Every year in March represents the start of a new season for the National Football League and with that brings free agency, where players whose contracts have expired can sign new ones with their team or head to another team elsewhere. This year free agency was very eventful with many talented players getting paid big contracts to stay and many players finding new homes.
One of the biggest contracts signed was Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce, who signed a four year, $114 million contract to stay with the team. Pierce served as an important part of the Colts offense, leading the team in receiving yards and second in receiving touchdowns. With this being his best season yet and at the age of 25, it is more than certain that he got paid what he deserved and is looking to be a big cornerstone of the Colts’s offense in years to come.
In a surprising move that shocked the entirety of the NFL world, long-time Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans signed a three year, $42.4 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers. Evans, who has had at least 1,000 receiving yards in 11 of his 12 seasons in the league, was highly sought after in free agency by many teams. His consistency and the 49ers need for a wide receiver led for the NFL veteran to take his talents to the West Coast.
Another move that shook the league was the departure of Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson who left for conference rival the Baltimore Ravens on a four year, $112 million deal. Hendrickson has been the shining light on a struggling Bengals defense in the last few years, recording at least 14 sacks in three of each of the last five seasons. Meanwhile, the Ravens gained increased support to their defensive line with this signing, pairing nicely with Pro Bowl tackle Nnamdi Madubuike.
Only happening three other times in NFL history, Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker III of the Seattle Seahawks left the Pacific Northwest to head to the Kansas City Chiefs. This marks the fourth time a Super Bowl MVP winner has left their team immediately after winning the award. He joins the Chiefs on a three year, $45 million deal, joining a team in desperate need of a running back due to the departure of Isiah Pacheco signing with the Detroit Lions. The Chiefs struggled with their run game immensely last season, especially with big plays. With Walker behind one of the most talented offensive lines in the league, it is safe to say that the Chiefs are looking to make a big turnaround from the dismal 6-11 record last season.
With the Miami Dolphins losing their starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to the Atlanta Falcons, they were in desperate need of a replacement. With that in mind, they turned to Green Bay Packers backup Malik Willis, signing him to a three year, $67.5 million contract. Willis shined in games against the Chicago Bears and Baltimore Ravens while starter Jordan Love was injured, completing 84% of his passes and scoring four touchdowns. Willis has yet to prove himself as a starter, but with those shining moments he had last season and with the right coaching, he could be the leader that the Dolphins need.
Along with Malik Willis getting a change of scenery, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs went East to the New England Patriots, signing a four year, $68 million contract. With the Patriots releasing star receiver Stefon Diggs, they needed someone to take on the responsibility of being a top target for quarterback Drake Maybe, which they found in Doubs. Although he has not had a season surpassing 1,000 receiving yards, Doubs is coming off his best season yet with 55 catches for 724 yards and six touchdowns. Paired up with rising stars Kayshon Boutte and Mack Hollins, the Patriots offense can be considered one of the most dangerous in the entire league. Doubs can be the missing piece that the Patriots need to win the Super Bowl, which they fell short of last year.
With these players finding new homes all across the league and with the upcoming draft, it is safe to say that the signings are not over yet. Ultimately, all signs point for the upcoming season to be very exciting with many teams building up their roster in the hope of a successful future.
