Mar 21, 2024, 3:58 p.m. ET
NFL experts at ESPN give their opinion on the movements that stand out for the high caliber of the player and the low cost of the signing
The free agency of the NFL has begun to slow down almost a week 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 moves that offer the best value in exchange for the price paid in the current free agency? 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 signings that provide the best value-for-cost ratio.
The Steelers will only pay $1.2 million of Russell Wilson’s salary in 2024, with the Broncos putting up nearly $38 million more. X.com, @AdamSchefter
Which signing represents the best value for money so far in NFL free agency?
Editorial Selections
1 Related
Stephania Bell: The arrival of quarterback Russell Wilson to the Pittsburgh Steelers for one year and 1.2 million dollars. From an economic point of view, it is difficult to go against a deal in which the player’s new team will pay much less than the previous one ($37.8 million to the Denver Broncos). And it will be interesting to see what version of Wilson the Steelers will be able to unlock. He may not move like he used to, but he’s still capable of throwing the ball and the Steelers should stretch the floor in ways we haven’t seen recently. The addition of Justin Fields as a backup, although not a real threat to take over the starting job, only helps encourage Wilson to show that he still has something left in the tank.
Matt Bowen: The signing of linebacker Willie Gay with the New Orleans Saints for one year and $3 million (with a maximum value of $5 million). It’s a cheap move for the Saints, who gain the services of a 26-year-old second-tier defender with chasing speed and the ability to match up with defenders in space. Within Dennis Allen’s system, Gay will be in position to produce as an off-ball linebacker with versatility in sub-personnel packages.
Jeremy Fowler: The Washington Commanders signed running back Austin Ekeler for two years and $8.4 million. He represents an immediate upgrade to the Commanders’ passing game with the ability for him to catch between 50 and 70 passes per season. He’s a good complement to Brian Robinson Jr. and he’s only 28 years old. Washington read the market correctly, refusing to pay double for big stars.
Eric Moody: The Minnesota Vikings signed running back Aaron Jones to a one-year, $7 million deal. Although Jones is only 29 years old, he has spent most of his career within a committee and averages 14.9 touches per game. Last season, Jones averaged 15.6 touches and 80.8 total yards per game, having a great performance with the Packers. With Ty Chandler, he is part of a formidable running back committee on the Vikings.
Jason Reid: Wilson’s arrival to the Steelers. Wilson, 35 years old, is coming off two disastrous seasons in a row in Denver. The Steelers will pay him the league minimum to make him their starting quarterback… Quite a bargain! It’s easy to forget now, but Wilson was once a perennial Pro Bowl invitee and seemed poised for his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Even if he shows at least competent level behind center, it would be much better than the production the Steelers have received at that position in recent times.
Jordan Reid: Wilson to the Steelers. The search for a franchise quarterback continues in Pittsburgh; However, at such a low price, it is impossible to question the team acquiring Wilson’s services. Pittsburgh also recently acquired Fields, but Wilson is expected to be the starter early in the new season.
Aaron Treasure: The Cincinnati Bengals signed safety Geno Stone to a two-year, $15 million deal (with $6 million in total guarantees). Stone had a breakout season in 2023, and this was a position of real urgency for Cincinnati. The Bengals were able to steal a piece from a division rival, and if Stone doesn’t play well in 2024 for any reason, they can buy out his contract with just $1.5 million in dead money.
Mike Tannenbaum: The Kansas City Chiefs signed receiver Marquise Brown for one year and up to $11 million. He is 25 years old and has 28 career touchdowns, bringing an element of explosiveness to the Chiefs offense that they expected to receive from Marquez Valdes-Scantling. With tight end Travis Kelce and receiver Rashee Rice doing much of the work in the short and intermediate areas, Brown should shine as the deep threat in this offense.
2024-03-21 20:58:00
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