The NFL season is now well underway, with enough data available to assess the impact of recent free-agent acquisitions. Teams like the Seattle Seahawks have made significant strides thanks to strategic signings, while others, like the New York Jets, have struggled. Here, we examine some notable players from the latest free-agent cycle, evaluating their contributions based on their contracts.
Key Evaluations of Recent NFL Free Agents
- Sam Darnold (Seattle Seahawks)
- AAV: $33.5 million
- Current Record: 7-2
- Ranked second in expected points added per dropback
- Milton Williams (New England Patriots)
- AAV: $26 million
- Current Record: 8-2, first in AFC East
- Second among interior defensive linemen in pressures
- Davante Adams (Los Angeles Rams)
- AAV: $22 million
- Leads NFL with eight red zone touchdowns
- Primarily played outside this season, with limited slot time
- Stefon Diggs (New England Patriots)
- AAV: $21.17 million
- Operated from the slot on 46% of snaps
- 10th in EPA per route run among receivers with at least 10 targets
- Dan Moore (Tennessee Titans)
- AAV: $20.5 million
- Current Record: 1-8
- Ranked 10th in pay among left tackles, but underperformed
- Justin Fields (New York Jets)
- AAV: $20 million
- Ranked 27th in EPA per dropback
- Recently benched but has bounced back to win two straight games
- Aaron Banks (Green Bay Packers)
- AAV: $19.25 million
- Limited participation due to injuries
- Struggled as both a run blocker and in pass protection
- Josh Sweat (Arizona Cardinals)
- AAV: $19.1 million
- 34 pressures in nine games this season
- Ranked fifth in sacks with eight
- Paulson Adebo (New York Giants)
- AAV: $18 million
- Missed the past three games with a knee injury
- Adapted better to zone coverage
- Carlton Davis (New England Patriots)
- AAV: $18 million
- Has performed well despite comparisons to previous season
- Contributes significantly to defensive schemes
- Charvarius Ward (Indianapolis Colts)
- AAV: $18 million
- Missed several games due to concussions
- Was performing well before injury setbacks
Conclusion
This assessment highlights the varying degrees of success among top free agents this season. Notably, players like Sam Darnold and Milton Williams have made significant impacts, leading their teams to success. In contrast, some deals have not panned out as hoped, particularly for the Jets and Titans.
As the season progresses, teams will continue to evaluate these signings in relation to their performance and contribution to team success. Future drafts and trades will also play crucial roles in shaping the rosters moving forward.
