NFL Free Agency 2024: Biggest Signings, Surprises, and Team Upgrades

The 2024 NFL free agency period was one of the most chaotic and exciting in recent memory. With blockbuster trades, surprise cuts, and franchise-altering signings, teams aggressively reshaped their rosters ahead of the new season. From Kirk Cousins joining the Falcons to Saquon Barkley shocking the league by signing with the Eagles, this offseason has already set the stage for a thrilling 2024 campaign.

In this in-depth breakdown, we’ll analyze the biggest moves, winners and losers of free agency, and which teams made the smartest upgrades.

1. Kirk Cousins Signs with the Atlanta Falcons (4 Years, $180M)

The Atlanta Falcons made the biggest quarterback splash of free agency, signing veteran Kirk Cousins to a **four-year, $180milliondeal\ast \ast ,including$100 million guaranteed. After years of instability at QB, the Falcons finally have a proven leader who can elevate their offense.

Why This Move Makes Sense

• Instant Upgrade at QB: Cousins is a significant improvement over Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke.

• Perfect Fit for Atlanta’s Weapons: With Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson, Cousins has elite playmakers.

• Playoff Potential: The NFC South is weak, giving Atlanta a real shot at the division.

However, concerns remain about Cousins’ age (35) and recovery from a torn Achilles. If healthy, this could be a franchise-changing move.

 For more on Cousins’ impact, check out NFL NewsZ.

2. Saquon Barkley Joins the Philadelphia Eagles (3 Years, $37.75M)

In one of the most shocking moves, Saquon Barkley left the Giants to join their division rival, the Philadelphia Eagles, on a three-year, $37.75 million deal.

Why This Is a Game-Changer

• Elite Dual-Threat Back: Barkley adds a dynamic element to Philly’s offense.

• Perfect Complement to Jalen Hurts: The Eagles now have a true workhorse RB.

• Giants’ Loss, Eagles’ Gain: New York failed to retain their best offensive weapon.

This signing makes the Eagles’ offense even more dangerous and puts pressure on the Giants to find a replacement NFL Free Agency .

3. Russell Wilson Signs with the Pittsburgh Steelers (1 Year, $1.2M)

After being released by the Denver Broncos, Russell Wilson took a team-friendly deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers (just **$1.2million\ast \ast in2024,withDenverpayingtherestofhis$39M salary).

Can Wilson Revive His Career in Pittsburgh?

• Low-Risk, High-Reward Move: The Steelers get a proven QB for almost nothing.

• Better Offensive Weapons: George Pickens, Pat Freiermuth, and Najee Harris give Wilson tools.

• Competition with Justin Fields: The Steelers also traded for Justin Fields, creating an intriguing QB battle.

If Wilson returns to his Seattle form, the Steelers could be a playoff threat.

 Stay updated on Steelers’ QB battle at NFL NewsZ.

4. Christian Wilkins to the Las Vegas Raiders (4 Years, $110M)

The Las Vegas Raiders made a massive defensive splash, signing Christian Wilkins to a four-year, $110 million deal. The former Dolphins DT is one of the best interior disruptors in the league.

Impact on the Raiders’ Defense

• Elite Run Defender & Pass Rusher: Wilkins had 9 sacks in 2023.

• Pairing with Maxx Crosby: This duo could terrorize AFC West QBs.

• Overpaid or Worth It? $27.5M per year is steep, but Wilkins changes games.

5. Baker Mayfield Stays with the Buccaneers (3 Years, $100M)

After a career resurgence in 2023, Baker Mayfield re-signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a three-year, $100 million deal.

Why This Was the Right Move

• Continuity Matters: Mayfield thrived under OC Dave Canales (now in Carolina).

• Proven Chemistry with Mike Evans & Chris Godwin.

• NFC South Is Up for Grabs: Bucs are the favorites to repeat as division champs.

6. Biggest Steals of Free Agency

• Josh Jacobs to Packers (4 Years, $48M) – Great value for a Pro Bowl RB.

• Kenneth Murray to Titans (2 Years, $15.5M) – Underrated LB upgrade.

• Darnell Mooney to Falcons (3 Years, $39M) – Speedster for Kirk Cousins.

7. Biggest Free Agency Losers

❌ New York Giants – Lost Barkley, didn’t replace him.
❌ Denver Broncos – Still paying Wilson $38M to play elsewhere.
❌ Dallas Cowboys – Quiet offseason, no major upgrades.

Read More: Aaron Rodgers 2024 Comeback: Can the Jets Up to the Hype?

Final Thoughts: Who Won NFL Free Agency 2024?

• Falcons: Landed the best available QB.

• Eagles: Stole Saquon Barkley from a rival.

• Steelers: Got Russell Wilson for almost free.

The NFL Free Agency will be heavily influenced by these moves. Which team do you think improved the most?

 For the latest NFL news and analysis, visit NFL NewsZ.