After two days of fireworks (also known as the legal tampering period), the first day of NFL free agency began on Wednesday. This day wasn't as crazy as the previous two, but it did see one of the biggest free agents finding a new home.
On this day, veteran receivers Mike Williams and Hunter Renfroe were released by the Chargers and Raiders, respectively. Both players will now be added to the list of potential free agents.
There were several other notable signings, including at the quarterback and linebacker positions. Below, we will analyze each signature and provide a rating for each.
After failing to do anything in the early stages of free agency, the Cowboys were able to acquire a highly productive linebacker who recorded 117 tackles and 3.5 sacks for the Chargers in 2023. Although he just turned 32, Kendricks' play last season suggested that. He has plenty of gas left in his tank. The fact that the Cowboys convinced Kendricks to sign with them instead of the 49ers made this deal even more attractive.
Kendricks is a big draw for Dallas. In addition to being a solid player, he also fills in for Leighton Vander Esch, whose career could end with an injury.
The only question mark here is longevity. Will Kendricks be more than a one-year Band-Aid? That question will be answered in 2024.
School year: a-
According to ESPN, Elliott has agreed to a four-year, $24 million extension, tying him with Justin Tucker as the highest-paid kicker in NFL history.
It's hard to argue with Elliott joining Tucker as the highest-paid kickers in league history. He completed a whopping 93.8 percent of his field goal attempts last season, including seven of eight attempts of 50 yards or more. He also completed all but one of his attempts after 46 points.
A kicker is like a good tire. You don't appreciate what you have until a problem arises. Signing Elliott to a long-term contract would give the Eagles security at a key position for the time being.
School year: a
According to NFL Media, Jackson has agreed to a two-year contract worth up to $14.5 million. Given the value of this contract, it's safe to say the Panthers expect Jackson to be the starter, having started 28 games in his four years in Buffalo.
This deal also makes sense, as the Panthers recently traded former starting cornerback Donte Jackson to Pittsburgh in exchange for former Pro Bowl wideout Diontae Johnson. The Panthers will be acquiring Dane Jackson, a 27-year-old defensive back who completed three passes and broke up 28 more during his time with the Bills.
This deal is a bit of a risk considering Jackson hasn't started in his career (it should be noted that he started 14 games in 2022). Unfortunately for the Panthers, less successful teams typically have to pay excessive amounts of money to attract free agents to their team. Perhaps that was the case here as well.
School year: B-
The former Steelers quarterback agreed to a one-year contract worth $3.62 million. According to NFL Media. This is a great opportunity for Rudolph, who will have the opportunity to compete with Will Revis for the Titans' starting quarterback spot.
The quarterback market isn't that strong, so the Titans decided to acquire a promising 28-year-old quarterback for relatively little money. Rudolph went 3-0 as the Steelers' starting quarterback last regular season, completing over 74 percent of his passes. In games in which Rudolph started, the Steelers had a record of 8 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw.
School year: B+
Shortly after signing Rudolph, Tennessee agreed to a four-year deal with Ridley worth $92 million and $50 million guaranteed, according to NFL Media.
Ridley entered Wednesday as the highest-skilled player still available. He proved last year that he's still an elite talent after being suspended and missing the entire 2022 season. Ridley caught 76 passes for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns during his only season with the Jaguars.
Ridley certainly has talent, but this is a lot of money for any player, let alone one with no Pro Bowl appearances on his resume. Ridley will also turn 30 in December. The Titans got a talented player here, but they might have been better off signing a cheaper wideout or drafting him in April.
School year: C+
Flacco brought much-needed depth to the Colts, but it came at a high price. Last year's Comeback Player of the Year has reportedly agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $8.7 million with $4.5 million guaranteed.
The 39-year-old former Super Bowl MVP played well in Cleveland late in the 2023 season, but some feel he is simply a product of Kevin Stefanski's system. Can he find the same success in Indy? Time will tell.
School year: C
Shortly after releasing DJ Humphries, the Cardinals signed former Bengals offensive tackle Jonah Williams to a two-year, $30 million contract. According to NFL Network.
Although his career in Cincinnati was considered disappointing, Williams, a 2019 first-round pick, was a consistent part of the Bengals' starting lineup. He was also very durable when he played both left and right tackle during his time in Cincinnati.
Arizona had a chance to get there as well, but this was a good sign at a key position. What makes this deal even better is the fact that Williams (only 26 years old) should be in his prime.
School year: a-
According to NFL Media, the Bengals have signed Rankins to a two-year, $26 million contract while DJ Reeder explores free agency.
Rankins, who will soon turn 30, is looking to build on his 2023 season in which he had six sacks (his highest since 2018), one forced fumble and one fumble return for a score. Rankins will now help the Bengals hold off Najee Harris, Jalen Warren, Nick Chubb and Derrick Henry six times a year.
That's a lot of money for a defensive tackle, so Rankins would need to play to his 2023 form in Cincinnati for this deal to be considered a success.
School year: B+
