The GIST: The NFL’s free agency period is causing more drama than a season of The Bachelor. This offseason allows players with expiring contracts to negotiate with and sign for other teams while also permitting teams to trade players and draft picks.
Even though free agency doesn’t officially start until 4 p.m. ET today, teams have already been making big moves.
Running back (RB) shuffle: RBs have historically received shorter and less lucrative contracts compared to other positions, leading to top RBs like Saquon Barkley threatening to sit out if they didn’t get a fair deal. The upcoming 2024 season is shaping up to be the year of the RBs despite concerns about the position’s value. Barkley himself signed a three-year, $37.75M contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, possibly becoming the second-highest paid RB in NFL history if he meets certain performance goals.
QB action: The QB market is also heating up, with Kirk “you like that” Cousins signing a massive four-year, $180M deal with the Atlanta Falcons after a strong season cut short by injury.
Keep an eye out for more action in the free agency market as teams continue to make moves leading up to the fall season. September is already looking exciting.
