Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
In the competitive landscape of the NFL, savvy teams often look to address their most significant shortcomings during free agency. This strategic move allows them to adopt a "best player available" approach when the draft rolls around. 🏈
With that in mind, let's delve into five position units that have seen substantial improvements during the free agency period this year.
Arizona Cardinals Defensive Line
Last season, the Arizona Cardinals faced struggles with one of the lowest-rated defensive lines in the league. In response, they made a remarkable investment of nearly $125 million to enhance this essential unit. 💰
The highlight of their free agency moves was the acquisition of edge defender Josh Sweat, who notably posted over 70.0 on his PFF grades in four of the previous five seasons. He also recorded an impressive 10.5 sacks last year, contributing significantly during both the regular season and playoffs with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Cardinals also welcomed back Baron Browning, known for ranking 23rd in both pass-rush grade and pass-rush win rate in the previous season.
Bolstering their interior, Arizona signed Dalvin Tomlinson, a proven player known for being among the top 32 rated interior defenders in seven of his eight seasons. Additionally, they are looking forward to the development of 2024 first-round pick Darius Robinson to fortify their defensive line further.
Chicago Bears Offensive Line
The offensive line for the Chicago Bears has undergone a significant transformation, making it the most improved position unit of the offseason. With new head coach Ben Johnson at the helm, boosting the offensive line was clearly a priority. 🛠️
In a bold move, the Bears traded for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson. Thuney, in particular, has been recognized as one of the top 10 highest-graded guards for eight seasons running. Furthermore, they added center Drew Dalman through a lucrative three-year, $42 million contract. Since 2023, Dalman has held an outstanding 84.8 PFF grade, positioning him fifth among all centers in the league.
This overhaul of their offensive line is designed to provide franchise quarterback Caleb Williams with a robust foundation to thrive in his second year. 🙌
Minnesota Vikings Offensive Line
As the Minnesota Vikings prepare for the 2025 season, there is speculation that J.J. McCarthy will take the reins as their starting quarterback. The franchise is committed to supporting their young quarterback by strengthening the interior offensive line with talented players from the Indianapolis Colts. 🚀
Ryan Kelly is set to step in as center, representing a significant upgrade over Garrett Bradbury. Comparatively, Kelly has ranked 10th among centers according to PFF grades since 2023, whereas Bradbury sits at 24th. Adding to this enhancement, the Vikings also acquired guard Will Fries. Although he only participated in five games last year, his remarkable PFF grade of 86.9 indicates his potential as an effective player, having ranked second among guards with at least 250 snaps.
New York Giants Secondary
The New York Giants faced challenges on the defense last season, specifically in their coverage game, where they were marked with a lackluster performance. To address this, the Giants prioritized revitalizing their secondary during free agency, securing safety Jevon Holland and cornerback Paulson Adebo for a combined total nearing $100 million. 🛡️
Holland is an ideal fit to fill the gap left by Xavier McKinney, who signed with the Green Bay Packers. Since starting his career in 2021, Holland has distinguished himself with a stellar 91.3 coverage grade, ranking tied for fifth among all safeties. Meanwhile, Adebo, despite a less-than-stellar prior season, previously ranked among the top 15 cornerbacks in terms of grade and overall value according to PFF’s wins-above-replacement metric.
Washington Commanders Offensive Surrounding Cast
While not confined to a specific position group, the Washington Commanders have taken impressive strides toward building a more supportive environment for franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels. By augmenting the offensive lineup, they aim to create a balanced and effective offense. 🔄
One of their key acquisitions was left tackle Laremy Tunsil, brought in through a trade. During his tenure with the Houston Texans, Tunsil earned a remarkable 92.3 pass-blocking grade, placing him second among all qualifying tackles. To further strengthen their offense, the Commanders also acquired wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who is known for his ability to evade tackles, amassing 92 forced missed tackles since 2021 — 19 more than any other wideout.
Although Samuel has faced injury challenges and experienced a dip in performance last year, his skill set complements the existing arsenal featuring Terry McLaurin perfectly.
After clinching a spot in the NFC Championship Game, Washington is making strategic moves to maximize their roster's potential while Daniels operates under his rookie contract. 🏆