NFL Free Agency
NFL Free Agency
May 13, 2024
Written by: Jackson Freeman
Pictures Courtesy of the NFL
While many may find the NFL offseason boring and probably don’t even pay any attention to it, it produces exciting news in free agency. From unexpected trades to surprising draft picks, the 2024 NFL Free Agency has been no different.
As far as trades go, free agency trades are by far the most interesting in the offseason. Rumors spread about where certain players are speculated to go, which can provide tension between the teams and the fans. However, there are still surprises with the trades, especially when they involve star players. This year, there has been a lot of movement within the league. The Houston Texans were able to add wide receiver Stefon Diggs from the Bills and running back Joe Mixon from the Bengals. Diggs racked up 1,183 yards with eight touchdowns on 107 receptions with the Bills last season, being selected to his fourth Pro Bowl. Joe Mixon rushed for 1,034 yards and nine touchdowns, which are some of the best single-season stats of his career. The two are being added to an already explosive Texans offense, with Rookie of the Year quarterback CJ Stroud and wide receivers Nico Collins and Tank Dell. The Texans made it to the Divisional Round of the playoffs last year, and are expected to get even further after their new additions.
Stefon Diggs (14) celebrates a 55-yard touchdown catch in the Bills’ 48-20 win over the Dolphins. Picture taken by Jamie Germano.
The Bears made quite a few trades this offseason as well, the most surprising being sending away quarterback Justin Fields to the Steelers after he had his best season since being drafted 11th overall in 2021. Along with trading away Fields, the Bears acquired tackle Ryan Bates from the Bills and wide receiver Keenan Allen from the Chargers. Ryan Bates is one of the best linemen in the league right now, and Keenan Allen recorded a franchise record 108 receptions with 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns, making his sixth Pro Bowl this year. Allen has over 10,000 receiving yards in his career and expects that he will continue to perform at a Pro Bowl level in his new environment.
The 2024 NFL Draft was even more exhilarating, with many unexpected picks. The top three picks this year were all quarterbacks, with Caleb Williams being selected first. Williams threw for 10,000 yards and 93 touchdowns over his three-year college career with Oklahoma and USC, all while only throwing 14 interceptions. In addition to being considered the best passer in this draft class, Williams rushed for 966 yards and 21 touchdowns during his college career, making him an all-around player and the consensus number-one pick. Williams is described as “a better Justin Fields” by many NFL scouts, so it is no surprise that the Bears took him with the first pick.
Caleb Williams celebrates with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected first overall. Picture taken by Jeff Roberson.
The Washington Commanders are one of the teams that “won” this year's draft, making some excellent picks. They selected Heisman-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels from LSU second overall, opting for him over Drake Maye as he has better-running ability and can throw deep passes. The Commanders also gained tight end Ben Sinnot from Kansas State and wide receiver Luke McCaffrey, brother of Christian McCaffrey, from Rice. The Commanders are building a speedy and powerful offense, as they also gained running back Austin Ekeler this offseason from the Chargers. Ekeler gives the Commanders strength in the run game, which the Commanders desperately need. The Commanders also added to their strong receiving core, signing Zach Ertz to play alongside Terry Mclaurin and Jahan Dotson, two outstanding wide receivers who have put up great stats despite having mediocre quarterbacks.
There were certainly questionable draft choices this year, like the Falcons drafting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Penix led Washington to 14 wins and the National Championship, but lost to Michigan. Penix was also a Heisman Trophy finalist, throwing for 4,903 yards and 36 touchdowns. Penix seems like he would be a good pick, but he played six years in college due to injuries. He tore both his ACLs, leaving people to question if he can perform well in the NFL without getting injuries. Also, the Falcons traded for quarterback Kirk Cousins this offseason, giving him a four-year, 180 million dollar max contract. This decision has left the NFL world puzzled, and it will be interesting to see how this situation will pan out.
Michael Penix Jr (9) avoids a tackle in the 2023 Sugar Bowl. Picture taken by Butch Dill.
Through all the excitement, surprise, and rumors, the upcoming NFL season is far from predictable. No matter what could happen in the offseason, the most surprising events happen later. As we wrap up the offseason, the real excitement is just beginning.
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