2025 NFL Free Agency LIVE Deal Grader: Grading and tracking every transaction

The start of the new NFL season is all but underway, meaning extensions and deals with unrestricted free agents are coming in fast.

PFF will be providing live reactions and analysis on all major transactions, and we’ll give each deal one of four grades: below average, average, above average and elite. These ratings will be updated throughout the week as additional news comes in.

For even more information about the best free agents on the market, monitor PFF’s free-agent rankings, which include contract projections, wins above replacement (PFF WAR), PFF grades and analysis.

Chronological Deal Grades

Click here to jump to team-by-team deal grades

  • 2024 PFF Grade78.8
  • 2024 PFF WAR0.20
  • Contract: 3 years, $42 million, $28 million guaranteed
  • PFF Projected Contract: 4 years, $56 million, $30 million guaranteed
  • PFF Deal Grade: Good

Dalman earned a 78.8 PFF overall grade in 2024, ranking fifth among centers, and is now the second-highest-paid center in football. The 2021 fourth-round draft pick has earned a PFF overall grade above 65.0 in all three of his seasons as a starter and hit free agency at the perfect time to cash in.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 86.4
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.30
  • Contract: 3 years, $66 million ($44 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $65 million ($45 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Deal Grade: Good

Before going down with a gruesome injury in October, Godwin was on track to produce one of the best seasons of his career. Through Week 7, he recorded the third-highest PFF receiving grade (85.7) among wide receivers, displaying his savvy route-running capability from the slot. After receiving two franchise tags in previous cycles, the price was untenable for a third, but the Buccaneers still manage to retain a crucial piece of their offense.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 74.9
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.06
  • Contract: 2 years, $30 million
  • PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $27 million, $16.5 million guaranteed
  • PFF Deal Grade: Below Average

After the injury to Trent Williams toward the end of the 2024 season, Moore stepped into the 49ers‘ lineup and performed admirably. He earned a 74.9 PFF overall grade, highlighted by his solid metrics as a pass blocker. He allowed just 10 quarterback pressures, including a sack, across 155 pass sets. The Chiefs fill a dire need at tackle with this signing, but the price may have been on the upper end of the scale for a guy with limited experience (just over 800 career snaps).  

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 53.5
  • 2024 PFF WAR: -0.06
  • Contract: 1 year, $14 million
  • PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $25 million ($15 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Deal Grade: Average

Reddick wound up playing just 392 snaps in 2024 after a long holdout with the New York Jets, where he ended up via trade. It resulted in his lowest-graded season of the past five years and is likely a big part of why he is signing just a one-year deal as free agency opens. At just 30 years old, he should still have plenty left in the tank. If the Buccaneers can get the version of him that racked up 155 pressures across two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, then it’s a nice move.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 90.2
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.27
  • Contract: 1 year, $18 million ($18 million guaranteed) 
  • PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $45 million ($40 million guaranteed) 
  • PFF Deal Grade: Elite

The Chargers weren’t able to secure Mack for multiple years, but getting him at an $18 million price tag, even for just one season, is a huge win. First and foremost, it lines up with their winning window, which is only now opening with a good outlook for the next few seasons. Mack also earned an elite 90.2 PFF overall grade in 2024, the seventh 90.0-plus mark of his career. He will be 34 years old for the 2025 season but is clearly still worth the price needed to bring him back. 

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 67.3
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.10
  • Contract: 3 years, $39 million ($26 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $18 million ($10 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Deal Grade: Average

Jones is a solid player who earned a 67.3 PFF grade last season, 37th among qualifying interior defenders. However, his contract comes with a hefty price tag, placing him just outside the top 20 at the position in terms of average annual value.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 75.8
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.34
  • Contract: 2 years, $44 million ($26 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Projected Contract: N/A
  • PFF Deal Grade: Good

Although Adams is now 32 years old, he remains productive and proved he could be a solid second option in the Rams offense. He averaged 2.04 yards per route run last season, tying for 27th among all wide receivers in 2024.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 78.3
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.28
  • Contract: 3 years, $57.75 million ($30 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Projected Contract: 4 years, $58 million ($37.5 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Deal Grade: Average

Jackson’s deal is a slight annual overpay, but locking up their starting left tackle for three more years was the right move for the Rams. His 79.2 PFF pass-blocking grade ranked 22nd among all offensive tackles last season.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 71.0
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.25
  • Contract: 3 years, $60 million
  • PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $40 million ($27.5 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Deal Grade: Above Average

The Ravens locked up Stanley for the exact annual amount we projected. The Ravens tackle earned an 80.9 PFF pass-blocking grade in 2024, 16th among offensive tackles, and he has never posted a PFF pass-blocking grade below 75.0 in a season with at least 50 pass-blocking snaps.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 88.2
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.50
  • Contract: 1 year, $26.2 million
  • PFF Projected Contract: 4 years, $30 million per year ($70 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Deal Grade: Average

Higgins is coming off a career year in which he earned an 88.2 PFF grade while averaging 2.05 yards per route run, the second-best mark of his career. Keeping him makes sense for the Bengals, but a long-term deal would be a far better outcome.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 73.8
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.28
  • Contract: 3 years, $25.5 million
  • PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $12 million ($6 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Deal Grade: Below Average

Gesicki earned a 73.8 PFF grade last season and secured a sizable contract extension with the Bengals. Cincinnati is clearly prioritizing the tight end position, as three of their top five players in target rate were tight ends, including Gesicki (19.4%). While the deal was an overpay based on our projections, it aligns with their approach in the passing game.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 88.3
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.37
  • Contract: 1 year, $9.5 million ($6.06 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $5 million
  • PFF Deal Grade: Above Average

Wagner continues to defy age. At 34, he posted the highest WAR value of any off-ball linebacker in the NFL in 2024, backed by a 90.9 run-defense grade. While he’s no longer the coverage spy he was seven or eight years ago, his reliability against the run played a key role in Washington bringing him back —despite the slightly higher-than-expected price tag.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 75.4
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.13
  • Contract: 2 years, $20 million ($13 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $14 million ($8 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Deal Grade: Average

Jones’ 75.4 overall grade in 2024 was a career low, but he remains a valuable part of the Vikings‘ backfield thanks to his patience and receiving ability, as he just posted a near-career-high in receiving yards (420). With Minnesota pushing to win now, bringing Jones back is a solid move.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 67.9
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.14
  • Contract: 1 year, $10 million ($9 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $6.5 million
  • PFF Deal Grade: Above Average

At 34, David remained one of Tampa’s most reliable and impactful defenders. His 67.9 PFF grade—near a career low—reflects some expected decline with age, but bringing him back for a 14th season (matching Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks) was crucial for a Buccaneers team still thin at linebacker heading into 2025.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 68.1
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.23
  • Contract: 4 years, $80 million ($52 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Projected Contract: 4 years, $85 million ($50 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Deal Grade: Good

Even if the raw sack totals don’t reflect it, Odighizuwa has been one of the league’s top pass-rushing defensive tackles over the past two seasons. Since 2023, the UCLA product ranks among the top 10 interior defenders in pass-rush grade, pass-rush win rate and pressure rate. Dallas doesn’t have to break the bank for him — a key advantage given the likely massive payday ahead for Micah Parsons.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 76.3
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.25
  • Contract: 1 year, $23.4 million fully guaranteed
  • PFF Projected Contract: 4 years, $86 million ($52 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Deal Grade: Good

Despite perceptions of a down year, Smith’s 76.3 overall grade in 2024 was actually a career-high. With little variance between his best and worst seasons, he has proven to be a consistently good player. The Chiefs prioritized Smith over Thuney, trading the veteran to Chicago. While the franchise tag exceeds our projected average, Smith could be in line to reset the guard market again next year.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 70.5
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.02
  • Contract: 3 years, $43.5 million ($26 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Projected Contract: N/A
  • PFF Deal Grade: Below average

Landry reunites with his former head coach, Mike Vrabel, in New England, though the Patriots had to pay a premium to get him. While the former Titan tallied nine sacks last year, his 4.7% pass-rush win rate was the lowest in the league among 86 qualifying edge defenders. 

  • 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

PFF’s contract projection for Bolton was spot on, matching his $15 million average annual value and $10 million in guaranteed money per year. While his last two seasons haven’t been as efficient as his first two, he remains a key piece of Kansas City’s defense and just turned 25. A second-level defender who fully understands the defensive scheme and responsibilities holds significant value.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 83.2
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 3.00
  • Contract: Final year of a 3-year, $75 million deal
  • PFF Projected Contract: N/A
  • PFF Deal Grade: Good

Smith’s 3.00 WAR ranked fifth among all NFL players last season, making the Raiders’ acquisition of him for a third-round pick a steal. With limited free-agent options and no control over a top quarterback selection at No. 6 in the draft, this move fills a key need. Smith, now 34 and turning 35 next season, reunites with Pete Carroll and should hit the ground running.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 90.1
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.32
  • Contract: 3 years, $51 million ($34 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $45 million ($29.25 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Deal Grade: Above average

Baun capitalized on his breakout season with a deal that makes him one of the five highest-paid linebackers in the NFL. In New Orleans, he often looked lost transitioning from edge rusher to linebacker, but he found his footing in Philadelphia as an off-ball player, finishing as the league’s highest-graded linebacker last season. Now, he stays with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio as he and the Eagles aim to defend their Super Bowl title.

The Steelers made a significant investment in Metcalf, trading the No. 52 overall pick to acquire him from Seattle and signing him to a five-year, $150 million deal—making him the latest receiver to earn $30 million per year. While Metcalf is a talented player, his skill set closely mirrors that of George Pickens, potentially creating redundancies if Pickens isn’t traded. Since entering the league in 2019, Metcalf has more than doubled the next closest receiver in accepted penalties (17)—ironically, that next closest receiver is Pickens with eight.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 60.7
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.06
  • Contract: 3 years, $33 million ($15 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $36 million ($22.5 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Deal Grade: Average

Jones’ ride on the NFL carousel slows down for the time being as he re-signs with Seattle. His PFF overall grade represents a mediocre player, but he leans into his ability as a solid run defender. His subpar play in coverage keeps him below the top of a burgeoning linebacker market. Since 2022, Jones owns the eighth-highest PFF run-defense grade among qualified linebackers.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 71.8
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.02
  • Contract: 3 years, $24 million ($16 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $2.75 million ($1.5 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Deal Grade: Below Average

While Barnes didn’t sign a huge contract, this may be a slight overpay by Detroit for a player who has flashed in run defense over the past three years but is coming off of a season-ending knee injury. There is also the question of his position, as he has played an increased number of snaps as an edge defender since the latter half of the 2023 season.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 67.0
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.42
  • Contract: 1 year, $6.25 million ($5.6 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $3.5 million ($2.5 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Deal Grade: Average

Ertz saw a resurgence in 2024 while catching passes from Jayden Daniels in Washington. His 72.5 PFF receiving grade was his highest since 2019. Including the postseason, only Travis Kelce caught more passes on third and fourth down than Ertz did among tight ends. Ertz also hauled in more than 64% of his contested targets. He isn’t capable of taking over games anymore, but he’s proven to be a reliable security blanket for Daniels despite his age.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 71.3
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.19
  • Contract: Final year of a three-year, $71.5 million deal
  • PFF Projected Contract: N/A
  • PFF Deal Grade: Good

Since his breakout 2021 season, Samuel has been regarded as one of the league’s most versatile offensive weapons. However, injuries and other factors have impacted his availability and production. He earned a career-low 71.3 overall grade in 2024, which, combined with his price tag, led to him being traded for just a third-round pick. Despite his recent decline, he’s a worthwhile gamble for the Commanders in terms of draft capital, cap space and scheme fit.

Team-By-Team Deal Grades

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ARZ | ATL | BLT | BUF | CAR | CHICIN | CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND | JAX | KC | LVR | LAC | LAR | MIA | MIN | NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF | SEA | TB | TEN | WSH

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 71.0
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.25
  • Contract: 3 years, $60 million
  • PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $40 million ($27.5 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Deal Grade: Above Average

The Ravens locked up Stanley for the exact annual amount we projected. The Ravens tackle earned an 80.9 PFF pass-blocking grade in 2024, 16th among offensive tackles, and he has never posted a PFF pass-blocking grade below 75.0 in a season with at least 50 pass-blocking snaps.

  • 2024 PFF Grade78.8
  • 2024 PFF WAR0.20
  • Contract: 3 years, $42 million, $28 million guaranteed
  • PFF Projected Contract: 4 years, $56 million, $30 million guaranteed
  • PFF Deal Grade: Good

Dalman earned a 78.8 PFF overall grade in 2024, ranking fifth among centers, and is now the second-highest-paid center in football. The 2021 fourth-round draft pick has earned a PFF overall grade above 65.0 in all three of his seasons as a starter and hit free agency at the perfect time to cash in.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 88.2
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.50
  • Contract: 1 year, $26.2 million
  • PFF Projected Contract: 4 years, $30 million per year ($70 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Deal Grade: Average

Higgins is coming off a career year in which he earned an 88.2 PFF grade while averaging 2.05 yards per route run, the second-best mark of his career. Keeping him makes sense for the Bengals, but a long-term deal would be a far better outcome.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 73.8
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.28
  • Contract: 3 years, $25.5 million
  • PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $12 million ($6 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Deal Grade: Below Average

Gesicki earned a 73.8 PFF grade last season and secured a sizable contract extension with the Bengals. Cincinnati is clearly prioritizing the tight end position, as three of their top five players in target rate were tight ends, including Gesicki (19.4%). While the deal was an overpay based on our projections, it aligns with their approach in the passing game.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 68.1
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.23
  • Contract: 4 years, $80 million ($52 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Projected Contract: 4 years, $85 million ($50 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Deal Grade: Good

Even if the raw sack totals don’t reflect it, Odighizuwa has been one of the league’s top pass-rushing defensive tackles over the past two seasons. Since 2023, the UCLA product ranks among the top 10 interior defenders in pass-rush grade, pass-rush win rate and pressure rate. Dallas doesn’t have to break the bank for him — a key advantage given the likely massive payday ahead for Micah Parsons.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 67.3
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.10
  • Contract: 3 years, $39 million ($26 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $18 million ($10 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Deal Grade: Average

Jones is a solid player who earned a 67.3 PFF grade last season, 37th among qualifying interior defenders. However, his contract comes with a hefty price tag, placing him just outside the top 20 at the position in terms of average annual value.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 71.8
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.02
  • Contract: 3 years, $24 million ($16 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $2.75 million ($1.5 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Deal Grade: Below Average

While Barnes didn’t sign a huge contract, this may be a slight overpay by Detroit for a player who has flashed in run defense over the past three years but is coming off of a season-ending knee injury. There is also the question of his position, as he has played an increased number of snaps as an edge defender since the latter half of the 2023 season.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 76.3
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.25
  • Contract: 1 year, $23.4 million fully guaranteed
  • PFF Projected Contract: 4 years, $86 million ($52 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Deal Grade: Good

Despite perceptions of a down year, Smith’s 76.3 overall grade in 2024 was actually a career-high. With little variance between his best and worst seasons, he has proven to be a consistently good player. The Chiefs prioritized Smith over Thuney, trading the veteran to Chicago. While the franchise tag exceeds our projected average, Smith could be in line to reset the guard market again next year.

  • 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

PFF’s contract projection for Bolton was spot on, matching his $15 million average annual value and $10 million in guaranteed money per year. While his last two seasons haven’t been as efficient as his first two, he remains a key piece of Kansas City’s defense and just turned 25. A second-level defender who fully understands the defensive scheme and responsibilities holds significant value.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 75.8
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.34
  • Contract: 2 years, $44 million ($26 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Projected Contract: N/A
  • PFF Deal Grade: Good

Although Adams is now 32 years old, he remains productive and proved he could be a solid second option in the Rams offense. He averaged 2.04 yards per route run last season, tying for 27th among all wide receivers in 2024.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 78.3
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.28
  • Contract: 3 years, $57.75 million ($30 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Projected Contract: 4 years, $58 million ($37.5 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Deal Grade: Average

Jackson’s deal is a slight annual overpay, but locking up their starting left tackle for three more years was the right move for the Rams.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 75.4
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.13
  • Contract: 2 years, $20 million ($13 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $14 million ($8 million guaranteed) 
  • PFF Deal Grade: Average

Jones’ 75.4 overall grade in 2024 was a career low, but he remains a valuable part of the Vikings‘ backfield thanks to his patience and receiving ability, as he just posted a near-career-high in receiving yards (420). With Minnesota pushing to win now, bringing Jones back is a solid move.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 70.5
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.02
  • Contract: 3 years, $43.5 million ($26 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Projected Contract: N/A
  • PFF Deal Grade: Below average

Landry reunites with his former head coach, Mike Vrabel, in New England, though the Patriots had to pay a premium to get him. While the former Titan tallied nine sacks last year, his 4.7% pass-rush win rate was the lowest in the league among 86 qualifying edge defenders. 

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 90.1
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.32
  • Contract: 3 years, $51 million ($34 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $45 million ($29.25 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Deal Grade: Above average

Baun capitalized on his breakout season with a deal that makes him one of the five highest-paid linebackers in the NFL. In New Orleans, he often looked lost transitioning from edge rusher to linebacker, but he found his footing in Philadelphia as an off-ball player, finishing as the league’s highest-graded linebacker last season. Now, he stays with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio as he and the Eagles aim to defend their Super Bowl title.

The Steelers made a significant investment in Metcalf, trading the No. 52 overall pick to acquire him from Seattle and signing him to a five-year, $150 million deal—making him the latest receiver to earn $30 million per year. While Metcalf is a talented player, his skill set closely mirrors that of George Pickens, potentially creating redundancies if Pickens isn’t traded. Since entering the league in 2019, Metcalf has more than doubled the next closest receiver in accepted penalties (17)—ironically, that next closest receiver is Pickens with eight.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 60.7
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.06
  • Contract: 3 years, $33 million ($15 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $36 million ($22.5 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Deal Grade: Average

Jones’ ride on the NFL carousel slows down for the time being as he re-signs with Seattle. His PFF overall grade represents a mediocre player, but he leans into his ability as a solid run defender. His subpar play in coverage keeps him below the top of a burgeoning linebacker market. Since 2022, Jones owns the eighth-highest PFF run-defense grade among qualified linebackers.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 83.2
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 3.00
  • Contract: Final year of a 3-year, $75 million deal
  • PFF Projected Contract: N/A
  • PFF Deal Grade: Good

Smith’s 3.00 WAR ranked fifth among all NFL players last season, making the Raiders’ acquisition of him for a third-round pick a steal. With limited free-agent options and no control over a top quarterback selection at No. 6 in the draft, this move fills a key need. Smith, now 34 and turning 35 next season, reunites with Pete Carroll and should hit the ground running.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 86.4
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.30
  • Contract: 3 years, $66 million ($44 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $65 million ($45 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Deal Grade: Good

Before going down with a gruesome injury in October, Godwin was on track to produce one of the best seasons of his career. Through Week 7, he recorded the third-highest PFF receiving grade (85.7) among wide receivers, displaying his savvy route-running capability from the slot. After receiving two franchise tags in previous cycles, the price was untenable for a third, but the Buccaneers still manage to retain a crucial piece of their offense.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 53.5
  • 2024 PFF WAR: -0.06
  • Contract: 1 year, $14 million
  • PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $25 million ($15 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Deal Grade: Average

Reddick wound up playing just 392 snaps in 2024 after a long holdout with the New York Jets, where he ended up via trade. It resulted in his lowest-graded season of the past five years and is likely a big part of why he is signing just a one-year deal as free agency opens. At just 30 years old, he should still have plenty left in the tank. If the Buccaneers can get the version of him that racked up 155 pressures across two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, then it’s a nice move.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 67.9
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.14
  • Contract: 1 year, $10 million ($9 million guaranteed) 
  • PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $6.5 million
  • PFF Deal Grade: Above Average

At 34, David remained one of Tampa’s most reliable and impactful defenders. His 67.9 PFF grade—near a career low—reflects some expected decline with age, but bringing him back for a 14th season (matching Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks) was crucial for a Buccaneers team still thin at linebacker heading into 2025.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 88.3
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.37
  • Contract: 1 year, $9.5 million ($6.06 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $5 million
  • PFF Deal Grade: Above Average

Wagner continues to defy age. At 34, he posted the highest WAR value of any off-ball linebacker in the NFL in 2024, backed by a 90.9 run-defense grade. While he’s no longer the coverage spy he was seven or eight years ago, his reliability against the run played a key role in Washington bringing him back —despite the slightly higher-than-expected price tag.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 67.0
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.42
  • Contract: 1 year, $6.25 million ($5.6 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $3.5 million ($2.5 million guaranteed)
  • PFF Deal Grade: Average

Ertz saw a resurgence in 2024 while catching passes from Jayden Daniels in Washington. His 72.5 PFF receiving grade was his highest since 2019. Including the postseason, only Travis Kelce caught more passes on third and fourth down than Ertz did among tight ends. Ertz also hauled in more than 64% of his contested targets. He isn’t capable of taking over games anymore, but he’s proven to be a reliable security blanket for Daniels despite his age.

  • 2024 PFF Grade: 71.3
  • 2024 PFF WAR: 0.19
  • Contract: Final year of a three-year, $71.5 million deal
  • PFF Projected Contract: N/A
  • PFF Deal Grade: Good

Since his breakout 2021 season, Samuel has been regarded as one of the league’s most versatile offensive weapons. However, injuries and other factors have impacted his availability and production. He earned a career-low 71.3 overall grade in 2024, which, combined with his price tag, led to him being traded for just a third-round pick. Despite his recent decline, he’s a worthwhile gamble for the Commanders in terms of draft capital, cap space and scheme fit.

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