NFL Free Agency Day 1 Was Filled With Stunners
The first day of NFL free agency, or at least the legal tampering window that opens a couple of days before players can sign, was a wild one. Several stars landed with new teams, perhaps surprisingly, but there are a few notable players still waiting, like Trey Hendrickson and Kyler Murray.
Grading notable NFL free agency deals
Panthers sign Jaelan Phillips: B-
The Carolina Panthers needed an edge rusher badly, and they got one of the best available. The problem is that Jaelan Phillips isn't the best available, and he's got an injury history. That, plus an outsized contract, prevents this from being a home run because otherwise, Phillips is really good, and the Panthers had a massive need.
Panthers add Devin Lloyd: A
In conjunction with the Phillips signing, the Devin Lloyd deal is really good. Estimates projected the superstar linebacker at $20 million AAV, and the Panthers got him for $15 million. He'll also be a massive upgrade, and he makes overpaying for Phillips a little easier to stomach.
Raiders sign Tyler Linderbaum: B+
The Raiders went above and beyond to sign Tyler Linderbaum. The Pro Bowl center is the best on the market and maybe in football, but they are also paying him $9 million more than the next-best center. Still, they needed him, had the money, and are setting up for number one pick Fernando Mendoza.
49ers add Mike Evans: C+
The 49ers did need a wide receiver, and Mike Evans has long been one of the best. He's also 33 years old and coming off a substantial lower-body injury. He could be fading, and the 49ers gave him three years. It's a bit steep for a player at his stage, but he will undoubtedly help the offense a bit.
Chiefs sign Kenneth Walker: A-
The Chiefs had a glaring need in the run game because it was one of the reasons they struggled so badly last season. Kenneth Walker isn't just the best on the market; he's one of the best in the NFL. No one forces more missed tackles, something the Chiefs need. He does have an injury history, and his regular season in 2025 was just good, not great.
Dolphins land Malik Willis: D+
The logic behind Malik Willis' interest level makes sense. He had some exceptional games in Green Bay. But are we all forgetting that he was a complete bust in Tennessee? So, when he goes to the Dolphins, who do not have an offensive mind like Matt LaFleur, what can we even expect? At almost $70 million, it's a big risk for a team that needed to nail this.
Colts retain Alec Pierce: B+
The Colts paid Alec Pierce more than any other wide receiver in NFL history. That alone makes this deal sound bad, but the market is what the market is. Plus, if the Colts didn't pay up, someone else was absolutely going to. They kept their guy, which is the important thing.
Commanders sign Odafe Oweh: C+
Odafe Oweh was an analytics darling, and he produced 10.5 sacks in just 13 games last year. However, he benefited from an elite scheme and playing opposite Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu, so the Commanders might've overreacted to the numbers. However, he does fill a major need and is not the most expensive edge rusher now signed in free agency.
Seahawks bring back Rashid Shaheed: B
The Seahawks might've overpaid a bit for a one-note player. On offense, he doesn't provide much aside from deep routes, and that can help, but at this price, the Seahawks need more. Fortunately, he's perhaps the best returner in the game. He transformed the team when he arrived at the deadline. They wanted to make sure it stayed that way.
Steelers sign Rico Dowdle: B-
Rico Dowdle was a 1,000-yard rusher again last year. Finally, he got a multi-year deal in NFL free agency. He gets to reunite with Mike McCarthy, the coach for one of his 1,000-yard campaigns. Dowdle just fell off a cliff last year and seemed to be a little more dependent on the offensive line than one would hope, and the Steelers now have nothing to do with Kaleb Johnson.
