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2025 NFL Free Agency: Best Team Fits for Unsigned Players | ESPN

Matthew Judon, a smart and reliable edge rusher, will turn 33 this year. The right fit for him in a new team would likely involve a part-time role in an edge-rushing rotation. Between 2018 and 2022, he consistently recorded over 20 quarterback hits each season, not to mention nine in just four games before sustaining a season-ending injury with the New England Patriots in 2023. There is optimism that his 2024 performance was an outlier, especially on a team that struggled to apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The Atlanta Falcons indicated their decision to pivot from Judon by signing Leonard Floyd in free agency. Nonetheless, Judon is likely to find a viable one-year deal with a playoff contender.

Ideal landing spots: Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals, Washington Commanders

Examining the favorite and least favorite free-agent moves for all 32 NFL teams | PFF

Kansas City Chiefs

Favorite: LB Nick Bolton

2024 PFF Grade: 64.0

2024 PFF WAR: 0.07

Contract: 3 years, $45 million ($30 million guaranteed)

PFF Projected Contract: 4 years, $60 million ($40 million guaranteed)

PFF Deal Grade: Good

By restructuring Patrick Mahomes' contract, the Chiefs managed to keep Bolton, who has a fair contract for his skill level. Although his performance over the past two seasons hasn't been as strong as his earlier career, Bolton remains a significant component of Kansas City's defense, fully grasping the nuances of Steve Spagnuolo’s schemes.

Least Favorite: T Jaylon Moore

2024 PFF Grade: 74.9

2024 PFF WAR: 0.06

Contract: 2 years, $30 million ($21.24 million guaranteed)

PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $27 million ($16.5 million guaranteed)

PFF Deal Grade: Below Average

Moore stepped up significantly for Trent Williams during the latter part of the 49ers’ 2024 season, earning an impressive overall grade of 74.9 according to PFF, particularly excelling as a pass blocker. However, the financial commitment for a player with limited professional experience (just over 800 career snaps) is quite risky and may weaken the offensive line heading into 2025.

2025 NFL Free Agency Grades: Cowboys, 49ers Among Teams Close to an F | USA Today

Kansas City Chiefs: B-

The Kansas City front office has Patrick Mahomes to thank for their financial flexibility, as his contract restructuring has saved the team approximately $50 million. However, there are still concerns about the left side of their offensive line, which was overwhelmed during the last Super Bowl. They made a risky choice by committing to a two-year, $30 million deal with new left tackle Jaylon Moore, who has only started 12 games in his four NFL seasons. While signing cornerback Kristian Fulton for two years at $20 million addresses a pressing need, Mahomes can take solace in the return of franchise-tagged guard Trey Smith, along with wide receivers Hollywood Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster, and running back Kareem Hunt. Re-signing linebacker Nick Bolton (3 years, $45 million) mitigates some losses, though the offensive line remains a critical issue after Mahomes faced a career-high 36 sacks last season, not including six additional sacks in Super Bowl 59, the most he had experienced in a single game.

Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson Shares Thoughts on Chiefs’ Super Bowl Loss to Eagles | Chiefs Wire

“I'm not surprised,” Johnson shared regarding Kansas City's defeat against Philadelphia last month. “You watched them all year, and it was clear they had issues with their offensive line, which I consider the foundation of any defense. Kansas City struggled in that area throughout the season. [Patrick] Mahomes was phenomenal and could mitigate many offensive line problems. But when facing the Eagles, who have a dominant group of defenders, it became apparent. I anticipated the outcome, although I didn’t expect it to be so one-sided.”

News Around the NFL

Proposed NFL Rule Changes: Tush Push Ban and Playoff Seeding Adjustments | SB Nation

The Eagles have suggested an amendment to Rule 16, Section 1, concerning overtime periods. They aim for regular-season overtime to adopt the same rules as postseason games, allowing both teams an opportunity to possess the ball during extra frames.

The Lions did not stop with merely proposing changes to defensive holding or illegal contact calls. They have suggested allowing Wild Card teams to have a higher seed in the playoffs than division champions if they boast a better record. This topic gained traction in the previous NFC season when the Minnesota Vikings ended up 14-3 yet fell to the #5 seed, being eliminated by the Los Angeles Rams.

Moreover, the Lions have also proposed a change to the 90-player roster limit to exclude players on the Reserve/Injured list from the limit unless designated to return, before or on the roster reduction day to 53 players.

Stefon Diggs Visits New England as a Free Agent | NBC Sports

Diggs is reportedly in Foxboro, as he meets with the Patriots, as reported by Chad Graff from The Athletic. New England has been seeking a top-tier receiving option, currently fielding Kayshon Boutte, Kendrick Bourne, Demario Douglas, and Ja’Lynn Polk as their leading depth chart names.

At 31 years old, Diggs spent the last season with the Houston Texans following a trade from the Buffalo Bills. He participated in eight games before tearing his ACL, managing to catch 47 passes for a total of 496 yards and three touchdowns.

In case you missed it!

Free Agency Recap: Examining the AFC West Moves

Las Vegas Raiders: A

It appears the Raiders are moving forward by hiring a capable head coach in former Seattle Seahawks leader Pete Carroll. His first significant action was locking in pass rusher Maxx Crosby, the heart of the defense, with a three-year, $106.5 million extension that keeps him through 2029.

Additionally, the Seahawks traded quarterback Geno Smith to the Raiders in exchange for the 92nd overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. This decision was shrewd given Smith’s familiarity with Carroll’s system — a two-time Pro Bowl selection, he has thrown for 12,961 yards (and 76 touchdowns) during his five seasons with the Seahawks.

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