Grading 2025 NFL Free-Agency Signings and Trades for Day 3 of Tampering Period
The transition from the NFL's legal tampering period to the start of the new league year occurred Wednesday. Transactions can be officially completed as of 4 p.m. ET.
The market took a slight step back just before the deadline thanks to a torrid start to the tampering period. Plenty of high-profile names remain in play, though. Aaron Rodgers, Amari Cooper, Stefon Diggs, Nick Chubb, etc. have yet to commit anywhere.
As the dominoes continue to fall, Bleacher Report will provide analysis and grades for each of the moves made around the league during Wednesday's free-agent action.
WR Mike Williams Returns to Los Angeles Chargers
1 of 20
Contract terms: One year, $6 million (via Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz)
Mike Williams is testing whether a person can go home again.
The Los Angeles Chargers chose to release Williams a year ago. In what can be a cold business, the organization wasn't willing to pay the wide receiver's price after suffering a torn ACL. Instead, he signed a one-year deal in upwards of $15 million. The Jets eventually traded him to the Pittsburgh Steelers at last year's deadline.
In total, Williams played in 18 games and snagged only 21 catches. However, the after-effects of the injury combined with trying to learn two new systems and build a rapport with new quarterbacks definitely didn't help matters.
Now, the 30-year-old target returns to Los Angeles where he knows the quarterback quite well. The Chargers were clearly more comfortable with him on the roster at the right price. At the same time, he's a much-needed addition.
Last season, rookie Ladd McConkey emerged as the Chargers' No. 1 target. Though he spent a significant portion of his first campaign working from the slot. Williams is a big-bodied and strong-handed target on the outside to complement the talent already on the roster.
Although, his return doesn't necessarily bode well for another first-round wide receiver. Quentin Johnston played better in his second season, but he remains highly inconsistent. Williams could and should take away targets from the 2023 first-rounder.
Grade: B
Arizona Cardinals Signs DT Dalvin Tomlinson
2 of 20
Contract terms: Two years, $29 million (via NFL Network's Ian Rapoport)
Between Bilal Nichols and Justin Jones, the Arizona Cardinals spent $50.2 million in total contractual value during last year's free agency period to improve their defensive interior. They failed to do so.
Despite the investments, the Cardinals remained week in the middle of their defense and required upgrades.
When the Cleveland Browns decided to release Dalvin Tomlinson, the Cardinals saw an opportunity and had a deal done by the end of the same day.
Tomlinson was an excellent signing by the Browns two years ago. But his age (31) and increasing cap hit caused Cleveland to go in another direction (namely, signing Maliek Collins as a replacement). Tomlinson is still an handful and he immediately upgrades the Cardinals defense.
The 325-pound Tomlinson isn't just a space-eater; he can legitimately create pressure by collapsing the pocket, which will only make the newly signed Josh Sweat and last year's 27th overall pick, Darius Robinson, even more effective this fall.
Grade: B+
Harrison Smith Returns to Minnesota Vikings
3 of 20
Contract terms: One year, $10.3 million (via NFL Network's Ian Rapoport)
Safety Harrison Smith may be 36 years old, but he's not ready to hang up his cleats.
Smith has played his entire 13-year career with the Minnesota Vikings after being a first-round pick in the 2021 draft class. He could have retired and been held in the highest regard as an all-time franchise great.
Last season reinvigorated the competitive juices when the Vikings finished with a 14-3 regular-season record. Smith can still play at a relatively high level, and he's enjoying himself too much to call it quits already.
"When you’ve played as long as I have, you don’t feel great every day, but playing this year in this defense was some of the most fun I’ve had," Smith told reporters after the season.
With the Vikings losing Camryn Bynum to the Indianapolis Colts in free agency, Smith's return almost became a necessity. Smith's presence makes the entire Vikings' lineup better.
“I smile when I think about Harrison because we’re always kind of going back and forth with ideas,” defensive coordinator Brian Flores said prior to Minnesota's final regular-season contest. “I think he thinks I’m a little nutty as far as pushing the limits, but I think he enjoys it, too."
Now that Smith is back in the fold, the Vikings still need safety help. Smith can only play for so long. He deserves his flowers. At the same time, Minnesota can help him by acquiring another athlete or two to defend the team's back line.
Grade: A+
.jpg?w=256 "Chiefs Giants Football")
Tennessee Titans Sign DL Dre'Mont Jones
4 of 20
Contract terms: One year, $10 million (via ESPN's Adams Schefter)
Two years ago, defensive linemen Dre'Mont Jones entered free agency as one of the league's most sought-after names. Though he didn't build on his previous success with Denver Broncos after joining the Seattle Seahawks, hence the latter's decision to release the 28-year-old defender.
Now, Jones will join one of the league's best defensive fronts on a one-year deal, where he'll play next to T'Vondre Sweat and Jeffery Simmons.
Jones should benefit greatly from playing in this group, but he needs to be the disruptive force he can be when performing at his best. If that occurs, the Titans front seven will be even more difficult to defend.
From an overall perspective, the Titans have done a tremendous job rebuilding their trenches. Jones can be the missing piece on the defensive side, while the team's additions of Dan Moore Jr. and Kevin Zeitler should stabilize the offensive front five. As long as the organization can find a viable starting quarterback, the Titans can once again be a dangerous opponent.
Grade: B
Denzel Perryman Re-Signs with Los Angeles Chargers
5 of 20
Contract terms: One year, $3.7 million (via ESPN's Jeremy Fowler)
As Wednesday progressed, the Los Angeles Chargers' linebacker situation changed dramatically.
Daiyan Henley was already written as one of the squad's starting off-ball backers in ink. From there, question marks remained.
As the day opened, second-year linebacker Junior Colson had an open pathway toward becoming the other starter. Colson does have extensive experience in the system, having played for Jim Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter at Michigan.
Then, the team agreed to a new deal with Troy Dye, who could have competed with Colson to start, while also contributing on special teams.
A little patience became necessary, because the Chargers planned to re-sign veteran starter Denzel Perryman and did. The 32-year-old defender remains a tone-setter on the field and as one of the team's locker-room leaders.
Perryman hasn't played in more than 12 regular-season games since the 2021 campaign. So, depth is important. The Chargers now have their full complement of linebackers back after finishing top 10 in total defense a season ago.
Grade: B
Washington Commanders Sign CB Jonathan Jones
6 of 20
Contract terms: One-year deal (via ESPN's Jeremy Fowler)
Jonathan Jones' acquisition helps complete the Washington Commanders' secondary.
Last season, the Commanders had Mike Sainristil playing out of position. The team tried to make immediate upgrades by acquiring Marshon Lattimore at the trade deadline, though he was never 100 percent healthy due to a lingering hamstring issue.
Lattimore gets a full offseason in Washington with time to heal, which means he should be a completely different player this fall.
Jones provides another experienced outside option. After going undrafted in 2016, Jones became a vital part of the New England Patriots secondary, particularly over the last three when he started 44 games.
While playing on a one-year deal, the 31-year-old isn't viewed as a long-term option. However, he helps settle this group with an experienced veteran. His presence allows Sainristil to return to a slot role, which is where he really excels as a defensive chess piece. That fact alone makes this a strong free-agent addition.
Grade: B
RB Rico Dowdle Joins the Carolina Panthers
7 of 20
Contract terms: One year, $6.3 million (via NFL Network's Ian Rapoport)
The 2025 Carolina Panthers will be the only team to feature a pair of 1,000-yard rushers from the previous season.
Chuba Hubbard finished eighth in the NFL with 1,195 yards. Meanwhile, Rico Dowdle quietly provided 1,079 for the Dallas Cowboys.
Now, they're teammates sharing a backfield.
The move came after the Panthers chose to release Miles Sanders. But the swap is interesting because it shows Carolina will likely stick to the approach that made the Panthers competitive down the stretch and helped quarterback Bryce Young get comfortable in the lineup.
Young's continued development will help open up the offense, especially if general manager Dan Morgan adds another receiving threat or two. Still, Hubbard and Dowdle should be the focal points in order create an upward trajectory after posting a 4-5 record after the calendar turned to November.
Grade: B+
Seattle Seahawks Sign DE DeMarcus Lawrence
8 of 20
Contract terms: Three years, $42 million (via NFL Network's Ian Rapoport)
After 11 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence is leaving the state of Texas. He'll join the Seattle Seahawks and add a veteran presence to a pass-rush stable packed with potential. But Seattle seems to have overpaid to add that experience.
Derick Hall and Boye Mafe are both 26 or younger and have tremendous upside. That duo combined for 14 sacks last season. Conversely, Lawrence's sack production has decreased in recent years, in part due to injuries.
The soon-to-be 33-year old has experienced foot problems in two of the last four seasons, and he ended up on injured reserve last year. Considering Lawrence's age, injury history and recent lack of production, this signing doesn't necessarily align with the market.
With a yearly average of $14 million, Lawrence finds himself in the same range as fellow free agents Haason Reddick and Harold Landry III, He's also above Joey Bosa. Considering the first two are younger by multiple years and far more productive over the last three seasons, the Seahawks didn't get the best deal.
Grade: C-
Benjamin St-Juste Joins Los Angeles Chargers' Secondary
9 of 20
Contract terms: One-year deal (via St-Juste's agent)
The Los Angeles Chargers seemingly struck gold during last year's draft with the fifth-round selections of cornerbacks Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart. They still agreed to terms with Donte Jackson during the legal tampering period. But they weren't done there.
After the start of the new league year, the Chargers signed former Washington Commanders cornerback Benjamin St-Juste.
St-Juste isn't merely a throw-in. He started 40 games over the last three seasons. He's a big and intimidating cornerback that fits well alongside Hart. Both are 6'3" corners with 32-inch arms. They can reroute and physically overwhelm wide receivers.
Hart did miss time last season with a concussion and ankle injury. He started six games as a rookie. So, a similar body type with more experience will ensure the Chargers have varied skill sets in their secondary.
Grade: B
Tennessee Titans Complete Offensive Line
10 of 20
Contract terms: One year, $9 million (via NFL Network's Ian Rapoport)
Kevin Zeitler has been Mr. Consistency throughout his NFL career, which is exactly what the Tennessee Titans need for their offensive line.
The Titans' O-line has been a disaster over the last two seasons. They've continued to pump assets into it, and it finally appears ready to become a legitimate NFL-caliber group.
Tennessee already agreed to terms with left tackle Dan Moore Jr. during the legal tampering period. He should push 2024 No. 7 overall draft pick JC Latham from the left side to his more natural position at right tackle.
With Peter Skoronski at left guard and Lloyd Cushenberry III at center, the Titans needed a right guard to complete their line. Zeitler has started 15 or more regular-season games in 10 straight seasons. Every single one of those starts—in fact, all of his career 197 starts—have been at right guard.
Zeitler may be 35 years old, but he's the perfect veteran piece to pull Tennessee's O-line together.
Grade: A
Dallas Cowboys Trade for Another Former 1st-Round Pick
11 of 20
Trade terms: Dallas Cowboys acquire linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. from the Tennessee Titans while swapping late-round draft picks (via NFL Network's Ian Rapoport).
In a matter of hours, the Dallas Cowboys decided to take a chance on two former first-round draft picks.
Earlier Wednesday, they agreed to acquire cornerback Kaiir Elam from the Buffalo Bills. Once the official new league year began, the Cowboys landed linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. for a swap of late-round draft picks.
The approach is the same in both instances. These are low-risk, potentially high-reward moves for a franchise that's trying to remain cost-effective with its acquisitions.
The 26-year-old Murray has made 67 starts in five seasons. He's always been a highly athletic but overly aggressive linebacker who often finds himself out of position.
The 2020 23rd overall pick can come into Dallas, compete with a bunch of young linebackers and potentially replace Eric Kendricks as the Cowboys' starting middle linebacker.
Cowboys Grade: C
Titans Grade: C
CB Darius Slay Joins Pittsburgh Steelers Secondary
12 of 20
Contract terms: One year, $10 million (via ESPN's Adam Schefter)
The Pittsburgh Steelers needed a bookend outside corner to complement Joey Porter Jr. and quickly struck to sign Darius Slay at the start of the new league year.
While the Philadelphia Eagles chose to go younger after the additions of Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean last year, the Steelers could use a veteran presence to help solidify their secondary, especially after Donte Jackson left to sign with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Last season, the Steelers finished 25th in the league in pass defense. Slay is older at age 34, but he's still a reliable coverage defender. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, the 12-year veteran generated the league's third-lowest completion rate as the nearest defender in man coverage last season.
Father Time remained undefeated, so Slay is eventually bound to decline (if he hasn't already). But Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is fond of experienced corners who can provide a steady presence both in the locker room and on the field. He got one in Slay.
Grade: B
Seattle Seahawks Add WR Help in Marquez Valdes-Scantling
13 of 20
Contract Terms: One year, $5.5 million (via NFL Network's Tom Pelissero)
The Seattle Seahawks' skill positions are starting to take shape.
The addition of quarterback Sam Darnold was the key move, of course. Darnold should be a good fit with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, but he needs weapons after Seattle released Tyler Lockett and traded DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba was the squad's leading receiver last year with 100 receptions for 1,130 yards. However, no other remaining wide receiver on the roster managed more than 13 catches or 107 yards.
While signing Marquez Valdes-Scantling might not generate much excitement, he has eclipsed those figures in each of his seven seasons. He'll be a vertical presence to help lengthen the field, while JSN works the underneath to intermediate routes.
The Seahawks had to add another wide receiver and they did, although it's a downgrade from last year's setup.
Grade: C+
Denver Broncos Sign TE Evan Engram
14 of 20
Contract terms: Two years, $23 million (via ESPN's Adam Schefter)
The Denver Broncos got a two-for-one with the signing of tight end Evan Engram.
First, they're adding a weapon at tight end, which they lacked last season. Lucas Krull led all Broncos tight ends with 19 catches. No one among the rotation managed more than 188 receiving yards.
Despite dealing with two injuries last season (pulled hamstring and torn labrum), Engram easily cleared those numbers with 47 receptions for 365 yards. In 2023, he went to the Pro Bowl after hauling in a career-high 114 catches for 963 yards and four touchdowns.
The eight-year veteran is turning 31 before the start of the regular season, so he isn't the Broncos' long-term answer at tight end. But adding him in free agency gives them more flexibility for the NFL draft.
The Broncos aren't pigeonholed into selecting Penn State's Tyler Warren or Michigan's Colston Loveland in the first round. They could still take one of those two, or they could wait to add a tight end until later in the draft.
They have the luxury of doing so after addressing a significant area of need in free agency.
Engram's underneath work will also fit very well with Bo Nix's ability to thrive in the quick game.
Grade: B+
Cleveland Browns Add DT Maliek Collins
15 of 20
Contract Terms: Two years, $20 million (via ESPN's Adam Schefter)
The Cleveland Browns aren't acting like a team that has given upon the 2025 campaign despite its quarterback issues. They refused to entertain the thought of trading superstar defensive end Myles Garrett, who subsequently signed the largest contract for a non-quarterback in NFL history.
While the Browns plan to release defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson as a post-June 1 cut to save $8.5 million, they immediately replaced him by signing Maliek Collins.
Collins is a year younger than Tomlinson and has been generally more disruptive throughout their respective careers. He should pair well with second-year defender Michael Hall Jr., who has a similar skill set.
The Browns seem to be building an identity around their defensive front, which they can further boost by selecting Penn State-edge rusher Abdul Carter with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
Cleveland still has to figure out its answers at quarterback, left tackle and running back, but the defensive line will lead the way.
Grade: A-
Buffalo Bills Bolster D-Line With Larry Ogunjobi
16 of 20
Contract terms: One year, $8.3 million (via NFL Network's Ian Rapoport)
After agreeing to terms with Joey Bosa late Tuesday night, the Buffalo Bills doubled down on their defensive line by also reaching a deal with defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi on Wednesday morning.
In doing so, the Bills have completely fortified their defensive front.
The Bills opened the weekend by signing defensive end Greg Rousseau to a four-year, $80 million contract extension. Rousseau led the Bills last season with eight sacks. No one else on the team managed more than six, and Von Miller is no longer in Buffalo.
Bosa has tallied only 14 sacks over the last three seasons due to injuries, but he's a proven commodity when he's on the field. Now, Ogunjobi will be added to the mix.
The eight-year veteran has started 108 career games. Although he's likely joining the Bills as a rotational piece behind Ed Oliver and Daquon Jones, Ogunjobi is at his best when he can shoot gaps and reestablish the line of scrimmage.
As part of the rotation, he won't be asked to consistently hold the point of attack, which could limit his effectiveness.
Grade: B
Buffalo Bills Trade CB Kaiir Elam to Dallas Cowboys
17 of 20
Trade: Bills send cornerback Kaiir Elam and 2025 sixth-round pick to the Cowboys for 2025 fifth-round pick and 2026 seventh-round pick (via NFL Network's Tom Pelissero)
The Dallas Cowboys are betting on Kaiir Elam's potential. The 2022 first-round pick never fully established himself as part of the Buffalo Bills secondary. But he doesn't turn 24 until May, and he still has significant upside.
For Dallas, Elam is a scheme fit and a potential long-term replacement for DaRon Bland.
New Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus comes from a Cover 2 background. Schemes change and adapt over time, but a bigger corner like Elam should fit well regardless.
Investing in Elam now provides Dallas with some flexibility. The Cowboys haven't had much financial wiggle room in recent years, and it's only going to get worse once they sign Micah Parsons to a contract extension.
Buying low on Elam, with the hopes of realizing his potential over time, means Dallas could eventually have him as Trevon Diggs' long-term bookend.
Bland's contract ends after this season. He will likely be searching for a massive extension afterward. Elam has a chance to be a cost-effective alternative.
While it didn't work out for him in Buffalo, the Bills still got something in return for a player who was far too inconsistent for their system.
Cowboys Grade: B
Bills Grade: C
Pittsburgh Steelers Add RB Kenneth Gainwell
18 of 20
Contract terms: One year, TBD (via Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz)
The Pittsburgh Steelers are taking a different approach to their run game in 2025. Jaylen Warren is set to take over the lead role after Najee Harris left for the Los Angeles Chargers, and Kenneth Gainwell will fill in behind him.
Harris' plugging style will fit nicely into Jim Harbaugh's ground-and-pound approach in L.A. Gainwell is similar to Warren in that he's far more comfortable working in space. He caught 102 passes over his first four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Harris is a reliable target as well, but he struggles to make defenders miss. Gainwell has far more wiggle.
The Steelers can still add more to their backfield during the draft, particularly with a loaded positional class. They don't have to, though, because Warren and Gainwell will give them options in both offensive phases.
Grade: B
Buffalo Bills Brings S Damar Hamlin Back
19 of 20
Contract terms: One year, TBD (via Buffalo Bills official release)
Two years ago, Damar Hamlin nearly lost his life on an NFL field. On Wednesday, he re-signed with the Buffalo Bills to continue his NFL career.
Hamlin's recovery from commotio cordis and subsequent return to the gridiron has been nothing short of extraordinary. He's more than just a good story, though. He's a darn good football player, too.
During the 2023 campaign, the Bills slowly integrated Hamlin back into the lineup. He primarily played on special teams. Somehow, he didn't win NFL Comeback Player of the Year despite the circumstances. Still, Hamlin continued to show he belongs on the field.
In 2024, Hamlin made 14 regular-season starts and finished third on the squad with 89 total tackles. His return will keep the Bills' secondary mostly intact, although cornerback Rasul Douglas remains available in free agency.
Considering the fortifications Buffalo already made along its defensive line coupled with retaining a key component along the back end, the Bills' D has all of the pieces to play excellent complementary football.
Grade: A
Other Signings
20 of 20
New York Jets Sign OL Josh Myers
Contract terms: One year, $3.5 million (via ESPN's Jeremy Fowler)
The Jets understand the value of a quality offensive line after struggling to piece one together for years. Depth is the often overlooked aspect of fielding a strong unit.
With Josh Myers' decision to join Gang Green, the Jets now have an experienced utility blocker. Myers can play any of the three interior spots, with 56 starts in his first four seasons.
Guard Alijah Vera-Tucker has an extensive injury history. Fellow guard John Simpson is entering the last year of his deal as well. Myers may see a long-term opportunity in New York despite the one-year free-agent contract.
Grade: B
Khalil Herbert Ready to Back Up Jonathan Taylor
Contract terms: One-year deal (via ESPN's Adam Schefter)
The Indianapolis Colts offense is built around running back Jonathan Taylor. He'll remain the focal point until some quarterback—whether it be Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones—fully takes the reins and opens up Shane Steichen's scheme.
However, the Colts didn't have a reliable RB2 despite their ground-and-pound approach. As a result, general manager Chris Ballard went out and signed Khalil Herbert after the start of the new league year. Herbert generated 1,775 rushing yards through his first three seasons and has averaged 4.8 yards per carry during his career.
Grade: B
A.J. Dillon Makes NFL Return with Philadelphia Eagles
Contract terms: One-year deal (via Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz)
A.J. Dillon didn't play in the NFL last season due to a neck injury. But he's been cleared by doctors. The Eagles saw an opportunity to provide a hammer as a Saquon Barkley's backup and decided to take that chance.
During Dillion's first four seasons, the 247-pound back accumulated 2,428 yards. As long as he stays healthy, the Eagles will have the most physically intimidating RB rotation in all of football.
Grade: C
Marcus Mariota Returns to Washington Commanders
Contract terms: One year, $8 million (via NFL Network's Tom Pelissero)
Marcus Mariota knows a good thing when he's a part of one. The 2015 second overall pick plans to remain in Washington as the backup to 2024 second overall draft pick and reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels.
As a veteran with extensive starting experience in a down quarterback market, Mariota might have had other options where he could have competed. Instead, he decided to agree to a one-year deal prior to the start of the new league year and remain a part of an ascending roster.
Meanwhile, the Commanders retain one of the league's better backups.
Grade: B
New York Giants Add Another Offensive Tackle
The Giants saw a problem and attacked it this offseason. Between the disappointment of Evan Neal's development and Andrew Thomas' injury history, Big Blue knew it had to add a quality swing tackle to keep the offense afloat.
Jermaine Eluemunor remains on the roster, but since the legal tampering period began, New York agreed to terms with James Hudson and Stone Forsythe. The 6'8", 307-pound Forsythe started 13 games for the Seattle Seahawks over the last two seasons.
New York is throwing numbers at offensive tackle, hoping to solidify its front five.
Grade: C
New York Jets Signs DE Rashad Weaver
Contract terms: One year, TBD (via NFL Network's Tom Pelissero)
Rashad Weaver is a lottery ticket whom the Jets hope will pay off as part of their pass-rush rotation. The 2021 fourth-round pick has ability and physical traits, but he's never put it all together. He's played in 36 games over a four-year stretch with only 5.5 sacks, all of which occurred in 2022.
Weaver joins Gang Green on a prove-it deal. Either he starts to realize some of his upside, or he won't make the Jets roster.
Grade: C
Tennessee Titans Sign WR Van Jefferson
Contract terms: One year, $2.5 million (via Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz)
Entering free agency, the Titans' wide receiver corps consisted of Calvin Ridley and... uh...
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine already agreed to terms with the Miami Dolphins. Tyler Boyd remains a free agent. Treylon Burks is still on the roster, but he's been a massive first-round disappointment.
Van Jefferson hasn't been highly productive, but he does provide a deep threat to an offense lacking one. Now, the Titans just need a quarterback to throw to him.
Grade: C
Detroit Lions Sign DT Roy Lopez
Contract terms: One year, $4.7 million (via NFL Network's Tom Pelissero)
The Lions understood that they lacked depth along the defensive interior. With Levi Onwuzurike still available in free agency, Roy Lopez comes in as Detroit's third defensive tackle behind D.J. Reader and Alim McNeill.
Reader turns 31 later this year, while McNeill has missed seven regular-season games over the last two seasons, which included a torn ACL in 2023. Lopez is a hard-nosed player who will provide quality reps, which helps solidify this unit.
Grade: B
Atlanta Falcons Sign CB Mike Ford
Contract terms: Two years, $4 million (via ESPN's Adam Schefter)
Special teams additions aren't exciting, but quality core-four special teams are critical components to any roster. The Falcons are bringing back Mike Ford to provide depth in the secondary and excel on special teams.
“I view him as an impact player," special teams coordinator Marquice Williams previously said about Ford when he played for the Falcons in 2022. "I know when he's in our room, he brings a lot of great energy, football IQ, awareness, he's positive, he's a leader, leads by example.“
Grade: C+
Buffalo Bills Add S Darrick Forrest
Contract terms: One year, TBD (via Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz)
Earlier Wednesday, the Bills announced Damar Hamlin's return to the team on a new one-year deal. They weren't done at safety, though. Darrick Forrest also agreed to a one-year deal to join the AFC East champions.
Forrest figures to be the fourth safety and a special teams contributor since Taylor Rapp and Hamlin are returning, while 2024 second-round pick Cole Bishop should push for a starting spot.
Grade: C
Los Angeles Chargers Re-Sign LB Troy Dye
Contract terms: Two years, $5.5 million (via NFL Network's Ian Rapoport)
Troy Dye's return to the Chargers ensures the team retains its depth at linebacker, while the 28-year-old remains a valuable special teams contributor.
Grade: B
San Francisco 49ers Land CB Tre Brown
Contract terms: TBD (via his agency)
The Niners don't have significant financial flexibility as they prepare to sign quarterback Brock Purdy to a massive contract extension. So, they must fill holes where they can and maybe take a chance here and there.
San Francisco's cornerback depth took a major hit when Charvarius Ward agreed to terms with the Indianapolis Colts. After dealing with injuries last season, Tre Brown is ready to come in and compete. He'll likely slide into the No. 3 cornerback role alongside Deommodore Lenoire and Renardo Green.
At worst, San Francisco added experienced depth.
Grade: B
.jpg?w=480 "Chiefs Giants Football")
.jpg?w=600 "Browns GM Speaks on Trade Buzz")
.jpg?w=600 "Jahmyr Gibbs' Back Tattoo 🎨")
.jpg?w=600 "Rams Reveal New Unis, Logo 👀")
