Free Agency 1 Recap

Free Agency 1 is in the books, with familiar names around the RedZone headed to new destinations. Free agency is the first step of the offseason where teams go from middle-of-the-pack, to true contenders. As we recap free agency 1, we are going to grade the deal and discuss the implications of it.

Philadelphia Eagles sign WR Stefon Diggs to 5yr/$200m : Grade A-

While I do love this deal for the Eagles, paying a 30 year old WR $200m in general hurts. With that being said, Diggs could be a key piece that brings Philly back to the promised land. Diggs' ability to destroy defenders downfield is going to be essential in that offense regardless of who is under center next season. Coach Adelman is going to rely on Diggs to do what he has done all cycle, and punish his matchups. Great move for Philly.

Buffalo Bills sign TE Austin Hooper to 3yr/$24m : Grade B+

Buffalo loses a key piece in Diggs, but finds a nice piece in Hooper. This deal does not massively impact their cap situation, and Hooper can still play. Hooper is the guy you look for on 3rd and short and need a first down. Outside of actually catching the ball, Hooper is rather pedestrian as a RAC threat. Knox and Hooper are going to be an elite pairing, as well as Bates. I like this deal for Buffalo.

Denver Broncos sign RE Grady Jarrett to 5yr/$128m : Grade B-

Jarrett can still play at 31 years of age. His ability to rush the passer will be quite valuable to the Broncos. Coach Astin will pair him with Bradley Chubb to create pain in a competitive AFCW. The Broncos are consistenly a threat in the playoffs, so look for Jarrett to wreak havoc against opposing linemen until he hangs up his jersey. Though, they gave this 31 year old a hefty payday, there is still plenty of money left to spend.

Green Bay Packers sign LE Demarcus Lawrence to 3yr/$62m: Grade B+

I love this deal for Green Bay. Lawrence walks away from Dallas to Green Bay, where Coach Theo is trying to find his way in the RedZone. Lawrence is 32, but he is still a jack-of-all-trades defensively, and a game-changer. DLaw is paired with Kenny Clark and Dante Fowler, so this defensive line is getting up there in age. The most important reason I like this deal is that it is relatively cheaper than signings on other pass rushers. $62m on an X-Factor pass rusher is excellent in any way.

Indianapolis Colts sign LE Cameron Jordan to 1yr/21m: Grade A-

Cameron Jordan exits New Orleans and is headed for Indy under Coach Chapstick. Jordan is likely in the final season of his career, and he will become a pivotal piece for Indy's return to the playoffs. This 35 year old can stuff the run at an elite level for someone his age. Jordan's sack numbers are not what they used to be, but I like Cam to make a positive impact for this defense. Keep in mind, this is a 1 year deal and cap friendly going forward. Coach Chapstick's return to the playoffs begins with the signing of Cameron Jordan.

I'm tired, so thanks for reading! Good luck to all teams this season!