million

A — The Rams took care of Kevin Dotson before free agency and with center Coleman Shelton as a free agent, they upgraded the interior with the former Lions starter.

Grading other key free agent signings

Vikings sign RB Aaron Jones for 1 year, $7 million

B — Jones goes from the Packers to a division rival after they released him and the Vikings moved on from Alexander Mattison. Jones is a good fit for the dynamic pass-first offense of Kevin O’Connell but the only considerable concern is whether Jones can still durably produce at 29.

Bengals sign RB Zack Moss for 2 years, $8 million

A — The Bengals have ended speculation about Joe Mixon’s future with this move and reports his release will happen. Moss, who was a supersub in the Colts’ offense for Jonathan Taylor last season, is a great replacement fit for not much money to complement second-year change of pace Chase Brown.

Vikings sign QB Sam Darnold for 1 year, $10 million

C — Darnold was expected to land here as at least a backup with the new Josh McCown connection but now there’s a real chance he will need to be a bridge starter. Without Cousins now, let’s hope MInnesota goes the first-round rookie route instead of a chance of re-creating last season’s Cousins-less mess.

Browns isgn QB Jameis Winston for 1 year, $8.5 million

B — Cleveland probably realized Joe Flacco isn’t an option again behind Deshaun Watson so going for a younger big-armed pocket type makes sense.

Patriots sign QB Jacoby Brissett

B — Brissett started his career in New England and has built up a good resume as a backup for any system. Now he’s bound to back up the QB the team takes at No. 3 overall in the draft with Mac Jones gone.

Jets sign QB Tyrod Taylor for 2 years

B — The Jets needed a veteran backup and contigency for Aaron Rodgers after last year’s Zach Wilson-led disaster and Taylor is the well-traveled journeyman go-to guy for those matters.

Giants sign QB Drew Lock for 1 year

C — Lock doesn’t inspire much lining up as Taylor’s replacement for Daniel Jones, especially with Tommy DeVito even looking more inspiring.

Raiders sign QB Gardner Minshew for 2 years, $25 million

C — His price isn’t as much as Jimmy Garoppolo, but it feels like the Raiders are playing the ugly backup bridge game at QB again, perhaps feeling out of luck for a top QB of choice at No. 13 overall in the draft. tt’s more likely they create a new pair of vet and rookie, with Minshew and the first-rounder mirroring his situation with the Colts as a better version of the Jimmy G-Aidan O’Connell combination from last season.

Commanders sign QB Marcus Mariota for 1 year

B — Washington gets the seasoned backup it needed to put behind either Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels, whichever QB it takes No. 2 overall for Kliff Kingsbury.

Jaguars sign WR Gabe Davis for 3 years, $39 million

C — The Jags are taking a shot on the former Bills very inconsistent deep threat, perhaps at the expense of keeping Calvin Ridley. Davis needs to show a lot more reliability, but he figures to be more of a complementary piece to Christian Kirk, Evan Engram and Zay Jones.

Bears sign RB D’Andre Swift for 3 years, $24.5 million

C — That’s a lot of spending on the former Lion and Eagle when durability and early-down power are concerns. Chicago felt it needed an upgrade over the young committee of Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson.

Giants sign RB Devin Singletary for 3 years, $16.5 million

B- — The Giants didn’t waste much time replacing Barkley with a feature option. Singletary ran OK for the Texans down the stretch and comes in knowing Brian Daboll’s offense from Buffalo, but there’s little upside here.

Vikings sign LB Blake Cashman for 3 years, 25.5 million

B — The Vikings needed someone to cover more ground and Cashman is coming off a solid rangy season under Ryans.

Patriots sign RB Antonio Gibson for 3 years, $11.25 million

C — Gibson is an average runner and pass-catcher who doesn’t feel like much of an improvement over Ezekiel Elliott to complement Rhamondre Stevenson.

Bears sign S Kevin Byard for 2 years, $15 million

B — The Bears needed to replace faded Eddie Jackson, and they get a solid upgrade for their defensive scheme despite the fact the former Titan gave the Eagles only limited late-season punch.

Jaguars sign C Mitch Morse for 2 years, $10.5 million

C — Morse fills another offensive line concern but the near 32-year-old showed signs of fading with the Bills last season.

Bills sign QB Mitch Trubisky for 2 years, $5.25 million

B — The Bills got their previous backup for Josh Allen in a favorable system for him, even with Joe Brady now as the offensive coordinator.

Bengals sign TE Mike Gesicki for 1 year

B — The Bengals also brought back blocking Drew Sample so Gesicki gives them a little extra receiving pop to help Joe Burrow.

Dolphins sign TE Jonnu Smith for 2 years, $10 million

C — The Dolphins added some needed depth inline in the former Falcon.

Giants sign G Jon Runyan for 3 years, $30 million

B — The Giants threw some good money at the former Packer as part of an expected, necessary offensive line overhaul in the offseason.

Chargers sign RB Gus Edwards for 2 years

C — Edwards brings a familiar back to Greg Roman for another Harbaugh but it’s surprising they weren’t more active for a true workhorse for a run-heavier scheme.

Grading key free-agent re-signings 

Chiefs re-sign DT Chris Jones for 5 years, $160 million

A — It was a no-brainer to keep the third core member of the Super Bowl dynasty intact, as Jones is right up there with the league’s most indispensable defensive players.

Ravens re-sign DT Justin Madubuike for 4 years, $98 million

A — With Jones getting his deal, the Ravens could easily wrap it up for their inside pass-rushing disruptor.

Bears re-sign CB Jaylon Johnson for 4 years, $76 million

B — Although the price was surprisingly steep, the Bears had to make this move to keep their valuable shutdown-caliber corner.

Colts re-sign WR Michael Pittman Jr. for 3 years, $70 million

A — Pittman was essential to keep as the go-to guy for Anthony Richardson with real questions at the other wide receiver spots.

Buccaneers re-sign WR Mike Evans for 2 years, $52 million

A — The Buccaneers want him to end his Hall-of-Fame career in Tampa, and the short-term splurge was rather reasonable to get the job done.

Browns re-sign DT Maurice Hurst for 1 year, $3.2 million

A+ — This was a bargain retainment as Hurst was a valuable, versatile part of their strong line rotation last season.

Seahawks re-sign DT Leonard Wiliams for 3 years

A- — The Seahawks got good sack production from him after the trade with he Giants last season and hoping he’ll be more solid vs. the run in the new Mike Macdonald system.

Buccaneers re-sign QB Baker Mayfield for 3 years, $100 million

A — There was little reason to doubt this deal getting done, and it was done at the right market price for the right length of time, making sure the Mayfield-Evans connection stays rolling in the new offense.

Patriots re-sign OT Mike Onwenu for 3 years, $57 million

A- — Owenu was the easy choice to retain to anchor the offensive line over aging Trent Brown.

Rams re-sign G Kevin Dotson for 3 years, $48 million

A — Dotson was critical to the run-blocking resurgence to boost Kyren Williams, so he was a critical priority for Sean McVay.

Texans re-sign TE Dalton Schultz for 3 years, $36 million

A- — Schultz is solid all-around as a key target for C.J. Stroud and fits the offense, but the opportunity cost hurts a little.

Browns re-sign EDGE Za’Darius Smith for 2 years, $23.5 million

A — The Browns kept Hurst and Smith reasonably for Jim Schwartz to keep being fine complements to Myles Garrett.

Patriots re-sign TE Hunter Henry for 3 years, $30 million

B- — This move is OK because there’s not much else by way of veteran pass catchers in this offense, but the key now is finding a QB who can target Henry well with good chemistry.

Colts re-sign DT Grover Stewart for 3 years, $39 million

A — He’s one of the most underrated and indispensable run stoppers in the league.

Raiders re-sign C Andre James for 3 years, $24 million

A — The Raiders keep a solid starter for a reasonable price, one of the better bargains on their offense.

Jaguars re-sign G Ezra Cleveland for 3 years, $28.5 million

C — The Jaguars didn’t want to further have offensive line issues, but they got a little desperate, overpaying an average-at-best starter.

Texans re-sign K Ka’imi Fairbairn for 3 years, $15.9 million

A — Fairbairn is one of the league’s most reliable big legs, and the Texans wanted to keep his range and accuracy intact.

Chiefs re-sign LB Drue Tranquill for 3 years, $19 million

A — Tranquill’s work as a cover linebacker guaranteed he would come back at a nice price for the champs.

Grading notable player trades

Texans trade for Bengals RB Joe Mixon

B- — The Bengals moved on with former Colts bargain Zack Moss and got the bonus of getting somethng for Mixon before releasing him. It’s curious why the Texans didn’t get in on any of the other younger, bigger RB free agents after not re-signing Devin Singletary. It’s a desperate move for a veteran, but Mixon should at least be a bit rejuvenated in their running scheme.

Giants trade second-, fifth-round picks for Panthers EDGE Brian Burns

C — The Giants also signed the former franchise-tagged player to a 5-year, $150 million deal to help Kayvon Thibodeaux. It’s a very high price tag after the compensation for more of a solid than spectacular rusher. Giants fans hope that Burns won’t be a free-agent sequel to Olivier Vernon.

Jaguars trade sixth-round pick for Patriots QB Mac Jones

B+ — While the Patriots wave the early white flag on Jones, who was taken 14 spots behind No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence in the 2021 draft, the Jaguars score a seasoned young vet to upgrade his backup.

Browns trade fifth-, sixth-round picks for Broncos WR Jerry Jeudy

C — Jeudy is the ultimate flyer for the Browns, and the Broncos should have been prepared to get nothing for him. It was a strange addition for Cleveland with similar types in the offense and a loaded WR draft class.

Franchise-tagged players

1. L’Jarius Sneed, CB, Chiefs 
2. Josh Allen, EDGE, Jaguars
3. Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Buccaneers
4. Tee Higgins, WR, Bengals

These were all smart moves because of their positional values and importance to their teams at the right non-quarterback positions. They will hope they can score pleasing long-term deals soon like Madubuike and Jaylon Johnson did right after being tagged. Higgins, however, is thinking tag and trade, much like what happened to te former Panthers edge rusher Burns. In addition, Patriots safety Kyle Dugger got the transition tag.