National NFL reporters Jeremy Fowler, Dan Graziano and Kevin Seifert are grading every big free-agent signing and trade of the 2022 offseason, including all of the big quarterback moves. They'll grade each move from the team's perspective, using the contract terms, money numbers, player value and age, and history to assess the deal. Because the specific structure of contracts isn't always known when a deal is announced, they might delay grading a move until they know more about the guaranteed money.
We also will have NFL draft analysts Matt Miller and Jordan Reid approach each move from a draft perspective. What does each signing and trade mean for that team's first-round outlook come April, and how do the deals impact where the top prospects might be selected? Taking team needs, positional value on draft boards and what they're hearing from around the NFL, they break down what it all means for the teams' next offseason event: the draft.
Follow along as our experts evaluate and grade each move, with the most recent grades at the top. This piece will continue to be updated, but we've already broken down more than 70 deals.
See: Tracking every move
Saints add a 2022 first-round pick in big deal with Eagles
New Orleans Saints get: Two 2022 first-round picks (Nos. 16 and 19), 2022 sixth-round pick (No. 194)
Philadelphia Eagles get: 2022 first-round pick (No. 18), 2022 third-round pick (No. 101), 2022 seventh-round pick (No. 237), 2023 first-round pick, 2024 second-round pick
Saints grade: B
Eagles grade: A+
The Eagles, who entered the day with three first-round picks in this draft, have always been seen as the most likely team to trade a first-round pick. They made the playoffs last season, and their lack of immediate needs plus the value of trading a top pick meant that other teams were calling. With this move, they remain in good position to draft an impact prospect now but also have two first-rounders for 2023 should they want to address the quarterback position.
At pick Nos. 15 and 18 overall, Philadelphia will be able to address wide receiver (Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave), defensive end (Jermaine Johnson II) or linebacker (Devin Lloyd, Nakobe Dean) with high-level prospects. Perhaps most importantly, the team is loaded, with two first-rounders in 2023 and two second-rounders in 2024 should Jalen Hurts not establish himself as the long-term quarterback. The Eagles now have the capital to go after a prospect such as Bryce Young (Alabama) or C.J. Stroud (Ohio State) next year -- if Hurts struggles.
For the Saints, while there will be talk about moving up for a quarterback, this allows them to jump offensive tackle-needy teams such as the Chargers to acquire one at No. 16, and they still have flexibility at No. 19 to get a wide receiver opposite Michael Thomas. The NFC South is a weakened division despite the return of Tom Brady, and the continuity in New Orleans despite Sean Payton retiring has the Saints in solid positioning. Adding two Day 1 starters in the first round later this month could have this team competing again sooner rather than later.
The Saints gave up a lot in terms of future picks with their quarterback situation unsettled, and have to get starters at both left tackle and receiver for this trade to pan out. On paper, it's risky, especially for where they are in the middle of Round 1, and given that teams could still leap them for prospects. -- Miller
Rams agree to sign ILB Bobby Wagner
The deal: Five years, $50 million
Grade: B
People are going to look at the name and think this is an incredible get for the Rams, and they're going to look at the money and say Wagner cashed in big-time. The truth is this is a really solid get for the Rams, who needed an upgrade at middle linebacker and got a future Hall of Famer to add to their Super Bowl champion locker room.
And the contract numbers -- when we actually get our eyes on them -- I'm betting look more like the deal De'Vondre Campbell signed with the Packers. That was ostensibly a "five-year, $50 million" deal, but in reality, it is a two-year, $21.5 million deal with $15 million guaranteed in the form of a signing bonus and an easy out for the team after two years before the base salaries jump. Assuming that's similarly the case with Wagner, then again, solid both ways.
Wagner has been a brilliant player throughout his career, but he turns 32 this summer, and obviously there's a reason Seattle didn't bring him back. Even a declining Wagner is going to be a helper for someone. The Rams weren't the only team interested. It's a strong signing, even if it looks a little bit different once you rub the initial Twitter reaction out of your eyes. -- Graziano
What this means for the 2022 draft: With limited picks in the early stages of the draft, the Rams are once again checking boxes through free-agent signings. Grabbing a veteran middle linebacker better plugs the hole on defense than any late-third-round selection -- where the Rams' first pick currently will be -- could possibly hope to in 2022. -- Miller
Chiefs agree to sign WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling
The deal: Three years, $30 million
Grade: B+
Valdes-Scantling was the Packers' designated home run hitter, a role he is well suited to reprise for the Chiefs. Over the past two seasons, the only players with more targets of at least 40 yards downfield are Marquise Brown and Tyreek Hill, whom the Chiefs traded to the Dolphins this week.
It's fair to wonder if the Chiefs needed to go to $10 million per year for a receiver whose career high of 38 receptions came as a rookie in 2018. But Valdes-Scantling is a really good fit for the type of offense the Chiefs run. His game speed is unreal. Last season, he reached a top speed of 22.09 mph at the end of a 75-yard touchdown. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, that's the highest figure by a ball carrier -- including Hill -- over the past two seasons.
The Saints were also in the mix here, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. But the Chiefs knew how important he could be in their scheme and got to the place they needed to be in order to get the deal done. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: This checks one big box on GM Brett Veach's list of needs. But there is still room for a wide receiver to be added at pick No. 29 or 30 overall. North Dakota State's Christian Watson has the size and speed to fit the Kansas City offense. -- Miller
Chiefs trade WR Tyreek Hill to Dolphins
Kansas City Chiefs get: 2022 first-round pick, 2022 second-round pick, 2022 fourth-round pick, 2023 fourth-round pick and 2023 sixth-round pick
Miami Dolphins get: WR Tyreek Hill
Chiefs grade: D
Dolphins grade: B+
Wow. Let's start in Miami, where incoming head coach Mike McDaniel seems determined to operate his offense at ludicrous speed. Pairing Hill with 2021 first-round pick Jaylen Waddle gives quarterback Tua Tagovailoa two supremely dynamic targets at the wide receiver position to go with new running backs Chase Edmonds and Raheem Mostert, holdover tight end Mike Gesicki, new offensive tackle Terron Armstead ... you get the idea. If Tagovailoa fails to take the next step this year, it won't be for a lack of elite talent around him.
What keeps Miami's grade out of the "A" range is the cost of this deal, both in terms of draft picks and the money it is spending on Hill's new contract. Yes, he's a unique talent and should have an instant impact on Miami's chances to contend for the postseason. But the Chiefs obviously knew that and still didn't want to pay him this amount of money, and the Chiefs have a slightly better record over the past seven or so years than the Dolphins. If Tagovailoa doesn't turn out to be Miami's long-term answer at QB, the Dolphins are going to have to spend at that position and could be hamstrung in the short term by a contract like this. But if they're determined to play to Tua's strengths, run short routes and get the ball into the hands of players who can make things happen after the catch, Hill and Waddle look like a formidable pair.
As for the Chiefs, it's pretty hard to see how this is a positive. Sure, you can sit here and say it wasn't a good idea to give 28-year-old Hill that amount of money when his game is based on speed, and you can laud the front office for being responsible. But the move unquestionably, indisputably makes their 2022 roster worse, and Hill, at this point in his career, is not a replaceable player. He just does things others can't do. New signee JuJu Smith-Schuster, even if he can manage to stay healthy and produce the way he did in his first few years, still can't be for Kansas City what Hill was.
The Chiefs will have to replace Hill with groups of people, and coach Andy Reid is certainly a creative-enough offensive mind to figure out how to do that. But there's no question that Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City offense have been lethal with Hill on the field and something less than that (albeit still good!) when he hasn't been out there.
Is it possible they find their Justin Jefferson with the first-round pick Miami sent them, the way Minnesota did two years ago when it traded Stefon Diggs to the Bills? Of course it is. But again: Replacing Hill isn't about just finding another fast wide receiver. He is the scariest offensive player in the league to defensive coordinators, and no rookie is going to take that title from him in Year 1. Considering how much work the other three teams in the AFC West have done to improve, it's tough to feel great about a move that sets the Chiefs back in any way, and this one sets them back in a big way.
One of the fascinating offshoots of this, by the way, is what it will do to the wide receiver market. With Hill and Davante Adams inking huge new deals, the standard for wide receiver pay is spiraling upward. You wonder if Seattle ends up having an issue like this at some point with DK Metcalf. You look down the road and gasp at the thought of what it'll cost when Jefferson and Ja'Marr Chase hit free agency. Yes, there's a ton of new TV money coming in over the next few years, and the salary cap is likely to skyrocket. But could wide receiver become the new quarterback in terms of the position's impact on teams' salary cap planning? -- Graziano
What this means for the 2022 draft: Without a pick until No. 102 overall, the Dolphins could still look to build depth along the offensive line or at linebacker in the middle rounds. The Chiefs, on the other hand, are armed with four picks in the top 62. Following the exit of Hill, the franchise will now search for an explosive pass-catcher on offense. Ohio State's Chris Olave and Alabama's Jameson Williams are two players who make a lot of sense. Another name to keep an eye on is Memphis receiver Calvin Austin III on Day 2. -- Reid
Dolphins agree to sign OT Terron Armstead
The deal: Five years, $87.5 million
Grade: B+
Three years after trading away Laremy Tunsil, the Dolphins have finally found a suitable replacement at left tackle. It's hard to avoid a reckoning of that deal as part of the analysis here.
A year after the trade, the Texans gave Tunsil a three-year contract extension that averaged $22 million per season and included $50 million in guarantees. Armstead's deal came in lower than that, but of course, the Dolphins went three seasons with subpar play at one of the most important positions in football as a result of Tunsil's extension. The extra draft choices they acquired haven't been enough to get them into the playoffs over that period.
Armstead was ESPN's top-rated free agent when the period opened, and when healthy he is one of the best left tackles in football. But he has had trouble staying on the field during his career, playing 10 or fewer games in five of his nine seasons. The Dolphins should feel good about getting the best left tackle available. They'll hope he stays healthy, and that their annual search for a left tackle is over for a while. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: After realizing that there likely wouldn't be an immediate-starter left tackle still on the board at No. 29 overall, and that drafting projects at the most important position on the offensive line wasn't a solution, the Dolphins made a splash veteran signing. How does this affect the 2022 tackle class? It could push a tackle on the fringes of Round 1 into early Round 2. That could include players such as Central Michigan's Bernhard Raimann and Tulsa's Tyler Smith. For Miami, keeping pick No. 29 free could mean a running back (Iowa State's Breece Hall?) or a defensive lineman. -- Miller
Vikings agree to sign OLB Za'Darius Smith
The deal: Three years, $42 million
Grade: B+
Smith walked away from an agreement with the Ravens last week and ended up with what appears to be a better deal. The Vikings gave him a shorter contract (three years) with a higher annual average ($14 million). It's also worth noting that the Vikings' defensive coaching staff includes Mike Pettine, who was the Packers' defensive coordinator with Smith rang up 26 sacks in Green Bay between 2019 and 2020.
Assuming he is fully recovered from last season's back injury, Smith gives the Vikings a potent edge rusher opposite Danielle Hunter in their new 3-4 scheme. That arrangement is riskier than you would like. Smith played only 18 snaps during the 2021 regular season, and Hunter has played in only seven games during the past two seasons. But healthy edge rushers in their prime are rarely available. Most who are available come with risks. In Smith's case, they're tolerable. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: With Anthony Barr a free agent and Hunter's status still murky, pass-rusher was a premium need for the Vikings. It might be even after signing Smith. At No. 12 overall, Minnesota might be the team that most feels the Achilles injury to Michigan's David Ojabo, as that was a perfect value/need marriage for him.
Now, with Ojabo likely dropping down the board, the Vikings could be left hoping for a draft day fall for Kayvon Thibodeaux (Oregon) or pushing the need opposite Smith to Round 2. If that's the case, Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum would solve plenty of problems on the interior of the offensive line as a Round 1 selection. -- Miller
Buccaneers agree to sign RB Leonard Fournette
The deal: Three years, $21 million
Grade: B-
The general rule in free agency is that veteran running backs are some of the least valuable commodities available. Their experience and leadership might be minor plusses, but generally speaking, teams can find cheaper and more durable options in the draft. So how should we view Fournette, who just turned 27 and has five years of NFL wear and tear on his body? Most of the NFL viewed him with unsurprising indifference. The Patriots brought him in for a visit Monday, but little overall interest league-wide likely led him to accept the Buccaneers' offer Tuesday.
Fournette has produced a total of 1,866 yards from scrimmage in 27 games over two seasons with the Buccaneers. He has scored 16 touchdowns over that span, and what's clear is the Buccaneers have a plan for how to use him as long as the Tom Brady era continues. Some of this grade is based on an informed assumption that the initial contract numbers don't represent fully guaranteed money. If the Buccaneers can get out of this deal after one season, it's an understandable move for them. If they would face any sort of substantive cap penalty for moving on, the grade would be lower. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: With Tampa Bay's RB1 returning, the team can turn its focus to finding another interior offensive lineman to replace the recently retired Ali Marpet. Depth at wide receiver, defensive line and in the secondary could be other areas that the team seeks for an already loaded roster. -- Reid
Falcons agree to sign QB Marcus Mariota
The deal: Two years, $18.75 million
Grade: C+
The trade of Matt Ryan to the Colts left the Falcons' quarterback cupboard bare, and they almost certainly will select a quarterback early in next month's draft. Mariota as a bridge starter isn't the worst idea in the world, especially given his previous experience with coach Arthur Smith when they were with the Titans, but there's little reason to expect anything beyond replacement-level play from him.
Mariota lost his starting job with the Titans midway through the 2019 season and has spent the past two-plus seasons as a backup, first in Tennessee and later in Las Vegas. He was never able to play a full season during his time as a starter, and he even spent four weeks on injured reserve last season after injuring his quadriceps while scrambling during an appearance in Week 1. The Falcons are in for a rough season, and there isn't likely to be much that Mariota can do about it. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: The Falcons took a look at the quarterback class and rightfully believed they needed a starter for 2022. The Mariota signing doesn't make a quarterback selection at No. 8 impossible but does make it a little more unlikely. A pass-rusher like Georgia's Travon Walker or Oregon's Kayvon Thibodeaux should still be the Round 1 focus. -- Miller
Saints agree to sign QB Jameis Winston
The deal: Two years, $28 million
Grade: C+
Throughout their pursuit of Deshaun Watson, the Saints could be reasonably sure that Winston would be there as a fallback. Watson chose the Browns at the end of last week, and by Monday the Saints had an agreement with Winston. The bigger issue is that the Saints appear set to enter a second consecutive season with a combination of Winston and Taysom Hill at quarterback. It's one thing to have a year of transition after the retirement of your future Hall of Fame quarterback, in this case Drew Brees. The Saints will have at least two.
The assumption is that Winston will start, with Hill available to fill in if his injury recovery spans into the regular season. But does anyone think the Saints are going to challenge the Buccaneers in the NFC South with another season of Winston and Hill, especially with expert playcaller Sean Payton having been replaced by the defensive-minded Dennis Allen?
There are never enough starting quarterbacks for all 32 teams, and it's debatable whether the Saints would be better off with, say, Jimmy Garoppolo or Baker Mayfield than they will be with Winston and Hill. It's not necessarily their fault that Watson chose the Browns, and that their options were limited after that point, but it's also not our obligation to be particularly excited about their prospects after this move. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: Possibly now out of the QB picture in the first round, the Saints could look to add a receiver or a defensive impact player with the 18th overall selection. Ohio State receiver Chris Olave and Georgia defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt are two names that could be ideal fits. -- Reid
Falcons trade QB Matt Ryan to Colts
Atlanta Falcons get: 2022 third-round pick
Indianapolis Colts get: QB Matt Ryan
Falcons grade: D
Colts grade: A+
It's hard to imagine how this could have shaken out better for the Colts, who got a second-round pick and a third-round pick from Washington two weeks ago for Carson Wentz and now send one of their two third-rounders to Atlanta for Ryan. Think what you want of Ryan, but he's a clear upgrade over Wentz and by far the best available option for Indy at this point in the dizzying game of 2022 offseason quarterback dominoes. This is better than trading a similar pick for Jimmy Garoppolo, better than signing Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston, better than just about anything the Colts could have reasonably done once it was made clear to them that Houston wasn't trading Deshaun Watson to a division rival. (And, given the terms of Cleveland's trade for Watson, this looks like a steal.)
Ryan is not the long-term answer for the Colts at QB, but right now, that's not available to them. The goal is to plug in a QB who can help their already-strong roster win now. Ryan should be able to give them more than Wentz gave them last year and maybe even more than Philip Rivers did the year before that. And they'll pay him less this year than they paid either of those guys. They also have Ryan under contract for 2023 at about $29 million in nonguaranteed money, which buys them the time they need to keep looking for their long-term solution. A home run for Indy.
For Atlanta, unfortunately, it's ... well, not as good. Having to dump Ryan after their failed pursuit of Watson leaves the Falcons with a ton of significant holes in their roster, and the third-rounder they got for him isn't exactly going to jump-start their rebuild. Plus, the $40 million dead-money cap hit they'll eat for Ryan this year just about ensures they won't be able to put together a competitive 2022 roster. You have to think the Falcons look at QB with their first-round pick now, and the consensus seems to be that this isn't the best year for that. We'll see where Atlanta turns next, but if you're a fan of the Falcons, this is not your best day by any stretch. -- Graziano
What this means for the 2022 draft: Without a first-round pick, the Colts weren't a threat to draft a starting quarterback this year. But since they traded Ryan, we can put the Falcons on the list of teams with a desperate need at the position -- at least for now. At pick No. 8 overall, the Falcons could entertain Malik Willis (Liberty) or Kenny Pickett (Pittsburgh), but neither quarterback is seen as an immediate impact player. The Falcons, like so many other teams, might be best-suited trading for a veteran and using the first-rounder to fill a massive need at edge rusher. -- Miller
Bengals agree to sign OT La'el Collins
The deal: Three years, $30 million
Grade: A-
What a brave new world this is, where Cincinnati is a prime free-agent destination. Coming off their Super Bowl loss to the Rams, the Bengals knew exactly what they needed to do this offseason: rebuild the offensive line and Joe Burrow's protection. They opened free agency by signing a pair of guards, Alex Cappa and Ted Karras. Then after the Cowboys cut Collins, they identified him as their finishing move. Collins had interest from New England, Miami and others, but he visited the Bengals late last week and saw/heard what he needed to see/hear.
He turns 29 in July, and his past two seasons haven't exactly been clean. He missed the 2020 season with a hip injury and missed five games last year because of a drug suspension. So yeah, there are reasons he was even on the market to begin with. But Collins has high-level experience at the right tackle position that was such a terrible weakness during Cincinnati's playoff run, and he caps off the Bengals' prime mission in their first week of free agency. You have to give them credit for spending to address their biggest need and prioritizing Burrow's health and future above all else. -- Graziano
What this means for the 2022 draft: The Bengals' overhaul of their offensive line continued. And at No. 31 overall in the draft, the franchise could continue to build protection for Burrow or add a cornerback in a deep class. Texas A&M interior lineman Kenyon Green, Boston College interior lineman Zion Johnson and Florida CB Kaiir Elam could be three names in play at that spot. -- Reid
Rams trade WR Robert Woods to Titans
Los Angeles Rams get: 2023 sixth-round pick
Tennessee Titans get: WR Robert Woods
Rams grade: B+
Titans grade: C+
Everyone around the NFL loves Woods, both as a person and for the fearless receiver and blocker he has been in his career. Now let's take stock of what he is as an asset to an offense. Woods is recovering from a torn ACL suffered Nov. 13. He'll turn 30 next month. At the moment, he's owed $13.5 million this season and about the same amount against the cap.
If the Titans get the old Woods -- and it's not out of the question given the relatively quick timetable that some players experience in returning to full strength from an ACL injury -- that money would be justified and this would be a great move. But the risk here is not insignificant, given the finances involved. The Titans didn't show great judgment in acquiring receiver Julio Jones last year, and it remains to be seen whether they will fare better with this deal.
The Rams had clearly moved on, having signed free agent Allen Robinson II, and they get credit for getting back a draft pick -- albeit in 2023 -- for a player they would have otherwise released. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: The Rams had a plethora of receiver talent and limited draft picks. The Titans had a need for a No. 2 wideout. This works for everyone. But don't sleep on the Titans still adding a receiver early in this draft, as Woods is under contract for only one more season. Even if it's not in the first round, speed at the position is near the top of Tennessee's needs. -- Miller
Falcons agree to sign RB/WR Cordarrelle Patterson
The deal: Two years, $10.5 million
Grade: A-
This deal made too much sense not to happen, and when it was done, Patterson himself tweeted that the money involved wasn't as important as getting back to Atlanta. Why? The Falcons finished the job that several other teams began, turning him into a true hybrid offensive threat in 2021. He rushed for 618 yards, added 548 via receptions and scored 11 touchdowns. More than any other coach Patterson has played for, the Falcons' Arthur Smith remained committed to realizing Patterson's true offensive potential.
While it might have cost him some money, Patterson was wise to prioritize returning to Smith's scheme. He's perfect for it, and there were times last season when Patterson looked like the best player on the Falcons' roster. From a financial standpoint, the Falcons were fortunate that Patterson didn't look to cash in higher elsewhere. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: There is no replacement for a player like Patterson in this draft, and thankfully the Falcons won't have to try to find one. Signing the do-it-all player means Atlanta can focus on needs and value in every round, with pass-rusher and wide receiver the favorites for early rounds. Georgia defensive end Travon Walker is my most recent Round 1 projection for the Falcons at No. 8 overall. -- Miller
Packers agree to sign CB Rasul Douglas
The deal: Three years, $21 million
Grade: B
The Packers' salary cap maneuvering over the past week, capped by the trade of receiver Davante Adams, appeared to delay this deal a bit. It gave Douglas a chance to shop himself around the league, but the relatively depressed value of cornerbacks on this market made his return to Green Bay much more likely.
The Packers didn't take much of a risk here, but it's worth pointing out that there is a wide range of thought on Douglas' future projection. Is he the player who started last season on the Cardinals' practice squad, only to boost his reputation with some well-timed big plays? Or has he developed into a consistent ball-hawking cornerback? The Packers are banking on the latter. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: Even with two first-round picks, the Packers were not expected to address the cornerback spot opposite Jaire Alexander after selecting Eric Stokes in the first last year. Wide receiver and edge rusher remain the two biggest areas of need for a team suddenly lacking pass-catchers. -- Miller
Texans trade QB Deshaun Watson to Browns
Houston Texans get: 2022 first-round pick, 2023 first-round pick, 2024 first-round pick, 2022 fourth-round pick, 2023 third-round pick and 2024 fourth-round pick
Cleveland Browns get: QB Deshaun Watson and 2024 sixth-round pick
Texans grade: A-
Browns grade: C
This trade is one of the most layered, complex and disquieting player transactions in NFL history. On the one hand, the Browns just acquired a generational talent who earned three Pro Bowl berths before his 26th birthday. The Browns haven't had a Pro Bowl quarterback in 15 years, and their last 4,000-yard passer was Brian Sipe in 1980. From contemporary and historical perspectives, you can understand why the Browns would go all-in here. Watson has the talent, and has already demonstrated the production, to be the best quarterback in team history. There was no available passer this offseason who has a better chance to lead the Browns to a Super Bowl over the next decade.
Watson faces a possible NFL suspension, pending the outcome of a league investigation into accusations from 22 lawsuits filed against him by women alleging sexual assault and inappropriate conduct. From a football perspective, that looming absence is but a relatively short period in the expected arc of his tenure in Cleveland. But there is much more to consider in this deal than merely football.
A Houston grand jury decided March 11 not to indict Watson on criminal charges, but the civil matters are unresolved. If the detailed and consistent allegations from 22 different women gave the Browns pause here, it's not reflected in the trade they negotiated. They didn't merely give up six draft choices and hand Watson a contract extension. They included three first-round picks, tied for the most in any deal in NFL history. And they fully guaranteed him $230 million -- more than twice the previous record -- to convince him to waive his no-trade clause exclusively for them.
We haven't heard anything from the Browns' decision-makers. We don't know what they'll say about the allegations against Watson, nor how they will define their commitment to and respect for women. But if you believe that actions speak louder than words, we already know the answer. It's a sobering conclusion to render, but the Browns must be comfortable with the worst-case scenario here -- that their starting quarterback is found to be responsible for harming some or all of the women who have sued him.
For the Texans, meanwhile, this deal is pretty much a best-case scenario. Watson didn't want to play for them and told them so more than a year ago. Often, a trade demand reduces the team's leverage, and the return it gets is equivalent to pennies on the dollar. Instead, the Texans still managed to get one of the largest returns ever for a single player. They are left very much in transition, likely with 2021 third-round pick Davis Mills as their starting quarterback, but they extricated themselves from a difficult position with a premium return. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: The Browns weren't expected to draft a quarterback, so don't expect the Watson trade to shake up the draft order at that position. But with the Texans owning pick Nos. 3 and 13 overall, Houston is in position to make huge additions to the roster. At No. 3 overall, Houston could target a pass-rusher like Georgia's Travon Walker or Oregon's Kayvon Thibodeaux to fill a huge need. With pick No. 13, a wide receiver to help Mills should be the focal point after restructuring left tackle Laremy Tunsil's deal to keep him in town. -- Miller
Chiefs agree to sign WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
The deal: One year, $10.75 million
Grade: B+
This guy has had a weird career. Smith-Schuster's best season came in 2018 at age 22, and he has slogged through injuries and an unexplosive pass offense ever since.
The good news is that he's still only 25 and appeared to be fully healed from a shoulder injury by the end of the 2021 season. When he was at his best, Smith-Schuster was one of the NFL's best after-the-catch slot receivers. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, he led the NFL in yards after the catch from the slot from 2017 to '20 (1,107 yards). And any receiver in the Chiefs' offense will have a chance to maximize his skills, as long as quarterback Patrick Mahomes is healthy and coach Andy Reid is calling plays.
The only element keeping the Chiefs from a higher grade is that this is a one-year deal. If Smith-Schuster has the kind of season they're hoping for, the Chiefs will have to pony up to retain him for 2023. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: Pick No. 30 in the first round has been a popular destination for wide receivers in mock drafts. It should be still, as the Chiefs have just one receiver (Tyreek Hill) under contract after the 2022 season. GM Brett Veach might be able to wait until Round 2, which would be good news for the right tackles, cornerbacks and defensive ends projected at the end of Round 1, as Kansas City has quiet needs at many key areas that must be addressed in this draft. -- Miller
Packers trade WR Davante Adams to Raiders
Green Bay Packers get: 2022 first-round pick and 2022 second-round pick
Las Vegas Raiders get: WR Davante Adams
Packers grade: D
Raiders grade: A
It's incredible to think how hard the Packers worked to appease quarterback Aaron Rodgers over the past couple of years, all while his top target -- who just so happens to be the best receiver in football -- was privately stewing over his contract status. Adams didn't get the contract extension he was looking for last summer, played out the final year of his deal in 2021 and then told the Packers he wanted to be traded to the Raiders. That's essentially what precipitated this deal, based on reporting from ESPN's Rob Demovsky.
But even if Adams was the driving force, the Packers ultimately bear responsibility for being unable to keep their reigning MVP quarterback and All-Pro receiver together. In the coming days, you're going to hear a lot about how the Packers are 7-0 with Rodgers when Adams hasn't played over the past three seasons, and there will probably be some talk about the depth of the receiver position in this draft. Don't fall for it. Rodgers is notoriously slow to trust young receivers, and that's part of the reason he targeted Adams 232 times over the past two seasons -- triple that of the next closest wide receiver.
The Packers actually did well for themselves, given the predicament they put themselves in by failing to meet Adams' number last summer. The deal dwarfed what the Texans got from the Cardinals for receiver DeAndre Hopkins in 2020. But that's the only thing keeping them from an F grade here.
The Raiders, meanwhile, should be ecstatic. The best receiver in football actually wanted to play for them, in large part because he was teammates with quarterback Derek Carr at Fresno State. Adams will help them keep up with the wild race in the AFC West, where teams are loading up on offensive firepower and pass-rushers as if 2022 will be the final season in NFL history. Giving up two of their top picks in the draft should be of little concern, given the upside here. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: Wide receiver was the unquestioned biggest need for the Raiders in the draft, but that need now transfers to the Packers -- an area many already thought they'd address in Round 1. The Packers have been immune to receivers in the first 32 picks, but playmakers like Ohio State's Chris Olave, Arkansas' Treylon Burks and maybe USC's Drake London should all be on the radar. For Las Vegas, filling the biggest need pushes their focus to the defensive line ... once they're on the board. -- Miller
Rams agree to sign WR Allen Robinson II
The deal: Three years, $45 million
Grade: A+
It seems as if Robinson has been in the league forever, but he doesn't turn 29 until August. He is coming off a rare down year but remains one of the very best in the business at contested catches. Considering the quarterbacks with whom he has played during his time in Jacksonville and Chicago, he has had little choice.
Now, he goes to a Super Bowl champion with a legitimate top quarterback who should be able to maximize his abilities in a way that no one has. You could make the case that Robinson is in a position similar to the one Matthew Stafford was in a year ago -- a player everyone kind of knows is better than what his circumstances have so far allowed him to accomplish. With Robert Woods coming off major injury and Odell Beckham Jr. a free agent (and coming off major injury), the Rams need coverage at the wide receiver position. Getting Robinson for less money than the Jaguars gave Christian Kirk is a sweet move no matter how you slice it. -- Graziano
What this means for the 2022 draft: The Rams aren't shy about swinging for the fences, so they once again took a big swing and connected. Signing Robinson gives the team another target for Stafford. Without a first- or second-round pick, Les Snead somehow needed to address the receiver position. Continuing to build up the offensive line and finding depth at edge rusher are two areas the team could seek to address during the third round of the draft. -- Reid
Falcons agree to sign CB Casey Hayward Jr.
The deal: Two years, $11 million
Grade: B+
This is a good, low-key signing for Atlanta, which needs improvements in several spots on defense. Some of the top corners are still asking for big money, so Atlanta decided to stay in the mid-tier market at two years and $11 million for a player with Pro Bowl pedigree coming off a good 2021 campaign in Las Vegas. In fact, the Raiders pushed to re-sign Hayward before the Falcons made a strong offer.
If you're asking Hayward, at age 32, to play on an island all game, it's probably not an ideal game plan. Hayward excels in zone coverage as an incredibly savvy vet, so the Falcons will probably play to his strengths opposite A.J. Terrell. Hayward signed with Las Vegas on a $2.5 million deal a year ago, and it looks like he doubled that salary due to his play with the Raiders. That's good for Atlanta, which is trying to put together an attractive team as the Falcons try to recruit Deshaun Watson. -- Fowler
What this means for the 2022 draft: The Falcons signed Hayward in an effort to improve their poor pass defense. But Atlanta could still look to add to the cornerback room. With a league-low 18 sacks as a team last season, adding a defensive end could also be an option in the early parts of the draft. -- Reid
Raiders agree to sign OLB Chandler Jones
The deal: Three years, $51 million
Grade: B+
Jones had a weird season in 2021, recording five sacks in Week 1 and then only 5.5 more the rest of the way. When you combine that with a biceps injury that cost him 11 games in 2020, you start to understand why the Cardinals did not seem eager to pay Jones a premium to bring him back for a seventh season.
But in Las Vegas, Jones will be in a great spot. He'll play opposite Maxx Crosby, who led the NFL with 68 quarterback pressures last season. Jones will be in a position where he can supplement an already good pass rush but not necessarily have to anchor it. When Jones is the second-best pass-rusher on your team, you're doing something right. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: Re-signing Crosby and adding Jones addressed the edge. But the Raiders are still in need of players for Josh McDaniels' offense, and wide receiver is an area that the franchise could target in the draft. At No. 22 overall, Ohio State's Chris Olave, Arkansas' Treylon Burks or Penn State's Jahan Dotson could serve as another target for Derek Carr. -- Reid
Bills agree to deal with OLB Von Miller
The deal: Six years, $120 million
Grade: B+
I mean, it's a lot of money for a guy who turns 33 later this month, but there are a couple of very specific reasons to like this move for this team.
First and foremost, having lost to Kansas City in the playoffs two years in a row (and in agonizingly close fashion this year), the Bills rightfully consider themselves on the verge of the Super Bowl. Miller has played on two Super Bowl champion teams, including the most recent one. Rams people you talk to cite the addition of Miller at last year's trade deadline as their most impactful veteran acquisition since he gave their locker room a veteran champion presence it hadn't had before. Energized by a chance to win a title, Miller was a valuable asset to the Rams on and off the field, and they believe he elevated them from a great team to a championship team. Certainly, that's something the Bills could use, if he can be the same guy for them he was for the Rams.
Second, and not to be ignored, is the fact that the Bills are trying to get a new stadium built that will involve a lot of public financing, and it's to their benefit to keep enthusiasm for the team as high as possible. It's not just signing Miller for star power (though he has plenty of that). Letting the fan base know, "Hey, we're going for it. We aren't content to just keep getting this close every year" is helpful for trying to make taxpayers feel better about shelling out to help build billionaires a new stadium. We expected the Bills to make a splashy move or two this offseason for that reason, and this is a splashy one. There could be more to come, but Miller fills a wide variety of Buffalo's needs and desires. -- Graziano
What this means for the 2022 draft: Even after drafting pass-rushers with their first two selections last year, this was a need for the Bills. With wide receiver expected to be a focus in Round 1, the Bills are free to draft there now. Jameson Williams, Chris Olave and Treylon Burks all fit the need and value.-- Miller
Seahawks agree to sign LB Uchenna Nwosu
The deal: Two years, $20 million
Grade: B-
Part of me loves the deal, since the Chargers considered Nwosu a player they couldn't keep because he's too good and would command too much. So the Seahawks now have a versatile threat whom they can pair with Darrell Taylor as playmakers off the edge. But Seattle needs to fill three starting offensive line spots and a starting cornerback spot. It must allocate resources to those spots eventually. It's best to get good players regardless of position, but at some point the team must solve the cornerback hole the Legion of Boom left behind. -- Fowler
What this means for the 2022 draft: It is expected the Chargers will draft a linebacker early in the 2022 class, and the loss of Nwosu could push that need as high as Round 1 if they like Utah's Devin Lloyd or either Georgia's Nakobe Dean or Quay Walker. The middle of the defense is a focal point for the Chargers, but for Seattle, this move doesn't change the projections that the No. 9 overall pick will be used at quarterback or pass-rusher. If anything, signing the versatile and talented Nwosu further cements that point. -- Miller
Raiders trade DE Yannick Ngakoue to Colts
Indianapolis Colts get: DE Yannick Ngakoue
Las Vegas Raiders get: CB Rock Ya-Sin
Colts grade: B-
Raiders grade: B+
The Colts will be Ngakoue's fifth team since the start of training camp in 2020, which is a huge red flag when talking about a player who has had some success at one of the game's most important and valuable positions. He recorded 10 sacks for the Raiders last season, playing opposite Maxx Crosby, but clearly the Raiders didn't feel comfortable moving forward with him at $13 million for 2022. Moving him to the Colts in exchange for a cornerback, Ya-Sin or anyone else, feels mostly like a successful effort to dump salary.
Ya-Sin has some talent but has been a part-time player for the Colts over the past two seasons. He will be eligible for free agency after the 2022 season. Clearly the Colts didn't plan to extend him and were willing to use him as bait to reel in a pass-rusher.
Can Ngakoue make the Colts better? They surely need someone of his profile. Last season, their defense generated pressure on only 27% of opponents' dropbacks, ranking No. 26 in the NFL. There are certainly reasons to wonder why Ngakoue has changed teams so often in the past two years, but pass-rushers who are available in their mid-20s are going to have some flaws. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: The Colts have loaded up on pass-rushers in recent offseasons, so take that position off their needs list. They do, however, still need a quarterback and left tackle, but do not own a first-round selection. For the Raiders, a cornerback was a tier one need. Adding Ya-Sin gives an immediate upgrade and keeps pick No. 22 open for a receiver such as Treylon Burks or Chris Olave. -- Miller
Jaguars agree to sign CB Darious Williams
The deal: Three years, $39 million
Grade: A-
The day after his 28th birthday, Jacksonville native Williams agrees to sign with his hometown team on a nice-looking deal from both sides. Williams gets $20 million over the first two years, and $18 million of it is fully guaranteed. It's bit of a bargain deal compared with the ones J.C. Jackson got from the Chargers and Carlton Davis earned from the Bucs, but Williams is a good-tackling cornerback who lands in a division where teams like to lean on the run.
Williams should be a good fit for the Jags' defense at a good price. He's not the biggest name in the Jaguars' free-agent haul, but he's a better player than you think he is, he just won a Super Bowl and he'll be an all-around helper for the defense. -- Graziano
What this means for the 2022 draft: The Jaguars are checking off needs left and right, and they remain positioned to go with a "best player available" approach throughout the draft. Our best bet is on Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson at No. 1. And then with the first pick in Round 2, Jacksonville can truly select the top player still on its board, regardless of position. -- Miller
Ravens agree to sign OT Morgan Moses
The deal: Three years, $15 million
Grade: A
This deal is one that makes you wonder what everyone else is missing. Moses is a durable, reliable, veteran lineman who can step in and start 17 games without a second thought. We can argue about where Moses ranks in the pantheon of current NFL tackles, but he is surely in the top half and should have been the target of a bidding war among a half-dozen teams that need a starter at right tackle. For some context, Moses ranked No. 16 among all NFL tackles last season in ESPN's pass block win rate metric (90.6%).
But the Ravens got him with a very reasonable offer more than 24 hours after the negotiating window opened. The move eliminated one of their biggest liabilities last season -- four players had at least 60 snaps at the position for them last season -- without fundamentally altering their salary-cap flexibility. The Ravens are really good at this. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: The Ravens have filled a number of needs throughout free agency, but the signing of Moses signals they won't be drafting a right tackle in Round 1, as many had projected. Perhaps they don't expect Northern Iowa's Trevor Penning to be available at No. 14 overall. All eyes are on Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis now. -- Miller
Saints agree to sign S Marcus Maye
The deal: Three years, $28.5 million
Grade: B+
Maye and former Saints safety Marcus Williams were both franchise-tagged last offseason, and after Williams left the Saints to sign a five-year, $70 million contract with the Ravens, the Saints replaced him with Maye at far less cost ($28.5 million over three years with $15 million guaranteed). Maye is coming off an Achilles tear and turns 30 this month, so he's in a different spot than Williams. But this is good value for the Saints nonetheless.
Maye should be healthy for the start of the season, and when he is, he's a do-it-all option on the back end. Williams had unique production, so the Saints will have to find creative ways to offset that loss. Maye had a rocky 2021, including DUI charges, the injury and a seemingly contentious relationship with the Jets' front office over the lack of a long-term deal. Now he starts fresh in the NFC South. -- Fowler
What this means for the 2022 draft: The Saints are still looking at big needs at left tackle and wide receiver, but taking safety off that list after losing Marcus Williams is huge. Pick No. 18 overall is now free to be moved or used on offense. Keep an eye on what happens with the Deshaun Watson trade talks, since a handful of New Orleans draft picks (including No. 18) could potentially be going to Houston if a deal is struck. -- Miller
Dolphins agree to sign QB Teddy Bridgewater
The deal: One year, $6.5 million
Grade: A
No downside here. Quality teams have quality backup quarterbacks, and landing one with 63 career starts is good football business. The Dolphins need a capable backup due to Tua Tagovailoa's injury history, and Bridgewater's ability to help guide Tagovailoa in a crucial third season will be key. Bridgewater could have held out to find a bridge starter or 1B job elsewhere, but the seats can fill up fast, and Miami was armed with cap space on Day 1 of free agency. -- Fowler
What this means for the 2022 draft: With Tagovailoa entering his third offensive system in as many seasons, signing Bridgewater brings high-quality insurance behind him. The Dolphins still have needs along the offensive line and at wide receiver -- two areas that they could address with the No. 29 overall pick. -- Reid
Vikings agree to sign LB Jordan Hicks
The deal: Two years, $10 million
Grade: B
Hicks was a baller for Arizona last season with 116 tackles, four sacks and five pass deflections. It's important to remember that the Vikings are essentially reconfiguring their defense in short order, from Mike Zimmer's scheme to new coordinator Ed Donatell's game plan rooted in a 3-4. Those schematic lines are blurred more in the modern NFL, but the point is the Vikings need instinctive veteran players to facilitate any transition. Hicks can handle that.
And at two years for $10 million ($12 million with upside/incentives), this is a fairly cost-friendly move -- and it might signal the end for Anthony Barr in a Vikings uniform. -- Fowler
What this means for the 2022 draft: With the team's needs at cornerback and on the defensive line -- especially pass-rushers -- expected to dominate its picks in the early rounds of the draft, this is a smart move for Minnesota to add veteran leadership and coverage ability that isn't likely found in the middle rounds. -- Miller
Patriots trade G Shaq Mason to Buccaneers
New England Patriots get: 2022 fifth-round pick
Tampa Bay Buccaneers get: G Shaq Mason
Buccaneers grade: A-
Patriots grade: C
The Bucs were down two starting guards, losing Ali Marpet to retirement and Alex Cappa to the Bengals in free agency. So they flip a fifth-round pick to the Patriots for Mason, who is 29 and one of the highest-rated guards in the league. They'll owe Mason $7.5 million in salary and bonuses this year and $8.5 million in 2023; none of that money is guaranteed, and those are the cap numbers, as well. This move saves the Patriots $7 million in cap space and leaves them with a $3.5 million dead money charge this year. For the Buccaneers, this move plugs a hole with a good veteran -- without giving up much for him -- who, oh, by the way, has played with Tom Brady before.
Tampa Bay's plan changed when Brady returned from retirement, and it's important that it brings in key veterans to put around him. The Buccaneers have won some and lost some so far in free agency, but they need to make sure Brady is protected up the middle, and this is a solid step in that direction. The minus is only to acknowledge that Bill Belichick doesn't tend to trade away guys who go on to have great careers elsewhere. There have been some exceptions, yes, but not often. -- Graziano
What this means for the 2022 draft: The Buccaneers would have been spending draft capital to acquire at least one guard had the trade for Mason not gone down. As it stands, the former Brady protector is much more valuable than the fifth-round pick they sent to New England for him. While this could eliminate one potential first-rounder along the interior offensive line, it was unlikely Tampa Bay would have invested that early in the spot. With the current needs, defensive line is the primary hole in the Buccaneers' roster. -- Miller
Jets agree to terms with S Jordan Whitehead
The deal: Two years, $14.5 million
Grade: A
The Jets needed a safety for coach Robert Saleh's defense, and they got a young one (Whitehead will turn 25 on Friday!) who has already won a Super Bowl. The Bucs wanted Whitehead back but couldn't make it happen, and their loss should be the Jets' gain. He is more of a tone-setter type of safety than a deep-coverage type, but the addition fits what Saleh and the Jets are trying to build from a culture standpoint. Words you hear about Whitehead's game include "tough" and "hard-hitting."
I like pretty much everything the Jets are doing so far, especially since there seems to be a consistent theme in terms of character guys who should help build a strong locker room culture in addition to an improved on-field product. Zach Wilson didn't have a dazzling rookie year by any stretch, but the Jets still believe in him and are motivated to put as good a team as possible around him so they can start contending while he is still on his rookie deal. So far, so good, and pulling a key defensive back off the roster of one of the league's best teams is a strong move. -- Graziano
What this means for the 2022 draft: Joe Douglas continues to invest in ascending players searching for a second contract. By addressing the secondary, the interior offensive line and the tight end position, they have set themselves up to take the best player available in the 2022 draft. With the Nos. 4 and 10 overall selections, the Jets could look to take defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux or a wide receiver such as Garrett Wilson or Drake London. -- Reid
Jets agree to terms with CB D.J. Reed
The deal: Three years, $33 million
Grade: B
This deal makes a fair bit of sense, even though it won't have the impact of the Chargers signing J.C. Jackson or the Buccaneers holding on to Carlton Davis. Reed has exposure to coach Robert Saleh's defensive system, dating back to when both of them were with the 49ers, and Reed has shown he can play outside or in the slot despite a 5-foot-9 frame.
There was a lot to like about the way Reed played in Seattle last season. He allowed a completion on 49% of passes thrown when he was the nearest defender, according to NFL Next Gen Stats, and that was tied for the fifth lowest in the league among defensive backs. And goodness knows the Jets needed help in the back end. They intercepted only seven passes last season, second fewest in the league, and opponents had the NFL's third-highest completion rate (68.3%) and average yards per attempt (7.98). This is a good fit of need and skill. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: The Jets might be loaded with two picks in the top 10 selections of the 2022 draft, but they also have a roster with multiple high-level needs. Signing Reed could allow the Jets to skip out on a cornerback such as Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner at No. 4 overall; but given the lack of talent in this secondary as it stands, we still can't rule out a combo of safety Kyle Hamilton (Notre Dame) and a cornerback with pick Nos. 4 and 10. -- Miller
Broncos agree to terms with DE Randy Gregory
The deal: Five years, $70 million
Grade: C
This is a high-risk, high-reward decision from Broncos general manager George Paton. Gregory has made enormous progress after a history of substance abuse violations, in no small part because of support from the Cowboys, but he still could be one mistake from an indefinite suspension. His change of heart Tuesday after initially agreeing to return to the Cowboys is absolutely fair under NFL rules, but it needs to be wrapped into the overall analysis of his mindset.
The full details of the contract will spell out the extent of the risk. Did the Broncos protect themselves against a future suspension? Would they face an enormous salary-cap acceleration in that event? The Cowboys know him best. If they were trying to protect themselves, the Broncos needed to as well.
Gregory has appeared in 51 games over seven seasons and set a career high with 11 starts. His six sacks tied for the highest single-season total in his career, and he reminded the entire NFL how hard he is to block. He ranked second on the Cowboys last season by generating the first pressure on 18% of his pass rushes, and he also was better than you might think as a run-stopper, ranking No. 4 among NFL edge rushers in ESPN's run stop win rate metric (35%).
There's reason to believe that Gregory has turned a corner, and if the Broncos can get the player we saw for 11 starts last season, this move will pay off. But if it's anything short of that -- and in a new environment, no one can project what might happen -- it could well be a disappointment. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: With five selections inside of the top 115 picks, Paton is poised to continue to add to the roster. Denver still needs help at offensive tackle, linebacker and nickel corner, and the Broncos could address those positions early on. -- Reid
Ravens agree to terms with S Marcus Williams
The deal: Five years, $70 million
Grade: A-
If all you know about Williams is that he missed the tackle that led to the Minneapolis Miracle in the 2017 playoffs, well, you've missed a lot yourself.
Williams developed into a ball-hawking safety who entered this week ranked No. 2 on ESPN's list of available free agents. He was also excellent in coverage. Opponents completed only 44% of passes last season when he was the nearest defender, according to NFL Next Gen States, the second-lowest rate among safeties.
And there should be no doubt about how badly the Ravens need a safety like Williams. They allowed a franchise-record 31 touchdown passes last season and also gave up 32 passes of at least 20 yards, the second-most in the NFL. The Ravens paid dearly for him, but this was a necessary -- and likely very productive -- move. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: The Ravens had needs on the back end of the secondary -- enough to project a solid Round 2 selection in the draft. But with the safety class lacking top-end talents after Kyle Hamilton and no true free safety prospects expected to go in the first round, the Ravens are smart to grab one of the best free agents this offseason. Now, with pick No. 14 overall, Eric DeCosta can focus on an offensive line that needs help. Trevor Penning (Northern Iowa) is an ideal pick for them at that spot. -- Miller
Steelers agree to terms with G James Daniels
The deal: Three years, $26.5 million
Grade: A-
I'm giving out too many A's and B's, but this one definitely deserves high marks. Daniels was one of the most coveted free-agent guards due to his age (24), experience (four-year starter) and ability to play guard or center. The Steelers will find a stable positional home and let him go to work.
Pittsburgh's offensive line was subpar last season, and the front office had to address it. It has done so in a big way with Daniels, center/guard Mason Cole and re-signing tackle Chukwuma Okorafor. This takes the pressure off center Kendrick Green, last year's third-round pick who struggled at times as a rookie. Pittsburgh has big plans for him, and now he'll be supported by two quality guards plus third-year man Kevin Dotson. Cole can also play center if necessary. -- Fowler
What this means for the 2022 draft: After signing Mitchell Trubisky, the Steelers continue to add on offense. Adding Daniels gives the team a young option at guard for the foreseeable future to play alongside Green. Adding additional protection could be still be in play at No. 20 overall. -- Reid
Dolphins agree to terms with G Connor Williams
The deal: Two years, $14 million
Grade: A-
This is a really strong signing. Williams will be only 25 when the season begins, and he has already made 51 regular-season starts in multiple schemes with Dallas.
Based on that profile, ESPN ranked Williams as the No. 22 free agent at any position entering this week. The Dolphins got him for a notably lower commitment than the Jets paid to get Laken Tomlinson, the Steelers paid to get James Daniels or even the Panthers' deal for Austin Corbett.
There is a reason for that, and for the Cowboys' apparent decision to let Williams walk. He has a history of penalty problems and led the NFL with 13 holding fouls in 2021, while ranking second overall in individual penalties with 15. But many teams view penalties as a matter of technique, not an ingrained flaw, and perhaps a fresh start will help alleviate the issue. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: With the Dolphins not selecting until No. 31 overall in Round 1, addressing a weak interior on the offensive line couldn't wait. Both Kenyon Green (Texas A&M) and Zion Johnson (Boston College) are projected to be long gone by the time Miami comes on the clock. In a draft class that lacks top-tier guard talents (especially for Mike McDaniels' run scheme), the Williams signing is a smart value. The Dolphins' needs in Round 1 could be narrowed down to offensive tackle or linebacker after their moves so far. -- Miller
Browns and Patriots agree to swap linebackers
Cleveland Browns get: LB Chase Winovich
New England Patriots get: LB Mack Wilson
Browns grade: B
Patriots grade: C
This is an eye-of-the-beholder situation. Winovich saw his playing time decrease last year in New England and was falling out of favor there, so the Patriots send him to a Browns team looking for edge-rush help in exchange for Wilson, a linebacker who'd also seen his role decrease in Cleveland's system of late.
The Patriots are very thin at the off-ball linebacker position, with Dont'a Hightower, Jamie Collins Sr. and Ja'Whaun Bentley all scheduled to hit free agency, so adding a veteran covers them in case they lose one, two or all three of them. But this deal weakens them at the edge rusher position, so we have to see what ancillary move or moves they have planned to add there behind Matthew Judon.
Cleveland may lose Jadeveon Clowney to free agency, plus you can't have too many pass-rushers. The Browns weren't using Wilson as much anymore, so they take a shot that whatever perceived deficiencies led to Winovich's reduced role in New England won't be a problem in their defense. -- Graziano
What this means for the 2022 draft: Trading for a starting-caliber linebacker at least takes pressure off the Patriots to address that position in Round 1, a move often predicted with Utah's Devin Lloyd or Georgia's Nakobe Dean in mock drafts. For Cleveland, a potential rotational pass-rusher being added shouldn't change their early draft plans but could make replacing Wilson and upgrading at linebacker more pressing. -- Miller
49ers agree to sign CB Charvarius Ward
The deal: Three years, $42 million
Grade: B-
The 49ers struggled to defend the pass last season, which forced them to do what teams hope to avoid: pay significant money for players other teams have decided they can move on from. Ward spent three seasons as a starter with the Chiefs and proved to be a well-rounded cornerback, especially as a tackler. He missed only 5% of his attempted tackles during the 2021 regular season, according to Pro Football Focus, the lowest rate for a cornerback since 2019. And according to NFL Next Gen Stats, he allowed the second-lowest completion rate among defensive backs (45%).
The 49ers certainly need his help, having ranked No. 29 in the NFL last season in completion percentage allowed (68%). Per NFL Next Gen Stats, they forced a tight-window throw on only 13% of opponents' attempts, No. 27 in the NFL. Ward will help to a degree, but the 49ers paid pretty dearly for it. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: The 49ers had a desperate need at cornerback, and without a first-round selection, it was expected they would sign a young starter capable of being the No. 1 guy. With limited draft capital due to the Trey Lance trade, filling starter-level needs in free agency is crucial for San Francisco. -- Miller
Lions agree to sign DJ Chark Jr.
The deal: One year, $12 million
Grade: B
The Lions desperately needed a vertical threat on the outside to complement Amon-Ra St. Brown and Josh Reynolds. And the money is reasonable here, with upside on a one-year deal. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who is still a free agent, was also an option for Detroit.
The grade really depends on how you feel about the player. The ability is there. He can be great. Some teams have questioned his toughness and dedication to being great. But at least a one-year deal should keep Chark motivated, and an offensive arsenal of Chark, St. Brown, Reynolds and D'Andre Swift can be a threat in the NFC North alongside a quality offensive line. -- Fowler
What this means for the 2022 draft: With three picks in the top 34 selections, the Lions still could grab a receiver in the draft. Penn State's Jahan Dotson and Georgia's George Pickens are two names that make sense in that range. -- Reid
Chiefs agree to sign S Justin Reid
The deal: Three years, $31.5 million
Grade: C
The Chiefs signed Reid presumably to replace Tyrann Mathieu, but it will be asking a lot if they want Reid to fill the same role as Mathieu, who will go down as one of the best safeties of this generation. Mathieu lined up at cornerback (45%) nearly as often as he did safety (55%) last season, maximizing his versatility. Reid is a more traditional safety, having lined up there on 76% of his snaps last season.
It's not a knock on Reid to question whether he can handle a similar level of coverage responsibilities. Most safeties can't. Reid got swallowed up in the mess the Texans made over the past two seasons, but he was a strong playmaker in his first two seasons with the team. He is still young and could use a fresh start, but will the Chiefs adjust their scheme to fit his strengths? -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: After a slow start to free agency, the Chiefs filled a need on defense but still face holes at wide receiver, right tackle and cornerback. With pick No. 30 overall in Round 1, those positions are the favorites for Kansas City at the draft. -- Miller
Broncos agree to sign DT D.J. Jones
The deal: Three years, $30 million
Grade: A-
In Jones, the Broncos get the best run-stopper available in free agency and arguably one of the best in the entire NFL. A three-year starter at nose tackle for San Francisco, Jones led all interior NFL defensive linemen last season in ESPN's run stop win rate metric (47.7%). That means he was really good at eating up space and stopping the run.
He isn't dominant as a pass rusher, which will limit the instances he plays on third down or other obvious passing situations. But the Broncos need his run defense. Last season, their defensive tackles compiled the league's fourth-worst run stop win rate (29.5%). As a team, they allowed 4.8 yards per rush between the tackles, second-worst in the NFL. A successful free-agent signing pairs a strength of the player with a weakness of the team, and this one certainly fits. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: One of the most underrated signings of Day 1, Jones brings a quiet ability to dominate on run downs to the Denver defense. While defensive tackle was not expected to be a Round 1 need for the Broncos, checking this box frees up later draft picks, which is especially important after trading for quarterback Russell Wilson. -- Miller
Chargers agree to sign DT Sebastian Joseph-Day
The deal: Three years, $24 million
Grade: B+
The Chargers didn't forget run defense in their defensive overhaul this week. After all, their 2021 run defense ranked No. 31 in both expected points added and success rate per play, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Joseph-Day missed the final 10 games of last season because of a torn pectoral muscle, but he has been a strong run-stopper throughout his career. He has ranked No. 6 in ESPN's run stop win rate metric when lined up at defensive tackle (38%) since entering the NFL in 2019.
The deal he received is no joke -- $15 million guaranteed -- for a player who isn't a huge factor in pass defense. But the Chargers needed to address all areas of their defense, and Joseph-Day is a big part of that. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: The Chargers hold the No. 17 overall pick, and right tackle and nose tackle remain the team's biggest needs, even after the Joseph-Day signing. -- Reid
Panthers agree to sign G Austin Corbett
The deal: Three years, $29.25 million
Grade: B-
The Panthers needed more bodies on the offensive line, and Corbett gives them one. ESPN had him ranked as the sixth-best guard available on the free-agent market, and he ranked No. 32 among guards in ESPN's run block win rate metric (69.5%) in 2021. He placed No. 51 in pass block win rate (88.9%).
At age 27, Corbett is now moving to his third NFL team. The Rams took stock of their offensive line this month and decided that Corbett was a player with whom they could part ways, while holding onto tackle Joe Noteboom and center Brian Allen. Corbett isn't going to change the direction of your entire offense, but he can fill a starting role for a needy team. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: The Panthers get a much-needed upgrade at guard with the signing of Corbett. With only one draft pick inside the top 100, adding to the offensive line was a key component for the Panthers in free agency. -- Reid
Jaguars agree to sign G Brandon Scherff
The deal: Three years, $52.5 million
Grade: B+
When he's healthy, Scherff is one of the NFL's most dominating guards. The Commanders thought enough of Scherff to keep him with the franchise tag during the past two seasons, giving him $33 million in the process. A third consecutive tag would have been untenable, however, and it's not surprising that Scherff looked elsewhere when he got the chance to hit the market.
The issue is that Scherff has trouble staying on the field. He missed six games in 2021, and he hasn't played a complete season since 2016. But the Jaguars can't afford to be picky when it comes to elevating the group around quarterback Trevor Lawrence. They've already made one questionable move, using the franchise tag again on mediocre left tackle Cam Robinson. But Scherff will unquestionably strengthen their offensive line -- as long as he can stay healthy. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: After placing the franchise tag on Robinson and signing Scherff, the Jaguars are signaling that Michigan edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson will likely be the No. 1 overall pick. Protecting Lawrence was crucial, and after finding help there in free agency, the Jags can go all in on my top-ranked player. -- Miller
Steelers agree to sign QB Mitchell Trubisky
The deal: Two years, $14.25 million
Grade: C
Look, you have to have somebody back there, and obviously (regardless of what they might have said) the Steelers weren't sold on Mason Rudolph as the direct successor to Ben Roethlisberger. Trubisky has intrigued Pittsburgh since it became clear Roethlisberger was retiring. The Steelers like the idea of a QB with some mobility, and Trubisky offers that. He has won games in the league and has flashed high-end potential.
The problem he had in Chicago was a lack of consistency, and after a year as a backup in Buffalo, there's still no way to know if he has gotten that ironed out or can do so. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Steelers still look at a QB relatively high up in the draft. But if the QB room stays the same between now and camp, it's not out of the question that Rudolph could beat out Trubisky for the Steelers' starting job.
But Trubisky gives them an intriguing option at the position, and if his year with Brian Daboll, Ken Dorsey and Josh Allen was as beneficial as many believe it might have been, it's still possible the Steelers hit on something. It feels likely this is a low-risk deal for Pittsburgh. -- Graziano
What this means for the 2022 draft: The Steelers have long been thought of as a team that would draft a quarterback in the first round. That's potentially changing. The Steelers can alternatively use the No. 20 overall selection to address an offensive line that has lost key players in recent years or the pass-rusher position opposite T.J. Watt. The 2022 quarterback class' weak value is being put on display, with so many teams jumping to find starters outside of the draft. -- Miller
Panthers agree to sign S Xavier Woods
The deal: Three years, $15.75 million
Grade: B
Woods parlayed a one-year, prove-it contract with Minnesota into a nice deal with the Panthers, who should at least count on him to be present and available. Including special teams, he played 1,273 snaps last season for the Vikings, second in the NFL behind the Raiders' Tre'von Moehrig (1,289).
The Panthers have a chance to have a pretty decent secondary in 2022, with Woods and Jeremy Chinn at safety, along with Jaycee Horn at cornerback. You wonder if signing Woods will impact whether they want to devote further resources toward retaining cornerback Stephon Gilmore. But regardless, Woods is a solid -- if not necessarily needed -- addition for the Panthers. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: Pairing Woods with Chinn is an ideal high/low safety duo. All eyes at Carolina are still on the quarterback position, though. With the No. 6 pick in Round 1, safety was never a high priority. But this move does free Carolina up if it is inclined to package multiple picks for a certain quarterback on the trade block. -- Miller
Jets agree to sign TE C.J. Uzomah
The deal: Three years, $24 million
Grade: B+
What was once a strong group of free-agent tight ends got a little thin after pre-market signings and franchise-tag applications, and the Jets needed to move if they were going to get a difference-maker. They got one in Uzomah, whose 43 receptions for 493 yards last season nearly matched the Jets' production from all of their tight ends (50 catches for 534 yards) in 2021.
Pass-catching tight ends can make it easier on young quarterbacks, and while Uzomah benefited from Joe Burrow's development in Cincinnati last season, he might also have aided it. The Jets hope Uzomah can do the same for Zach Wilson in 2022. The deal is reasonable from the Jets' perspective. His $8 million average annual salary would rank No. 13 among tight ends currently under contract. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: Coming off a career year for the Bengals, Uzomah checks a huge box for the Jets' offseason needs. Finding a middle-of-the-field and red-zone weapon was one of my top draft needs for New York entering Wilson's second season. With some scouts down on the top end of the 2022 tight end class -- no tight end is expected to be a first-round selection -- the Jets clear a huge need with a proven player and keep precious draft capital open to address holes at pass-rusher, cornerback and wide receiver. -- Miller
Jaguars agree to sign TE Evan Engram
The deal: One year, $9 million
Grade: B+
Did you see Jacksonville's personnel at the skill positions last year? Time to load up at all cost. Engram is a Lamborghini with a missing wheel. He is inconsistent and underproductive, and he doesn't block well. But he also is one of the smoothest route runners at tight end. Many teams have long considered him a top-10 talent at the position. That's worth a one-year flier for Jacksonville, which needs a safety valve over the middle for quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Maybe Engram just needed to leave the Giants, with whom high-pedigree offensive players wither. -- Fowler
What this means for the 2022 draft: The Jaguars intend to spend all the money, but in doing so, they're sending a clear signal: We're giving Lawrence help. Once again, adding a veteran keeps their options open at pick Nos. 1 and 33 overall, where Aidan Hutchinson and a top defensive back should be waiting. -- Miller
Chargers to sign CB J.C. Jackson
The deal: Five years, $82.5 million
Grade: B
The worst-kept secret in the league the last few days was that the Chargers were prepared to spend big at cornerback, and the second-worst-kept secret was that Jackson was the guy they had their eye on. He's just 26 years old and he has 25 interceptions in his four-year NFL career, including 17 over the last two seasons.
In a secondary that already features all-everything safety Derwin James Jr. and young star corner Asante Samuel Jr., Jackson is a nice ball hawking fit who should make the Chargers' defense even tougher on opposing passers and receivers. The price, at least in terms of the early numbers, makes sense at about $16.5 million a year, and he fits a need. The Chargers had only 11 interceptions as a team in 2021. Jackson had eight all by himself.
It's a little bit worrisome that the Patriots let him walk when they could have franchised him. It's not often that a young player blossoms into stardom after leaving the Patriots. But there are exceptions (Chandler Jones), and the Chargers hope Jackson's fit in their system will make him one. -- Graziano
What this means for the 2022 draft: The Chargers continue their busy offseason and secure one of the top free agents on the market. With cornerback being one of their biggest needs, signing the former Patriot is a huge addition for Tom Telesco and Brandon Staley. With the team holding the No. 17 overall pick, right tackle and nose tackle remain the biggest weaknesses on the Chargers' roster. Either of Jordan Davis and Devonte Wyatt, the Georgia interior defensive line duo, makes a lot of sense with that selection.-- Reid
Buccaneers agree to re-sign CB Carlton Davis
The deal: Three years, $45 million
Grade: A
Davis did the Buccaneers quite a favor here, based on the contract the Chargers gave J.C. Jackson. As of Monday afternoon, there were nine NFL cornerbacks with a higher average annual salary than Davis' $15 million.
Davis doesn't have as many splash plays as Jackson, but he is a more well-rounded cornerback and, some think, better in coverage on a play-by-play basis. He won't turn 26 until Dec. 31, and ESPN had him ranked as the fifth-best available free agent entering Monday. Rarely does a cornerback of his skill and youth hit the open market, and it would have been wild to see what both he and Jackson could have fetched.
This is not a shot at Davis, of course. There is a lot to be said for returning to the Buccaneers once quarterback Tom Brady announced he had delayed his retirement. A winning franchise helps support better play, better value and more external earnings. Bottom line: Davis returned to the Buccaneers at what was almost certainly a lower cost than he would have commanded on the market. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: The Bucs manage to keep another foundational player with Davis and continue to give general manager Jason Licht flexibility in Round 1. With the cornerback class more top heavy than deep in the top 32 picks, Davis' re-signing frees Tampa up to address an interior offensive line that needs reinforcements. -- Miller
Rams agree to re-sign C Brian Allen
The deal: Three years, $24 million
Grade: B+
Yes, the Rams have gone about building their team a bit differently, using draft picks to acquire veterans more often than most teams. Part of that formula means they need to be vigilant about re-signing the young players already on their roster, and replacing Allen would not have been easy.
He has started 25 games over the past two seasons, establishing himself as a solid NFL center with room to grow. Among centers, he ranked No. 14 in ESPN's run block win rate metric (67.3%) and No. 24 in pass block win rate (91.2%) in 2021. The deal they gave him, at an average of $8 million per season, barely cracks the top 10 for veteran centers. It amounts to a strong but necessary signing for the Rams. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: With interior offensive line one of their biggest needs of the offseason, the Rams helped alleviate some of it by re-signing Allen at center. The nucleus of the Rams' offensive front, he helps secure one of the most important positions in head coach Sean McVay's offense. Without picks in the first or second round, center was believed to be a route that they could go. Austin Corbett's future is still in question, so the team could still look for a guard in the third round. -- Reid
Packers to re-sign LB De'Vondre Campbell
The deal: Five years, $50 million
Grade: A
It's not the steal Campbell was for the Packers last year, when they signed him late in free agency for $2 million just a few months before Aaron Rodgers wondered aloud, "What the hell was this guy doing on the street?"
Campbell was a valuable part of Green Bay's defense in 2021, and the Packers' cap situation had them concerned they might not be able to bring him back. The Packers are hard at work juggling the finances of their roster to put a representative team around Rodgers. They still have to finalize Rodgers' contract, and it wouldn't hurt to get star receiver Davante Adams off the franchise tag and into a long-term extension. They had to jettison edge rusher Za'Darius Smith and offensive lineman Billy Turner, but otherwise, the early returns indicate they might be able to keep the team more or less intact.
Campbell was one of two defensive free agents they wanted to make sure they kept, along with cornerback Rasul Douglas, who remains unsigned. Bringing back Campbell at a reasonable price of $10 million a year is a help for the Green Bay defense and a good sign for the 2022 season in general. -- Graziano
What this means for the 2022 draft: The Packers' draft plans are rumored to center around addressing the right side of the offensive line and adding more weapons for Rodgers. Re-signing Campbell opens the door for the Pack to use early-round draft capital on offense. For the linebacker class, this could have a small ripple effect, as it might take away a potential landing spot for Devin Lloyd (Utah) or Nakobe Dean (Georgia) should they slip to the late first round. -- Miller
Eagles agree to sign OLB Haason Reddick
The deal: Three years, $45 million
Grade: A-
Not everyone thought Reddick was a premium pass-rusher when he came out of nowhere to record 12.5 sacks for the Cardinals in 2020, so he went to Carolina on a one-year deal to prove that he was. He did, compiling 11 sacks in 16 games. His 23.5 sacks over the past two seasons ranks No. 5 in the NFL over that period, and he did it in 728 pass-rushing snaps -- fewer than anyone ahead of him on the list.
From this perspective, the Panthers made a big mistake in not figuring out a way to keep him. He'll be 27 when the season begins and projects to have several more high-end years remaining ahead of him. The Eagles were smart to jump in, and the $30 million in full guarantees that come with this deal should be viewed as a quite reasonable byproduct of signing a pass-rusher on the open market. This is a great development -- and a strong deal -- for Philadelphia. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: Following the departure of Derek Barnett, the Eagles have found a new running mate alongside Josh Sweat in Reddick. With three first-round picks, the options for Howie Roseman remain wide open. Still needing help at wide receiver and cornerback, the Eagles continuing to address edge rusher isn't out of the question either. Florida State's Jermaine Johnson II and George Karlaftis of Purdue are two names who could be in play with any of Philadelphia's picks during the first day of the draft. -- Reid
Jaguars agree to sign WR Christian Kirk
The deal: Four years, $84 million
Grade: C
Kirk is a really good slot receiver, and the Jaguars really needed a difference-maker to make plays for quarterback Trevor Lawrence, be it from the slot or otherwise. For many, those are the only two factors involved in analyzing the wisdom of a move.
But the Jaguars committed to a contract that requires us to project Kirk as a much better player in the next few years than he was for the Cardinals in the first four years of his career. Remember, he produced career highs in 2021 -- his only full season -- with 77 receptions for 982 yards, as the Cardinals dealt with an injury to DeAndre Hopkins and the retirement of Larry Fitzgerald. Kirk was also among the league's most efficient receivers, catching 75.5% of throws he was targeted on, the sixth-best rate in the NFL.
Even so, his deal is worth an average of at least $18 million and up to $21 million, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The latter figure would be higher than the yearly average of every receiver in the NFL at the moment with the exception of Hopkins and Julio Jones.
In some respects, that's the cost of doing business on the free-agent market. The Jaguars needed to offer something to make their deal stand out. That's how teams attract players approaching their second contracts. But the money will put an expectation on his arrival that his skills, and the Jaguars' surrounding offense, might not be able to support. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: The Jaguars continue to be the most active team in free agency. Adding Kirk continues an overhaul of the receiving group on the roster. Helping Lawrence continues to be at the top of the priority list for the Jaguars, and they have done that through the first day of free agency. With flexibility at the Nos. 1 and 33 picks, there are a lot of different directions that the team could go. -- Miller
Titans agree to re-sign C Ben Jones
The deal: Two years, $14 million
Grade: A-
Jones wasn't considered the best center on the market, but he was probably the best center to the Titans. He spent the past six years in Tennessee's offense and played well last year. At age 32, he should have two more productive years left. The Titans were probably hoping for a slight discount, but the market is paying at least $6 million for capable centers. The Titans are spread thin because of massive resources on the defensive line, so re-signing Jones was a big coup for them. -- Fowler
What this means for the 2022 draft: Locking up Jones is a smart move to secure consistency along the offensive line with 2021 second-rounder Dillon Radunz likely stepping into a starting role. There's a chance the Titans could still upgrade at right tackle through the draft, but that's looking less likely to be a first-round need. The early-round needs in Tennessee figure to be on the defensive side of the ball, where a defensive end or linebacker could be added. -- Reid
Jaguars agree to sign ILB Foyesade Oluokun
The deal: Three years, $45 million
Grade: B+
Oluokun fits the profile of another Jaguars free-agent signing from Monday, defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi. Neither is likely to put up a bunch of flashy highlights, but one thing is for sure: Oluokun knows how to get to the ball. He led the NFL with 192 tackles for the Falcons last season and had a total of 309 tackles in two seasons as a starter.
The Jaguars need help across the board, and prioritizing an inside linebacker might not sound that exciting. But he'll play all three downs for them, clean up a lot of mistakes and provide leadership on the field as well. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: The Jaguars continue to be big spenders in free agency, which truly opens the door for the team to pick with a "best player available" approach throughout. With a projected 12 picks, the Jaguars' remaining needs are at wide receiver, pass-rusher and tight end. Doug Pederson and Trent Baalke will be free to attack those needs with the addition of an impact linebacker in Oluokun. -- Miller
Jaguars agree to sign DT Folorunso Fatukasi
The deal: Three years, $30 million
Grade: A-
The Jaguars got one of the gems in this market, a top run defender whom few outside of the Jets' fan base probably knew about. In his first season as a full-time starter in 2021, Fatukasi ranked No. 3 in ESPN's interior run stop win rate metric (42.9%). The Jets wanted to keep him but couldn't squeeze him into their crowded cap situation along the defensive line.
Fatukasi isn't likely to make a huge number of splash plays, and you can ding the Jaguars for spending this kind of money on a player whose primary contribution is going to be clogging up interior lanes. But Fatukasi is really good at it. Perhaps this sounds simple, but the Jaguars' rebuild won't go very far if they don't elevate the talent level at every position on both sides of the ball. Cap space isn't an issue in Jacksonville, and the Jaguars are capitalizing on it. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: The Jaguars continue their big spend in the opening hours of free agency. What's most notable is that by signing Fatukasi, the Jaguars continue to cross off needs at positions with poor depth in the 2022 draft class. Fatukasi figures to have a greater impact in the upcoming season than any of the defensive tackles likely to be on the board after Round 1. The Jaguars seem to believe they can pull off a Cincinnati Bengals-like "worst to first" with a huge opening day of veteran signings. -- Miller
Jets agree to sign G Laken Tomlinson
The deal: Three years, $41.2 million
Grade: B+
It's almost never a bad idea to add starting-caliber offensive linemen, regardless of their position, and Tomlinson was one of the very best available. He played in all but one game over the past three seasons for the 49ers, and at age 30, he would seem to have several more high-end seasons left in a career that will now be devoted to protecting quarterback Zach Wilson.
The only question here is where Tomlinson will play. He has been positioned at left guard throughout his career, but that role was handled by 2021 first-round pick Alijah Vera-Tucker last season. Someone will be changing sides in 2022. Many successful offensive linemen have pulled off that switch, but it's not as easy as just putting your opposite hand down on the ground. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: Getting better along the interior was seen as a priority for the Jets this offseason, and Tomlinson provides a much needed boost. With two picks inside of the top 10, Douglas could now look to add players to Robert Saleh's defense or select a receiver from this year's deep class. -- Reid
Seahawks agree to re-sign S Quandre Diggs
The deal: Three years, $40 million
Grade: B
Diggs has been one of the NFL's best playmaking safeties during his career, and in 38 games since the Seahawks acquired him in a 2019 trade from Lions, he has intercepted 13 passes. He suffered a serious injury in Week 17 last season, breaking his fibula and dislocating his ankle, and while he is expected to make a full recovery, his new contract presumably covers the Seahawks for the possibility that he won't.
Really, the only thing holding the Seahawks back from a higher grade is the fact that they are already paying a premium to their other safety, Jamal Adams. The Seahawks will pay Adams $14.4 million this season before deciding whether they want to continue moving forward with him in 2023 and beyond. It's one thing if signing Diggs is an indication that the Seahawks might move on from Adams after this season. It's quite another if they intend to host two highly-paid safeties on their roster for multiple years, a double-up that most teams don't see the value in at that position. In fact, the Seahawks are the only NFL team with two safeties under contract of at least $10 million per year, according to ESPN Stats & Information research. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: A key to the Seahawks' defense returns and allows GM John Schneider to use his newfound draft capital on improving the quarterback position and offensive line. Diggs' versatility and playmaking are unique enough that there wasn't an easy replacement projection for him in the 2022 draft class, especially at No. 9 overall in Round 1. Instead, Seattle can parlay picks into a potential trade at quarterback or get a much-needed pass-rusher at that spot in Round 1. -- Miller
Bengals agree to sign G Alex Cappa
The deal: Four years, $40 million
Grade: C+
Cappa is a solid player. He doesn't commit penalties or give up egregious sacks. More mobile guard options were out there, such as Laken Tomlinson, so if you're going to spend $10 million annually, that's the route I would have gone. But the Bengals also need predictability up front, and Cappa provides that.
Anything Cincinnati can do to avoid giving up nine sacks in a playoff game would be wise. Expect Cincinnati to also poke around on centers and maybe an extra tackle. -- Fowler
What this means for the 2022 draft: Perhaps the worst-kept secret of the offseason was the Bengals needing to figure out a way to help protect Joe Burrow. Cappa provides extra armor, but the team should continue to address the offensive front with the No. 31 overall pick. -- Reid
Cardinals agree to re-sign RB James Conner
The deal: Three years, $21 million
Grade: D
You're going to hate this deal if you're among the increasingly large group of people who don't want to see running backs get paid much more than the minimum. Conner has never produced a 1,000-yard season, isn't a huge factor in the passing game and averaged 3.7 yards per rush for the Cardinals last season. What he did do is score 15 rushing touchdowns in 2021, which is obviously important. But couldn't the Cardinals draft someone who could replicate Conner's production, if given the opportunity, at a much lower cost? We have years and years of data that tell us that either 1) yes, they could or 2) the difference between what Conner might produce and what a rookie or a free agent on a minimum salary could deliver isn't worth the $13.5 million the Cardinals have guaranteed in this deal.
News of the deal surfaced shortly after the negotiating window opened Monday. Did Conner find a similar offer from another team and get the Cardinals to match? Possibly. But the grade would be the same regardless. There was no justifiable reason to make this offer to Conner, especially on a day that Chase Edmonds agreed to leave the team and sign with the Dolphins. The Cardinals will regret it. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: The offensive line, pass-rusher and the secondary are key offseason priorities. With the No. 23 overall selection in Round 1, the Cardinals should have an eye on the top interior offensive linemen or a pass-rusher to replace Chandler Jones. With Conner in the fold long-term, a Day 3 pick on a running back with speed and receiving skills fits the team's needs. -- Miller
Rams agree to sign OT Joe Noteboom
The deal: Three years, $40 million
Grade: B-
The Rams needed a left tackle with the presumed retirement of Andrew Whitworth, and Noteboom has been a backup tackle/guard and spot starter for the past four seasons. Does that mean he is ready to become a starting left tackle and be paid like one? The Rams should know the answer better than anyone, having watched him to develop over the past four years.
ESPN ranked him as the No. 90 available free agent as of Monday morning. But to be fair, the other routes for finding a player who can even be competent at the position can be more fraught that promoting a backup and hoping for the best. Frankly, the Rams were fortunate that Whitworth played as well as he did as after signing with them in 2018 at age 40. Teams don't usually let decent left tackles hit the market. Trades come only at a premium. And the Rams' decisions over the years to trade their top draft picks would make it difficult to find their next starter in the college ranks.
Some of this analysis will depend on exactly how much the Rams committed to Noteboom, figures that won't likely be available for a day or two. In the end, while many around the NFL don't consider him a front-line player, the Rams were in a position to acknowledge that he was the best of a series of flawed options. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: Noteboom is the clear heir apparent to Whitworth. The Rams' biggest needs remain along the interior offensive line, as they could lose both Austin Corbett and Brian Allen elsewhere via free agency. But they are without a first- or second-round pick this year. -- Reid
Dolphins agree to sign RB Chase Edmonds
The deal: Two years, $12.6 million
Grade: B+
A lot of people were waiting to see who Mike McDaniel's running back would be, since he and Kyle Shanahan were able to make magic with so many different people at that position in San Francisco. Edmonds is a player who can do a lot of things McDaniel will want his running back to do, both as a runner and a pass-catcher.
He has never had more touches in a season than the 159 he had last year, when he missed five games due to injury. But he turns 26 in April, and the Dolphins could be getting a talented back who hasn't been overused so far, and getting him at the beginning of his prime. I won't be surprised if Edmonds becomes a star in a McDaniel offense. -- Graziano
What this means for the 2022 draft: The Dolphins' lack of total draft picks and a draft class that doesn't feature many Day 1 starters means investing in the offense via free agency. The Dolphins could still be players for a depth running back in the later rounds -- especially one with a little more size and power -- but the top end of the running back class won't be disrupted by Edmonds' signing. -- Miller
Dolphins agree to re-sign DE Emmanuel Ogbah
The deal: Four years, $65 million
Grade: B+
It is good business to keep your pass-rushers off the market, especially when they fit Ogbah's profile. He's consistent, durable and still young. Moreover, the Dolphins have demonstrated a blueprint for maximizing his skills. Playing under a two-year, $15 million deal he signed with the Dolphins prior to the 2020 season, Ogbah recorded 18 sacks while playing in all 33 possible regular-season games, starting 23 of them. That's the same number of sacks he recorded in four previous seasons with the Browns and Chiefs, and in 2021, he ranked No. 19 among NFL edge rushers in ESPN's pass rush win rate (16.3%).
All of which is to say that Ogbah earned a hefty raise, and he pushed the Dolphins until the final moments before the negotiating period opened to get a pretty strong deal. He essentially secured two fully guaranteed seasons ($32 million fully guaranteed), and his average of $16.5 million puts him among the top 10 for NFL defensive ends. It's true that the Dolphins have a new coaching staff, but all it will have to do is watch tape from the 2020 and 2021 seasons to see how to get Ogbah to be a consistent pass-rushing threat. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: After last year's trades down and then up the board, the Dolphins' only first-round pick for 2022 is the 49ers' original pick (No. 29). As a result, they are expected to miss out on premium pass-rushing prospects in a very good defensive end class. Getting Ogbah secures one pass-rusher spot and keeps continuity for Mike McDaniel's team with Josh Boyer retained as defensive coordinator. With my top six defensive end prospects all ranked in the top 25 overall, the Dolphins were looking at a best-case scenario of a project at the position if they waited until the draft. Now they can look for more of an upside player in a later round while using the first-round pick to address an offensive line that also needs attention. -- Miller
Buccaneers agree to re-sign C Ryan Jensen
The deal: Three years, $39 million
Grade: A+
Tom Brady the assistant GM strikes again! Jensen was set to be one of the most pursued and coveted free agents on the market, with the Bengals, Jets, Ravens and others lined up to try to add him to their offensive lines. But not only did the Buccaneers get him back, they got him back for under market value at $13 million per year. This is a side effect of Brady deciding to return, but it's going to benefit the Bucs in the big picture, as well.
The retirement of Ali Marpet made this signing and retaining guard Alex Cappa high-priority items, and this was the bigger of the two. The Bucs still have a lot of free agents to bring back, but this is a clear indication their ability to do so will be easier now that Brady has decided to play for them again. -- Graziano
What this means for the 2022 draft: The Bucs' center spot is locked up for the foreseeable future. But they still need help along the interior offensive like, as Cappa has likely priced himself out of town. The franchise could look to use the No. 27 overall pick up front. It also could pour more resources into the secondary, as cornerback Carlton Davis is expected to receive a long-term deal elsewhere. -- Reid
Cowboys agree to re-sign WR Michael Gallup
The deal: Five years, $62.5 million
Grade: B+
This is a relative bargain for a high-level talent. Yes, Gallup's an injury-concern high-level talent, because of a torn ACL in Week 17, and his first year on the deal is compromised somewhat. But players can usually regain their full explosion within eight to 12 months, and since the wide receiver market might blow past $15 million per year in the next few days, securing Gallup at a reasonable cost will be a good long-term play.
Meanwhile, Gallup gets the security of a hefty signing bonus at a vulnerable time. The Cowboys believe there's untapped potential with Gallup, and now that Amari Cooper is off to the Browns, he will be showcased more. -- Fowler
What this means for the 2022 draft: With Cooper shipped to Cleveland, re-signing Gallup crosses wide receiver off the Cowboys' list of early needs in the 2022 draft. Gallup and CeeDee Lamb form a solid nucleus, but don't sleep on a pass-catcher being added outside of Round 1. Remember, the Cowboys drafted Lamb with both Cooper and Gallup already on the roster. If a top-tier receiver prospect falls in the first round, the Cowboys could bypass other needs -- like linebacker, pass-rusher and even the offensive line -- to round out the wide receiver corps. Life with the Cowboys is always exciting, and receiver is very much still in play throughout the draft. -- Miller
Cardinals agree to re-sign TE Zach Ertz
The deal: Three years, $31.65 million
Grade: B
Ertz is a player the Cardinals love, which is why they traded for him last season and why he was a priority re-sign for them this offseason. They see him as a great fit for their offense as a pass-catcher and a reliable target for quarterback Kyler Murray.
He's not the dominator at the position that he once was, and he's a liability as a blocker in the run game, but the Cardinals are about passing, and Ertz can catch passes in big spots. The initial numbers put it a little north of $10 million a year, which means a little less than guys like Dalton Schultz and Mike Gesicki got as franchise players. It's a solid signing, but now let's see what the Cards do at receiver. -- Graziano
What this means for the 2022 draft: The Cardinals were rumored to be an aggressive candidate to add offensive talent and securing Ertz fits with that. For the 2022 draft class, this takes a tight end-needy team off the board in the early stages of the draft. Arizona wasn't a candidate for a Round 1 tight end, but using a Day 2 pick was possible. That's one more tight end available for the rest of the league. -- Miller
Patriots agree to re-sign S Devin McCourty
The deal: One year, $9 million
Grade: A
McCourty will be 35 years old when the season starts, but at $9 million, he's by no means an overpay. And he has unique value to the Patriots, who might still see some turnover on the defensive side of the ball this offseason. Having traded away cornerback Stephon Gilmore during the season and seeming likely to lose J.C. Jackson in free agency, the Patriots are going to have some new players on the back end of the defense in 2022.
McCourty is a proven leader who knows their defense and should be useful in a number of ways. New England had been a bit worried he might retire, but once it became clear that he would not, it felt like a no-brainer from both sides to keep him in Foxborough. -- Graziano
What this means for the 2022 draft: The Patriots' defense needs to get younger and faster, but the leadership of McCourty is important to the team remaining a contender. The impact his re-signing has on the Patriots' draft plans should be minimal, though. McCourty's age means that safety is still a future need. The Patriots draft very well for future needs and plan years in advance for them; that means we can't rule out an impact safety in the first three rounds.
The only safety locked into Round 1 -- Notre Dame's Kyle Hamilton -- will be off the board when New England selects at No. 21 overall. Michigan's Daxton Hill could be in play, but that is earlier than he's currently projected to come off the board. However, the 2022 safety class is very deep, and the Patriots are in a great position to land a starter in Rounds 2 or 3. -- Miller
Cowboys agree to trade WR Amari Cooper to Browns
Dallas Cowboys get: 2022 fifth-round pick and a 2022 sixth-round pick
Cleveland Browns get: WR Amari Cooper and a 2022 sixth-round pick
Cowboys grade: A-
Browns grade: C
It has been widely known for a while that the Cowboys planned to move on from Cooper rather than pay him $20 million this season. In similar situations, teams usually wind up releasing the player for no compensation. So the Cowboys get a nod here for getting something in return for a receiver who needed to go.
The deal also freed up $16 million in salary-cap space for the Cowboys, but it left them with a decidedly uncertain set of pass-catchers for quarterback Dak Prescott. Receivers Michael Gallup and Cedrick Wilson are pending free agents and tight end Blake Jarwin was released because of a hip injury. It will be time for CeeDee Lamb to hold down the role of a No. 1 receiver on his own, and he'll get help from tight end Dalton Schultz, who received the franchise tag. Overall, though, the Cowboys did a pretty good job of minimizing the damage of Cooper's departure.
The Browns' calculus was more complicated. It was more than reasonable for them to target an outside receiver after their falling out with Odell Beckham Jr. last season, and Cooper would seem to have several high-end seasons left as he approaches his 28th birthday. But could the Browns have waited for the Cowboys to release him first, holding on to their draft choice and potentially getting him at a lower value? Or were they smart to lock him in at that rate, given the possibility of a bidding war on the open market? Cooper's $20 million base salary will be fully guaranteed on the fifth day of the league year; his $20 million salaries in 2023 and 2024 are not guaranteed. For what it's worth, the only NFL receivers at the moment slated to earn more in 2022 are Mike Williams and Davante Adams.
Ultimately, it's inarguable that the Browns needed to add an offensive playmaker. Cooper ranked in the NFL's top 10 for receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches over the past four seasons and has never missed more than two games in any of his seven seasons. Does he project to continue playing at that level in this season? That's the biggest risk the Browns took in this deal. He'll be paid like a No. 1 receiver. Is he still one? -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: Even after acquiring Cooper, the Browns' draft plans probably remain the same. The No. 13 overall pick could still be used to address receiver. Considering the class' depth at the position, and with quarterback Baker Mayfield entering a make-or-break season, adding more targets on the perimeter is a likely route.
Eagles agree to re-sign C Jason Kelce
The deal: One year, $14 million
Grade: A-
It's fair to take a close look when a team commits millions of dollars to a player of Kelce's age and presumed wear and tear. He will turn 35 in November, making him the second-oldest center currently under contract for the 2022 season. But the analysis suggests that it's more than reasonable to project at least one more high-level season from Kelce.
First, he has started 122 consecutive games and last missed a game during the 2014 season. Second, his play showed no signs of deterioration last season. He ranked No. 4 in ESPN's run block win rate metric (72.2%) and No. 9 in pass block win rate (95.7%). There will be a time when Kelce isn't equipped to play at a high level, but it seems reasonable to assume that won't happen in 2022.
The only quibble here is whether the Eagles needed to go to $14 million to get him signed, assuming that is the actual cash number he will receive in 2022. That average per year is higher than any other center who is under contract for the 2022 season. In other words, Kelce is currently on track to be the NFL's second-oldest and highest-paid center. But if that's what it took to convince Kelce to pass on retirement for another season, then it was a worthwhile investment. -- Kevin Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: The Eagles could look to still draft Kelce's successor with one of their three first-rounders, or wait until the later rounds. It's possible they delay the move until 2023, too. But regardless, cornerback, edge rusher and wide receiver remain as their primary needs heading into the draft. -- Jordan Reid
Bears agree to trade OLB Khalil Mack to Chargers
Chicago Bears get: 2022 second-round pick and a 2023 sixth-round pick
Los Angeles Chargers get: OLB Khalil Mack
Bears grade: B-
Chargers grade: A-
This is how you maximize the window with quarterback Justin Herbert still on a rookie contract. The Chargers landed an elite pass-rusher at reasonable terms while the Bears -- with a second-round pick this year and a sixth-rounder in 2023 now in hand -- can expedite the rebuild. Sure, Los Angeles could have spent big money on a free-agent pass-rusher without giving up draft picks. But coach Brandon Staley loves Mack from their time together in Chicago, and when he's healthy, Mack is still one of the best.
Fit and pedigree are important here. His contract isn't outrageous, with $17.75 million due in 2022 and $22.9 million in 2023. A top-of-market edge rusher would have commanded at least that. At 31 years old and coming off injury, Mack's days in Chicago appeared numbered. This move deepens the intrigue in an already loaded AFC West.
For the Bears, this isn't the massive haul you'd expect from a deal involving a top-shelf player. But they probably asked for a first-round pick that wasn't out there. Mack missed most of the 2021 season with a foot injury that required surgery. He never elevated the Bears to playoff stardom and hasn't recorded more than nine sacks in a season since 2018. Waiting until next week wouldn't have helped because teams would address pass-rush needs in the first few days of free agency.
Bears backup Trevis Gipson looks poised to make a jump in a full-time role opposite Robert Quinn. Chicago hired GM Ryan Poles to implement new ideas and a fresh voice, and that means no player is off limits. -- Fowler
What this means for the 2022 draft: Now that the Bears have unloaded Mack, they add another second-round pick this year -- a needed selection after dealing away their first-round pick. With needs at wide receiver and along the offensive line, this gives Poles more assets to build around Justin Fields. Darnell Mooney is the only receiver under contract for next season, so it wouldn't be surprising to see the franchise double-dip at the position in the draft. -- Reid
Colts agree to trade QB Carson Wentz to Commanders
Indianapolis Colts get: 2022 second-round pick, 2022 third-round pick and 2023 third-round pick (can become a second-round pick if Wentz plays 70% of plays in 2022)
Washington Commanders get: QB Carson Wentz, 2022 second-round pick
Colts grade: A-
Commanders grade: D
An honest question for the Commanders: Is Wentz an indisputable upgrade over Taylor Heinicke, the backup quarterback who replaced Ryan Fitzpatrick for most of last season? We can probably agree that Wentz has a stronger arm and has put up better statistics in his career. But how many additional wins will he deliver? And would those extra wins be worth the sizable difference in their 2022 salaries?
The guess here is that the Commanders won't do much better with Wentz than they would have with Heinicke or a quarterback of a similar profile. And even if it gets them an extra win or two, it won't be worth the extra cash and cap space. Wentz has now been shown the door twice in two seasons by franchises that had every reason to try to make it work -- the Eagles because he was the No. 2 pick of the 2016 draft, and the Colts after they gave up what turned out to be a first-round pick to acquire him last year. The Colts dealt Wentz without having a path to an obvious replacement. Something here is broken, and it clearly has to do with more than Wentz's inconsistent play on the field.
In the end, Washington will end up paying Wentz $28 million and will be down two draft picks (the Colts and Commanders swapped second-rounders) in a chase for an extra win or two in 2022. And it's quite likely to be facing a similar situation next year at this time. The Colts, meanwhile, did the right thing to cut bait. They made a deal last year that didn't work out, and they paid dearly for it. But there was no sense extending or exacerbating the mistake. They didn't get back what they gave up, but frankly, getting a second-round pick and at least two third-rounders is a pretty strong return considering the circumstances. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: The Commanders come off the list of teams needing a quarterback, and the Colts are immediately added to it. Indianapolis still doesn't have the first-round capital to acquire one of the top-rated passers this year and should be considered a favorite for a veteran option instead. For the top end of the 2022 quarterback class, Washington filling its quarterback need with Wentz could signal a longer wait on draft day for QB1 or QB2 than previously expected. Most mock drafts had the Commanders all-in on drafting a starter at No. 11, but Washington can now focus on adding a receiver opposite Terry McLaurin or replacing Brandon Scherff on the offensive line. -- Miller
Seahawks agree to trade QB Russell Wilson to Broncos
Seattle Seahawks get: QB Drew Lock, TE Noah Fant, DL Shelby Harris, 2022 first-round pick, 2023 first-round pick, 2022 second-round pick, 2023 second-round pick and 2022 fifth-round pick
Denver Broncos get: QB Russell Wilson and 2022 fourth-round pick
Seahawks grade: D+
Broncos grade: A
NFL franchises can spend a generation or more trying to find a quarterback as good as Wilson is at age 33. They almost never become available via trade or free agency, and the Broncos got one without completely devastating their roster, their salary-cap situation or their future drafts. Wilson didn't look to run as much in 2021 as he did in previous seasons, taking off on a career-low 43 rushing attempts in 14 games, and it's fair to wonder whether he can reach peak effectiveness without routinely mixing in his skills in the open field. But even a scaled-down version of his impact is a massive improvement over the quarterbacks the Broncos have employed since Peyton Manning's retirement in 2015, and it would still put Denver in the top 10 of quarterback play entering the 2022 season.
For the Seahawks, the big question is "why?" What would prompt you to trade a franchise quarterback, presumably still in his prime even if he is in the second half of his career, given the historical difficulty of finding an equitable replacement? Look at the history of the Seahawks, which goes back to 1976, and try to find a quarterback who even approached Wilson's proficiency. Why not do whatever it takes to extend his time in Seattle? If you couldn't do that, why not?
The Seahawks' return wasn't terrible, and it prevented their grade from falling any further. The true failure here is not maximizing the career of a once-in-a-franchise (to this point) quarterback. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: The Seahawks are now a prime contender for a quarterback in either the 2022 or 2023 draft and will have plenty of capital to acquire one. What does this mean for the 2022 quarterback class? A quarterback could come off the board within the top 10 picks. What is more likely, however, is that Seattle is now in place to grab a premium pass-rusher with the No. 9 pick while carrying two first-round selections to 2023 -- a year in which the quarterback class is expected to be much more talented. -- Miller
Titans agree to re-sign OLB Harold Landry III
The deal: Five years, $87.5 million
Grade: B+
Landry's market value is a harder nut to crack than you might think. Usually, young edge rushers are going to be highly sought-after. And Landry has put up decent sack numbers in his career, with 31 over four seasons, led by a 12-sack performance in his contract year. He's also durable, having played in all but one of the Titans' games during the past four years.
But his other metrics are a little less clear. Landry ranked No. 34 among NFL edge rushers last season in pass rush win rate (13.8%), for example. Some pass-rushers are consistently disruptive, and some have sack numbers that make it appear they are consistently disruptive. And it wouldn't be outlandish to think of Landry in the latter category.
Regardless, the Titans knew that (1) someone would give him a high-end salary and (2) it would be harder to find an equitable replacement for Landry even if they don't consider him an elite pass-rusher. In the end, they got him signed without using the franchise tag and before he even had a chance to seek offers from other teams. -- Seifert
What this means for the 2022 draft: Now that the Titans have re-signed their star pass-rusher, there are a lot of different directions the team could go with the No. 26 pick. They could elect to still take a pass-rusher even after bringing Landry back, but receiver is one area to watch. A.J. Brown and Julio Jones are two solid targets, but durability was a concern for both during their first season together. -- Reid
Chargers agree to re-sign WR Mike Williams
The deal: Three years, $60 million
Grade: C-
Here's an example of the franchise tag working in the player's favor. It would have cost the Chargers more than $18 million to franchise Williams, who's coming off a career year of 76 catches for 1,146 yards and 9 touchdowns. An honest analysis of Williams' career doesn't paint the picture of a $20 million-per-year wide receiver, but the Chargers are trying to maximize quarterback Justin Herbert on his rookie deal, and Herbert clearly has a good thing going with Williams.
Had Williams left, the Chargers would have had to explore the likes of Allen Robinson II and Amari Cooper -- good players, and you could argue that they'd have been upgrades. But familiarity matters, and the Chargers and Herbert like and trust Williams. Signing him long term allows them to keep his cap number lower this year than it would have been on the franchise tag.
And who knows? Once the real numbers come in, it's possible this deal will look more favorable for the team than it does in the initial reporting. But as it stands now, it looks like a fantastic deal for the player and an overpay by the team for a guy who has reached 50 catches in a season just once in five years. -- Graziano
What this means for the 2022 draft: Signing Williams to a lucrative extension shouldn't really change the draft plans for the Chargers. With one of the league's worst run defenses in 2021, the interior defensive line remains atop the needs column. Right tackle and cornerback will also get some attention. The Chargers should be looking for upgrades over Bryan Bulaga and Storm Norton, and they could opt to select a tackle from this year's deep class. -- Reid