The NFL spent the first day of free agency making huge splashes where the winners and losers were easy to sniff out. But on the third day — and the official start of free agency — things have effectively ground to a halt as the football world awaits news of Deshaun Watson’s trade destination.
NFL Free Agency Winners: Day 3
There are more winners today than on the Day 1 or 2 lists, but that’s only because there were so many mid-level successes today that it felt impossible to take one off the list. An AFC West team finally showed up in free agency. Fullbacks are getting the love they deserve. The AFC North is showing its teeth, and the Jaguars got a good player at a good value.
Las Vegas Raiders
Las Vegas finally got off its schneid and made a few moves on Wednesday, making them more competitive in a ridiculously talented division. Signing Chandler Jones to play opposite Maxx Crosby is a massive move in a division boasting Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Russell Wilson. They also traded Yannick Ngakoue for Rock Ya-Sin. They were the easiest of the NFL free agency winners to spot on Day 3.
Fullbacks
Fullbacks are always winners in my book. The fullback is primed to mount a comeback in a league that’s getting smaller and faster on defense. And with the branching of Kyle Shanahan’s limb, it should become even more prevalent. The Dolphins signed former Raiders fullback Alec Ingold to a two-year deal worth up to $7.5 million, making fullbacks winners of NFL free agency on Day 3.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens upgraded their pass rush with the triumphant return of Za’Darius Smith on a four-year deal worth $35 million. However, there is potential to earn another $15 million. That seems like a fair deal for both sides, making both free agency winners on Day 3.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh continues to find value, even early on in free agency. They had a need at linebacker after Devin Bush struggled in 2021, and Joe Schobert tanked his career by choosing to wear No. 93. Myles Jack had a down season in 2021, and the Steelers capitalized on that by signing him to a two-year, $16 million deal.
Jimmy Garoppolo
With things looking grim for Baker Mayfield in Cleveland, the Browns have been added to the list of teams looking to acquire Garoppolo’s services heading into 2022. The more competent teams with good offensive lines on Garoppolo’s radar, the better for the injury-prone, eight-year veteran.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville made another splash in free agency by signing hometown cornerback Darious Williams to a three-year, $30 million contract worth up to $39 million. The cornerback market wasn’t as fierce as expected before the start of free agency. The Jaguars became winners on Day 3 of free agency because of it.
Buffalo Bills
They paid quite a large sum of money for Von Miller. However, the pass rusher is still stellar. Miller just adds to an already outrageous defense. The Bills should have already been one of the favorites in an already talent-rich AFC. The Miller signing could very well put them over the top. They just missed out on the AFC Championship Game in 2021.
Looking for our free agent losers?
NFL free agency is fun to think about in terms of winners and losers. We have absolutely no idea how the moves made in March will look in September, let alone two or three years down the road. All we can do is trust the process. A few teams crushed the first two days of the “legal tampering period.” Here’s our story on the 2022 NFL Free Agency Day 3 losers.