Breaking Down Days 2 & 3 of Free Agency
More transactions have arrived. Let’s break down days 2 and 3.
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Aaron Jones - Minnesota Vikings
Contract: 1yr/$7M
Jones is leaving Green Bay for the division-rival Vikings and will be Minnesota’s new feature back. Jones had issues with injuries in 2023, but when healthy he was a productive player. He finished last season with 5 consecutive 100-yard rushing games.
Final details of the contract haven’t been released yet, but as of now, all we know is it’s a 1-year deal for $7M.
Darnell Mooney - Atlanta Falcons
Contract: 3yr/$39M
Mooney hasn’t been able to replicate his stellar 2021 season and will look to help an already-loaded Falcons offense. Mooney recorded only 414 yards and 1 touchdown in 2023. We should see more production this season from the 4th year receiver.
This contract includes a $15M signing bonus, $26M guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $13M. In 2024, Mooney will earn a P5 salary (base salary) of $2M and carry a cap hit of $7.45M.
Derrick Henry - Baltimore Ravens
Contract: 2yr/$16M
After trying to trade for Henry last season, the Ravens were able to sign the elite back in free agency. Henry has spent his entire career in Tennessee and will look to help Baltimore get over their playoff hump and reach the Super Bowl. Even though he’s on the tail end of his career, Henry was able to put up 1,167 yards and 12 touchdowns last season.
This contract includes a $7.79M signing bonus, $9M guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $8M making him the 8th highest-paid running back in the league. In 2024 Henry will earn a P5 salary (base salary) of $1.21M and carry a cap hit of $5.105M.
Patrick Queen - Pittsburgh Steelers
Contract: 3yr/$41M
This past season Queen earned an All-Pro 2nd team nomination and will now join the division rival Steelers. Queen has seemed to love the idea of playing his former team twice a year now.
This deal includes a $11.59M signing bonus, $13.84M guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $13.66M making Queen the 5th highest-paid inside linebacker in the league. In 2024, he will earn a P5 salary (base salary) of $2.25M and carry a cap hit of $6.113M.
Danielle Hunter - Houston Texans
Contract: 2yr/$49M
After losing Jonathan Greenard the Texans respond quickly and lock down Hunter for the next two seasons. He will play alongside Will Anderson Jr. and Denico Autry in what looks to be an elite defense in Houston.
This contract includes a $21M signing bonus, $48M guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $24.5M which makes Hunter the 4th highest-paid outside linebacker in the league. In 2024, Hunter will earn a P5 salary (base salary) of $8M and carry a cap hit of $14.75M.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson - Philadelphia Eagles
Contract: 3yr/$33M
After one season in Detroit, Gardner-Johnson will be returning to Philadelphia. The 5th year safety didn’t play much last season due to injury, but still made an impact in the playoffs. With Philadelphia in 2022, he posted 6 interceptions in 12 games.
Full details of the contract aren’t known yet.
Calvin Ridley - Tennessee Titans
Contract: 4yr/$92M
The Titans seemed to come out of nowhere when signing Ridley as it seemed to be between New England and Jacksonville to sign the receiver. Tennessee gave him an offer he couldn’t turn down and he’ll now be paired with DeAndre Hopkins to try and help young QB Will Levis.
This contract includes a $20M signing bonus, $50M guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $23M making him the 8th highest paid wide receiver in the league. In 2024, Ridley will earn a P5 (base salary) of $4.49M and carry a cap hit of $10M.
Jonah Williams - Arizona Cardinals
Contract: 2yr/$30M
Williams will look to replace D.J. Humphries who was released prior to this signing. Arizona gets younger and healthier at this position. Williams served as one of the best offensive linemen for Cincinnati and will now be protecting Kyler Murray, likely back at left tackle.
The deal includes a $14M signing bonus, $21.5M guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $15M. In 2024, Williams will earn a P5 (base salary) of $2.5M and carry a cap hit of $6.61M.
Sheldon Rankins - Cincinnati Bengals
Contract: 2yr/$24.5M
After a solid season in Houston, Rankins will replace D.J. Reader on Cincinnati’s defensive line. In 2023, Rankins posted 6 sacks and 10 quarterback hits.
This deal includes $8M guaranteed and an average annual salary of $12.25M. In 2024, Rankins will earn a P5 salary (base salary) of $5.45M and carry a cap hit of $11.94M.
Darious Williams - Los Angeles Rams
Contract: 3yr/$22.5M
Williams is back with the Rams after a two-year stint with Jacksonville. Williams was an important piece on the Rams 2021 Super Bowl team and will help boost a weaker cornerback room in LA. In 2023, Williams recorded 4 interceptions and 19 pass breakups.
This contract includes a $3.5M signing bonus, $7M guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $7.5M. In 2024, Williams will earn a P5 (base salary) of $3.5M and carry a cap hit of $4.66M.
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Other Notable Signings
Tyrod Taylor - New York Jets (2yr/$12M)
Sam Darnold - Minnesota Vikings (1yr/$10M)
Marcus Mariota - Washington Commanders (1yr/$6M)
Jameis Winston - Cleveland Browns (1yr/$8.7M)
Drew Lock - New York Giants (1yr/$5M)
DeVante Parker - Philadelphia Eagles (1yr/$4.69M)
Lavonte David - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1yr/$9M)
Jordan Poyer - Miami Dolphins (1yr/$TBD)
Willie Gay Jr. - New Orleans Saints (1yr/$TBD)
Mason Rudolph - Tennessee Titans (1yr/$2.87M)
Bobby Wagner - Washington Commanders (1yr/$8.5M)
Joe Flacco - Indianapolis Colts (1yr/$4.5M)
Mike Gesicki - Cincinnati Bengals (1yr/$3.25M)
Eric Kendricks - Dallas Cowboys (1yr/$TBD)
Jake Elliott - Philadelphia Eagles (4yr/$24M)
Jordan Whitehead - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2yr/$9M)
Kenny Moore - Indianapolis Colts (3yr/$30M)
Josh Uche - New England Patriots (1yr/$3M)
Raekwon Davis - Indianapolis Colts (2yr/$14M)
Anfernee Jennings - New England Patriots (3yr/$12M)
Austin Hooper - New England Patriots (1yr/$3M)