Even if a few names here and there remain available, the biggest guns on the free agent market in the NFL have been hired and we can get an idea of which teams have really improved their lot and which ones have not really improved their cause. Here are our market winners and losers.
• Also read: NFL: the Broncos make a great catch
• Also read: “I was furious and confused”: Maxx Crosby reflects on the failed trade that shook the NFL
THE WINNERS
Table of Contents
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams opted for quality over quantity. They paid a lot for Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie, but he is recognized as one of the best at his position. They also hired his Kansas City teammate Jaylen Watson, in addition to extending their agreement with safety Kam Curl. What was the Rams’ only real shortcoming is becoming a strength.
San Francisco 49ers
Receiver Mike Evans isn’t getting any younger, but he can still provide solid service.
Getty Images via AFP
Some might say the 49ers hired star wide receiver Mike Evans too late, but he doesn’t seem to have lost any of his luster. At 32, he won’t be at the peak of his career, but he’s aging well. The acquisition of Cowboys tackle Osa Odighizuwa is as underrated as his name is difficult to write. He will shine alongside Nick Bosa. The return of linebacker Dre Greenlaw is appreciable.
Las Vegas Raiders
Linebacker Nakobe Dean seemed destined for a bright future in 2024 with the Eagles.
Photo AFP / GETTY IMAGES
The Raiders spending big money in March is nothing new, but they seem to have distributed the gifts intelligently this time. Even at 27 million per season, there is no price for a center of Tyler Linderbaum’s caliber to protect future quarterback Fernando Mendoza and pave the way for running back Ashton Jeanty. Nakobe Dean, Quay Walker and Taron Johnson improve a defense that is becoming respectable, with Maxx Crosby returning.
Carolina Panthers
Devin Lloyd is one of the good defensive additions for the Panthers.
Photo d’archives, AFP
The Panthers risked a lot by guaranteeing 80 million to quarterback hunter Jaelan Phillips, but healthy, he was terrorizing with the Eagles. If he turns pressures into sacks, the Panthers will be dying of laughter. Linebacker Devin Lloyd is a real asset in coverage. Blocker Rasheed Walker isn’t dominant, but he improves the team and his contract is reasonable.
Steelers de Pittsburgh
Jamel Dean made several big defensive plays for the Buccaneers and is now moving on to the Steelers.
Photo d’archives, AFP
Don’t look in the headlines section, the Steelers haven’t made a big splash. We still welcome the arrival of reliable cornerback Jamel Dean at a more than reasonable cost (12 million per year) on the current market. Michael Pittman is not immortal, but as a number two receiver with DK Metcalf, he is very good. Rico Dowdle as a running back who didn’t require a big commitment, it’s a great added value with his two seasons in a row of 1000 yards with two different clubs.
THE LOSERS
New York Jets
Geno Smith, who debuted with the New York Jets in 2013, returns to the fold.
Photo d’archives, AFP
The Jets have won eight games in the last two years and are in a division where the Patriots and Bills are light years ahead of them. It’s hard to understand why they chose this moment to sign a dozen players, including veterans like Minkah Fitzpatrick and Demario Davis. Geno Smith’s return to New York gives the Jets their best quarterback since… Geno Smith in 2013! And that’s saying something, because it looks finished.
Baltimore Ravens
Maxx Crosby will remain with the Raiders, after the aborted trade that made the Ravens look bad.
Photo AFP
There was the strange Maxx Crosby episode which colored the judgment. It was a nice alternative to fall back on Trey Hendrickson to chase down opposing quarterbacks, but the loss of good pieces like center Tyler Linderbaum, tight end Isaiah Likely and defensive end Dre’Mont Jones hurts.
Jaguars de Jacksonville
The Jaguars lose a big piece as running back Travis Etienne moves to the Saints.
Getty Images via AFP
We should not expect monster spending from the Jaguars, who have taken out the checkbook in recent years, but the team is certainly not improved and it let slip two excellent elements, running back Travis Etienne and linebacker Devin Lloyd. After a narrow victory in their division, nothing is less certain in 2026.
Detroit Lions
Running back David Montgomery will no longer be in the Lions backfield, having been traded to the Texans.
Photo Getty Images via AFP
To think that just a little over a year ago, the Lions seemed to be banking on the most dominant offensive line in the league. They have lost several pieces since then, as was the case with the departure of tackle Taylor Decker in recent weeks. Carrier Isiah Pacheco to replace David Montgomery doesn’t seem like a genius idea.
Titans you Tennessee
Receiver Wan’Dale Robinson was obtained at a high price by the Titans.
AFP
Did the Titans overspend? Certainly, since they signed checks as if they were a team on the verge of the Super Bowl. The strategy worked for the Patriots last year, but does not guarantee anything. They gave their young center Cam Ward a new weapon in Wan’Dale Robinson, who didn’t break anything before last season. Several contracts like those granted to defensive end John Franklin-Myers (21 million per season) and cornerback Cor’Dale Flott (15 million per season) seem disproportionate.
THE JURI DELIBERATES…
Bills de Buffalo
DJ Moore is a good receiver for whom the Bills traded, but he never really knew how to establish himself as a pure number one, which is something the Bills still lack. Still, it adds a string to Josh Allen’s bow. As a defensive end, Bradley Chubb has already shown a ton of potential, but injuries have affected his career and he has only crossed the 10 sack mark twice, in 2018 and 2023.
Commanders de Washington
The Commanders were among the biggest spenders, on several defensive players whose production is uncertain and who cost big deals, like Odafe Oweh, K’Laivon Chaisson and Leo Chenal. The objective of rejuvenating the workforce was, however, successful.
Chiefs de Kansas City
On one hand, the Chiefs struck a big blow with the addition of running back Kenneth Walker III, who is a constant long-play threat. On the other hand, their secondary was decimated by the departure of three quality starters in Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson and Bryan Cook.
Bears de Chicago
The loss of center Drew Dalman (retirement) hurts, even if Garrett Bradbury comes in as a viable replacement. There is still no clear solution at the left tackle position. Several starters are gone, including linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and two safety, but Devin Bush (linebacker) and Coby Bryant (safety) are nice catches.
