NFL free agency began Monday at noon ET with the opening of the legal tampering window, and it didn’t take long for agreements to start to be announced. The deals can’t become official until 4 p.m. ET Wednesday, the start of the new league year.
Here is how Mike Jones grades the deals NFL teams made with the top free agents. This file will update continuously throughout free agency.
Live updates: Free-agent news from across the NFL
Top 150 free agents: Tracking where everyone lands
Best still available: Who’s still on the board?
Free agency primer: Players, teams to watch
DT Milton Williams to sign with Panthers
Top 150 ranking: No. 1
Reported term: TBA
Grade: B
The 2021 third-round pick had an impactful role as a rotational player along the Eagles’ defensive front. He proved highly disruptive as a rotational pass rusher and run stopper. Now the Panthers are about to find out if he’s capable of an even larger role as a full-time starter.
WR Chris Godwin returning to Bucs
Top 150 ranking: No. 2
Reported term: Three years, $66 million
Grade: A
The 29-year-old Godwin got off to a strong start to the 2024 season before dislocating his ankle and having to have surgery. His speed, versatility and production after the catch (his 389 YAC yards led the NFL at the time of his injury) make him a dangerous weapon. He recorded 1,000-yard campaigns in four of the last six seasons and the Buccaneers are happy to welcome him back into the mix.
CB D.J. Reed headed to Lions
Top 150 ranking: No. 9
Reported term: Three years, $48 million
Grade: A
After serving as the Jets’ No. 2 corner, Reed joins the Lions, who just saw Carlton Davis agree to join the Patriots. Reed could wind up establishing himself as one of the top shutdown corners in the league. Reed last season recorded 11 pass breakups and 64 tackles while holding opposing quarterbacks to a passer rating of just 87.1.
C Drew Dalman to sign with Bears
Top 150 ranking: No. 16
Reported term: Three years, $42 million
Grade: A
The signing of Dalman, formerly of the Falcons, gives the Bears a versatile, well-rounded center capable of fitting into any blocking scheme necessary. Dalman missed eight games with an ankle injury, but in the nine he did play in, he allowed a total of only 10 pressures and no sacks. Chicago has made upgrading Caleb Williams’ line a high priority this offseason and Dalman is the latest piece to the puzzle.
CB Carlton Davis III to sign with Patriots
Top 150 ranking: No. 17
Reported term: Three years, $60 million
Grade: B
The eighth-year veteran has all the talent in the world, but durability is an issue. He has yet to play a full season in his career. If healthy, Davis will give New England a defensive back with strong coverage and tackling skills. He also brings credibility after helping Tampa Bay win a Super Bowl and contributing to the Lions’ turnaround. But, again, durability is a concern.
Edge Haason Reddick to sign with Buccaneers
Top 150 ranking: No. 25
Reported term: One year, $14 million
Grade: B
After a lengthy contract holdout last season, Reddick never worked his way back into peak form with the Jets. Now he heads to Tampa Bay hoping to return to form that saw him record double-digit sacks in four straight seasons. The Bucs certainly could use the pass-rush help. They haven’t had a double-digit sack leader since the 2021 season.
CB Paulson Adebo to sign with Giants
Top 150 ranking: No. 36
Reported term: Three years, $30 million
Grade: B
The talented fifth-year pro suffered a broken femur in October but still recorded three interceptions in seven games for the Saints. He had four interceptions and two fumble recoveries in 15 games in 2023. If he can stay healthy, Adebo has a chance to develop into a premier corner and should help improve a Giants defense that allowed foes to post a combined passer rating of 103.1 (third-highest in the NFL).
LB Robert Spillane to sign with Patriots
Top 150 ranking: No. 39
Reported terms: Three years, $37.5 million
Grade: B
Looking for a linebacker to spark Mike Vrabel’s revamped defense, the Patriots add Spillane, who last season racked up 158 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions and seven pass breakups for the Raiders. Signed by the Titans in 2018 as an undrafted free agent out of Western Michigan, Spillane spent four seasons with the Steelers before becoming one of the Raiders’ leading tacklers the last two seasons.
LT Dan Moore Jr. to sign with Titans
Top 150 ranking: No. 56
Reported term: Four years, $82 million
Grade: D
The 2021 Pittsburgh fourth-rounder certainly looks the part at 6-foot-5, 315 pounds. However, he has struggled, surrendering the most sacks (34) and pressures (181) in the NFL since 2021. Can he develop into a more reliable protector in Tennessee, where the Titans allowed 52 sacks in 2024, sixth-most in the NFL?
OT Morgan Moses headed to Patriots
Top 150 ranking: No. 60
Reported term: Three years, $24 million
Grade: B
The 34-year-old Moses has ranked among the top right tackles in the game during a career that has featured seven seasons in Washington and then stints with the Jets and Ravens. Now he heads to New England, where he will provide protection for the young Drake Maye. Moses appeared in 133 consecutive games before missing time with injury in 2023.
LT Jaylon Moore to sign with Chiefs
Top 150 ranking: No. 94
Reported term: Two years, $30 million
Grade: B
The Eagles showed in the Super Bowl how badly the Chiefs needed to upgrade Patrick Mahomes’ offensive line, and Kansas City promptly acquired a new blind-side protector for its prized quarterback. Moore spent his four previous seasons as the backup to 49ers All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams. Moore has seen action in 55 games, starting 12, and at 6-foot-4, 311 pounds, boasts great size and athleticism. The Chiefs had hoped to lure Ronnie Stanley from the Ravens, but instead go with Moore, who has great upside and comes at a more affordable price.
QB Jimmy Garoppolo returning to Rams
Top 150 ranking: No. 123
Reported term: One year, $11 million
Grade: B
After resolving Matthew Stafford’s future with the team, the Rams retained his backup. Garoppolo brings valuable veteran experience, having helped the 49ers reach the postseason twice. Durability led to Garoppolo’s demise as a starter, but he’s well-suited as a seasoned backup.
(Photo of Milton Williams: Mitchell Leff / Getty Images)
