By Jake DiBlasio/ Full360 Sports Editor
March 11th marked a pivotal moment eagerly awaited by NFL fans —the commencement of the NFL Free Agency. It was on this date that teams and players could formally meet to negotiate new contracts. In the 11 days since, a many players have transitioned from the teams fans had come to associate them with, embracing new allegiances with different organizations. In the latest episode of Sports Cast, the hosts delve into the free agency frenzy, spotlighting their top picks for the most impactful move so far.”
Jeremiah Clark: Eagles Extend Landon Dickerson
Unlike the other three moves, Landon Dickerson does not find a new home and stays in Philadelphia. The Eagles drafted Dickerson from Alabama in 2021 where he played guard and center. For the first time in over a decade, the Eagles will be playing without Future Hall of Fame Center Jason Kelce. By retaining Dickerson, Philadelphia is able to keep a key piece on the offensive line as they enter a period of unknown. According to Adam Shefter, Dickerson got a four year extension worth $84 million and $50 million guaranteed. This deal gives Dickerson the highest average annual salary of any guard in the NFL. Dickerson is has been a Pro Bowler the past two seasons and is more than deserving of a contract of this value. According to Pro Football Focus, Dickerson has only given up eight sacks 1,917 snaps. Dickerson’s play over the past few seasons along with the departure of Jason Kelce makes this a great extension for the birds.
CJ Williams: Ravens sign Derrick Henry
After eight seasons with the Tennessee Titans, The King finds a new home in Baltimore. Over the past six seasons, Henry has been one of the best Running Backs in the NFL. During that time, Henry has rushed for 1,000 yards five times including the 2020 season where he rushed for over 2,000 yards, led the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns twice, been to four Pro Bowls, and won NFL Offensive Player of the Year. Over the past few years, the Ravens have had average Running Back play from players like Gus Edwards, Mark Ingram ll, J.K. Dobbins, and more. Giving two time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson with Derrick Henry is a dangerous duo behind a consistently talented Offensive Line. In an offseason where multiple Running Backs have gotten contracts over $20 million in base salary, the Ravens got Henry on a much lighter deal. Henry will be bound to the Ravens for the next two years with a base salary of $16 million worth up to $20 million with nine million dollars guaranteed according to Adam Shefter. Part of the reason Henry was signed so cheap has to due with his age. Henry is currently 30 years old and in the past two seasons, has shown that he has lost a step. As old as he is, their is always a chance that Henry’s production drops off due to his age and injuries. However, the cheap contract along with the production Henry has displayed, makes this a good signing for the Ravens.
Adonis Gaspard: Saquon Barkley Joins the Rival Eagles
Saquon Barkley signing with the Philadelphia Eagles took him from hero to zero with many New York Giants fans. After extending Dickerson, Barkley was the biggest move the Eagles have made. Barkley has had a very up and down career during his time in the Big Apple. During his rookie year in 2018, Barkley reached 2,028 scrimmage yards the most ever by a rookie. That same year, Barkley would earn his first Pro Bowl selection with the Giants and would also win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. In his next five years with the Giants, Barkley would struggle due to injuries and being behind a bottom five Offensive Line. Barkley mounted a Pro Bowl campaign in 2022 where he he went for over 1,500 scrimmage yards, the most since his rookie year, and helped the Giants win a playoff game. By teaming up with the Eagles, Barkley enters the best situation his career being paired with one of the best Offensive Line’s in football and star skill players like Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, and Devonta Smith. According to Adam Shefter, the Eagles gave Barkley over three years for $36 million and can be worth up to $45 million along with the $25 million guaranteed. This is a huge contract for a 27 year old who has battled injuries. The Eagles believe that Barkley could be a huge upgrade over who they have had in prior years but many question if paying any Running Back is worth that much when that position hold very little value in today’s NFL. Barkley will try and help the Eagles return to the Super Bowl in 2024 while looking to excel behind the best offensive line of his career.
Jake Diblasio: Giants Trade for Brian Burns
A common theme of the New York Giants so far in free agency has been addressing the Offensive and Defensive Line. One way they have done that is trading for star Edge Rusher Brian Burns. During his five year career with the Carolina Panthers, Burns had 49 sacks and made two Pro Bowls. Burns has been an above average Edge Rusher during his time in the NFL and now has a new home in New York. Burns will be paired with All Pro Nose Tackle Dexter Lawrence and 2022 fifth overall pick Kayvon Thibodeaux. With the Panthers, Burns was the primary focus on that defense but by being surrounded with other talent on the defensive line, Burns should be less of a central focus as he rushes the passer.
Also, the Giants secured very good trade value by giving up a 2024 second-round pick (39th overall) and a fifth-round pick, according to The Athletic. A year and a half ago, the asking price for Burns was much higher. The Los Angeles Rams offered two first-round picks and a second, but the Panthers declined. Less than two years later, the Giants acquired Burns for a much cheaper price. Although the trade value was excellent, the Giants awarded Burns a five-year deal worth up to $150 million, which includes $87.5 million guaranteed. This makes Burns the second highest-paid edge rusher in the NFL, which may be considered an overpay compared to his recent production. In a new situation, the New York Giants believe Brian Burns can live up to the contract they gave him and will cause distress for quarterbacks across the NFL.