NFL Free Agency Favorite Storylines

Although only one month removed from the Super Bowl, NFL teams are already focused on next season and scampering to make moves to get them closer to the big game. The coaching carousel has stopped, and now we are seeing new faces go to new places via trades and free agency, with tons of news coming within this past weekend and today. Here are my favorite storylines coming out of our first wave of NFL free agency. 

The Commanders stay aggressive

The Washington Commanders are going all in a while on Jayden Daniels rookie contract. Not only did they trade for star WR Deebo Samuel from the 49ers to pair next to breakout WR Terry McLaurin, but they also made a huge splash today by trading for one of the best offensive linemen in the league in Laremy Tunsil. Despite losing quality starter S Jeremy Chinn, they were able to resign two key veterans in LB Bobby Wagner and TE Zach Ertz while adding DT Javon Kinlaw, who has played all 17 games in back-to-back seasons and gives them a much-needed presence upfront on the defensive side of the ball. One huge addition to both sides of the line, another playmaking wide receiver, and two key starters back show Washington’s urgency to capitalize on Daniels rookie contract. 

Lions add quality secondary help

The Detroit Lions agreed to terms with Jets CB D.J. Reed on a three-year, $48 million dollar contract. A team in desperate need of secondary help, the Lions made a huge value play by paying $4 million less annually to Reed over CB Carlton Davis III, who signed a three-year, $60 million dollar contract to leave Detroit for New England. For someone who is just as good if not better than Davis, this is yet another savvy move from a Detroit front office that has been magnificent for the past few seasons. 

The Patriots are big spenders on Day 1

With a lackluster 2024 season resulting in the 4th overall pick, the Patriots are looking to be the 2025 Washington Commanders and completely flip the script on what happened last season. With lots of promise coming from Drake Maye’s rookie season, the Patriots went out and got former Pat and great head coach Mike Vrabel. To bolster their new defensive identity under Coach Vrabel, the Patriots have been spending big on that side of the ball on Day 1 of free agency. New England has so far been able to add DT Milton Williams, CB Carlton Davis, OLB Robert Spillane, and EDGE Harold Landry, all quality starters that will look to bring back a defensive prowess that was so strong under Belichick. While also helping Maye out on the offensive line adding OT Morgan Moses, the Pats will be dishing out $264.5 million over the course of these five contracts. 

The Bears did exactly what they needed to: improve the offensive line

From a team-building perspective, it is very satisfying to watch a team go out and do exactly what everyone thinks and knows that they should do. Watching Caleb Williams run for his life all of last season, it was clear the Bears needed offensive line help. GM Ryan Poles has done just that, making two trades to bring in Pro Bowl G Jonah Jackson from the Rams and All-Pro G Joe Thuney from the Chiefs while also adding arguably the best free agent Center in Drew Dalman from the Falcons. With offensive guru Ben Johnson at the helm who helped run an excellent offensive line unit in Detroit, hopes are high in Chicago for Year 2 with Caleb Williams.