A ton of dominoes fell on the first week of the NFL’s free agency period, with dozens of big names finding new homes or new deals with their current clubs. But there are still a lot of good players available as we gear up for the end of the first week of major activity.
Quarterback is the NFL’s marquee position, so it makes sense to review what transpired at that position earlier this week. Justin Fields, after deciding to test free agency despite the Steelers’ attempts to re-sign him, agreed to a two-year, $40 million deal with the New York Jets that includes $30 million guaranteed. Fields will get another chance to be a starting quarterback after going 4-2 as the Steelers’ starter in 2024.
Shortly after Fields landed with the Jets, the Seattle Seahawks signed Sam Darnold to a three-year, $100.5 million deal just days after trading former Pro Bowler Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders. Like Fields, Darnold will get another opportunity to lead an offense after helping lead the Vikings to a 14-3 record this past season. A few others got opportunities to compete, including Daniel Jones with the Indianapolis Colts and Kenny Pickett with the Cleveland Browns.
2025 NFL free agency tracker: Updates on top 100 free agents, Amari Cooper, Stefon Diggs among best available Cody Benjamin 2025 NFL free agency tracker: Updates on top 100 free agents, Amari Cooper, Stefon Diggs among best available By the way, Aaron Rodgers is still available.
Now here’s a look at 10 of the top players who are still available. It should be noted that the following ranking is not solely about talent; it’s also about market demand and the position they play.
Aaron Rodgers, QB Rodgers might not the best player still available, but he is a future Hall of Famer who plays the most important position in all of sports, so him taking the top spot was kind of a no-brainer.
The Steelers and Giants have reportedly made offers to Rodgers, and there are rumblings that the Vikings might also be in play. New York’s offer was reportedly more lucrative than Pittsburgh’s, but money is reportedly not a big factor for Rodgers, who surely is hoping to end up with the team that can best help him end his career on a high note (if he decides to continue playing).
It’s anyone’s else when Rodgers will decide what he is doing next season. Until he does, the Steelers, Giants, and basically everyone else will continue to wait on pins and needles.
The Steelers did sign a quarterback last week by bringing back Mason Rudolph, a 2018 third-round pick who has an 8-4-1 record as Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback.
Russell Wilson, QB Like Rodgers, Wilson is probably not the second-best player still available. But he is possible future Hall of Fame quarterback who was named to his 10th Pro Bowl in 2024. Wilson met with the Browns and Giants last week but left both facilities without signing a new contract.
At this point, it appears that Wilson may not sign with anyone until Rodgers announces what he is doing. The Giants appear to be the favorite for Wilson.
Cam Robinson, OT The best offensive tackle left on the market. He’s on the better side of 30 (29 years old). For the Jaguars and Vikings last season, he played 999 offensive snaps, allowed seven sacks and seven quarterback hits while recording a 70.4 pass blocking grade from PFF.
Teven Jenkins, OG Like former teammate and 2021 draft classmate Fields, Jenkins is hoping to revive his career with a new team after things didn’t necessarily pan out in Chicago. Like Becton, Jenkins’ play has improved after transitioning from tackle to guard. He’s also young (27) and already has 40 starts under his belt.
Rasul Douglas, CB Several defensive backs reportedly found new teams on Monday, but Douglas is still available. Arguably the best cornerback still available, Douglas’ career so far includes a Super Bowl win with the Eagles (in 2017, his rookie season) and a year that saw him record a league-best two interceptions returns for scores (in 2021 as a member of the Packers. Douglas is a good fit for teams that like to play zone.
Amari Cooper, WR He might be getting older, and he didn’t exactly light up the stat sheet after joining the Buffalo Bills halfway through 2024, but Cooper is a proven route-runner who’s still got the wherewithal to be a solid starter.
Asante Samuel Jr., CB Injuries took a toll on his 2024 season, and before that, Samuel was a hit-or-miss type of cover man. He’s still just 25, though, and flashed big-play ability over four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Azeez Ojulari, EDGE The former second-rounder hasn’t necessarily taken major leaps since an eight-sack debut in 2021, but the Giants prospect is only 24, and NFL teams can always use added pass-rushing help.
Stefon Diggs, WR Like Cooper, another former Bills wideout, Diggs is aging at 31, and he’s also coming off a serious knee injury. But he remains a feisty possession target when healthy, very capable of manning a top job.
Justin Simmons, S Simmons isn’t an All-Pro safety like he was in Denver but started all 16 games he played for the Falcons and had 62 tackles, two interceptions, and two passes defended. He allowed five pass touchdowns and an 83.6 passer rating in coverage last season.
The new NFL league year kicked off Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, but the chaos of the offseason was in full swing well before that.
We had stars receive franchise tags (Tee Higgins and Trey Smith), Pro Bowlers get traded (Geno Smith, Deebo Samuel and DK Metcalf), franchise quarterbacks receive pay raises (Matthew Stafford and Josh Allen), All-Pro edge rushers land record-breaking extensions (Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett) and a whole lot more. And all of that was before the NFL’s legal tampering period began at noon ET on Monday!
Once teams were able to negotiate with other clubs’ impending three agents, several high-profile deals were almost immediately agreed to. The biggest ones on Monday were the Seahawks signing Sam Darnold to a three-year contract worth $100.5 million and the Jets signing Justin Fields to a two-year deal worth $40 million. Elsewhere on Day 1, the Patriots added several key defenders for new head coach Mike Vrabel, the Texans traded their star left tackle to the Commanders and the Browns acquired a former first-round quarterback from the Eagles.
Day 2 brought even more movement, headlined by quarterback Daniel Jones signing with the Colts on a one-year deal worth $14 million. Meanwhile, the Vikings spent big for guard Will Fries and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen while the Texans traded away yet another former first-round offensive lineman, this time sending Kenyon Green to the Eagles for safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Then on Tuesday night, the Bills bolstered their pass rush with Joey Bosa and the Ravens added a contested-catch standout in DeAndre Hopkins. Things have slowed down the past two days but there are still many big-name free agents to be had, including Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson.
From blockbuster moves to bargain-bin shopping, we’ve got you covered below with a running tracker of every team’s 2024 additions, including external signings and trade acquisitions. For more info on all the free agency deals and rumors, click here.
Arizona Cardinals Retained
OLB Baron Browning: 2 years, $15 million S Joey Blount: 2 years, $4.75 million OL Evan Brown: 2 years, $11.5 million WR Zay Jones: 1 year, $4.4 million LS Aaron Brewer: 1 year Signed
EDGE Josh Sweat: 4 years, $76.4 million (Read more) DT Dalvin Tomlinson: 2 years, $29 million QB Jacoby Brissett: 2 years, $12.5 million (Read more) LB Akeem Davis-Gaither: 2 years, $11 million DL L.J. Collier: 1 year, $4 million LB Mykal Walker: 1 year, $1.79 million Atlanta Falcons Retained
LT Jake Matthews: 2 years, $45 million extension CB Mike Hughes: 3 years, $18 million KhaDarel Hodge: 2 years, $6 million LS Liam McCullough: 4 years DL Ta’Quon Graham: 1 year OL Storm Norton OL Brandon Parker OL Kyle Hinton OL Elijah Wilkinson LB Josh Woods Signed
LB Divine Deablo: 2 years, $14 million EDGE Leonard Floyd: 1 year, $10 million (Read more) CB Mike Ford: 2 years, $4 million Baltimore Ravens Retained
LT Ronnie Stanley: 3 years, $60 million (Read more) FB Patrick Ricard: 1 year OL Ben Cleveland: 1 year Signed
WR DeAndre Hopkins: 1 year, $6 million (Read more) LB Jake Hummel QB Cooper Rush: 2 years, $12.2 million (Read more) Buffalo Bills Retained
QB Josh Allen: 6 years, $330 million (Read more) EDGE Greg Rousseau: 4 years, $80 million (Read more) WR Khalil Shakir: 4 years, $60.2 million (Read more) LB Terrel Bernard: 4 years, $50 million (Read more) RB Ty Johnson: 2 years, $5 million S Damar Hamlin: 1 year, $2 million LS Reid Ferguson: 4 years Signed
WR Josh Palmer: 3 years, $36 million (Read more) DT Michael Hoecht: 3 years, $24 million EDGE Joey Bosa: 1 year, $12.6 million (Read more) DT Larry Ogunjobi: 1 year, $8.3 million WR/RS Laviska Shenault RB Darrynton Evans: 1 year, $1.21 million RB Darrick Forrest: 1 year Carolina Panthers Retained
CB Jaycee Horn: 4 years, $100 million (Read more) CB Michael Jackson: 2 years, $14.5 million TE Tommy Tremble: 2 years, $10.5 million QB Andy Dalton: 2 years, $8 million (Read more) OC Austin Corbett: 1 year, $3 million OL Brady Christensen Signed
DT Tershawn Wharton: 3 years, $54 million S Tre’Von Moehrig: 3 years, $51 million EDGE Patrick Jones II: 2 years, $20 million RB Rico Dowdle: 1 year, $6.5 million (Read more) P Sam Martin: 1 year, $3 million LB Christian Rozeboom: 1 year DT Bobby Brown III WR Dan Chisena Chicago Bears Traded for
OL Jonah Jackson from Rams (Read more) OG Joe Thuney from Chiefs (Read more) Retained
LB Amen Ogbongbemiga: 2 years, $5 million CB Josh Blackwell: 2 years DT Chris Williams: RFA tender Signed
EDGE Dayo Odeyingbo: 3 years, $48 million DT Grady Jarrett: 3 years, $43.5 million (Read more) C Drew Dalman: 3 years, $42 million (Read more) TE Durham Smythe: 1 year S Tarvarius Moore: 1 year LS Scott Daly: 1 year TE Robert Tonyan WR Olamide Zaccheaus Cincinnati Bengals Retained
WR Tee Higgins: Franchise tag (Read more) DL B.J. Hill: 3 years, $33 million TE Mike Gesicki: 3 years, $25.5 million EDGE Joseph Ossai: 1 year, $7 million OL Cody Ford: 2 years, $6 million LB Oren Burks: 2 years, $5 million CB Marco Wilson: 1 year, $1.52 million TE Tanner Hudson: 1 year LS Cal Adomitis: 1 year EDGE Cameron Sample: 1 year Signed
DT Tedarrell Slaton: 2 years, $15.1 million RB Samaje Perine: 2 years, $3.8 million Cleveland Browns Traded for
QB Kenny Pickett from Eagles (Read more) Retained
EDGE Myles Garrett: 4 years, $160 million (Read more) Signed
DT Maliek Collins: 2 years, $20 million OT Cornelius Lucas: 2 years, $10 million EDGE Joe Tryon-Shoyinka: 1 year, $4.75 million LB Devin Bush: 1 year, $3.25 million
Kenny Pickett trade grades: Browns ace deal for former first-round QB; Eagles get so-so mark for odd move Bryan DeArdo Kenny Pickett trade grades: Browns ace deal for former first-round QB; Eagles get so-so mark for odd move Dallas Cowboys Traded for
CB Kaiir Elam from Bills (Read more) LB Kenneth Murray from Titans (Read more) Retained
DT Osa Odighizuwa: 4 years, $80 million (Read more) WR/KR/PR KaVontae Turpin: 3 years, $18 million (Read more) S Markquese Bell: 3 years, $12 million LS Trent Sieg: 3 years, $4.45 million CB C.J. Goodwin: 1 year, $1.42 million DL Tyrus Wheat: 1 year, $1.03 million P Bryan Anger: 2 years Signed
DT Solomon Thomas: 2 years, $8 million (Read more) OL Rob Jones: 1 year, $4.75 million RB Javonte Williams: 1 year, $3 million (Read more) EDGE Payton Turner: 1 year, $3 million (Read more) LB Jack Sanborn: 1 year (Read more) RB Miles Sanders: 1 year (Read more) EDGE Dante Fowler: 1 year, $8 million (Read more) WR Parris Campbell: 1 year Denver Broncos Retained
DT D.J. Jones: 3 years, $39 million TE Evan Engram: 2 years, $23 million (Read more) QB Jarrett Stidham: 2 years, $12 million LB Justin Strnad: 1 year $2.7 million LS Mitchell Fraboni: 1 year Signed
S Talanoa Hufanga: 3 years, $45 million LB Dre Greenlaw: 3 years, $35 million OT Matt Peart: 2 years, $7 million WR Trent Sherfield Sr.: 2 years, $6 million Detroit Lions Retained
LB Derrick Barnes: 3 years, $25.5 million DT Levi Onwuzurike: 1 year, $5.5 million EDGE Marcus Davenport: 1 year, $4.75 million LB Zeke Turner: 1 year LS Morgan Cox: 1 year LB Trevor Nowaske LB Anthony Pittman DL Myles Adams WR Tim Patrick: 1 year, $4 million Signed
CB D.J. Reed: 3 years, $48 million DT Roy Lopez: 1 year LB Grant Stuard Green Bay Packers Retained
K Brandon McManus: 3 years, $15.3 million LB Isaiah McDuffie: 2 years, $8 million Signed
OG Aaron Banks: 4 years, $77 million (Read more) CB Nate Hobbs: 4 years, $48 million deal (Read more) Houston Texans Traded for
WR Christian Kirk from Jaguars (Read more) S C.J. Gardner-Johnson from Eagles (Read more) OG Ed Ingram from Vikings (Read more) Retained
Harrison Smith: 1 year, $10.25 million DL Mario Edwards: 2 years, $9.5 million EDGE Derek Barnett: 1 year $5 million RB Dare Ogunbowale: 1 year, $2 million LB Jake Hansen: 1 year, $1.7 million S MJ Stewart: 1 year, $2.5 million Signed
CB/KR: Tremon Smith: 2 years, $7 million LB Nick Niemann: 2 years, $6.5 million DT Sheldon Rankins: 1 year: $7 million EDGE Darrell Taylor: 1 year, $5.25 million OG Laken Tomlinson: 1 year, $4.25 million WR Braxton Berrios 1 year, $2 million WR Justin Watson Indianapolis Colts Retained
WR Ashton Dulin: 2 years, $8.5 million RT Braden Smith: 1 year (reworked contract) C Wesley French: 1 year OL Danny Pinter Signed
S Camryn Bynum: 4 years, $60 million CB Charvarius Ward: 3 years, $60 million QB Daniel Jones: 1 year, $14 million (Read more) RB Khalil Herbert: 1 year K Spencer Shrader
2025 NFL free agency QB tracker: Falcons retain Kirk Cousins; Daniel Jones to Colts, Sam Darnold to Seahawks Cody Benjamin 2025 NFL free agency QB tracker: Falcons retain Kirk Cousins; Daniel Jones to Colts, Sam Darnold to Seahawks Jacksonville Jaguars Signed
OL Patrick Mekari: 3 years, $37.5 million CB Jourdan Lewis: 3 years, $30 million (Read more) S Eric Murray: 3 years, $22.5 million C Robert Hainsey: 3 years, $21 million WR Dyami Brown: 1 year, $10 million QB Nick Mullens: 2 years, $6.5 million (Read more) TE Johnny Mundt: 2 years, $5.5 million TE Hunter Long OT Chuma Edoga: 2 years, $7 million Kansas City Chiefs Retained
OG Trey Smith: Franchise tag LB Nick Bolton: 3 years, $45 million WR Hollywood Brown: 1 year, $11 million (Read more) LS James Winchester: 1 year, $1.65 million RB Kareem Hunt: 1 year, $1.5 million (Read more) WR JuJu Smith-Schuster: 1 year Signed
QB Gardner Minshew: 1 year (Read more) CB Kristian Fulton: 2 years, $15 million OT Jaylon Moore: 2 years, $30 million RB Elijah Mitchell: 1 year, $3.5 million P Matt Araiza: ERFA tender QB Bailey Zappe: 1 year DE Jerry Tillery: 1 year Las Vegas Raiders Traded for
QB Geno Smith from Seahawks (Read more) Retained
EDGE Maxx Crosby: 3 years, $106.5 million (Read more) DT Adam Butler: 3 years, $16.5 million EDGE Malcolm Koonce: 1 year, $12 million S Isaiah Pola-Mao: 2 years, $8.45 million LB Elandon Roberts: 1 year, $3 million Signed
S Jeremy Chinn: 2 years, $16 million OG Alex Cappa: 2 years, $11 million S Lonnie Johnson Jr. CB Eric Stokes: 1 year, $4 million RB Raheem Mostert: 1 year, $2.1 million (Read more) Los Angeles Chargers Retained
CB Elijah Molden: 3 years, $18.75 million LB Troy Dye: 2 years, $5.5 million EDGE Khalil Mack: 1 year, $18 million (Read more) C Bradley Bozeman: 2 years, $6.5 million P JK Scott: 2 years, $6 million DL Teair Tart: 1 year, $5.5 million WR Jalen Reagor Signed
CB Donte Jackson: 2 years, $13 million WR Mike Williams: 1 year, $6 million RB Najee Harris: 1 year, $5.25 million (Read more) CB Benjamin St-Juste: 1 year DL Naquan Jones DT Da’Shawn Hand: 1 year, $3.5 million OL Mekhi Becton: 2 years, $20 million (Read more) Los Angeles Rams Retained
QB Matthew Stafford: Restructured contract (Read more) QB Jimmy Garoppolo: 1 year, $4.505 million Signed
WR Davante Adams: 2 years, $46 million (Read more) DT Poona Ford: 3 years, $29.6 million OC Coleman Shelton: 2 years, $12 million Miami Dolphins Retained
LB Tyrel Dodson: 2 years, $8.25 million DB Elijah Campbell: 1 year, $1.9 million LB Quinton Bell: 1 year, $1.5 million WR Dee Eskridge OT Jackson Carman OL Liam Eichenberg: 1 year Signed
OL James Daniels: 3 years, $24 million WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine: 2 years, $6.5 million QB Zach Wilson: 1 year, $6 million S Ifeatu Melifonwu: 1 year, $4 million OL Larry Borom S Ashtyn Davis RB Alexander Mattison LB K.J. Britt: 1 year Minnesota Vikings Traded for
RB Jordan Mason from 49rers (Read more) Retained
CB Byron Murphy: 3 years, $66 million RB Aaron Jones: 2 years, $20 million (Read more) S Theo Jackson: 2 years, $12.615 million P Ryan Wright: 1 year, $1.75 million Signed
OG Will Fries: 5 years, $88 million (Read more) DT Jonathan Allen: 3 years, $60 million (Read more) DT Javon Hargrave: 2 years, $30 million (Read more) OC Ryan Kelly: 2 years, $18 million CB Isaiah Rodgers: 2 years, $15 million DB Tavierre Thomas OT Justin Skule LB Eric Wilson
The first week of the NFL’s free agency period is in the books with the legal tampering period beginning on Monday and then Wednesday marking the official start of the new league year. We’ve seen a number of notable deals come across the wire, including at the quarterback position. Sam Darnold reached an agreement to be the Seattle Seahawks’ new QB1 after they traded Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders. Meanwhile, the New York Jets have tapped Justin Fields as their next signal-caller as they move off of Aaron Rodgers and usher in a new era led by head coach Aaron Glenn. The Indianapolis Colts are another team that added a quarterback, as Daniel Jones will compete with Anthony Richardson for the right to lead Shane Steichen’s offense.
Elsewhere around the league, the New England Patriots — who possessed the most amount of salary cap space entering this free agent cycle — were big players on Day 1, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. The big fish they landed was former Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams, who was the top interior defender on the market. They also added corner Carlton Davis.
On Day 3, a couple multi-time Pro Bowlers from the NFC East switched squads with four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher DeMarcus Lawrence leaving the Dallas Cowboys and signing with the Seattle Seahawks and six-time Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay leaving the Super Bowl LIX champion Philadelphia Eagles and signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
With the dust settling on the opening week, let’s roll through every team across the league, highlight their key additions (and departures), and give them an initial grade on how they fared.
team logo Arizona Cardinals: B- Key additions: EDGE Josh Sweat (Read more), LB Akeem Davis-Gaither, QB Jacoby Brissett Key re-signings: OLB Baron Browning, S Joey Blount, LS Aaron Brewer, OL Evan Brown, WR Zay Jones, OT Kelvin Beachum Key departures: N/A The Cardinals made a big splash by signing pass rusher Josh Sweat to a four-year, $76.4 million deal. Sweat, who is coming off a Super Bowl title with the Philadelphia Eagles, was the No. 3 ranked free agent by CBS Sports NFL analyst Pete Prisco, so Arizona certainly went big-game hunting. Meanwhile, Sweat should hit the ground running in Arizona thanks to his familiarity with head coach Jonathan Gannon. They also kept fellow disrupter Baron Browning and retained versatile lineman Evan Brown, who started all 17 games for the club last season.
However, they still have glaring needs at wide receiver and along their defensive line even after signing Sweat. Arizona currently has the third-most effective cap space in the NFL ($68.9 million, per OverTheCap.com), and they should put a little more of that to use to upgrade two key areas on their roster.
team logo Atlanta Falcons: C- Key additions: LB Divine Deablo, EDGE Leonard Floyd Key re-signings: LT Jake Matthews, LS Liam McCullough, CB Mike Hughes Key departures: C Drew Dalman (Bears), IDL Grady Jarrett (Bears), S Richie Grant (49ers) The good news is that the Falcons were able to agree to a two-year, $45 million extension with starting left tackle Jake Matthews, who had another year on his deal, to lock up the blindside going forward. However, that’s about where the good news ends. The team lost starting center Drew Dalman to the Chicago Bears and then released standout defensive lineman Grady Jarrett, who quickly also ended up in the Windy City. The Falcons had about $9.6 million in cap space entering free agency, so they weren’t expected to be major players.
team logo Baltimore Ravens: B Key additions: WR DeAndre Hopkins, QB Cooper Rush Key re-signings: LT Ronnie Stanley (Read more), FB Patrick Ricard Key departures: OL Patrick Mekari (Jaguars), CB Brandon Stephens (Jets), LB Chris Board (Giants), LB Malik Harrison (Steelers) For a minute, it looked like Ronnie Stanley was going to hit the open market, creating an even tougher avenue for the Ravens to retain him. However, the club was able to strike a deal with the star left tackle before the negotiating window opened up, which was a major win for the Baltimore front office. The team did lose versatile offensive lineman Patrick Mekari and cornerback Brandon Stephens, but being able to keep Lamar Jackson’s blindside protected makes those departures sting a bit less. Hopkins is an interesting addition to the Ravens’ receivers room. He’s not the same All-Pro player he once was, but he’s absolutely reliable. Rush is a nice insurance addition for Jackson in case he suffers from a late-season illness as the weather gets colder in the winter.
team logo Buffalo Bills: B Key additions: WR Josh Palmer (Read more), DL Michael Hoecht, EDGE Joey Bosa (Read more) Key re-signings: QB Josh Allen, (Read more), EDGE Greg Rousseau (Read more), WR Khalil Shakir (Read more), LB Terrel Bernard (Read more), LS Reid Ferguson, RB Ty Johnson Key departures: Mack Hollins (Patriots), Von Miller, Kaiir Elam (Cowboys) The Bills made it abundantly clear that their main objective to begin this free agent cycle was to lock in their core and they’ve done just that, inking the likes of Josh Allen, Khalil Shakir, Terrell Bernard, and others to extensions. They also added to their receiver room by bringing in former Chargers pass catcher Josh Palmer. Speaking of Chargers, the Bills landed Joey Bosa on a $12.6 million deal Tuesday night. That number does seem a bit high, but maybe he will thrive with this change of scenery. After all, Buffalo needed a Von Miller replacement. Buffalo picked up a 2025 fifth-round and a 2026 seventh-round in exchange for Elam and a 2025 sixth-round selection, which should help the Bills replenish depth in the draft.
While keeping their players in-house is a strong move and Palmer is a capable receiver, they still have big needs in the secondary so this is hardly a complete look at what Buffalo will be in 2025.
team logo Carolina Panthers: B Key additions: S Tre’Von Moehrig, EDGE Patrick Jones II, DT Bobby Brown III, DL Tershawn Wharton, LB Christian Rozeboom, RB Rico Dowdle Key re-signings: CB Jaycee Horn, TE Tommy Tremble, QB Andy Dalton, C Austin Corbett, CB Michael Jackson, OL Brady Christensen Key departures: S Xavier Woods (Titans) The Panthers were busy on Day 1 of free agency, primarily addressing the defense side of the ball. They brought aboard defensive end Patrick Jones along with defensive tackles Bobby Brown and Tershawn Wharton, which should bolster a defense that gave up the most yards per play (6.0) in the NFL last season. Safety Tre’Von Moehrig also helps in that regard in the secondary, which will continue to have Jaycee Horn in it after he agreed to a massive extension with the club.
Carolina was able to sign the top remaining free agent running back Rico Dowdle away from the Dallas Cowboys for the low cost of a one-year deal worth up to $6.25 million to form an efficient rushing tandem alongside Chuba Hubbard.
team logo Chicago Bears: A Key additions: OL Jonah Jackson (trade via Rams, read more), OL Joe Thuney (trade via Chiefs, read more), EDGE Dayo Odeyingbo, DT Grady Jarrett (Read more), C Drew Dalman (Read more) Key re-signings: LB Amen Ogbongbemiga, CB Josh Blackwell, DT Chris Williams Key departures: OL Coleman Shelton (Rams) The biggest needs for the Chicago Bears were to solidify the offensive line in front of Caleb Williams and add another pass rusher opposite Montez Sweat. Check and check! Chicago was proactive before the negotiating window opened, executing trades for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, who should both start. Then, they added the top center on the market in Drew Dalman. That should drastically improve an offensive line that surrendered 68 sacks a year ago. Meanwhile, Odeyingbo is just 25 years old and has tallied 16 sacks over the last three seasons.
team logo Cincinnati Bengals: C- Key additions: DT Tedarrell Slaton, RB Samaje Perine, LB Oren Burks Key re-signings: WR Tee Higgins (Franchise tag, read more), DL B.J. Hill, TE Mike Gesicki, OL Cody Ford, CB Marco Wilson, DE Joseph Ossai Key departures: RG Alex Cappa (Raiders), EDGE Sam Hubbard (retirement), LB Akeem Davis-Gaither (Cardinals), RB Khalil Herbert (Colts) The Bengals were able to keep Tee Higgins via the franchise tag and signed tight end Mike Gesicki to an extension as they look to lock up their offensive core. However, the defense is the biggest need for a Cincinnati team that missed the playoffs last season largely in part due to the failures on that side of the ball. They were able to sign B.J. Hill and T.J. Slaton to bolster the interior of the defensive line, but more work needs to be done there.
team logo Cleveland Browns: C+ Key additions: QB Kenny Pickett (trade via Eagles), OT Cornelius Lucas, DE Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, LB Devin Bush, DT Maliek Collins Key re-signings: EDGE Myles Garrett (Read more) Key departures: QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson (trade via Eagles), OT James Hudson (Giants) The biggest move for Cleveland so far has been being able to retain Myles Garrett. After a public trade request, the two sides were able to come together on a contract that makes Garrett the highest-paid non-QB in the NFL. Keeping such an important figure is monumental for the Browns, but they also need to add to get out of the doldrums. Tryon, who was a former No. 32 overall selection of the Buccaneers, is an intriguing addition. Adding a veteran defensive tackle like Collins on a two-year, $20 million with $13 million guaranteed was a relatively low-cost investment to make Garrett’s life easier. While they could still be in play for a quarterback at No. 2 overall, bringing in Kenny Pickett as an affordable option under center was a savvy trade.
team logo Dallas Cowboys: C- Key additions: RB Javonte Williams, EDGE Payton Turner, G Robert Jones, DL Solomon Thomas, CB Kaiir Elam, LB Jack Sanborn, LB Kenneth Murray Key re-signings: DT Osa Odighizuwa (Read more), S Markquese Bell, LS Trent Sieg, CB C.J. Goodwin, S Juanyeh Thomas, WR KaVontae Turpin (Read more) Key departures: CB Jourdan Lewis (Jaguars), EDGE Chauncey Golston (Giants), OT Chuma Edoga (Jaguars), EDGE DeMarcus Lawrence (Seahawks), RB Rico Dowdle (Panthers) Dallas wasn’t particularly active on Day 1 of free agency but did give Dak Prescott a running back after signing former Bronco Javonte Williams to a one-year deal. The Cowboys were also proactive in signing Osa Odighizuwa to an extension. However, the club has money to spend after restructuring both Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, and they used some of that money to make return specialist KaVontae Turpin the league’s highest-paid special teamer with a three-year, $18 million contract.
Dallas has gone bargain bin diving for low-cost former first-round picks. They’ve taken one-year or two-year fliers on the following former first-round picks: Turner, Thomas, Elam and Murray. Turner is an intriguing one. The former first-round pick edge rusher has struggled to remain healthy, but he did so last year. We’ll see if he can build on that. Failing to use their $49.4 million in effective cap space, per OverTheCap.com, to extend Micah Parsons or add anyone major while letting Lewis, Lawrence, Dowdle and Golston go doesn’t make much sense.
team logo Denver Broncos: B- Key additions: S Talanoa Hufanga, LB Dre Greenlaw, TE Evan Engram Key re-signings: DT D.J. Jones, QB Jarrett Stidham, OT Matt Peart, CB Ja’Quan McMillian Key departures: Cody Barton (Titans), RB Javonte Williams (Cowboys) Denver already had a top-tier defense in 2024 and has since made a savvy addition in safety Talanoa Hufanga. He was limited to just seven games this season but has flashed tremendous potential. Back in 2022, Hufanga was a first-team All-Pro with 97 tackles, two sacks, and four interceptions. If he can come close to returning to that level, this is a great addition. The veteran linebacker Dre Greenlaw from the 49ers is another nice add that should be an upgrade from Cody Barton. Denver provided another weapon in the passing game for quarterback Bo Nix on Wednesday with the signing of tight end Evan Engram. The two-time Pro Bowler fills the “Joker” role in head coach Sean Payton’s offense, a role that was once filled by Jimmy Graham in New Orleans. Denver could use another strong wide receiver and then Nix could have himself a scary group of playmakers at his disposal when dropping back to pass.
team logo Detroit Lions: B Key additions: CB D.J. Reed Key re-signings: EDGE Marcus Davenport, LB Derrick Barnes, DT Levi Onwuzurike Key departures: CB Carlton Davis (Patriots), EDGE Za’Darius Smith (release), DB Ifeatu Melifonwu (Dolphins) The Lions did lose Davis and Melifonwu, but one could make the argument that they upgraded by adding D.J. Reed, who was Pete Prisco’s No. 8 ranked free agent overall. They also made the solid move of re-signing both Marcus Davenport and defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike , allowing them each a reset with the organization after suffering injuries in 2024.
team logo Green Bay Packers: B Key additions: OG Aaron Banks (Read more), CB Nate Hobbs Key re-signings: K Brandon McManus, LB Isaiah McDuffie, RB Emmanuel Wilson Key departures: CB Eric Stokes (Raiders), RB AJ Dillon (Eagles), C Josh Myers (Jets) Green Bay gave Jordan Love some more protection by signing former 49ers left guard Aaron Banks to a four-year, $77 million contract. Dating back to 2023, Banks has surrendered just one sack in 897 pass-blocking snaps, so the Packers get a sturdy piece along the offensive line. He’s also a bulldozer in the run game. Meanwhile, Hobbs — Prisco’s No. 76th free agent overall — is a starting caliber defensive back to put in the Green Bay secondary who could play outside or in the slot.
team logo Houston Texans: D+ Key additions: WR Christian Kirk (trade via Jaguars, read more), DT Sheldon Rankins, EDGE Darrell Taylor, CB, Tremon Smith, WR Braxton Berrios, S C.J. Gardner-Johnson (trade with Eagles, read more), OG Laken Tomlinson Key re-signings: EDGE Derek Barnett, RB Dare Ogunbowale, S MJ Stewart, EDGE Mario Edwards Jr. Key departures: LT Laremy Tunsil (trade via Commanders, read more), S Eric Murray (Jaguars), OG Kenyon Green (trade with Eagles, read more) Laremy Tunsil being traded out of Houston was not on the free agency bingo card for Day 1. After all, he’s a bonafide star at left tackle and one of the few strong pieces for a unit that saw C.J. Stroud get sacked 52 times last season. Yes, Tunsil struggled with penalties last year, but he also was a top-five tackle in pass protection, according to PFF. We’ll see if an extension is coming from Washington. While the Texans likely have a plan in place to help cushion the blow of losing Tunsil, it’s not clear at the moment, so we grade accordingly. Houston also traded Green to Philly for CJGJ, which is probably a win for the Texans. Gardner-Johnson is a great defensive back for DeMeco Ryans, but Houston does lose another starter on the offensive line in the deal. What are the Texans going to do on the offensive front? That’s the question everyone is wondering.
team logo Indianapolis Colts: B Key additions: S Camryn Bynum, CB Charvarius Ward, QB Daniel Jones, RB Khalil Herbert Key re-signings: RT Braden Smith, WR Ashton Dulin Key departures: C Ryan Kelly (Vikings), OG Will Fries (Vikings), Dayo Odeyingbo (Bears) After ranking in the bottom third of the NFL in passing yards allowed in 2024, the Colts have made it a point to improve the secondary. On Day 1, the club landed corner Charvarius Ward and safety Camryn Bynum, who are both set-and-forget starters. Bynum is coming off a strong season with the Vikings where he posted 10 pass breakups. Meanwhile, Ward is a former second-team All-Pro player. Indy did lose Odeyingbo to the Bears, and offensive guard Will Fries and center Ryan Kelly to the Vikings, but the club does have Tanor Bortolini (five starts last season ) as an in-house replacement. On Day 2, the Colts found their potential starting quarterback in Daniel Jones. He will have the chance to battle Anthony Richardson for QB1.On Day, Indianapolis added a nice complement to Jonathan Taylor in Khalil Herbert, who has a career yards per carry average just under five yards (4.8).
team logo Jacksonville Jaguars: C Key additions: OL Patrick Mekari, CB Jourdan Lewis, S Eric Murray, OL Robert Hainsey, WR Dyami Brown, OT Chuma Edoga Key re-signings: N/A Key departures: Christian Kirk (trade via Texans), Andre Cisco (Jets), C Mitch Morse (retirement) Jacksonville’s big splash on Day 1 was landing former Ravens offensive lineman Patrick Mekari to a $37.5 million deal. The Jags desperately needed to boost the offensive line, particularly at guard which Mekari can play along with tackle. In the secondary, they added potential starters in safety Eric Murray and corner Jourdan Lewis. On Day 2, Jacksonville lost a key contributor in Cisco to the Jets, but it hurts less considering what the Jags did on Monday.
team logo Kansas City Chiefs: B- Key additions: OT Jaylon Moore, RB Elijah Mitchell, CB Kristian Fulton Key re-signings: OG Trey Smith (franchise tag), LB Nick Bolton, WR Marquise Brown, P Matt Araiza, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster Key departures: OG Joe Thuney (trade via Bears), S Justin Reid (Saints), WR DeAndre Hopkins (Ravens) After the O-line was pummeled in Super Bowl LIX, you know it was going to be a key point of emphasis for the Chiefs this offseason. Before the start of free agency, they hit starting guard Trey Smith with the franchise tag and then signed former 49er Jaylon Moore to be their starting left tackle. Blindside tackle was an area of weakness for Kansas City, so the club hopes it filled that hole here with Moore. Meanwhile, keeping Nick Bolton is an underrated re-signing given how impactful he’s been in the middle of their defense. The re-signings of Brown and Smith-Schuster maintain the status quo at the Chiefs’ wide receiver position, but they still need more juice there with Rashee Rice’s 2025 availability up in the air between his knee injury and a potential, looming suspension.
team logo Las Vegas Raiders: B+ Key additions: QB Geno Smith (trade via Seahawks, read more), S Jeremy Chinn, OG Alex Cappa, LB Elandon Roberts, CB Eric Stokes Key re-signings: EDGE Maxx Crosby (Read more), DT Adam Butler, EDGE Malcolm Koonce, DT Matthew Butler, S Isaiah Pola-Mao Key departures: Tre’Von Moehrig (Panthers), Nate Hobbs (Packers), Robert Spillane (Patriots), LB Divine Deablo (Falcons) It’s hard not to like what the Raiders have done when it comes to addressing the quarterback position. Instead of rolling the dice on the free agent, they were able to execute a trade for Geno Smith, who already has a built-in rapport with head coach Pete Caroll. Meanwhile, they also locked in Maxx Crosby for the foreseeable future. On the free agent market, they added solid pieces in safety Jeremy Chinn and guard Alex Cappa, while retaining pass rusher Malcolm Koonce. They still need to add (maybe a receiver?), but this is a solid start.
team logo Los Angeles Chargers: C Key additions: CB Donte Jackson, RB Najee Harris Key re-signings: EDGE Khalil Mack (Read more), S Elijah Molden Key departures: EDGE Joey Bosa (Bills), WR Josh Palmer (Bills), DT Ponna Ford (Rams), OG Jordan McFadden (Bears), CB Kristian Fulton (Chiefs) The Chargers missed out on the initial wave of wide receivers, so there is still a key need at that position. Meanwhile, they saw Josh Palmer sign with the Bills and the underrated defensive tackle Poona Ford sign with the Rams. Cornerback Donte Jackson — Prisco’s No. 75 free agent — fills a need, but there is still a lot of work to be done here with Fulton now in Kansas City. The Chargers added another former Steeler in Harris on a one-year deal, and he’s a pretty intriguing fit in Greg Roman’s offense.
team logo Los Angeles Rams: B+ Key additions: WR Davante Adams (Read more), DT Poona Ford, OL Coleman Shelton Key re-signings: QB Matthew Stafford (Read more), LT Alaric Jackson, WR Tutu Atwell Key departures: OG Jonah Jackson (trade via Bears), IDL Bobby Brown III (Panthers), CB Tre Tomlinson (49ers), DL Michael Hoecht (Bills), WR Cooper Kupp (released) After a wild few weeks, the Rams were able to keep Matthew Stafford in-house, keeping their quarterback position stable. They also kept starting left tackle Alaric Jackson. On top of that, they gave Stafford a new pass catcher in Davante Adams, who should form a lethal one-two punch with Puka Nacua. Los Angeles also poached Ponna Ford from the Chargers to add to its defensive line. While they did trade away Jonah Jackson, the Rams have landed on their feet so far in free agency, and are building a dangerous team for 2025.
team logo Miami Dolphins: C- Key additions: QB Zach Wilson, DB Ifeatu Melifonwu, OG James Daniels Key re-signings: CB Kader Kohou Key departures: S Jevon Holland (Giants), G Robert Jones (Cowboys) The Dolphins lost their star safety in free agency, which wasn’t a big surprise, but Melifonwu is an intriguing replacement — if he can remain healthy. James Daniels is a solid addition, as he’s a legitimate starting offensive guard. Zach Wilson is decent Tua Tagovailoa injury insurance since he’s started 33 games.
team logo Minnesota Vikings: A- Key additions: OG Will Fries, CB Isaiah Rodgers, C Ryan Kelly, DT Jonathan Allen, DT Javon Hargrave, RB Jordan Mason (via trade with 49ers) Key re-signings: RB Aaron Jones (Read more), CB Byron Murphy Key departures: QB Sam Darnold (Seahawks), S Camryn Bynum (Colts), QB Daniel Jones (Colts) The Vikings left Day 1 with a “D” grade from us, but Tuesday was all about Minnesota. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah found a way to keep cornerback Byron Murphy in house on Monday night, then upgraded the trenches with former Colts Will Fries and Ryan Kelly on the offensive side, and a couple of veterans in Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave on defense. Adding Mason via trade with the 49ers as a nice complement who could help Jones stay healthy in his early thirties was a savvy move. With Daniel Jones now a Colt, it looks like J.J. McCarthy is going to be Minnesota’s QB1. He better be ready to live up to those first-round expectations, because the Vikings are doing a nice job building a team around him.
team logo New England Patriots: A- Key additions: DT Milton Williams (Read more), CB Carlton Davis (Read more), EDGE Harold Landry (Read more), LB Robert Spillane, OT Morgan Moses, WR Mack Hollins Key re-signings: TE Austin Hooper, LB Christian Elliss Key departures: DT Davon Godchaux (trade via Saints, read more), QB Jacoby Brissett (Cardinals) New England had the most money to spend entering free agency and sure acted like it. The biggest splash they made on Day 1 was landing defensive tackle Milton Williams, who was Pete Prisco’s No. 6 free agent overall. He comes in on a four-year, $104 million deal. That $26 million AAV is the richest ever handed out by the franchise. Meanwhile, the defense was largely the theme of the day, also landing corner Carlton Davis to pair with Christian Gonzalez, linebacker Robert Spillane, and signed edge rusher Harold Landry over the weekend. Morgan Moses was one of the key offensive signings as he should come in and start at right tackle. While this is a strong start, New England still needs help at wide receiver and left tackle.
team logo New Orleans Saints: C Key additions: DT Davon Godchaux (trade via Patriots, read more), S Justin Reid Key re-signings: DT Nathan Shepard, S Tyrann Mathieu, DE Chase Young, TE Juwan Johnson, WR Dante Pettis Key departures: CB Paulson Adebo (Read more), S Will Harris (Commanders), EDGE Payton Turner (Cowboys), WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Seahawks) New Orleans was able to strike a trade with New England to add to its defensive line with Davon Godchaux, but also lost starting cornerback Paulson Adebo to the Giants in free agency. We may have to grade on a curve here since the Saints don’t have plenty of money to throw around, but signing Justin Reid and keeping Young and Mathieu are notable moves.
team logo New York Giants: C+ Key additions: CB Paulson Adebo (Read more), DT Roy Robertson-Harris, LB Chris Board, OT James Hudson, EDGE Chauncey Golston, S Jevon Holland Key re-signings: WR Darius Slayton, QB Tommy DeVito, C Jimmy Morrissey Key departures: N/A The Giants clearly need impact players across the roster, but especially in the secondary after generating the fifth-fewest takeaways (15) last season. So, credit to them for landing Paulson Adebo, who will be just 26 at the start of next season, and has 10 interceptions over his first four seasons in the league. New York also scored arguably the best safety in this free agency class in Holland, who is a super versatile defensive back that will make an immediate impact. These wins don’t do enough to make up for the fact that the Giants still don’t have a quarterback, though.
team logo New York Jets: B Key additions: QB Justin Fields (Read more), CB Brandon Stephens, S Andre Cisco Key re-signings: LB Jamien Sherwood, S Tony Adams Key departures: QB Aaron Rodgers, WR Davante Adams (Rams), EDGE Haason Reddick (Buccaneers), CB D.J. Reed (Lions), IDL Javon Kinlaw (Commanders), OT Morgan Moses (Patriots) I don’t mind the Jets taking a stab at Justin Fields. The former first-rounder is still just 26 years old and doesn’t come at a tremendous cost, signing a two-year, $40 million deal. That shouldn’t preclude them from exploring their options at the NFL Draft, but it also takes a bit of the pressure off that hunt for 2025. If Fields is the latest veteran quarterback to have a late-career bloom, great. If he doesn’t, the Jets can come out of this largely unscathed. It’s a worthwhile gamble. While I like that move, they’ve also gone through a tremendous drain of talent. While Rodgers, Adams, and even Reddick were expected, losing D.J. Reed stings even if he was brought in under a previous regime. Signing the safety Cisco to a one-year, $10 million deal does help a bit.
team logo Philadelphia Eagles: C- Key additions: QB Doran Thompson-Robinson (trade via Browns), OG Kenyon Green (trade via Texans), RB AJ Dillon Key re-signings: RB Saquon Barkley (Read more), LB Zack Baun (Read more) Key departures: EDGE Josh Sweat (Cardinals), DT Milton Williams (Patriots), QB Kenny Pickett (trade via Browns), CB Isaiah Rodgers (Vikings), S C.J. Gardner-Johnson (trade via Texans) The Super Bowl champs lose two key figures to their championship run in Josh Sweat and Milton Williams, which is why their grade is what it is. Trading away CJGJ doesn’t help either. Philadelphia will still threaten to hoist the Lombardi Trophy in 2025, but they’ll need to cushion the blow of losing those three pieces on defense. On a more positive note, the team did retain Zack Baun and signed Saquon Barkley, locking him in long term.
team logo Pittsburgh Steelers: C+ Key additions: WR DK Metcalf (Read more), CB Darius Slay (Read more) Key re-signings: RB Jaylen Warren, LB Cole Holcomb Key departures: LT Dan Moore Jr. (Titans), QB Justin Fields (Jets), CB Donte Jackson (Chargers), LB Elandon Roberts (Raiders), RB Najee Harris (Chargers), OG James Daniels (Dolphins) This feels largely incomplete for the Steelers since we still don’t know who’ll be under center for them in 2025. One person we know won’t be is Justin Fields, who signed with the Jets. Beyond that, it could be Russell Wilson, Aaron Rodgers, or a mystery signal caller at this point. While that leaves their overall situation muddled, landing DK Metcalf gives the Steelers the top receiving threat they’ve been searching for years. Pittsburgh got a real deal corner opposite Joey Porter Jr. in veteran six-time Pro Bowler Darius Slay. Now it’s about figuring out who’ll be throwing him the football, and who will protect that quarterback as well.
team logo San Francisco 49ers: D Key additions: CB Tre Tomlinson, TE Luke Farrell, S Richie Grant, WR Demarcus Robinson Key re-signings: RB Jordan Mason, OT Ben Bartch, FB Kyle Juszczyk Key departures: WR Deebo Samuel (trade via Commanders), LG Aaron Banks (Packers), LT Jaylon Moore (Chiefs), S Talanoa Hufanga (Broncos), RB Elijah Mitchell (Chiefs), DE Leonard Floyd, LB Dre Greenlaw, RB Jordan Mason The Niners have seen a lot of talent walk out the door over the last few weeks. It started with the Deebo Samuel trade to Washington but continued on Monday with the likes of Banks, Moore, and Hufanga departing in free agency. Meanwhile, not a lot has come in.
team logo Seattle Seahawks: B Key additions: QB Sam Darnold, WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling, DE DeMarcus Lawrence Key re-signings: LB Ernest Jones IV, DT Jarran Reed, CB Josh Jobe, Jarran Reed Key departures: WR DK Metcalf (trade via Steelers), WR Tyler Lockett (release), QB Geno Smith (trade via Raiders), OG Laken Tomlinson (Giants), DL Roy Robertson-Harris (Giants) Arguably the biggest splash on Day 1 came from the Pacific Northwest as the Seahawks — who had previously traded Geno Smith — landed Sam Darnold on a deal worth over $100 million. While Darnold is younger than Smith, there are some risks to this signing, particularly if his 2024 season in Seattle was simply a flash in the pan because he was surrounded by elite talent. In Seattle, the offensive line is currently worse and the team did just trade DK Metcalf to Pittsburgh. They acquired a two-time Super Bowl champion deep threat Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who had a decent year despite a murky QB situations with the New Orleans Saints. Signing four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher DeMarcus Lawrence fresh off a foot injury at 32 may not majorly move the needle, but he’s a nice rotational piece and can still set the edge in the run game.
team logo Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B Key additions: EDGE Haason Reddick Key re-signings: WR Chris Godwin (Read more), OG Ben Bredeson, LB Lavonte David, EDGE Anthony Nelson Key departures: OL Robert Hainsey (Jaguars) DE Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (Browns) Remarkably, the Bucs were able to retain wideout Chris Godwin, despite him getting to the open market. Even with a lot of teams vying for his services, he elects to stay put and maintain what is one of the better one-two punches at receiver between him and Mike Evans for Baker Mayfield. Tampa Bay also added to its pass-rushing group with Haason Reddick on a one-year, $14 million deal. This prove-it deal could be beneficial for the Buccaneers as they’ll get a motivated Reddick playing for a bigger deal next offseason after a tumultuous season in New York.
team logo Tennessee Titans: C Key additions: OT Dan Moore Jr. (Read more), LB Cody Barton, S Xavier Woods, OG Kevin Zeitler Key re-signings: DT Sebastian Joseph-Day Key departures: EDGE Harold Landry (Patriots) The Titans are still mulling taking a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick, but whoever is under center for them will have new protection on the blindside. On Monday, Tennessee landed left tackle Dan Moore Jr. on a four-year, $82 million deal. This signing now affords Tennessee to move JC Latham back to his more familiar right tackle position (which he played in college). Maybe Moore isn’t worth all that money, but the Titans had to do something to improve on the offensive line. They doubled down on offensive line improvement on Wednesday with a one-year signing of 35-year-old Pro Bowl Kevin Zeitler. Perhaps quarterback Cam Ward is up next with the first overall pick?
team logo Washington Commanders: A+ Key additions: WR Deebo Samuel (trade via 49ers, read more), LT Laremy Tunsil (trade via Texans, read more), DT Javon Kinlaw, S Will Harris Key re-signings: LB Bobby Wagner, TE Zach Ertz, P Tress Way, QB Marcus Mariota Key departures: S Jeremy Chinn (Raiders), DT Jonathan Allen (Vikings) WR Dyami Brown (Jaguars), OT Cornelius Lucas (Browns) This is EXACTLY how you build around a franchise quarterback who is still on his rookie contract. The Commanders, fresh off a trip to the NFC Championship, have made several splashes in the early stages of this free-agent cycle. First, they kept their core intact by bringing back Bobby Wagner and Zach Ertz. Meanwhile, they made massive trades landing Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil. That gives Jayden Daniels his much-needed No. 2 receiver and a star left tackle. They also helped out the defensive line by signing Javon Kinlaw. No matter how you slice it, the Commanders are even better than when we last saw them.
The SEC and Big Ten are at the center of developing a revenue sharing plan with players that would redefine college athletics for the future, CBS Sports has learned.
The still unrefined proposal — currently utilizing the name “Modern Model” — would not only share revenue with players but also perhaps help settle the House v. NCAA lawsuit that goes to trial in January 2025. The antitrust lawsuit is a class-action complaint alleging the NCAA and power conferences have conspired to suppress athletes’ compensation.
The lawsuit continues to be the top hurdle for programs in planning college athletics’ future. Settlement money alone could cost universities between $15 million and $20 million. Athletic directors have been frustrated trying to figure out how to rearrange their budgets or otherwise account for a payment of that size.
ESPN reported Monday night that the Power Four conferences are in “deep discussions” regarding a revenue sharing plan. It is not clear where that revenue would come from or how it would be distributed.
Sources told CBS Sports the revenue-sharing idea emerged from ongoing talks between Power Four administrators. In February, the SEC and Big Ten announced a joint advisory group to address the future of college athletics.
House plaintiffs attorney Jeffrey Kessler had no comment when reached, neither about the plan nor the prospect of settling the lawsuit.
“It’s something that [schools] hope they can take to Kessler and say, ‘Here’s something that we propose as the future model. Will you take this to settle as the future part of your case?'” explained a source familiar with the talks.
The House suit claims college athletes are entitled to a share of television revenue as well as money from their likenesses appearing in video games from the past.
Because it is an antitrust case, damages sought could be tripled. If the case goes to a jury and the NCAA loses, the association could be on the hook for at least $4.2 billion.
USA Today quoted a sports economics expert for the plaintiffs who said 7,000 current and former athletes would be entitled to that money.
“It’s the case that could end the NCAA,” sports law attorney Mit Winter told CBS Sports.
Since at least July 2021, major college athletics has been stuck in neutral as NIL emerged as a largely uncontrolled way to compensate players. Furthermore, multiple lawsuits and court rulings have gone against the NCAA. The landmark Alston v. NCAA ruling basically stripped the NCAA of its ability to even oversee compensation.
The association is facing at least three other major antitrust suits.
The SEC and Big Ten have increasingly taken over the sport as not just leading stakeholders but leaders, period. This was further evidenced by their recent demand to receive a combined 58% of College Football Playoff media revenue rights beginning in 2026. The conferences’ teams have combined to obtain 29 of 40 CFP slots across the first 10 years of the playoff.
The 2024 NFL Draft saw a record-shattering 23 offensive players taken in the first round, including 14 consecutive picks on that side of the ball to start April’s event. Five of the top-10 picks were quarterbacks. Oregon’s Bo Nix made it six total signal-callers off the board within the first 32 selections when the Denver Broncos drafted him 12th overall.
UCLA edge rusher Laitu Latu had to wait almost two hours before the Indianapolis Colts took him off the board at No. 15, breaking the historic streak of assorted quarterbacks, wide receivers and offensive linemen.
While the top of the 2024 crop was filled with players whose main objective is to score the football, the 2025 class is highlighted by an elite group of guys with the sole purpose of stopping them. Add in what looks like a relatively weak group of quarterbacks and — as of this writing — no superstars (think Marvin Harrison Jr. level) at the skill positions, 2025 looks to be top-heavy with defenders.
Several players at every level of defense could develop into Day 1 picks. Call it the year of the defender, a resurgence of the often unheralded unit in football after all the glitz of 2024. Here are some defensive stars that could dominate the 2025 NFL Draft.
James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee Pay attention to Pearce’s name, because you might hear it called first next April. The former unheralded recruit out of Charlotte, North Carolina has quickly emerged as one of the best players in all of college football — regardless of position. He tied for the SEC lead with 10 sacks last season and amassed well over 40 pressures while singlehandedly wrecking opposing backfields. Though his 6-foot-5 and 242-pound frame may look slight against SEC offensive tackles, Pearce has deceptive power and packs a punch at the point of attack. He also jumps out of his stance to race past offensive linemen and has a deep bag of pass-rush tools. If Pearce continues to develop, NFL teams will be tripping over themselves in pursuit of his talent.
Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M Scourton, who ranks as the No. 15 overall player and No. 1 edge rusher in 247Sports’ Transfer Rankings, was a huge get for first-year Texas A&M coach Mike Elko. Scourton led the Big Ten with 10 sacks last season while starring with Purdue. He had two against Michigan, which boasted one of the nation’s best offensive lines throughout its journey to a 15-0 season. Scourton registered at least a half sack in eight of 11 appearances and finished the year with 42 pressures, averaging almost four per game. At 6-foot-4 and 280 pounds, he comes with an NFL-ready frame. A strong season with the Aggies will vault him up NFL Draft boards.
Deone Walker, DL, Kentucky It’s kind of freaky how well Walker moves given his immense frame. A 6-foot-6 and 348-pound behemoth, he’s Kentucky’s best pass rusher despite frequently drawing double teams on the interior. He paced the Wildcats with 7.5 sacks last season and tallied well over 50 pressures. That kind of production from a true nose tackle-type player is almost unheard of, especially when battling in the SEC trenches. He’s obviously an effective gap stuffer and run-stopper on top of his ability to disrupt. Walker is the complete package, and it wouldn’t take him long to acclimate to the professional level.
Mason Graham, DL, Michigan It didn’t take long for Graham to make an impact on Michigan’s coaches. He earned a key rotational role as a freshman in 2022 despite the presence of several veteran players ahead of him and parlayed that into a starting opportunity in 2023. He flourished in the spotlight, finishing the year with 30 generated pressures, 7.5 tackles for loss and three sacks while helping the Wolverines their first national title since 1997.
Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss Ole Miss struggled against the run at times last season. In its two losses against Alabama and Georgia, it gave up a combined 431 yards and six touchdowns on the ground. Nolen will go a long way towards fixing that issue. The No. 2 overall prospect in the 2022 class and the No. 3 player in 247Sports’ Transfer Rankings, Nolen is a monster against the run. He moves well laterally and fills gaps with his 6-foot-4 frame, clogging running lanes and preventing running backs from getting space. That translated to 8.5 tackles for loss at Texas A&M in 2023. Nolen has suffered through some injury issues in the past, and he needs to work on consistency before he can hit that next level. But when he’s on, few interior defenders compare.
Harold Perkins, LB, LSU LSU has moved Perkins all over the field during his relatively brief collegiate career. He flourished into a starting role as a freshman, where he played primarily off the edge and registered 7.5 sacks. The staff tinkered with him at inside linebacker early in the 2023 season before moving him back toward the line of scrimmage. Amid the transition, his production dropped off a bit. Now he’s back in the box with the hopes that he can settle in as a playmaker in the middle of the field. Perkins certainly has the athletic traits to flourish as a sideline-to-sideline tackling machine. It’s not a bad idea to just turn him loose and let him go after the ball.
Travis Hunter, ATH, Colorado Hunter is an athlete in the purest sense of the word. He excels at both cornerback and wide receiver and the return game. The jury is still out on where he’ll find a home in the NFL but, at worst, Hunter is a ball of clay that can be molded into just about any role. If teams decide to use him as a defensive back, no one could fault them. Hunter is a sticky corner with excellent ball skills thanks to his offensive experience. Though limited to just nine games due to injury last season, he still managed three interceptions and five pass breakups while playing more snaps than just about any non-quarterback in the country. He can handle that load, though he’ll almost certainly settle into one position in the NFL.
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan A former top-40 prospect out of Grosse Point, Michigan, Johnson started five games for the Wolverines in 2022 as a true freshman before stepping into a more permanent role last season. He was a fixture on the defense that spearheaded Michigan’s run to its national title and earned first-team All-American honors after tallying four interceptions and four pass breakups. On top of that, he was named the Defensive MVP of the College Football Playoff National Championship after logging an interception off of 2024 first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. to start the second half. The 6-foot-2 Johnson has excellent length at boundary corner and was clocked at 20 miles per hour during a pick-six return against Minnesota. He’s also a willing tackler, a trait that NFL front offices love from their cornerbacks.
Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame Morrison has been one of Notre Dame’s top defenders from the moment he stepped foot on campus. He immediately nabbed a starting job in 2022 and earned 247Sports Freshman All-American honors after logging six interceptions, which led the Fighting Irish and tied for seventh nationally. He added three more interceptions to his career total in 2023 while also leading his team with 10 pass breakups. Opponents are slowly learning that testing Morrison is not a wise decision, which just makes it easier for him to completely lock down his side of the field.
Malaki Starks, S, Georgia This was Starks’ first career interception, in his very first quarter at the collegiate level:
A TRUE FRESHMAN @StarksMalaki!#GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/zg3DFkovcX
— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) September 3, 2022 That set the tone for one of the most prolific careers we have seen from a safety in quite some time. Starks finished his first year as a finalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award after pacing the Bulldogs with seven pass breakups and intercepting two passes. In 2023, Starks was a 2023 CBS Sports First Team All-American and a finalist for both the Bronko Nagurski and Jim Thorpe Awards while collecting three interceptions and seven pass breakups. Starks is the ideal modern safety: he can move like a wide receiver in open space, has excellent ball skills and isn’t afraid to get down into the box and play run support.
LOS ANGELES — With an aim to be more visible, more accessible and more personable, UCLA held its spring showcase inside the Rose Bowl for the first time in nearly a decade this past weekend.
It’s an approach the Bruins have carried over to their talent acquisition efforts, too. A program which is coming off a last-place finish in the Big Ten recruiting rankings and signed only 10 high schoolers in the 2024 class has quite literally reopened its doors.
In the two months since Chip Kelly left the building on his way to Ohio State, the Bruins have charted a different blueprint. They have sent out more campus invites and have begun to offer underclassmen again. They packed the sidelines at their inaugural Friday Night Lights event, which head coach DeShaun Foster estimated drew more than 100 recruits, and that newfound buzz continued Saturday when they welcomed a loaded group of prospects back to the Rose Bowl.
“People keep telling us they feel a different energy at UCLA now,” director of player personnel Stacey Ford said. “The plan is to be as open and as inclusive as we can be for the city of Los Angeles. We want to be extremely engaging and want the whole town to see what we’re about.”
That’s a stark contrast from how distant the program felt for recruits over the previous six seasons. Under Kelly, only Clemson was offering fewer scholarships than UCLA among FBS teams, yet perhaps most damaging to his roster construction was how late the Bruins were getting involved in recruitments. By the time UCLA threw its name in the hat for a recruit, it was already three or four steps behind.
In two short months, the pace has seemingly picked up — more than 70 high schoolers in the 2025 class hold UCLA offers and nearly two dozen official visits are on the calendar for the next four weekends, according to the 247Sports database. With plenty of room and time to go, UCLA has four commitments in its 2025 class, which ranks No. 53. Its 2024 cycle slotted No. 90 nationally.
More: Latest look at UCLA’s offensive recruiting targets in 2025 class
In order to pull the necessary strings, the Bruins revamped their recruiting office by hiring Butler Benton (general manager), Chris Carter (assistant general manager) and the aforementioned Ford, who previously spent two years as director of recruiting at Washington State and played his high school ball at Cathedral, just a nine-mile drive south from Pasadena.
The personnel department spearheads a singular push to carry out Foster’s vision for a reimagined UCLA.
“The goal is to change the narrative,” said Carter, who played seven seasons in the NFL after being a fifth-round draft selection in 2011 out of Fresno State. “We want to take UCLA back to what it was before. From a recruiting perspective we want to change the vibe.
“This is LA. We need to get back into the community and we don’t want to waste that resource, but that doesn’t mean we will be handing out offers to just anybody. Some people might not like it, but it’s no different than going to the club. Not everybody gets in. You have to be elite.”
Coveted tackle Darius Afalava is among the players who recently landed an offer from UCLA. The three-star offensive lineman from Lehi (Utah) Skyridge had more than 20 scholarship offers to his name before the Bruins entered the picture four weeks ago and, although he had to wait, said it’s a significant option in his equation.
“It really came out of nowhere,” Afalava said. “This new coaching staff really likes me and I like their intentions. I feel like it’s been even more energetic since they came in. I locked in my official visit for May 10.”
Kelly’s quarterback recruiting in Westwood was particularly puzzling. He inherited former four-star Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who had initially committed to Jim Mora, before seeing the likes of Bryce Young, Jayden Daniels, CJ Stroud and Nico Iamaleava all leave town. The Bruins did finally score a big win by flipping five-star Dante Moore from Oregon, only to lose him to the Ducks after the lone season at UCLA. For as selective and exclusive as the offers were for Kelly, the actual legwork fell short and that’s another aspect the new staff intends to improve on.
Local four-star Madden Iamaleava, the brother of Nico, has the Bruins high on his list heading into the official visits, while a handful of quarterbacks in the 2026 class, including four-star Jaden O’Neal from Harbor City (Calif.) Narbonne, have landed offers from UCLA. O’Neal ranks as the No. 6 quarterback in 2026.
“The biggest thing for me is that DeShaun has always reached out and has always had that relationship,” said O’Neal’s quarterback coach, Ortege Jenkins. “The difference now is that the coaches have the ability to offer and ramp up their recruiting. They didn’t have that ability before. Chip was locked on the quarterbacks and maybe that’s why they missed on so many guys.
Jenkins singled out new coaches Eric Bienemy (offensive coordinator) and Ted White (quarterbacks coach). Bienemy of course comes from THE NFL, where he won two Super Bowls with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. An engaging presence, White has coached all over, from the NFL (Texans), to the Big Ten (Maryland), to the HBCU ranks (multiple schools) and even the UFL (the D.C. Defenders in 2020).
“When we went on the tour last month, we loved the energy and transparency of the coaches,” Jenkins said. “They’re going to be more aggressive and for them to open the door makes a big difference. The culture is changing for the better.”
Top247 running back Brian Bonner, a four-star prospect in the 2026 class from nearby Valencia (Calif.), walked into the stadium on Saturday with an offer from the Bruins already in hand and walked out of there knowing he’s a top-of-the-board target for Foster, who has been presenting a personal pitch.
“I stand out to him because I am a taller running back like he was,” said the speedy Bonner, who has posted impressive track times this spring. “I feel like UCLA would be a good spot for me to be at being coached under coach Foster.”
The 44-year-old Foster has yet to coach a game, of course, so there are still many questions left to answer about the on-field product, especially considering the quality and depth of the Big Ten. Yet it’s clear the former Carolina Panthers star running back has, at the very least, provided a reinvigorating jolt to a team that desperately needed some electricity off the field.
“It’s been super awesome to see the energy from the staff and players rise to a whole other level,” said three-star linebacker Weston Port, UCLA’s first commit of the class. “There seems to be a ton of excitement surrounding the new head coaching change in the building. I had the opportunity to go to practice a couple weeks ago and as a recruit I’ve never been to a practice with so much energy and excitement.
“It’s gotten me pumped seeing how the whole staff and team is ready to take the football program to new heights.”
The 2024 NCAA Tournament bracket has officially arrived and the madness already began during the First Four. There’s already been an overtime game, resulting in Grambling advancing to face No. 1 Purdue on Friday. In addition, Virginia’s offense went scoreless over the final 9:30 of the first half in a 67-42 victory for Colorado State. Since the introduction of the First Four round in 2011, every NCAA Tournament outside of 2019 had at least one First Four team win a game in the Round of 64. How should that affect how you build your 2024 March Madness bracket?
Purdue is hoping history doesn’t repeat itself when the Boilermakers lost to Fairleigh Dickinson after the Knights won their 1 vs. 16 game last season. Purdue finds itself in a similar situation, but only two No. 1 seeds have lost to a No. 16 seed in NCAA Tournament history, so you could feel confident that Purdue won’t fall victim to another opening loss. Purdue is now a No. 4 seed or better for the seventh straight season, but has only made it past the Sweet 16 once. Should you have Purdue in the Final Four of your 2024 NCAA bracket? Before filling out your NCAA Tournament bracket 2024, be sure to see the 2024 March Madness bracket picks from the proven computer model at SportsLine.
SportsLine’s projection model has simulated every game in the tournament 10,000 times. It has absolutely crushed its March Madness picks recently, beating over 92% of all CBS Sports brackets in three of the past five tournaments. In an upset-laden 2023 NCAA Tournament, the model was all over UConn’s shocking Final Four run as a 4-seed. It went an amazing 23-9 in the first round, including an astounding 12-4 in the Midwest and West regions.
It knows how to spot an upset as well. The same model has produced brackets that have nailed 20 first-round upsets by double-digit seeds since its inception in 2016.
There’s no reason to rely on luck when there’s proven technology to help you dominate your 2024 March Madness picks. Now, with the 2024 NCAA bracket revealed, the model is simulating the matchups and its results are in. You can only see it over at SportsLine.
Top 2024 March Madness bracket picks One of the Midwest Region picks from the model: No. 3 seed Creighton goes on a surprise run to the Final Four. Creighton has proven capable of knocking off any team in the country, as displayed with a 19-point victory over UConn, the overall No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Creighton has three players averaging more than 17 points per game, giving the Bluejays the offensive versatility that if one player has an off-scoring night, it doesn’t immediately signal the end of their run. Baylor Scheierman, a 6-foot-7 guard, leads the team in scoring (18.4 ppg), rebounds (9.0), and blocks (3.0) while shooting 37.2% on 3-pointers while making 99 triples. He’s tied for the 23rd-most made 3-pointers in college basketball, doing so against some of the top competition in the country.
Creighton is third in the country in effective field goal percentage (57.5%) and fourth in shooting efficiency. The Bluejays average 80.5 points per game, the 23rd-most in the nation, with the 17th-best average scoring margin in college basketball. Creighton is one of the few teams in the country to match an efficient offense with an efficient defense, pairing the fourth-best opponent shooting efficiency with the 13th-best opponent effective field goal percentage in the nation. The Bluejays have all you’d want in a Final Four team for your 2024 NCAA Tournament bracket.
Another surprise: No. 5 Gonzaga gets past No. 4 Kansas in the second round of the Midwest. Kansas is the only school with two Wooden Award finalists, but one of those, Kevin McCullar Jr., has been ruled out for the entire 2024 NCAA Tournament due to a knee injury. Kansas played six games without McCullar this season and averaged 10 fewer points than the 26 games they played with him.
Gonzaga has few questions offensively. The Zags have the 17th-lowest turnover rate in the nation, and those extra possessions on offense allow Graham Ike to dominate in the paint. The Wyoming transfer has effectively replaced Drew Timme and is scoring 16.5 points per game on over 60% shooting. Meanwhile, Creighton transfer Ryan Nembhard had a 30-point game in last year’s tournament and enters this year’s with three straight double-digit assist games. You can see the model’s 2024 NCAA bracket picks here.
How to make 2024 NCAA bracket predictions Who wins every tournament-defining matchup, and which teams will make surprising runs through the 2024 NCAA Tournament bracket? With the model’s track record of calling bracket-busting upsets, you’ll want to see which stunners it’s calling this year before locking in any 2024 NCAA bracket picks.
There are multiple NCAA Tournament Cinderella teams every season, and there are sure to be more in the 2024 NCAA Tournament bracket. Saint Peter’s burst onto the scene two years ago, becoming the only No. 15 seed ever to advance to the Elite Eight. The Peacocks are back in the 2024 March Madness bracket as a No. 15 seed and will enter the Big Dance full of confidence after winning eight of their last 10 games. Saint Peter’s will square off against No. 2 Tennessee in the first round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament.
The Volunteers haven’t advanced past the Sweet 16 since 2010. Should your 2024 March Madness bracket picks include backing the Peacocks to pull off a stunning upset in the first round, or should you back another double-digit seed like Nevada (10), James Madison (12) or Samford (13) to make a deep run? Before you make your 2024 NCAA Tournament predictions, see the March Madness bracket picks from the proven computer model at SportsLine.
This model, which simulates every game 10,000 times, has nailed 20 first-round upsets by double-digit seeds since its inception in 2016 and nailed UConn’s dramatic Final Four run as a 4-seed last year. It went an amazing 22-10 in the first round, including an astounding 12-4 in the Midwest and West regions.
Last year, SportsLine’s computer simulation nailed massive upsets, including huge wins by No. 13 Furman over No. 4 Virginia and No. 10 Penn State over No. 7 Texas A&M. The model has beaten over 92% of all CBS Sports bracket players in three of the past five tournaments.
Now, SportsLine’s advanced computer model has simulated the entire 2024 NCAA Tournament 10,000 times to come up with the perfect 2024 NCAA Tournament bracket and find out which teams will pull off the biggest upsets. You shouldn’t even think about making a pick without seeing what their model has to say.
Top 2024 March Madness bracket upset picks One Midwest Region surprise the model has identified: No. 11 seed Oregon knocks off No. 6 seed South Carolina. The Ducks reeled off three consecutive victories to be crowned champions of the Pac-12 Tournament. Oregon is led by Jermaine Couisnard, who’s averaging 15.4 points, 3.3 assists and 1.6 steals per game.
Center N’Faly Dante is expected to have a big day when the Ducks take the court on Thursday. The 6-foot-11 senior averages 16.2 points and 8.8 rebounds per game while knocking down 70.2% of his field goal attempts. South Carolina ranks outside the top 200 in defensive rebounds and blocks, which could be an issue against Dante and the Ducks. With the Gamecocks also ranking 64th out of 68 tournament teams in creating turnovers, that presents more possessions for Oregon and more opportunities for Dante to make his presence felt.
Another Midwest Region surprise the model has identified: No. 5 Gonzaga beats No. 4 Kansas to advance to the Sweet 16. The Bulldogs have four players averaging in double-figures, including forward Anton Watson. The 6-foot-8 senior enters March Madness 2024 averaging 14.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per game while knocking down 57.7% of his field goals.
As a team, the Zags are making 57.2% of their field goals, which ranks eighth in the nation. That’s a big reason why Gonzaga is scoring 84.9 points per game on average, the seventh-most in college basketball. Meanwhile, the Jayhawks are making just 32.9% of their 3-pointers this season, which ranks 237th in the country. Bill Self’s squad will also be without leading scorer Kevin McCullar Jr. due to a knee injury in the NCAA Tournament. See which other 2024 March Madness matchups to target here.
How to make 2024 NCAA Tournament bracket predictions Who wins every tournament-defining matchup? And which teams will make surprising runs through the 2024 NCAA Tournament bracket? With the model’s track record of calling bracket-busting upsets, you’ll want to see which stunners it’s calling this year before locking in any 2024 NCAA bracket picks.
The Creighton Blue Jays had a successful 2023-24 regular season, going 23-8 before falling in their first Big East Tournament game to Providence. Led by dynamic scorers Baylor Scheierman and Trey Alexander, and imposing center Ryan Kalkbrenner, the Blue Jays’ starting lineup matches up favorably to just about any team in the country. They open their 2024 NCAA Tournament bracket on Thursday as a No. 3 seed against No. 14 Akron. Are the Blue Jays capable of making a deep run through the 2024 March Madness bracket?
They’re in the Midwest Region with Purdue and Tennessee, two schools who have reputations for falling short in the Big Dance. Creighton could even be one of the 2024 March Madness sleepers to consider when making your 2024 NCAA Tournament bracket picks. Before making any 2024 March Madness bracket predictions, be sure to check out the 2024 NCAA Tournament bracket picks from the proven computer model at SportsLine.
Their proven projection model has simulated every game in the tournament 10,000 times. It has absolutely crushed its March Madness picks recently, beating over 92 percent of all CBS Sports brackets three of the past five tournaments. In an upset-laden 2023 NCAA Tournament, the model was all over UConn’s shocking Final Four run as a 4-seed. It went an amazing 23-9 in the first round, including an astounding 12-4 in the Midwest and West regions.
It knows how to spot an upset as well. The same model has produced brackets that have nailed 20 first-round upsets by double-digit seeds since its inception in 2016.
There’s simply no reason to rely on luck when there’s proven technology to help you dominate your 2024 March Madness pools. Now, with the 2024 NCAA bracket being revealed, the model is simulating the matchups and its results are in. You can only see it over at SportsLine.
2024 March Madness bracket games to watch One of the 2024 March Madness matchups to keep an eye on: No. 4 seed Duke vs. No. 13 seed Vermont in the South Region. Led by center Kyle Filipowski, who averages 17.1 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, the Blue Devils have the size and experience to favorably compete with any team in the 2024 NCAA Tournament bracket. The Catamounts are making their third straight NCAA Tournament appearance and give up the ninth fewest points in college basketball (63.0 per game).
Also in the South Region, Wisconsin vs. James Madison figures to be yet another pivotal 5 vs. 12 matchup. Despite making a run to the Big Ten Conference Championship Game, the Badgers enter the NCAA Tournament 2024 having lost nine of their last 15 games. The Dukes, on the other hand, have won 13 straight games, eight of which were decided by 10 or more points.
The third matchup to watch in the South Region features No. 3 seed Kentucky vs. No. 14 seed Oakland. Led by guards Antonio Reeves (20.0 points per game), Rob Dillingham (15.4), and Reed Sheppard (12.8), the Wildcats fly up and down the court whenever they have a chance. The Golden Grizzlies are led by forward Trey Townsend, who averages 16.9 points and 7.8 rebounds per game for a team that won the Horizon League’s regular season and conference tournament titles. You can see how far all these teams go over at SportsLine.
How to make 2024 NCAA bracket predictions How far will those major programs go? And which Cinderella teams will make surprising runs through the 2024 NCAA Tournament bracket? With the model’s track record of calling bracket-busting upsets, you’ll want to see which stunners it is calling this year before locking in any NCAA bracket picks.
The Duquesne men’s basketball team is set to begin its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 47 seasons. In coordination with the special occasion, the Dukes received some spectacular gifts from Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James.
During a team meeting on Wednesday, Duquesne received new sneakers from James himself ahead of the team’s matchup against BYU.
Appreciate it King 🙏@DuqMBB x @KingJames pic.twitter.com/yTiQFMBno0
— Duquesne Basketball (@DuqMBB) March 20, 2024 The team was clearly over the moon when the gifts arrived and were truly appreciative of the gesture from James.
James has been a big supporter of the Dukes’ program in recent years, and even congratulated them following Sunday’s victory in the Atlantic 10 tournament. That’s because Duquesne head coach Keith Dambrot was James’ coach when he played at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron before being drafted.
This will be Dambrot’s final collegiate season as he plans to retire following this year’s NCAA Tournament run.
Duquesne has had a very impressive season as they put together a 24-11 (10-8 Atlantic 10) record this season. The Dukes won the Atlantic 10 conference tournament this past weekend to earn an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament.
The No. 11 seed Dukes will face off with the No. 6 seed Cougars on Thursday with the game set to tip off at 12:40 p.m. ET.
