Tuesday welcomed the second day of NFL free agency’s legal tampering period. With so many outstanding players already off the board, teams turned their attention to the remaining unsigned talents. With the first wave of free agency concluding in short succession, this represents the best opportunity to address some of their biggest needs approximately a month and a half away from the 2025 NFL Draft.
Tuesday welcomed league-altering trades and signings. Some GMs are better equipped to navigate the difficulties of free agency. We've identified some instant winners and losers.
Winner: Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings invested heavily in the trenches on Tuesday, adding defensive tackle Jonathan Allen and offensive guard Will Fries via massive contracts. Allen immediately addresses a huge need on the Vikings' defensive line. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores lacked a true presence on the interior last year. The former Washington Commander will transform Flores' front seven, further freeing Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel to create havoc on the edges.
Offensively, it appears sophomore (essentially still a rookie) quarterback J.J. McCarthy will be replacing the departing Sam Darnold in the starting lineup. The Vikings allowed the ninth-most sacks in the league last year, and that was with a veteran in Darnold navigating the difficulties up front. It was imperative to upgrade the protection in front of McCarthy, and Fries will do just that at guard. Fries was enjoying a career-best season last year before suffering a tibia injury, but color the Vikings unconcerned after signing him to a five-year deal worth $88 million.
Loser: Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts finalized a one-year contract with free-agent quarterback Daniel Jones worth $14 million. Jones could earn more through incentives. He'll officially enter a quarterback competition this summer with Anthony Richardson.
The Colts clearly remain unconvinced about Richardson, understandably so. In two completed seasons, the former No. 4 overall selection has dealt with various injuries while completing just 50.6% of his passing attempts. In addition to on-field struggles, Richardson was momentarily benched this past season after voluntarily removing himself from a game due to being tired.
Being in this position makes Colts general manager Chris Ballard a loser. Jones is going to legitimately push Richardson for the starting gig, and few would be shocked if he emerges victorious. Also impacting the quarterback, the Colts lost a high-level offensive lineman when Fries signed with the Vikings.
Winner: New York Giants
The New York Giants were extremely busy on Monday, retaining in-house players like Darius Slayton, and adding outsiders like cornerback Paulson Adebo and defensive linemen Chauncey Golston. While general manager Joe Schoen is still waiting for a decision from Aaron Rodgers, he made another notable splash on Tuesday. Safety Jevon Holland joined the Giants on a three-year deal worth $45 million.
Holland is a 25-year-old versatile defensive back still in his prime. Despite the safety market being expensive, Holland's average annual salary of $15 million barely makes him a top-10 paid safety, which feels very reasonable. Furthermore, he'll be joining a secondary (alongside Adebo) that has developing assets like Dru Phillips, Tyler Nubin, and Deonte Banks.
Loser: Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons continue to throw money at aging players to solve their long-lasting pass-rushing problems. On Tuesday, they agreed to a one-year contract worth up to $10 million with Leonard Floyd just hours after his release from the San Francisco 49ers. Floyd was super effective last year, recording 8.5 sacks, but he turns 33 this season, and this feels similar to how Atlanta got burned by Matthew Judon last offseason.
Elsewhere, general manager Terry Fontenot re-signed cornerback Mike Hughes to a three-year contract worth $18 million. Hughes is a fine depth corner, but the Falcons should aim higher opposite A.J. Terrell.
