2022 NFL Free-Agent Signings, Trades Grades for Friday's Major Moves
Now two days into the official start of the new league year, the NFL looks vastly different today than it did a week ago.
Davante Adams is a member of the Las Vegas Raiders. Elite pass-rushers Chandler Jones and Von Miller, joined the Raiders and Buffalo Bills, respectively. Allen Robinson II agreed to play with the reigning Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams.
And on Friday, Deshaun Watson was traded to the Cleveland Browns.
Significant talent still sits on the market, with names such as Julio Jones, Jarvis Landry, Bobby Wagner, Za'Darius Smith, Tyrann Mathieu, Terron Armstead and more yet to sign anywhere.
As always, Bleacher Report will update all of the latest acquisitions and assign grades to each in an effort to determine whether these moves actively help or hurt their corresponding teams.
Cleveland Browns Enter AFC Race by Making Biggest Splash of Offseason
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After 23 years of wandering in the wilderness of quarterback ineptitude, the Cleveland Browns finally got their guy. Deshaun Watson made his decision to waive his no-trade clause and join the Browns, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
True difference-makers behind center are quite rare, and their overall value is incalculable. Quarterback is the most important position in all of sports. QBs serve as the faces of billion-dollar franchises. They affect the game more than any other position. Teams without quality quarterbacks are at a disadvantage every time they take the field. And the Browns know this better than any team in history after cycling through 32 starting quarterbacks since the organization's rebirth in 1999.
The price is three first-round picks and two more draft selections.
The move immediately places the Browns in the thick of a red-hot AFC arms race. Watson is the second high-profile addition to the conference after the Denver Broncos traded for Russell Wilson. Meanwhile, other teams have been loading up to stop the likes of Wilson, Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow and now Watson.
The Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers responded by beefing up their pass rush with Chandler Jones and Khalil Mack, respectively. To keep pace, the Cincinnati Bengals signed multiple offensive linemen to keep Burrow upright. The league is changing rather quickly, and the quarterbacks are defining moves at every level.
For the Browns, they got their guy and signed him to a staggering five-year, $230 million contract extension, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
But there is some downside with this particular deal. Cleveland completed the transaction not knowing how the NFL will handle the 22 pending civil lawsuits against Watson alleging sexual assault and sexual misconduct. A suspension should be expected going into this season. This deal wouldn't have even been completed if not for a grand jury deciding not to indict him on any of the nine criminal complaints against him.
Once the league finally levies a decision regarding Watson's status for the 2022 campaign, the Browns can move forward knowing they have one of the league's best young signal-callers.
Grade: A-
Dante Fowler Jr. Reunites with Dan Quinn in Dallas
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The ties that bind are strong with Dan Quinn and his Dallas Cowboys defense.
Last year, the organization brought in Keanu Neal and Damontae Kazee, who previously played for Quinn during his time as the Atlanta Falcons head coach. Both became big contributors to help the unit transition under Quinn's supervision.
Both Neal and Kazee are free agents. But the Cowboys decided to dip into Quinn's history once again by signing Dante Fowler Jr. to a one-year deal, per The Athletic's Jon Machota.
Fowler signed a three-year, $45 million free-agent contract with the Atlanta Falcons prior to the start of the 2020 season. His two years in Atlanta didn't go as planned with only 7.5 sacks. Obviously, Quinn still sees something in him based on their shared experience at the University of Florida and Atlanta.
The Cowboys had to address defensive end after botching the Randy Gregory contract negotiation. Fowler should slot opposite DeMarcus Lawrence while Micah Parsons sees increased reps as a pass-rusher.
Quinn helped turn around a historically bad defense. The reigning NFL Assistant Coach of the Year knows the types of players he needs for his system to work. Those with previous experience playing for him help implement the scheme.
Fowler disappointed in Atlanta. He never became what Quinn and that organization envisioned. However, he's a good fit for Dallas now at what is likely a discounted price.
Grade: B
Carolina Panthers Continue to Build in the Trenches
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The Carolina Panthers inexplicably opened last year's free-agency period by signing Cam Erving and Pat Elflein. Quarterback may not be solved, the but team is trying to right its previous wrongs along the offensive line.
Carolina ranked 31st in offensive line performance during the 2021 campaign, according to Pro Football Focus.
"John Miller and Michael Jordan, who played just 21 games combined, allowed 13 sacks from their guard spots, and three different linemen earned PFF pass-blocking grades lower than 40.0," Sam Monson wrote.
Taylor Moton is one of the league's best right tackles. From there, the group is a disaster. But the Panthers are quickly rectifying the situation. The team already agreed to terms with Austin Corbett, who will take over at right guard. On Friday, Carolina reached a one-year deal with Bradley Bozeman, per Pro Football Network's Aaron Wilson.
Bozeman started all but one game over the last three seasons. He originally played guard before moving to center. The four-year veteran can be a solidifying force as the team's snapper with multiple positions up front now addressed.
Left tackle remains a concern with Erving still slotted there, but the Panthers were atrocious along their interior. They should be much stronger now after adding Corbett and Bozeman.
Grade: B
JuJu Smith-Schuster Joins the Kansas City Chiefs
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As the rest of the NFL remains in shock from the Cleveland Browns' acquisition of quarterback Deshaun Watson, the Kansas City Chiefs continue to go about their business and reload.
The Chiefs have been the class of the AFC for years. Andy Reid's crew has consistently been the league's most dynamic and explosive team since Patrick Mahomes became the starting quarterback in 2018.
To take full advantage of Mahomes' unique skill set, the Chiefs must find weapons who can create within the offense.
Obviously, the Chiefs already feature Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. However, quality complementary pieces take an already elite offense and make it downright unguardable.
With that in mind, the Chiefs agreed to terms with wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, per NFL Network's Taylor Bisciotti. Four years ago, Smith-Schuster looked like an emerging star when he amassed 111 receptions for 1,426 yards in just his second season. But Antonio Brown's departure, Ben Roethlisberger's decline and injuries limited the wide receiver's play.
Now, he'll get an opportunity to serve as the second or third option again and potentially return to the dangerous weapon he looked to be at the onset of his career.
Grade: B
Austin Hooper Finds New Home with Tennessee Titans
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A day after being released by the Cleveland Browns, tight end Austin Hooper found a new home.
When the Browns originally signed Hooper in 2020, he went to Pro Bowls the previous two seasons. The tight end was never the most explosive weapon or a consistent mismatch, but he proved to be a reliable target within the Atlanta Falcons scheme.
In Cleveland, the 27-year-old target didn't produce to the same level, struggled with some inconsistency and didn't warrant being one of the league's highest-paid tight ends, which he was. So the Browns released him Thursday and saved $9.5 million toward the 2022 salary cap (and everyone now knows where that money will go).
Hooper's release is a classic case of play not corresponding with pay. Even so, he's a proven tight end and a quality contributor as a blocker and pass-catcher. As such, he agreed to a one-year, $6 million contract Friday with the Tennessee Titans, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
The seventh-year veteran is a true Y-tight end, unlike Anthony Firkser, who previously served as the Titans' top option at the position, though he's currently a free agent. Hooper can immediately help in both phases of the game since the Titans like to run the outside zone and the veteran spent the past two seasons in a similar system.
Grade: C+
Pass-Rusher Follows Matt Eberflus to Chicago Bears
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With Khalil Mack no longer a member of the Chicago Bears, they needed to find a bookend for Robert Quinn. They did with Al-Quadin Muhammad. The 26-year-old edge defender agreed to a two-year, $10 million contract, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Muhammad's inclusion to the lineup is a logical step in the rebuilding process since he previously played under head coach Matt Eberflus, who served as his defensive coordinator with the Indianapolis Colts.
Over time, the 2017 sixth-round draft pick emerged as a starter in Indianapolis. Muhammad set career highs last season with 48 total tackles, seven tackles for loss and six sacks.
Obviously, the Bears can't adequately replace Mack's skill set. When healthy, the 2016 NFL Defensive Player of the Year is a wrecking ball. But Mack is now 31 and coming off a season-ending foot injury. The new Bears regime gained valuable draft assets (second- and sixth-round picks) and salary-cap relief by moving the six-time Pro Bowler.
Muhammad shouldn't be held to the same standard as Mack, but he's an excellent fit for the incoming defensive scheme and a solid starting option.
Grade: B-
Carolina Panthers Ink DJ Moore to Long-Term Extension
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The Carolina Panthers are now tied to their top wide receiver, DJ Moore, through the 2025 campaign after the two sides agreed to a three-year, $61.9 million contract extension, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Moore is only 24 years old and finished 11th in the NFL last season with 1,157 receiving yards despite horrific quarterback play in Carolina. The 2018 first-round draft pick led the Panthers in receiving in each of the last three seasons.
Retaining the receiver makes the Panthers a better long-term destination for whichever quarterback eventually takes over the offense. Obviously, the organization whiffed when trying to court Deshaun Watson. But owner David Tepper appears adamant about finding a difference-maker.
While the Panthers search for their next starting quarterback, they can do so knowing they have a true No. 1 target already on the roster and ready to explode with a better play behind center.
Moore creates some certainty within the Panthers skill positions—the team entered trade overtures for fellow receiver Robby Anderson earlier this offseason, according to Boston Sports Journal's Greg Bedard (h/t NFL Network's Mike Giardi). Christian McCaffrey's long-term status is in question, too, due to his extensive injury history and massive contract.
Grade: A
Matt Ioannidis Joins Carolina Panthers, Reunites with Matt Rhule
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Matt Ioannidis spent three seasons playing for Matt Rhule at Temple. Once the Washington Commanders released Ioannidis—to his utter surprise—a pairing with the Carolina Panthers to play for his old college coach became a natural fit. The two sides agreed to a one-year deal Friday, per Pro Football Network's Aaron Wilson.
Rhule is only part of the equation, though. Defensive coordinator Phil Snow served in the same role with the Owls when Ioannidis attended the university. The defensive lineman should seamlessly slide into the unit's rotation.
However, the 28-year-old shouldn't be viewed as an every-down defender.
He'll join Derrick Brown and Bravvion Roy along the interior. Ioannidis is a hard-nosed player, but his real value derives from his ability to collapse the pocket and rush the passer. Ioannidis managed 24.5 sacks and 59 quarterback hits over the last five seasons while playing in a part-time role.
Besides, the Panthers simply lacked depth along the defensive line before reaching this agreement. The organization released Morgan Fox before the start of the new league year, and Daquan Jones signed a free-agent deal with the Buffalo Bills.
Grade: B+
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Land DB Logan Ryan
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When Jordan Whitehead chose to sign with the New York Jets, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were down a starting safety. The organization responded by signing Logan Ryan to a one-year deal, according to NFL reporter Josina Anderson.
While the Bucs are getting older in their secondary—Ryan, 31, is six years older than Whitehead—the experience and versatility they added will help shape the entire defense.
At one point in time, Ryan was counted among the league's elite nickel corners. In fact, he led NFL cornerbacks in tackles during the 2019 campaign. He then converted to safety when he joined the New York Giants. The nine-year veteran finished fourth among all defensive backs this past season with 117 total stops. Ryan brings a certain level of accountability to the field as both a run and pass defender.
Also, the defensive back's ability to play nickel and both safety spots retains the type of flexibility within Tampa Bay's defensive scheme that Whitehead also provided.
Ryan may be a short-term solution, but he's clearly more than capable of handling everything that will be asked of him in Todd Bowles' aggressive defensive approach. The veteran should slide right into Whitehead's vacated role and thrive.
Grade: B+
Dallas Cowboys Bring Leighton Vander Esch Back
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A year ago, the Dallas Cowboys declined the fifth-year option on linebacker Leighton Vander Esch's rookie deal. Usually, the move signals an eventual departure for a failed first-round draft pick.
In the case of Vander Esch, the 26-year-old's best season came during his rookie campaign when he accumulated 140 total tackles, went to the Pro Bowl and received a second-team All-Pro nod. Injuries marred his next two seasons, which played a part in the Cowboys' aforementioned decision.
Last season, Vander Esch played in all of the team's games and maintained a starting spot. Micah Parsons was the only linebacker to play more snaps last season, and the reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year is a hybrid defender capable of playing off the ball and along the defensive front.
Essentially, the Cowboys gave Vander Esch his fifth-year option back since the two sides agreed to a new one-year deal Friday, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
With Vander Esch back in the fold, the Cowboys are set at linebacker. It's a young and talented group with Parsons leading the way and Jabril Cox coming back from a torn ACL. According to Rapoport, Parsons is expected to work off the edge even more this season, which makes Vander Esch's retention that much more important.
Grade: B
Denver Broncos Re-Sign DL DeShawn Williams
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Originally, the Denver Broncos chose not to tender defensive lineman DeShawn Williams at the onset of the new league year. Instead, the team simply re-signed the 29-year-old to a one-year deal Friday, per the Denver Post's Ryan O'Halloran.
The move itself won't have a drastic effect on the Broncos' lineup. In essence, Williams' retention maintains the depth the team featured last season to go along with the inclusion of D.J. Jones along the interior.
But Williams has been a consistent option within the Broncos' defensive line rotation for the past year. He posted a career-high 39 total tackles last season.
A short-term prove-it deal is a minimal investment to make sure the defensive interior remains solid beyond the starting lineup.
Grade: C
Other Signings
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Durham Smythe returns to Miami Dolphins
The tight end position will be vital in Mike McDaniels' offensive scheme. The Dolphins already placed the franchise tag on Mike Gesicki, who should be a featured component in the system. But the Shanahan-inspired zone stretch often utilizes two-TE sets.
No problem. The Dolphins re-signed Durham Smythe to a two-year, $8 million contract, according to ESPN's Field Yates. Smythe set career highs last season with 34 receptions for 357 yards.
Grade: C+
Quinton Jefferson travels back to Great Northwest
Quinton Jefferson just can't quit the Seattle Seahawks. Maybe it is the other way around. Either way, Jefferson is back for his third stint after agreeing to a two-year, $9.5 million contact, per CBS Sport's Josina Anderson.
The Seahawks are reworking their entire defensive front. The organization released Carlos Dunlap II and Kerry Hyder after acquiring Shelby Harris and Uchenna Nwosu. Jefferson should provide a disruptive interior presence for new defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt.
Grade: C
Alex Singleton joins the Denver Broncos
The Philadelphia Eagles released Alex Singleton despite the fact that he led the team in tackles the last two seasons. The Broncos announced that they signed him. He's an immediate replacement for A.J. Johnson, who remains a free agent. The team also brought back Josey Jewell. Inside linebacker should be set in Ejiro Evero's defensive scheme, which he brings from the Los Angeles Rams.
Grade: B
Eagles bring back Anthony Harris, Boston Scott
The Eagles made sure to get their affairs in order by bringing back two solid contributors on one-year deals. Both running back Boston Scott (reported by NFL Network's Tom Pelissero) and safety Anthony Harris (announced by the team) will be featured players once again. Harris' return is particularly important because Philadelphia had significant concerns in its secondary. The 30-year-old defensive back will provide plenty of guidance along the back line. Scott, meanwhile, adds in the run and pass games, with the capability of returning kicks.
Grades: B+
Las Vegas Raiders sign RB Ameer Abdullah
Josh McDaniels comes from a New England Patriots system that loves having a deep running back stable with various skill sets. His Raiders are taking the same approach. With Josh Jacobs and Kenyan Drake already on the roster, Las Vegas signed both Brandon Bolden and Ameer Abdullah in free agency.
According to Pro Football Focus' Ari Meirov, Abdullah will join the team on a one-year deal. The 28-year-old ball-carrier provides value as a runner, receiver and return specialist. Last season, Abdullah finished 10th overall with 646 kick return yards. The Raiders, meanwhile, ranked among the league's bottom 10 in kick return average.
Grade: C+
LB Ja'Whaun Bentley re-ups with New England Patriots
The Patriots targeted linebacker as an area of concern entering free agency. After all, Dont'a Hightower and Ja'Whaun Bentley were free agents. But the latter is coming back for another year. Bentley is set to return as the two sides close in on an agreement, per ESPN's Mike Reiss and Field Yates.
The four-year veteran led the Patriots last season with 109 total tackles. His return helps solidify a group that no longer has Kyle Van Noy after his release but now includes Mack Wilson, courtesy of the Chase Winovich trade.
Grade: B
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