2024 NFL free agency: Experts debate best, worst deals

NFL free agency has started to slow down over a week after officially opening. Teams have added impact playmakers across their depth charts, though free agents such as Xavien Howard and Connor Williams are still available for more moves. Notably, Kirk Cousins, Saquon Barkley, Calvin Ridley, Danielle Hunter, Arik Armstead, Robert Hunt and Russell Wilson have found new homes. Some teams made a lot of noise with top-dollar additions, while others focused on value signings.

What are the best overall signings, top value contracts and most questionable moves? Which teams improved the most and least? Our NFL experts are weighing in on what we’ve seen in this offseason’s free agency.

Which team has taken a step backward over the past week?

Stephania Bell, fantasy football analyst: Dallas Cowboys. There’s a saying about addition by subtraction … but it doesn’t apply here. The Cowboys appear to have subtracted lead talent during free agency. The backfield now seems lackluster with no free agency move to replace RB Tony Pollard, despite several available experienced options. The loss of OT Tyron Smith complicates matters up front, and while Smith dealt with health issues in recent years, when he was on the field there was no better friend to QB Dak Prescott. Even if the Cowboys consider moving tackle Tyler Smith — and it’s not clear that they will or should — their draft strategy has to prioritize the O-line.

Matt Bowen, NFL analyst: Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens added running back Derrick Henry, who is an upgrade and a scheme fit in Todd Monken’s offense. However, this is more about the players (and the coaches) who have moved on this offseason. Linebacker Patrick Queen, guard John Simpson, safety Geno Stone and cornerback Ronald Darby signed free agent contracts with new clubs. Plus, former defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald is now the head coach in Seattle, and defensive back coach Denard Wilson took over as the coordinator in Tennessee.

Jeremy Fowler, national NFL writer: Ravens. Baltimore lost three starters along the offensive line that it must replace. This is the Baltimore way, letting veterans walk in exchange for compensatory picks down the line. The Ravens need to shore up that O-line, but they could also replenish at receiver with a veteran or high draft pick, preferably a true X receiver that Lamar Jackson hasn’t had.

Eric Moody, fantasy football writer: Cowboys. They have multiple positions that need to be addressed — and there are also legitimate questions surrounding Prescott’s ability to lead them to a Super Bowl. With Prescott’s contract expiring after the 2024 season, uncertainty looms over the team. As the NFL offseason progresses, more questions than answers remain about the Cowboys’ future. Dallas should sign Calais Campbell, who would immediately improve the defensive line and rotation. The locker room would also benefit from his leadership.

Jason Reid, senior Andscape writer: Ravens. Henry boosts what was already the league’s best running attack, but they’ve lost a lot in other places. They entered the season with many pending free agents, so the losses aren’t shocking. But the Ravens appear to be weakened. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Ravens took a step backward next season. Jackson needs more help at wideout.

Jordan Reid, NFL draft analyst: Cowboys. They have lost key players and have failed to replace them so far. Not re-signing Tyron Smith creates a huge void at left tackle, and allowing Pollard to hit the open market without a succession plan was also questionable. The draft is still yet to happen, but it places a lot of pressure on hitting on those draft picks to replace players that were an integral part of the team’s success.

Aaron Schatz, NFL analyst: Buffalo Bills. They had to make a lot of cuts to get under the cap — there’s a real downgrade at safety in particular — and I’m not really too excited about the addition of Curtis Samuel to their receiving group. He has never ranked higher than 43rd in receiving DVOA, and he was 58th last season among qualifying receivers.

Mike Tannenbaum, NFL front office insider: Cowboys. They still have needs at left tackle, center, running back, defensive tackle and receiver. While a lot of their resources will be tied up in extensions for Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons, it was surprising not to see them make a move on Henry or AJ Dillon. They deserve credit for outstanding drafting and patience in the past, but they’re going to need an almost perfect draft to fill all of their needs.

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Which team is the most improved after the past two weeks?

Bell: Houston Texans. They shocked the league last season — in large part because of the play of C.J. Stroud and the coaching and leadership of DeMeco Ryans — and they’re only getting better. One of the areas where they struggled, the run game, improved with the veteran addition of Joe Mixon. Their defense got a boost from the additions of Danielle Hunter and Denico Autry to complement Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. It almost makes you feel bad for the rest of the AFC South.

Bowen: Philadelphia Eagles. It’s hard to argue against the Eagles after they added some difference-makers in free agency. Running back Saquon Barkley has the explosive, dual-threat ability to elevate the Philly offense. On defense, outside linebacker Bryce Huff is a flamethrower off the edge, while safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson has the versatility and demeanor to boost a secondary that struggled in 2023.

Fowler: Tennessee Titans. Tennessee has needs all over the field, so credit to GM Ran Carthon for recognizing the deficiencies and addressing them decisively in his first year without former coach Mike Vrabel. Calvin Ridley is a game-changer. Center Lloyd Cushenberry, running back Tony Pollard, linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. and corner Chidobe Awuzie will make immediate impacts.

Moody: Texans. We all know what this team is capable of offensively with Stroud and receivers Nico Collins and Tank Dell. And the Texans have a new addition at running back, Mixon, who will make an impact. The defensive side of the ball was addressed by general manager Nick Caserio, too. Edge rusher Danielle Hunter, who signed a two-year, $49 million deal, should make an immediate impact.

Jason Reid: Kansas City Chiefs. In addition to signing Marquise Brown to bolster the receiving corps, they re-signed both All-Pro defensive lineman Chris Jones and versatile linebacker Drue Tranquill before they could hit the open market. Jones wrecks the best-laid plans of opponents while moving between tackle and end, and he is to the Chiefs’ defense what Patrick Mahomes is to the Chiefs’ offense. Tranquill was outstanding, especially in coverage, after signing a one-year deal following his release by the Chargers.

Jordan Reid: Carolina Panthers. After finishing 2-15 last season, the only way to go is up, but signing both Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis provides a good guard tandem inside for second-year quarterback Bryce Young. Plus adding receiver Diontae Johnson via trade makes that offense better than it was a season ago.

Schatz: Atlanta Falcons. The upgrade at quarterback to Kirk Cousins is so important and makes them the most improved team, but I also like the moves Chicago has made, in particular the trade for wide receiver Keenan Allen and re-signing of cornerback Jaylon Johnson.

Tannenbaum: Texans. I love the addition of Hunter, who has elite traits and ability as an edge rusher and is now paired with Anderson — wow, what an incredible pass-rush tandem. Mixon immediately improves their running game, and he’s also excellent out of the backfield. Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair had 163 tackles last season and is extremely underrated. Re-signing tight end Dalton Schultz and adding Autry are two other moves that will pay dividends during the season.

What was the best bargain signing of free agency?

Bell: Steelers signing QB Russell Wilson to a one-year, $1.2 million deal. From a financial perspective, it’s hard to argue with a deal in which the player’s new team is paying so much less than the former team ($37.8 million). And it will be interesting to see what version of Wilson the Steelers can unlock. He might not move like he used to, but he can still throw the ball and the Steelers should be able to stretch the field in ways we haven’t recently seen. The addition of Justin Fields as backup, even if not a true threat to start, only helps incentivize Wilson to prove he still has something left in the tank.

Bowen: Saints signing LB Willie Gay to a one-year, $3 million deal (with a max value of $5 million). This is a value move for the Saints, adding a 26-year-old second-level defender with pursuit speed and the ability to match defenders in space. In Dennis Allen’s system, Gay will be put in a position to produce as an off-ball linebacker with sub-package versatility.

Fowler: Commanders signing RB Austin Ekeler to a two-year, $8.4 million deal. He’s an immediate upgrade to the Commanders’ passing game with his ability to catch 50-70 passes per season. He’s a good complement to power back Brian Robinson Jr., and he’s only 28. Washington read the tailback market correctly, refusing to pay double for the top stars.