NFL Free Agency 2024: Aaron Donald Retirement, Texans-Vikings Trade + Value Signings
The third official day of NFL free agency—and fifth day overall—continued to bring notable player movement. However, fans can be forgiven for finding it hard to keep track. Friday's biggest news had nothing to do with free agency itself.
On Friday morning the Houston Texans and Minnesota Vikings announced a trade that will give Minnesota a second first-round selection (23rd overall). That was the stunner of the day until, a couple of hours later, Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle and future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald announced his retirement.
Both developments will carry significant impact for the Rams, Texans and Vikings, and their surprising nature has likely turned fans' attention from the continuing free-agent frenzy.
Here, we'll dive into some of the latest signings, deals and buzz to come out of Friday's activity.
Donald Calls It a Career
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It's long felt like Donald would choose to go out on his own terms while still playing at a high level. He did exactly that on Friday by releasing a statement on social media.
"Not many people get drafted to a team, win a World Championship with that team and retire with that team. I do not, and will not, take that for granted," Donald said.
What's surprising about Donald's decision is that it comes at a time when the Rams appear to be back in contention. Los Angeles was a playoff team in 2023 and has added some intriguing new pieces this offseason, including cornerback Darious Williams and guard Jonah Jackson.
The Rams may now have to search for more defensive line help to support budding star Kobie Turner, who takes over as the driving force in L.A.'s defensive front. The defensive-tackle market has been active, but some notable names—including Jonathan Hankins, Adam Butler and Taven Bryan—remain available.
Next up for Donald, who made the Pro Bowl in every one of his 10 NFL seasons, will be the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Vikings Appear to Be Targeting a Quarterback in Upcoming draft
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The Vikings lost quarterback Kirk Cousins to the Atlanta Falcons early in free agency, and newly acquired Sam Darnold doesn't project as a long-term QB1 answer. Reading between the lines, Friday's trade—which sent Minnesota's second-round pick, a sixth-round pick and a 2025 second-rounder to Houston—may have been a step towards targeting a new QB in the draft.
The Vikings now hold the 11th and 23rd overall selections. The next step may involve packaging those picks to move into the top 10 for a signal-caller. Moving into the top three for Drake Maye, Caleb Williams or Jayden Daniels may not be possible, but expecting a prospect like Michigan's J.J. McCarthy to fall to No. 11 isn't realistic either.
"The national championship-winning quarterback has the traits and right mentality to work his way into the top 10 for any team willing to pay the price," Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski wrote.
This doesn't guarantee that Minnesota will move up, and it doesn't necessarily mean the Vikings have identified a draft target. However, a trade like this coming in mid-March is usually an indication that a team is turning its attention away from free agency and toward the draft.
The Vikings move a bit closer to finding their quarterback, while the Texans add a future second-round pick, while still getting to dip into a deep 2024 middle draft tier.
Josh Sweat Staying in Philadelphia, Eagles Deal for Kenny Pickett
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Before the start of free agency, it appeared that the Philadelphia Eagles might be trading away some of their pass-rushing talent.
"The Eagles are having trade calls for DE Josh Sweat and edge Haason Reddick also has permission to facilitate a trade," NFL Media's Ian Rapoport posted on X on March 9, less than a week ago.
Philadelphia's signing of pass-rusher Bryce Huff did little to quiet trade speculation, but it appears that Sweat will remain in Philly's immediate plans.
"Sweat staying with the Eagles on a restructured deal with $10M guaranteed plus incentives (max of $13M). Had no guarantees prior, so this gives Sweat security entering contract year," ESPN's Jeremy Fowler posted Friday on X.
The 26-year-old Sweat has become a steady piece of the pass-rushing rotation and has accumulated 25 sacks over the last three seasons. He'll contribute once again in 2024, though it remains to be seen if Reddick will join him.
The Eagles have also swung a deal for former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The move comes after Pittsburgh signed Russell Wilson to a league-minimum deal. According to Rapoport, Pittsburgh indicated to Wilson that he would be the starter, which led to the trade of the 2022 first-round pick.
Per Rapoport, the Steelers sent Pickett and a 2024 fourth-round pick to Philadelphia for a 2023 third-round compensatory selection and two 2025 seventh-rounders.
Pickett will provide depth behind starter Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia while getting a fresh start. For Pittsburgh, meanwhile, it's likely to be Wilson or bust in 2024—though the door has now opened for the Steelers to pursue another young signal-caller in the draft.
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Valuable Signings Still Rolling In, Talent Still Available
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The free-agent activity of the last two days hasn't been nearly as exciting as that of the legal-contact period, and it certainly hasn't involved as many gaudy contracts. However, teams are still landing quality players, and in many cases, at a relative bargain.
The Rams found their new starting safety on Friday when they inked former Washington Commanders standout Kamren Curl to a two-year, $13 million deal, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Curl is an ascending talent with legitimate playmaking ability. Curl only turned 25 earlier this month.
The San Francisco 49ers added more linebacker help when they signed De'Vondre Campbell to a one-year deal, according to Rapoport. Campbell struggled in 2023, but he was a Pro Bowler in 2021 and solid in 2022 for the Green Bay Packers.
Campbell is a great late get for the 49ers, who lost Dre Greenlaw to a torn Achilles in Super Bowl LVIII. San Francisco thought it had found its linebacker insurance with Eric Kendricks, before Kendricks pivoted to join the Dallas Cowboys instead on Wednesday.
The 49ers also re-signed guard Jon Feliciano, which might not be a headline-grabber, but will give San Francisco some veteran insurance along the line.
Another underrated signing from Friday involved the Cincinnati Bengals bringing back receiver Trent Irwin. The 29-year-old had career highs in catches (25) and receiving yards (316) last season while providing valuable depth to Cincinnati's receiving corps.
The Carolina Panthers, meanwhile, found some reinforcements for their pass rush, signing K'Lavon Chaaisson to a one-year, $5 million deal, according to Rapoport. Carolina had a need for an edge-defender after trading Brian Burns to the New York Giants.
While most of these moves pale in comparison to early free-agent deals—like the Falcons signing Cousins or the Philadelphia Eagles stealing Saquon Barkley away from New York—they help highlight how value can be found late in free agency.
Players who remain available include offensive lineman Trent Brown, pass-rusher Chase Young and safety Justin Simmons—the three remaining players from Bleacher Report's initial top 50 free-agent big board.
Bleacher Report's grades for the biggest signings and trades from Friday can be found here.
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