Some Big Names On the Move in NFL Free Agency
NFL Free Agency Recap: Plenty of Running Backs on the Move
Kirk Cousins, Derrick Henry Among NFL Stars Finding New Homes
If the 2024 NFL season is as entertaining as the 48-hour legal tampering period ended up being, those who bet online could be in for quite the treat.
When looking at the NFL free agency recap, running backs Derrick Henry, Austin Ekeler, Saquon Barkley, and Josh Jacobs join quarterback Kirk Cousins among the players on the move.
There were also some key trades while NFC title contenders Philadelphia and Tampa Bay were among the teams that were able to keep some key players.
With all of these moves, it is going to take some time for the 2024 NFL playoff picture to come into focus.
After playing in the Super Bowl, the NFL spreads still have the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers with best Super Bowl odds of +600.
Here’s a look at some of the most prominent moves.
Show Me The Money
Former NFL rushing champion Derrick Henry landed in Baltimore on a two-year deal giving the Ravens two of the most dynamic runners in the NFL in the same backfield with Henry joining quarterback Lamar Jackson.
There are +300 odds for Henry and Jackson to combine for at least 2000 rushing yards during the 2024 season.
Another running back on the move when looking at the NFL free agency recap is Saquon Barkley as he went from the New York Giants to the rival Philadelphia Eagles with Austin Ekeler going from the Los Angeles Chargers to the Washington Commanders.
He replaces D’Andre Swift, who is now with the Chicago Bears. Josh Jacobs left the Raiders to join Green Bay. The Packers also signed safety Xavier McKinney.
Will the signing of Russell Wilson solve the quarterback issues for the Pittsburgh Steelers?
Wilson is priced at +200 to have at least 3500 passing yards and +600 to hit the 4000-yard mark.
Pittsburgh also added linebacker Patrick Queen.
Atlanta added quarterback Kirk Cousins and receiver Darnell Mooney.
Houston brought in another pass rusher with the signing of Danielle Hunter.
While receiver Calvin Ridley leaves Jacksonville for Tennessee, the Jaguars brought in Gabe Davis from Buffalo to take his place.
Tennessee also added linebacker Kenneth Murray while the Las Vegas Raiders addressed the interior defensive line with the signing of Christian Wilkins.
Edge rusher Jonathan Greenard is now a member of the Minnesota Vikings.
Let’s Make a Deal
While much of the focus was on the signings, there were some trades of note as well.
Carolina sent away another top player with edge rusher Brian Burns traded to the New York Giants for second and fifth-round picks.
Pittsburgh receiver Diontae Johnson, and Tampa Bay cornerback Carlton Davis are among the players traded.
Johnson landed in Carolina in a trade that sent cornerback Donte Jackson for Pittsburgh.
Quarterback Mac Jones goes from New England to Jacksonville for only a sixth-round pick.
Running back Joe Mixon goes from Cincinnati to Houston.
Who’s Staying?
The NFL free agency recap is not all about players heading for greener pastures.
Tampa Bay was one of the teams at the top of the list when it comes to keeping much of its nucleus together with receiver Mike Evans, quarterback Baker Mayfield, and linebacker Lavonte David all signing and safety Antoine Winfield being kept around on a franchise tag deal.
Evans holds the NFL record by beginning his career with 10 consecutive seasons with at least 1000 receiving yards.
The Philadelphia Eagles kept offensive lineman Landon Dickerson and edge rusher Brandon Graham. That was a big deal after the retirements of center Jason Kelce and defensive tackle Fletcher Cox.
The two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs gave defensive tackle Chris Jones a five-year deal worth more than $150 million.
Buffalo re-signed offensive tackle Dion Dawkins, New England kept offensive lineman Mike Onwenu, while Baltimore defensive tackle Justin Madubuike
Jacksonville has edge rusher Josh Allen for at least one more season thanks to a non-exclusive franchise tag deal.
Receiver Michael Pittman remains with the Indianapolis Colts as did cornerback Kenny Moore.
The Chicago Bears brought back cornerback Jaylon Johnson on a four-year deal.
Who’s Left?
Cornerback Kendall Fuller, offensive tackle Tyron Smith, and safety Kamren Curl are among the top free agents yet to sign deals.
Smith’s age (33) and recent NFL injury history have him with a buyer-beware tag.
Edge rusher Chase Young is a former No. 2 overall pick who is just 24 so keep an eye on where he lands.
Cornerback Stephon Gilmore. edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney, offensive tackle Trent Brown, and receiver Marquise Brown are other NFL players worth monitoring.
Offensive tackle Mekhi Becton is another unsigned player of note.
The recent release of receiver Mike Williams by the Los Angeles Chargers pushes him up the list of available free agents. A knee injury limited Williams to three NFL games during the 2023 season but if a team is willing to take a chance on Williams staying healthy, they would get a two-time 1000-yard receiver with some football left to play.
A Look At the Odds
While the Super Bowl odds remained the same for many NFL teams, there have been some movement since teams could begin signing free agents.
The Atlanta Falcons went from +4000 to +3000, the Houston Texans moved from +2500 to +2200, the Philadelphia Eagles’ odds went from +1800 to +1600, while Washington’s odds went from +15000 to +12500.
On the other end of the spectrum, Jacksonville’s Super Bowl odds moved from +3000 to +4000, the odds for Minnesota went from +5000 to +6000 and Cincinnati’s odds moved from +1200 to +1400.
For NFL betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
