Mar 24, 2024, 1:54 p.m. ET
NFL experts at ESPN give their opinion on the franchises that project the most improvement compared to last year, after the first wave of moves
The free agency of the NFL has begun to slow down almost two weeks after its official opening. Teams have added several impact players to their respective rosters; however, several free agents (such as Xavien Howard and Mike Williams) remain available. Kirk Cousins, Saquon Barkley, Calvin Ridley, Danielle Hunter, Arik Armstead, Robert Hunt and Russell Wilson are the most notable names to find new teams. Some clubs have made a lot of noise with multi-million dollar additions, while others have focused on making signings at a reasonable price.
What are the movements that project better dividends for franchises? Our experts in NFL They analyze what we’ve seen so far in the offseason free agency, and this time they take a look at the clubs that have improved the most after the first wave of signings.
The free agency movements in Houston suggest that big things are coming for the Texans. AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File
Which teams made the most progress after the first wave of free agency signings?
Stefania Bell: Houston Texans. They shocked the league last season — largely due to the play of CJ Stroud, and the direction and leadership of DeMeco Ryans — and are only getting better. One of the areas where they struggled, the running game, improved with the addition of veteran Joe Mixon. Their defense got a boost thanks to 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.
Editorial Selections
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Matt Bowen: Philadelphia Eagles. It’s hard to argue against the Eagles after they added some difference-makers via free agency. Running back Saquon Barkley has the explosive dual-threat ability to elevate Philly’s offense. On the defensive end, outside linebacker Bryce Huff is a flamethrower on the edge, while safety CJ Gardner-Johnson has the versatility and attitude to improve a secondary he suffered in 2023.
Jeremy Fowler: Tennessee Titans. Tennessee has needs all over the field, so credit to general manager Ran Carthon for recognizing the deficiencies and addressing them decisively without head coach Mike Vrabel. Calvin Ridley manages to change the course of the games. Center Lloyd Cushenberry, running back Tony Pollard, linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie will have immediate impacts. And, that’s without mentioning the acquisition of a lock cornerback via trade with the Kansas City Chiefs with the arrival of L’Jarius Sneed.
Eric Moody: Texans. We all know what this team is capable of doing offensively with Stroud and receivers Nico Collins and Tank Dell. And, the Texans have a new addition at running back, Joe Mixon, who will make an impact. The defensive side of the ball was worked on by general manager Nick Caserio, as well. Quarterback 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 shore up the wide receiver group, they re-signed All-Pro defensive lineman Chris Jones and versatile linebacker Drue Tranquill before they could hit the open market. Jones destroys even opponents’ best plans by moving between tackle and end, and he is to the Chiefs’ defense what Patrick Mahomes is to the offense. Tranquill was outstanding, especially in pass coverage, after signing for one season after being released by the Chargers.
Jordan Reid: Carolina Panthers. After going 2-15 last season, the only place to go is up, but signing both Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis provides a good guard duo for second-year quarterback Bryce Young. Additionally, adding wide receiver Diontae Johnson via trade improves the offense compared to what he showed a year ago.
Aaron Treasure: Atlanta Falcons. The improvement at quarterback for Kirk Cousins is so important and makes them the most improved team, but I also like the moves the Chicago Bears made, particularly in the trade for wide receiver Keenan Allen and the re-signing of cornerback Jaylon Johnson.
Mike Tannenbaum: Texans. I love the addition of Hunter, who has elite traits and ability to attack from the outside, and who is now paired with Anderson, wow, it’s an incredible duo on the outside. Mixon immediately improves his running game, and he’s also excellent coming out of the backfield. Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair had 163 tackles last season and is highly underrated. Re-signing tight end Dalton Schultz and adding Autry are two other moves that will pay dividends during the season.
2024-03-24 18:54:00
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