NFL Free Agency Tracker 2024: Signings, Rumors & News

NFL free agency is upon us. As deals roll in, the Sharp Football staff will break them down with analysis for every major move.

This page will be updated throughout the first wave of free agency, so be sure to check back often.

Statistics from TruMedia unless noted otherwise. Salary information from Over The Cap.

Click here for a full list of available free agents and signings

Jump to:

Austin Ekeler joins Commanders | Giants trade for Brian Burns | Saquon Barkley jumps to the Eagles | Aaron Jones cut after Josh Jacobs signing | Josh Jacobs joins Packers | Justin Jefferson’s outlook without Cousins | Kirk Cousins signs massive deal with Falcons | Gardner Minshew gets $15 million guaranteed | Gabe Davis lands with the Jaguars | Gus Edwards signs with Chargers | Patriots bring in Antonio Gibson | Devin Singletary replaces Saquon in New York | Rams spend big on offensive line | Christian Wilkins lands with Raiders | Eagles give $51 million to Bryce Huff | Tony Pollard signs with Titans | Vikings sign EDGE Jonathan Greenard | D’Andre Swift lands with the Bears | Russell Wilson signs with Steelers | Tee Higgins requests trade | Baker Mayfield re-signs with the Bucs | Mac Jones traded to Jaguars | Notable pre free agency signings | Diontae Johnson on the trade block?

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Austin Ekeler joins Commanders

A big day for running backs continues with Austin Ekeler joining the Commanders on a two-year, $11.4 million contract.

That yearly value comes in significantly lower than even Tony Pollard and D’Andre Swift and close to where Devin Singletary ended up.

Ekeler will be 29 in May and is coming off a down season, but that is still a surprisingly team-friendly deal for a player who scored 38 touchdowns combined in 2021 and 2022.

Rich Hribar will have more on the fantasy implication of Ekeler’s move soon.

Giants trade for Brian Burns

Less than a year and a half after turning down an offer that included two first-round picks for Brian Burns, the Panthers are trading the edge rusher for significantly less.

The Panthers received a 2024 second-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick from the Giants in exchange for Burns, who agreed to a five-year, $150 million contract with New York.

For the Giants, they are getting a soon-to-be 26-year-old pass rusher who has averaged over nine sacks per season thus far in his career.

Burns finished 11th among all edge rushers in ESPN’s pass rush win rate last season, although his pressure rate has not been elite to this point in his career.

The Giants will add Burns to a defensive front that already has Dexter Lawrence and Kayvon Thibodeaux.

Saquon Barkley jumps to the Eagles

A busy day of running back signings continues.

Saquon Barkley is jumping to another team in the NFC East, agreeing to a three-year, $37.8 million contract with the Eagles.

As Warren Sharp notes, Barkley should find more running room in Philly.

Rich Hribar looks at Saquon Barkley’s fantasy value after joining the Eagles.

Aaron Jones cut after Josh Jacobs signing

With Josh Jacobs joining the Packers, Aaron Jones is expected to be cut.

Jones struggled with injuries last season, playing in just 11 games and being limited in several of those.

He showed his class in the playoffs, though, rushing for 5.8 yards per carry and recording an explosive run on 15.4% of his carries.

His age (29) and injury issues last year are a concern, but Jones is still one of the top backs in the league.

He could end up being a value signing in a shockingly hot running back market.

Josh Jacobs joins Packers

Unsurprisingly, Josh Jacobs‘ time with the Raiders is officially over.

Jacobs will reportedly join the Packers on a massive four-year, $48 million contract.

Rich Hribar broke down the fantasy football ramification for Josh Jacobs as well as what Zamir White’s role could look like with Jacobs no longer in Las Vegas. 

Justin Jefferson’s outlook without Cousins

With Kirk Cousins gone, Minnesota currently sits with only Jaren Hall, Nick Mullens, and Joshua Dobbs at quarterback.

That will certainly not be where things settle, but there is no clear upgrade to Cousins on the horizon, either.

That includes the draft capital Minnesota has access to at No. 11 overall.

Justin Jefferson has 585 career targets in the regular and postseason. 527 of them have come with Cousins on the field.

Jefferson splits with and without Cousins:

The good news is that Jefferson has found a way to production and spike weeks without Cousins.

That said, the loss of Cousins may be enough to split hairs between selecting Jefferson versus taking Tyreek Hill, CeeDee Lamb, or Ja’Marr Chase at the front of drafts at the position if we do not get a strong addition.

When Jefferson returned to a Cousins-less lineup last season, he ended those weeks as the WR63, WR22, WR7, WR34, and WR1 in overall scoring.

Without a strong addition, Jefferson will carry more weekly volatility and a lower weekly floor than at any point in his career.

The 2023 fantasy season was filled with elite talent who struggled to overcome subpar quarterback situations.

Ask fantasy gamers who rostered Davante Adams last season what that weekly life was like.

Kirk Cousins signs massive deal with Falcons

The Falcons have been in quarterback purgatory since the departure of Matt Ryan. They will hope they put an end to that this spring.

As had been rumored, Kirk Cousins signed with the Falcons on a four-year, $180 million contract, ending his tenure with the Vikings.

Warren Sharp broke down what the Cousins signing means for the Falcons moving forward.

Rich Hirbar dove deep on the fantasy implications for Cousins as well as Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts. 

Gardner Minshew gets $15 million guaranteed

There were short-lived rumors about the Raiders trading for Justin Fields, but they decided to sign Gardner Minshew to a two-year, $25 million contract.

That deal includes $15 million guaranteed, a good chunk of change that suggests Minshew has a strong chance to earn the starting job in Las Vegas.

As it stands, the Raiders have just Aidan O’Connell and Anthony Brown on the quarterback depth chart with Minshew.

While Minshew is not a high-end starter, he finished a solid enough 19th among 32 qualifying quarterbacks in EPA per play last season and had the Colts within striking distance of the playoffs.

He should be able to keep this offense afloat, but the Raiders should be looking to do better if possible.

Davante Adams fantasy managers would certainly appreciate it.

Gabe Davis lands with the Jaguars

With Calvin Ridley still unsigned, the Jaguars made a move to bolster their receiver room, signing Gabe Davis away from the Bills on a three-year, $39 million contract.

Davis was a complementary deep threat to Stefon Diggs in Buffalo, averaging nearly 15 air yards per target throughout his career.

That usage limited both his volume and efficiency.

Davis never saw more than 17% of the Bills targets in any season, and he averaged 1.41 yards per route run in Buffalo.

That average would have ranked 59th among qualifying WRs last season. Davis actually ranked 63rd in yards per route run in 2023 among that same group.

Nothing in Davis’ profile suggests he is a true No. 1 receiving option capable of earning a large target share, suggesting there is still a chance Ridley is brought back.

If not, the Jaguars will head into 2024 with a fairly high-priced duo of Davis and Christian Kirk that still leaves a lot to be desired.

Gus Edwards signs with Chargers

This just makes too much sense.

Jim Harbaugh‘s first official signing is the big, bruising running back Gus Edwards, who will reunite with former Ravens OC Greg Roman.

Even with current free agent Austin Ekeler leading the backfield, the Chargers have been desperate for a back like Edwards for several seasons.

Edwards was not as efficient last year, but he has averaged 4.9 yards per carry throughout his career.

He will not offer much in the passing game, but Edwards can be the early-down workhorse that Harbaugh and Roman almost certainly want.

That lack of receiving work will keep Edwards more of a touchdown-dependent fantasy option, especially if the Chargers bring back Ekeler or spend early draft capital on a running back.

Still, there is a path here for weekly fantasy value.

Patriots bring in Antonio Gibson

Antonio Gibson joining the Patriots will get lost among the bigger running back moves on the first day of free agency, but it is an interesting signing.

Gibson never lived up to the fantasy hype in Washington, but he quietly averaged nearly 1,100 yards from scrimmage over his four seasons with the Commanders.

He was also a solid enough receiver, averaging 1.3 yards per route run on nearly 1,000 routes in four seasons.

That receiving ability could be his calling card with the Patriots.

While Rhamondre Stevenson is still there and has caught 107 passes in 29 games over the last two seasons, he has been more of a check-down, emergency option than a true receiving threat.

Stevenson’s 4.7 yards per target ranks 47th among 66 qualified backs over the last two seasons.

Gibson ranks 15th among that group with 6.3 yards per target in a similarly difficult offensive situation.

It makes sense for Gibson to take on a bigger role in the passing game, something that is more likely to tank Stevenson’s fantasy value rather than give Gibson real standalone appeal in what is likely to be a lackluster Patriots offense.

Devin Singletary replaces Saquon in New York

With Saquon Barkley jumping to the division-rival Eagles, the Giants brought in Devin Singletary on a three-year, $16.5 million contract.

It is a reunion for Singletary, who played for Brian Daboll in Buffalo.

Singletary did not set the world on fire for the Texans last season, but he was clearly better than Dameon Pierce and gave the team some semblance of a running game later in the season.

Unfortunately, the Giants finished 31st in ESPN’s run block win rate last season, creating just 0.88 yards before contact on running back runs (29th).

The Giants did make a big move in signing OG Jon Runyan early in free agency, but Singletary does not appear to be headed to a better offensive situation than the one in Houston last year.

Rams spend big on offensive line

The Rams have spent big to upgrade their offensive line.

After re-signing Kevin Dotson to a three-year, $48 million extension, the Rams splashed more cash on Jonah Jackson, getting him from the Lions on a three-year, $51 million contract.

The Rams struggled in pass protection last season and were at best average as a run blocking unit.

Jackson comes with some injury concerns, but he should be an upgrade. Signing Jackson could also allow the Rams to move second-year player Steve Avila to center.

With Tyler Higbee recovering from a serious injury, the Rams also gave out a three-year, $22.5 million contract to Colby Parkinson.

After nailing nearly everything in their reset year in 2023, the Rams are building up for another run with Matthew Stafford.

Christian Wilkins lands with Raiders

One of the highest profile free agents available this spring, it is not a surprise Christian Wilkins landed a monster deal.

Wilkins signed a four-year, $110 million contract with the Raiders, setting up a great one-two punch with Maxx Crosby on the outside.

Even with Crosby, the Raiders were 18th in pressure rate last season.

Wilkins was 13th in ESPN’s pass rush win rate in 2023 and recorded nine sacks.

Especially if Tyree Wilson can take a step forward in his second season, the Raiders should create a lot more pressure in 2024.

Eagles give $51 million to Bryce Huff

The Eagles bolstered their pass rush with a three-year, $51 million deal with ex-Jets EDGE Bryce Huff.

Huff broke out in 2023, recording 10 sacks after just 7.5 combined over his first three years in the league.

That production was attached to an excellent 21.3% pressure rate, second among all players with at least 200 pass rush snaps, but Huff was still just a part-time player.

Will the Eagles ask him to be more given the investment? Can Huff keep up that production in a bigger role?

Those are still open questions, but Huff at least flashed high-end disruption in 2023.

Tony Pollard signs with Titans

In one of the more surprising moves of the early free agent period, Tony Pollard signed a three-year, $24 million contract with the Titans.

Rich Hribar breaks down the fantasy football implications for Pollard and Tyjae Spears as part of our fantasy football draft kit. 

Vikings sign EDGE Jonathan Greenard

With Danielle Hunter seemingly on his way out the door, the Vikings bolstered their pass rushing group by signing former Texans EDGE Jonathan Greenard to a four-year, $76 million deal.

Greenard did not quite match Hunter’s 16.5 sacks last season, but he pitched in 12.5 of his own in the final year of his rookie deal.

Greenard actually beat out Hunter in ESPN’s pass rush win rate, finishing sixth among all EDGE players in 2023.

Those 12.5 sacks last season represent more than half of his career total, and the 15 games he managed last year were a career-high.

Those are certainly concerns, but Greenard appears to be trending the right way heading into what should be the prime of his career.

D’Andre Swift lands with the Bears

The first running back domino has fallen in the 2024 free agent class.

D’Andre Swift is heading back to the NFC North after agreeing to a three-year, $24.5 million contract with the Bears.

Swift finally saw extended usage with the Eagles last season, and he delivered with 1,263 yards from scrimmage and six total touchdowns.

From a fantasy perspective, Swift was just the RB24 in half-PPR per-game scoring thanks in large part to his lack of touchdown equity playing with Jalen Hurts.

That was something of an issue for the Bears last season with Justin Fields finishing sixth in goal-to-go rushes (8) among quarterbacks despite playing in just 13 games.

Of course, Fields is not expected to be back with the Bears next season, but expected No. 1 pick Caleb Williams had seven rushing touchdowns from inside of the five-yard line at USC last year.

While touchdowns could remain a concern for Swift, he is headed into what was a good situation for running backs in 2023.

The Bears finished seventh in yards before contact per rush on RB runs last season and second in ESPN’s run block win rate despite facing a lot of loaded boxes.

That success does raise questions about how much the Bears really needed Swift, but at worst he should be a plus in the passing game.

Last year, the Bears ranked 31st when targeting RBs in both yards per attempt (4.4) and success rate (31%).

Swift’s yards per target did fall back to 4.4 with the Eagles last season, but he averaged 5.8 yards per target in 40 games with the Lions.

Russell Wilson signs with Steelers

It has not been a strong run for Russell Wilson over the last two seasons.

Even so, there was never any doubt he would find a new home in free agency, and it turns out that home will be in Pittsburgh.

Wilson signed a one-year, team-friendly deal with the Steelers, highlighting how far his star has fallen, but he is still the strong favorite to start over Kenny Pickett in 2024.

Is that a good thing for the Steelers?

It could be a great thing for George Pickens given where Wilson was willing to throw the ball last season, but Russ comes with serious questions.

Stuck in quarterback purgatory for several seasons, the Steelers needed to try something. Unlike the Broncos, bringing in Wilson will not destroy the Steelers’ salary cap and draft capital for years to come.

Still, it is more than fair to be skeptical about Wilson’s ability to elevate this team.

Tee Higgins requests trade

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that franchise-tagged Bengals WR Tee Higgins has requested a trade.

According to Schefter, Higgins is “disappointed” the Bengals have not discussed a long-term extension with him “since March 2023.”

What was once a strong receiver class looks thinner with Higgins and Michael Pittman Jr. franchise tagged and Mike Evans back in Tampa.

That would suggest a strong market for Higgins, but the incoming rookie class is loaded with talent.

As Warren Sharp noted, keeping Higgins may not be that big a concern for Joe Burrow.

Baker Mayfield re-signs with the Bucs

As was expected all offseason, Baker Mayfield will be staying in Tampa Bay.

The quarterback signed a three-year, $100 million extension on the eve of free agency. The deal includes $50 million in guaranteed money.

Warren Sharp outlined why Mayfield’s 2023 season might not have been as good as it looked on the surface.

Click here for his in-depth reaction to Baker Mayfield re-signing with the Bucs.

Mac Jones traded to Jaguars

The writing has been on the wall for Mac Jones in New England for several months, and he is now officially out the door.

The Jaguars traded a sixth-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft for the former No. 15 overall pick, reuniting him with 2021 classmate Trevor Lawrence.

Jacksonville almost certainly views Jones as a capable backup for Lawrence rather than competition, something that is needed given how much time quarterbacks missed around the league last year, but it is notable Lawrence did not make any major strides himself last season.

And as Warren Sharp noted, Lawrence has a lackluster record when not receiving any help from his defense.

Notable pre free agency signings

The franchise tag was receiver and defense-heavy this season.

Here is the full list of franchise-tagged players for the 2024 NFL season:

• Tee Higgins, WR, Bengals
• Michael Pittman Jr, WR, Colts
• Josh Allen, EDGE, Jaguars
• Brian Burns, EDGE, Panthers
• Justin Madubuike, DT, Ravens
• Jaylon Johnson, CB, Bears
• L’Jarius Sneed, CB, Chiefs
• Antoine Winfield Jr, S, Bucs
• Kyle Dugger, S, Patriots (transition tag)

A few of those franchise players have already signed long-term deals.

The Colts made it clear they planned to keep Michael Pittman Jr. around, and they did just that with a three-year, $70 million extension just before the open of free agency.

Pittman easily paced the Colts with 156 targets a season ago, the ninth-most in the league last year.

Now re-signed, Pittman will be the No. 1 target for Anthony Richardson, which could help him unlock a fantasy ceiling we have not seen to this point in his career.

Pittman was less efficient with the rookie quarterback last year, but he averaged two full air yards more per target with Richardson under center.

If Richardson continues to develop as a passer, Pittman could become less reliant on volume for fantasy points.

Coming off a second-team All-Pro season, Jaylon Johnson earned a four-year, $76 million contract extension from the Bears including $54 million guaranteed.

He was a major part of an underrated Bears defense that finished 12th in yards per attempt allowed and 15th in defensive EPA per dropback.

That Bears secondary also added Kevin Byard on a two-year, $15 million contract. The 30-year-old might not be the same All-Pro he was at times in Tennessee, but he is another strong addition to a blossoming Bears roster.

Justin Madubuike also earned a massive deal with his play last season, signing a four-year, $98 million contract that includes $75.5 million guaranteed.

Madubuike broke out for 13 sacks in 2023 on his way to second-team All-Pro honors.

The top of the defensive line market took another hit when the Chiefs re-signed Chris Jones to a five-year, $160 million contract that includes $95 million guaranteed.

An All-Pro in five of the last six seasons, Jones is a major factor in the Chiefs’ recent run of excellence. He has 26 sacks over the last two seasons.

The Chiefs also re-signed Drue Tranquill to a three-year, $19 million contract as they look to keep their excellent 2023 defense together for another year.

On the offensive side of the ball, Mike Evans did not draw a franchise tag like Higgins and Pittman, but he will be staying in Tampa Bay with a two-year, $41 million contract.

Perhaps the most underrated receiver in the league over the last decade, Evans has topped 1,000 yards receiving in each of his 10 seasons in the league, and he bounced back with 13 touchdowns last year.

Baker Mayfield has also re-signed in Tampa, as noted above.

With Mayfield throwing all but two of the Bucs’ passes last season, Evans had a team-high 24.7% target share and averaged 0.4 EPA per target, which was the 17th-best mark among 80 receivers with at least 50 targets.

Kendrick Bourne will remain in New England after signing a three-year, $19.5 million contract on the eve of free agency.

Bourne was on his way to a career-best season with a 37-406-4 line through eight games, but a torn ACL cut his season short.

Bourne is not the No. 1 receiver option the Patriots desperately need, but he can play a supporting role for whoever lines up under center in New England in 2024.

An already thin tight end market got even thinner before free agency opened.

Dalton Schultz re-signed with the Texans for three years and $36 million, and Hunter Henry re-signed with the Patriots for three years and $30 million.

Diontae Johnson on the trade block?

The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reports the Steelers are “open to listening to trade offers” for Diontae Johnson.

Johnson signed a two-year extension ahead of the 2022 season, a season in which he failed to score a touchdown and struggled with efficiency.

He bounced back somewhat despite continued lackluster quarterback play in 2023, setting a career-high with 1.97 yards per route run (29th among qualifying receivers) and in downfield usage.

There is a big difference between listening to offers and actively looking for a trade, and the Steelers are not too desperate for the $10 million in cap savings trading Johnson would create.

That said, Johnson will be a free agent at this time next year, and he may have made it clear he will not be re-signing with the team.

If the Steelers truly have made Johnson available, he should draw significant interest in a receiver-needy league.