The first day of NFL negotiation saw some of the league’s major free agents get taken off the board. The inevitably chaotic process of NFL free agency is expected to continue to heat up as the offseason continues. To note, all deals mentioned throughout this article are not official, as NFL free agency does not officially begin until Wednesday, March 13th at 4:00 PM.
Bills Retain Key Part of Offensive Line
According to Ian Rapoport (@Rapsheet on “X”), the Buffalo Bills re-signed LT Dion Dawkins signed a massive 3-year, $60.5 million deal. The 3x Pro Bowler has served as an iron man for Buffalo as he’s only missed 3 contests since his rookie season in 2017. The 30-year-old only allowed 1 sack in 1120 snaps in 2023. Dawkins will look to continue to provide quality pass and run blocking for the Bills at OT for the next 3 seasons.
Bears Sign Ex-Lions Running Back to 3-Year Contract
As reported by Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarofolo on “X”) and Ian Rapoport, the Chicago Bears and RB D’Andre Swift agreed to a 3-year, $24.5 million deal. The Bears, who received little production from their running back room in 2023, finally obtained a true RB1 to take some of the heat off of QB Justin Fields, if he is not traded prior to the 2024 regular season beginning.
Swift, 25, had his most productive season in 2023 behind a stout Philadelphia Eagles offensive line. The running back tallied 1,049 rushing yards and 6 total touchdowns, as well as earning a Pro Bowl nod. Swift’s injury history is a main concern when signing him to a multi-year deal, but if he can stay healthy, he can perform with some of the best RBs in the NFL.
Jaguars Sign Ex-Bills Receiver to 3-Year Deal
Ex-Bills WR Gabriel Davis agreed to a 3-year, $39 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars, meaning that the Calvin Ridley experience is likely over in Duval County. Davis is still only 24-years-old and can be a solid WR2 behind Christian Kirk after a 740 yard season in 2023. With Davis absent, the Bills will likely be in the market for a WR2/WR3, depending on how the front office views standout pass-catcher Khalil Shakir.
Titans Address RB Room Immediately
The Tennessee Titans announced that they have signed RB Tony Pollard to a 3-year, $24 million deal in the absence of superstar Derrick Henry. This leaves the Titans with a RB duo of Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. Pollard broke the 1,000 rushing yard mark for the second time in his career in 2023, while also scoring 6 touchdowns in a pass-heavy offence like Dallas.
Pollard would likely serve as the workhorse back for Tennessee, staying around 15-20 carries per game. The 26-year-old should assist young QB Will Levis in establishing the play-action pass early on in contests for the Titans during the 2024 campaign.
Vikings Find Danielle Hunter Replacement
The Minnesota Vikings signed DE Jonathan Greenard to a 4-year deal worth $76 million. Greenard played in 15 of the Texans 17 games last season, recording 12.5 sacks and 22 QB hits. The 4-year defensive end also tallied 15 tackles for loss in the 2023 season. With edge rusher Danielle Hunter likely departing from Minnesota, Greenard could serve as a quality replacement and serve as a mentor to a potential young pass-rusher if the Vikings decide to draft a defensive lineman.
Raiders Make Grand Entrance to Free Agency
The Las Vegas Raiders and new GM Tom Telesco signed defensive tackle Christian Wilkins to a 4-year deal worth $110 million. Wilkins, 28, has played all 17 games for the Miami Dolphins in the last 3 seasons. The star DT has been a tackle machine for the Dolphins, averaging 84 total tackles in his last 3 seasons. The 2023 campaign saw the veteran pass-rusher register 9.0 sacks, a career-high for Wilkins.
The Christian Wilkins–Maxx Crosby duo on the defensive line will inevitably be a nightmare for opposing offensive lines and quarterbacks alike.
Colts Lock Up Underrated WR
The Indianapolis Colts signed WR Michael Pittman Jr. to a 3-year, $71.5 million deal. Pittman Jr. has been one of the most reliable receivers in the NFL since the 2021 campaign due to his durability and consistent results. The young receiver has only missed 2 contests since the 2021 season while averaging an impressive mark of 1053 receiving yards over the same time frame. With Pittman Jr. setting a career-high in receiving yards (1152) last season, there is no doubt that he will continue to produce and be a consistent target for young QB Anthony Richardson.
Other Notable Moves Throughout the NFL
- Green Bay Packers release long-time OT David Bakhtiari
- Philadelphia Eagles re-sign OG Landon Dickerson to a 4-year deal worth $84 million
- Indianapolis Colts re-sign LB Zaire Franklin to a 3-year, $31.26 million deal
- Jacksonville Jaguars sign C Mitch Morse to a 2-year, $10.5 million deal
- Detroit Lions re-sign OG Graham Glasgow to a 3-year, $20 million deal
- New York Jets re-sign K Greg Zuerlein to a 2-year, $8.4 million deal
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers re-sign K Chase McLaughlin to a 3-year, $12.3 million deal
- Jacksonville Jaguars sign S Darnell Savage to 3-year deal
- Los Angeles Rams sign OG Jonah Jackson to a 3-year, $51 million deal