What were the biggest moves of NFL free agency?

What were the biggest moves of NFL free agency?

Getty Images/BBC Sport
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The NFL’s free agency season is always busy, and this year, two quarterbacks won the Super Bowl.

Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers both had roles, which sparked weeks of rumors about their future careers.

Seattle, Wilson’s former team, has made the most significant moves as they attempt to usher in a new era.

In other sports, some teams have focused on rebuilding their offensive lines in preparation for the 2025 season, while stars like Ja’Marr Chase and Myles Garrett are staying put despite receiving lucrative extensions.

In a revamp, the Seahawks sign Darnold & Kupp.

Cooper Kupp waves while on the podium after helping the Los Angeles Rams win the Super Bowl in 2022Getty Images
The Seattle Seahawks narrowly missed out on the playoffs in their first year under head coach Mike Macdonald and British defensive coordinator Aden Durde.

The Seahawks’ front office has now made some bold moves to officially end Pete Carroll’s 14-year coaching and rebuild the franchise under MacDonald.

Seattle signed the 27-year-old on a $150 million (£116. 5 million) deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, making him the NFL’s fourth highest-paid wide receiver.

Sam Darnold, 27, was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders for quarterback Geno Smith, 34, on a three-year, $ 100.5 million (£ 78 million) contract.

Bears, Patriots, and Vikings all recruit young QBs.

After JJ McCarthy, the first-round pick of the year, suffered a pre-season injury, Darnold was given the starting job at Minnesota.

Darnold made a great job of reviving his career, but McCarthy’s fitness was always a problem when he was back in top shape.

With McCarthy under a rookie contract, the Vikings have made significant investments in strengthening their offensive line.

Both Drake Maye and Caleb Williams, both second-year quarterbacks in need of greater protection, have done the same for the New England Patriots and Chicago Bears.

For instance, Wiliams was the draft’s top quarterback last year, but he was sacked 68 times, or 16 more than any other quarterback, in his rookie season.

Earn lucrative extensions for Chase andamp; Garrett

Ja'Marr Chase, Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins waiting for the Cincinnati Bengals team photo before the 2022 Super BowlGetty Images

The Cincinnati Bengals’ offence ended the season with a powerful performance, but they were too late to earn a play-off spot.

In the end, Ja’Marr Chase won the receiving triple crown while quarterback Joe Burrow led the league in passing yards and touchdown passes, leading the team in the receiving department.

In the off-season, the Bengals doubled down on their attacking identity and made the necessary contract decisions for Chase and fellow receiver Tee Higgins.

In addition to earning $115 million (£89 million), they also granted Chase the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history on a deal worth $161 million (£125 million).

Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett, both of whom are the NFL’s best pass rushers, received handsome rewards for their contributions.

Rodgers and Adams depart as the Jets begin to rebuild

Many players have left the San Francisco 49ers to make room for the salary cap, with the team preparing to offer quarterback Brock Purdy a long-term contract.

The 49ers’ championship window may have come to an end with Versatile receiver Deebo Samuel leaving and being traded to the Washington Commanders. So after losing in two of their previous six Super Bowls, the team could have lost.

After rebuilding their roster around Aaron Rodgers, the NFL’s four-time Most Valuable Player, the New York Jets were rumored to be contenders for the Super Bowl last year, but the gamble didn’t materialize.

The 41-year-old has been replaced by former Chicago and Pittsburgh quarterback Justin Fields and released receiver Davante Adams, who was traded by the Rams to replace Kupp.

Rodgers, who has spoken to the Giants, Steelers, and Vikings, is still deciding whether Russell Wilson will join the New York Giants or the New York Giants.

Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson will now face off in the starting lineup against the Indianapolis Colts.

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Source: BBC

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