NFL free agency - Day 3: Live analysis for all major moves
The NFL offseason is kicking into high gear. Follow along for live analysis of all major transactions over the course of the league's free-agent negotiation period from Monday through Wednesday.
Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3
✂️ Jets release CJ Mosley
Mosley immediately becomes the top available name among free-agent linebackers. Injuries impacted the beginning and end of his stay in New York, but he had an outstanding three-year run in between. He racked up 478 tackles from 2021-2023 while earning second-team All-Pro honors in 2022 and serving as a leader on one of the league's premier defenses. While the Jets moving on from Mosley always seemed possible after they re-signed breakout star Jamien Sherwood, the 32-year-old can still help a contender on a short-term deal. Reuniting with former Jets head coach Robert Saleh, who is back as the defensive coordinator in San Francisco, could be a logical move after the 49ers lost Dre Greenlaw in free agency.
🔁 Cowboys acquire Kenneth Murray
Trade terms: Titans send LB to Dallas for late-round pick swap
Two Cowboys trades in one day. And both are similar levels of weird. One pick swap to take a swing on a former first-round pick is fine. Whatever. But going back to the well for a second time raises some questions. Namely: Are you under the impression this is some sort of market inefficiency? Murray was available because the Titans had seen enough one season after giving him a two-year, $15.5-million deal in free agency. Can you really expect to solve your linebacker issues by giving up draft capital, however minimal, for the right to pay Murray his remaining $7.4 million? This appears to be Jerry Jones' definition of a "selectively aggressive" approach to the offseason. To the surprise of absolutely no one, it's not a very good one.
✍️ Seahawks sign DeMarcus Lawrence
3-year deal worth up to $42M
The Seahawks offense remains a work in progress after trading away DK Metcalf and swapping out Geno Smith for Sam Darnold. It's far less difficult to understand the path to success on the defensive side. Mike Macdonald's first year as head coach had some promising flashes, particularly when the defensive line was healthy. Re-signing Jarran Reed was the first move in solidifying that group, and Lawrence raises the ceiling a bit more. The sack numbers haven't been spectacular over the past few years, but he still applies pressure at a decent enough rate and he's always been an effective run defender. The price tag being reported as a max-value figure also suggests the initial numbers are including incentives. He should be a nice value addition for a defense that could be a lot better than most are expecting.
✍️ Steelers sign Darius Slay
1-year, $10M
The Steelers had to find a way to upgrade the cornerback position this offseason. While they probably showed interest in some of the younger free agents at the position, the price tags were likely prohibitive - especially with Pittsburgh trying to make a move in the veteran cornerback market. Slay somehow continues to avoid a major dropoff and once again played at a high level for Philly's Super Bowl-winning defense last season. The 34-year-old could provide a short-term upgrade while the Steelers turn to the draft to find a long-term running mate for Joey Porter Jr.
✍️ Broncos sign Evan Engram
2-year, $23M deal
Sean Payton said earlier this offseason the Broncos need to add a "joker" to the offense this offseason. In other words, he was looking for a versatile player who can create and exploit favorable matchups. Engram fits the bill. The former Jaguars tight end is coming off a frustrating 2024 campaign, but it wasn't that long ago when he showed what he's capable of as a high-volume target. He turned in a career year in 2023, putting up 114 receptions for 963 yards and four touchdowns. Potential first-round tight ends Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland have been popular mock-draft selections for Denver to this point. Engram's addition won't necessarily stop the Broncos from going that route, but they no longer need to force it to fill a need. The money involved here suggests Payton has big plans for his newest weapon.
✍️ Vikings sign Javon Hargrave
2-year, $30M deal
The Vikings knew exactly what needed to be done this offseason. Hargrave and fellow free-agent signee Jonathan Allen should be an excellent veteran tandem to satisfy a glaring need on the interior defensive front. Minnesota took a similar approach on the offensive side, adding Will Fries and Ryan Kelly to shore up a leaky interior offensive line. Trench play becoming a strength for this team would allow for the schematic genius of this coaching staff to shine through on both sides of the ball. We're still waiting to find out whether J.J. McCarthy will be the uncontested starter at quarterback in Week 1, but the Vikings suddenly have a path to improving upon a stellar 2024 season either way.
✂️ Jets release Aaron Rodgers
The Jets announced in mid-February that they'd move on from Rodgers this offseason. That move couldn't become official until the start of the new league year Wednesday, as New York will designate him as a post-June 1 cut to spread his dead-money hit over the next two seasons ($14 million in 2025, $35 million in 2026). Now, we wait for a decision. Most reports suggest that Rodgers is choosing between the Steelers and Giants. ESPN's Kevin Seifert added Wednesday that the Vikings have "at least been entertaining the possibility" of adding the veteran quarterback alongside J.J. McCarthy. The 2024 first-round pick is seen as the future in Minnesota, but would it be that crazy if the Vikings wanted to bring him along slowly after he missed his entire rookie season with a knee injury? Rodgers completing the Brett Favre career path would be fascinating.
🔁 Cowboys acquire Kaiir Elam
Trade terms: Bills send CB, 2025 6th-round pick to Dallas for 2025 5th-round pick, 2026 7th-round pick
A trade! Elam has been a major disappointment since landing in Buffalo as a first-round pick in 2022, starting only 12 games to this point. He's also only 23 years old, so it's easy to see why the Cowboys are willing to take a shot on his draft pedigree. That said, the Bills throwing in the towel after three years probably tells you everything you need to know about their evaluation. Getting a pick swap and an extra 2026 selection for a player the Bills just as easily could have cut is a good move for Buffalo.
✂️ Rams release Cooper Kupp
The Rams were always going to have trouble finding a trade partner for Kupp. Injuries have been an issue over Kupp's last three seasons, and the 31-year-old has shown some signs of slowing down when he is on the field. He could still be a productive target in the right situation, though. The Chargers haven't been able to fill their need at receiver; is staying in L.A. the most appealing option for Kupp at this stage of his career? The Patriots, meanwhile, desperately need a reliable target for Drake Maye, and if their reported big-money pitch to Chris Godwin is any indication, they might be the most willing to pay up. The Bears are another fun option to consider - they've been extremely aggressive in an effort to load up for Ben Johnson's first season as head coach. Kupp's ability from the slot, including his impact as a run-blocker, would be a nice way to round out the receiving corps.
✍️ Seahawks sign Marquez Valdes-Scantling
1-year deal worth up to $5.5M
Ideally, the Seahawks will make a more significant move at receiver after parting ways with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, whether it comes through free agency, a trade, or the draft. For the time being, Valdes-Scantling is an interesting addition. The veteran journeyman was shockingly productive after joining a beat-up Saints receiving corps last season, putting up 13 catches for 347 yards and four touchdowns over a five-game stretch. New Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who had the same role in New Orleans last year, clearly likes what he saw. Valdes-Scantling's ability to stretch the field could make him a decent WR3 if Seattle can find another starter to line up opposite breakout star Jaxon Smith-Njigba.