It was a wild first day of NFL free agency, with so many star players landing in different destinations. Here’s the deal: expect a lot of more big signings here on day number two.
Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings
The backup quarterback for the 49ers last year, he comes to Minnesota with a chance to be the starter. The deal is for one year and $10 million. Question is: is Justin Jefferson going to be happy playing with Darnold?
Darious Williams, Los Angeles Rams
Playing for Jacksonville in the past two seasons, he returns to the place where he won a Super Bowl. The Rams get back their guy who recorded six interceptions and 27 pass deflections during his time with them from 2018-2022. Deal is for three years and worth up to $30 million.
Daquon Jones, Buffalo Bills
A veteran defensive tackle, he returns to the Bills on a two-year deal worth $16 million. He has recorded 54 tackles and 4.5 sacks in the past two seasons with Buffalo.
Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings
A one-year, $7 million contract keeps the running back in the division. Jones will get to face his former team in the Packers twice, as he looks to enact revenge for releasing him. He was one of the top rushing leaders in Packers franchise history.
Joe Mixon, Houston Texans
So much for being released. The Houston Texans decided to not let Mixon hit the free-agent market, trading for the former Bengals running back. He now teams up with Dameon Pierce in the backfield.
Darnell Mooney, Atlanta Falcons
The former member of the Chicago Bears has a new home in Atlanta. Playing on a three-year, $39 million deal, he will become the WR2 for new quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens
Another top running back is off the board. The former Tennessee Titans signs with the AFC North champions on a two-year, $16 million deal worth up to $20 million. Now 30 years old, he has finished with at least 300 carries in three of the past five seasons. With double-digit touchdowns in each of the past six seasons, the rushing attack in Baltimore is potent as ever.
Drew Lock, New York Giants
Formerly of the Broncos and Seahawks, Lock joins the Giants on a one-year, $5 million deal to serve as the backup behind incumbent Daniel Jones (and possible starter if GM Joe Schoen does not go quarterback in the draft and Jones is not ready).
Patrick Queen, Pittsburgh Steelers
Another player gets to face his former team twice a year, as the former Raven heads to Pittsburgh on a three-year deal worth $41 million. Still 24 years old, he has 454 tackles and 13.5 sacks to his name.
Marcus Mariota, Commanders
Playing last year for the Eagles as Jalen Hurts‘s backup, he comes to the division rival Commanders on a one-year deal worth $6 million. Mariota join Sam Howell in the team’s current quarterback room, and could be joined by whoever the team chooses in the draft at second overall.
Mike Gesicki, Cincinnati Bengals
Another weapon for Joe Burrow to throw to, Gesicki joins the Bengals on a one-year deal worth $3.25 million. He spent last year in New England, recording just 29 receptions for 244 yards and two touchdowns.
Other Deals
RB Nyheim Hines: one-year, $3.5 million with Cleveland
LB Shaquil Barrett: one-year, $9 million with Miami
TE Irv Smith Jr: one-year deal with Kansas City
CB Kenny Moore: three-year deal, $30 million to stay in Indianapolis
WR Devante Parker: one-year, $4.69 million with Philadelphia
S Jeremy Chinn: one-year, $5.1 million with Washington
LB Josey Jewell: three-year, $22.75 million with Carolina
S Jalen Mills: one-year, veteran minimum with New York Giants
DT Raekwon Davis: two-year, $14 million with Indianapolis
OL Dan Skipper returns to Detroit on a one-year deal
DE Danielle Hunter: two-year, $49 million deal with Houston
S Jordan Poyer: one-year deal with Miami
WR Diontae Johnson traded to Carolina from Pittsburgh.
S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson: three-year deal worth $33 million
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Featured Image: Todd Olszewski/Getty Images
