The free agent market is in full swing in the NFL, with the legal negotiation window opening, and already it is difficult to see clearly. Here are the five points that marked this crazy day.
• Read also: NFL: Kirk Cousins leaves the Vikings for the Falcons
• Read also: NFL: Saquon Barkley goes to the enemy
• Read also: Russell Wilson will continue his career with the Steelers
1. Kirk Cousins, the slot machine
Despite excellent statistics, Kirk Cousins has only guided the Vikings to the playoffs twice in six years. Getty Images via AFP
After six seasons in Minnesota, Kirk Cousins becomes the new quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons, where he will join Quebec guard Matthew Bergeron. It took a four-year pact and 180 million (including 100 guaranteed) to attract him. Since his debut in 2012, Cousins has already earned 230 million, and all of that for just one playoff victory. He remains a pivot in the best third of the league despite his lack of success in the playoffs. If he stays in Atlanta for the duration of the contract, his career earnings will exceed 410 million. A very good quarterback but, above all, an extraordinary businessman! He will be surrounded by weapons with the Falcons.
2. Revenge of the porters
Saquon Barkley moves to the enemy, he who aligned with the Giants and who makes the jump to the Eagles, division rivals. Getty Images via AFP
Running backs have not been popular these years, but this time, they are the big winners of the day. Saquon Barkley, after six years with the Giants, stole the show by moving to the camp of one of the great enemies. He signed with the Eagles (3 years, 37.75 million). For his part, Josh Jacobs went from the Raiders to the Packers (which resulted in Aaron Jones being released). Tony Pollard (3 years, 22.4 million) is the new trusted carrier of the Titans and therefore succeeds Derrick Henry. D’Andre Swift, after a good season with the Eagles, joined the Bears for 3 years and 24.5 million. As for Devin Singletary, he will replace Barkley in New York, while Austin Ekeler moves from the Chargers to the Commanders. The salary cap, which is experiencing an astronomical increase of 30 million, helps the cause of the carriers, as does the draft which promises to be weak at this position.
3. Wilkins breaks the bank
Christian Wilkins finds himself with the Raiders after a prolific start to his career in Miami. Photo Getty Images via AFP
The Raiders got one of the most coveted defensive players by landing tackle Christian Wilkins. They had to offer him 110 million for four years (84.75 million guaranteed) to keep him away from Miami. The tandem he will form with Maxx Crosby promises to be destructive, but that’s a lot of money guaranteed by a team that doesn’t seem ready to fight for major honors. Defensive linemen who play inside and can apply pressure are always popular.
4. The Vikings spend
Jonathan Greenard will try to celebrate many of the quarterback sacks, as he did last season with the Texans. Getty Images via AFP
The Vikings may have lost Kirk Cousins, but they did not hesitate to add defensive reinforcements by hiring three players. Their big catch was quarterback hunter Jonathan Greenard (4 years, 76 million, including 42 guaranteed). Author of 12.5 sacks at just 26 years old, he should replace Danielle Hunter. They also ensured that defensive coordinator Brian Flores found one of his former protégés from the Dolphins, Andrew Van Ginkel (2 years, 20 million, including 14 guaranteed). He looked good in Miami, but was never a regular. Then, Blake Cashman comes in as an inside linebacker after a season of 106 tackles with the Texans. What remains to be seen is the plan at quarterback, which could involve young veteran Sam Darnold, according to rumors, as well as a draft prospect.
5. A major exchange
Having never been able to agree with the Panthers on a long-term pact, Brian Burns heads to New York. Getty Images via AFP
Brian Burns of the Panthers was the most sought-after defensive end on the market. He was traded to the Giants, who immediately offered him a five-year deal for 150 million (87.5 guaranteed). They had to give up second and fifth round picks to obtain his services. He’s only 26 years old and has 46 sacks in 80 games. Two years ago, the Rams offered two first-round picks to the Panthers, who declined, meaning he is immensely respected across the league. They can only bite their fingers for not having taken this offer.
2024-03-11 20:51:28
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