NFL Free Agent Frenzy Immediate Reaction; Top 50 Draft Prospects; Pro Day Risers And More

We recap the wild start to NFL Free Agent Frenzy, plus a look at the top prospects for the draft, pro day risers, latest buzz and more REAL football talk!

Mar 11, 2024

The NFL free agent frenzy began with a flurry on Monday during the first day of the legal negotiating window. Buckle up as we attempt to recap the latest developments (please note that initial contract reports have been gathered from various media outlets):

It didn’t take long for the first splash to be made, as the Pittsburgh Steelers moved quick on Russell Wilson, signing him to a one-year deal, worth about the veteran minimum, which is $1.21M. Wilson will also pocket $37.2M from the Denver Broncos in 2024, as he stands in position to start over former first round pick Kenny Pickett, who is scheduled to earn $3.8M this season. This should make for an interesting test to see if Mike Tomlin can sustain his active streak of 17 consecutive ‘non-losing’ seasons. As the legendary John Madden once said, “If you have two quarterbacks, you actually have none.”

The next big domino to fall was the Atlanta Falcons agreeing to terms with QB Kirk Cousins on a four-year deal, worth $180M, including $100M guaranteed. Falcons head coach Raheem Morris has a history with Cousins dating back to their days in Washington. Atlanta currently holds the No.8 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft and would seem positioned to be the early favorites in the NFC South.

One other quarterback question was answered when Baker Mayfield re-upped with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, signing a three-year, $100M contract, including $50M guaranteed. In a smaller deal, journeyman QB Gardner Minshew will be leaving the Indianapolis Colts after just one season, to join the Las Vegas Raiders on a two-year, $25M deal, with $15M guaranteed.

With four teams no longer in the market for a starting quarterback and thew New England Patriots fetching just a sixth round pick from the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for Mac Jones, the value for Chicago Bears castoff Justin Fields has diminished significantly.

The most seismic shift of the day occurred when it was announced that former New York Giants RB Saquon Barkley was headed down the I-95 South express lane to the Philadelphia Eagles on a three-year, $37.75M deal, including $26M guaranteed. The loss of Barkley weakens the Giants already putrid offensive attack, while strengthening their rival Eagles. To help offset the loss, New York agreed to terms with Devin Singletary, formerly of the Houston Texans, on a three-year deal worth $16.5M.

The Chicago Bears agreed to terms with former Philadelphia Eagles RB D’Andre Swift to a three-year, $24M contract. With Chicago expected to make QB Caleb Williams the top overall selection, the starting backfield is close to officially being re-made. Swift will lead a backfield committee that also includes Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson.

There was massive movement in the running back market, including Josh Jacobs departing the desert sands of Las Vegas, to join the frigid weather in Green Bay on a four-year contract worth $48M, including $12.5M guaranteed. In a subsequent move, the Packers notified Aaron Jones that he’ll be released, as he joins former backfield mate AJ Dillon on the open market.

After parting ways with RB Derrick Henry, the Tennessee Titans made it a priority to find a replacement and quickly came to terms with former Dallas Cowboys RB Tony Pollard on a three-year deal, worth $24M. Henry and Austin Ekeler of the Los Angeles Chargers are amongst the biggest names who remain available.

Don’t expect Ekler back with the Chargers. They intend to move on and were active with one of the best bargain signings of the day, agreeing to terms with former Baltimore Ravens RB Gus Edwards on a two-year deal, worth about $7M. The Chargers also agreed to terms with former Seattle Seahawks TE Will Dissly on a three-year, $14M contract. One other notable runner on the move is former Washington Commanders RB Antonio Gibson, who will be joining the New England Patriots on a three-year deal.

It was a lucrative day for former Buffalo Bills WR Gabriel Davis who is headed to the Jacksonville Jaguars on a three-year deal, for $39M. The contract could be worth up to $50M guaranteed and included an $11M signing bonus. The Jags also agreed to terms with former Ravens WR Devin Duvernay on a two-year contract, with an $8.5M base and a maximum value of $12.5M.

Another big payday went to former Miami Dolphins OG Robert Hunt, who is headed to the Carolina Panthers on a five-year, $100M contract. One other offensive lineman will be on the move, as Commanders HC Dan Quinn will be importing C Tyler Biadasz from Dallas, as the two sides have agreed on a three-year contract.

A firm believer of building inside the trenches, Raiders GM Tom Telesco made a massive move in agreeing to terms with former Dolphins DT Christian Wilkins on a four-year deal, worth $110M, including 84.75M guaranteed.

The career-best season for DE Jonathan Greenard this past season in Houston, which included 12.5 sacks was rewarded with a new four-year, $76M contract, including $42M guaranteed, as he will switch addresses to the Minnesota Vikings.

With the Eagles moving on from EDGE Haason Reddick, the team is expected to add pass-rusher Bryce Huff on a three-year, $51M contract, including $34M guaranteed. The historic deal is believed to be the highest paid contract signed by a non-quarterback undrafted free agent.

The San Francisco 49ers acquired Chase Young from the Commanders at the trade deadline but the move fell flat. Instead, they will now turn to former Rams EDGE Leonard Floyd, agreeing to a two-year, $20M contract, including $12M guaranteed.

Sticking out west, Raiders DT Bilal Nichols is headed to the Arizona Cardinals on a three-year, $21M contract, with $14.4M guaranteed. As is former Tennessee Titans CB Sean Bunting-Murphy, who also signed a three-year deal worth $17.4M. The Titans then moved in on CB Chidobe Awuzie to a three-year deal.

In safety news, former Giants S Xavier McKinney will be headed to the Packers on a four-year, $68M contract, while former Packers safety Darnell Savage will be headed to the Jaguars on a three-year, $21M deal, with $12.5M guaranteed. In one last item involving a league trade, the Detroit Lions acquired CB Carlton Davis from the Bucs.

NFL DRAFT BIBLE TOP 50 BIG BOARD

We are officially 45 days away until the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit. Here is how the NFL Draft Bible Big Board currently stacks up.

Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Marvin Harrison Jr, WR, Ohio State
Joe Alt, Jr, OT, Notre Dame
Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Jared Verse, ER, Florida State
Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
JC Latham,OT, Alabama
Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Dallas Turner, ER, Alabama
JJ McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
Edgerrin Cooper, ER, Texas A&M
Graham Barton, C, Duke
Brian Thomas Jr, WR, LSU
Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami
Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
Chop Robinson, ER, Penn State
Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
T’Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas
Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
Darius Robinson, DE, Missouri
Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Laiata Latu, ER, UCLA
Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri
Adonia Mitchell, WR, Texas
Cooper Beebe, OG, Kansas State
Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia
Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan
Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
Trey Benson, RB, Florida State
Payton Wilson, LB, North Carolina State
Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia

*Check out an expanded version of the overall big board later this week on BSJ.

NFL PRO DAY RISERS

INDIANA held their pro day on 3.5; one transfer name worth monitoring for the 2025 NFL Draft is QB Kurtis Rourke, who will also be eligible for the CFL Draft. The Miami-Ohio transfer threw to Hoosiers wideouts during the workout, demonstrating the ability to make all the throws. His brother Nathan Rourke, was the CFL 2022 Most outstanding Canadien, before joining the Jacksonville Jaguars and more recently re-signed with the New England Patriots.

PURDUE held their pro day 3.7; S Cam Allen who brings a great combination of size (6010/195), speed and production, timed in the mid-4.5 range, with a 34.5" vertical jump, 10-3 broad jump, 4.09 short shuttle and 6.78 three-cone. A combine ‘snub,’ Allen who had over 200 career tackles and 13 interceptions during his Boilermakers career, stands a strong shot to be drafted.

NORTHWESTERN had pro day on 3.7; It was well attended with 29 NFL teams showing up to QB Ben Bryant, WR Cam Johnson and LB Bryce Gallagher. Bryant recorded a 27” vertical jump, with 9-1 broad jump and had a strong throwing session, led by TEST Football Academy quarterback coach Tony Raciopi. Johnson, who scored a touchdown in each of his final five games of the season, timed in the 4.50-range, with a 37” vertical jump and 10-4 broad jump. Gallagher, a two-year captain who tallied 316 career tackles during his Wildcats career, registered a 33” vertical jump and 9-8 broad jump. All three players project as undrafted free agents.

ILLINOIS conducted their pro day on 3.8; Speedy WR Casey Washington (6006/197) stole the show, running tin the mid-to-high 4.4-range, with a 39.5" vertical jump, 10-7 broad jump. Washington, who played running back earlier in his career and averaged 11.0 yards per punt return this past season, projects as a priority free agent who could compete for a spot due to his special teams experience.

NORTHERN ILLINOIS also had their pro day on 3.8; QB Rocky Lombardi (6030/223), timed 4.70 in the forty-yard dash, with a 35" vertical jump, 9-10 broad jump and 7.25 three-cone.Lombardi, who threw for nearly 7,500 yards, along with 42 touchdowns (30 interceptions), across 52 games for NIU and Michigan State, showed off his trademark cannon arm.

ON LOCATION: MONMOUTH PRO DAY

In what might have been the largest attended pro day in the history of Monmouth football, 15 NFL teams and three CFL teams showed up for the indoor workout held at Capelli Sports Complex in Tinton Falls, NJ on 3.8.

The main attraction was elusive running back Jaden Shirden, who led the FCS in rushing each of the past two seasons. Shirden, who measured 5-foot-8 at the NFL Scouting Combine, weighed in two pounds heavier at 189. He stood on his combine numbers, which included a 4.45 (1.51) forty-yard dash. The West Haven, Connecticut native has racked up eye-popping numbers with 3,697 rushing yards (7.0 average) over the past two seasons with 26 touchdowns, including 18 scores that went for 50 yards or more! Shirden is used to the spotlight, as he guided St Joseph’s High School to three consecutive state titles, while racking up 5,529 rushing yards and 107 touchdowns.

In terms of pro potential , Shirden would seem to factor in as a change of pace runner who could also prove to be a capable pass-catcher out of the backfield. The former track star possesses breakaway speed, excellent vision and change of direction agility, along with dependable hands. This young man just continues to ascend, remember the name. Click here to watch our interview with Shirden from training camp.

MONMOUTH PRO DAY RESULTS:

Field Conditions: Workout was conducted at Capelli Sport Complex (indoors) in Tinton Falls; field was short, slick track. Outside temperature 48-degrees; 15 NFL teams and three CFL teams in attendance.

SHIRDEN, JADEN | RB | #20 | 5080 | 187 | 0928 | 2868 | 6958 | 4.45 (1.51) | 34.5” | 9-9 | West Haven, CT | Rd6 | (stood on combine; weighed 189 at pro day)

WHITE, NICK | WO | #9 | 6021 | 252 | 0900 | 3268 | 7948 | 18 | 28.5” | Randallstown, MD

ANDERSON, GREG | OG | #76 | 6050 | 310 | 0948 | 3428 | 8028 | 5.22 (1.85) | 22 | 28.5” | 8-7 | 4.84 | 7.63 | Carlstadt, NJ

WRIGHT, TYRESE | DS | #2 | 5097 | 211 | 0968 | 3168 | 7568 | 4.76 (1.67/2.78) | 15 | 35” | 10’ | 4.34 | 6.91 | Bridgeport, CT

MORALES, EDDIE | DC | #1 | 5084 | 180 | 0928 | 2800 | 6838 | 4.53 (1.63/2.75) | 13 | 4.51 | 7.07 | 34.5” | Farmingdale, NJ

TUCKER, DRE | WO | #12 | 6000 | 182 | 0900 | 3138 | 7548 | 4.63 (1.61/2.65) | 8 | 34” | 9-6 | 4.35 | 6.83 | Cinnaminson, NJ

MCCRAY, MARQUEZ | QB | #8 | 6013 | 226 | 0900 | 5.02 1.80/2.94) | Schwenksville, PA

FARRI, JUWON | Eastern Illinois | OH | #8 | 5084 | 197 | 0848 | 2868 | 7000 | 4.69 (1.63/2.69) | 16 | 34” | 9-8 | 4.57 | 7.18 | Germantown, MD

KEARNEY, ASSANTI | Monmouth | WR | #3 | 6013 | 191 | 0958 | 3178 | 7720 | 4.84 (1.68/2.77) | 4.51 | 7.31 | 12 | Reisterstown, MD | (ran with tight groin)

PATTERSON, RONAN | Monmouth | K/P | #93 | 6031 | 251 | 0900 | 3128 | 7600 | 1 (BP) | 23.5” | Virginia, Ireland

2024 NFL PRO DAY SCHEDULE

The big day this week will be Tuesday, March 12th, as Bo Nix of Oregon and Spencer Rattler of South Carolina will both throw at their pro day workouts. They will be followed by Georgia pro day on Wednesday and Penn State on Thursday. We have been able to track down 169 pro day dates thus far below. If you are aware of any workouts we are missing please let us know.

Alabama 3.20 || Albany 3.26 || Appalachian State 3.25 || Arizona 3.14 || Arizona State 3.13 || Arkansas 3.13 || Arkansas State 3.28 || Ashland 3.18 || Auburn 3.22 || Big 12 Conference 3.27 || Boise State 3.26 || Boston College 3.22 || Bowling Green 3.19 || British Colombia 3.29 || Bryant 3.20 || Buffalo 3.14 || California 3.21 || Charlotte 3.28 || Clemson 3.14 || Colorado 3.14 || Colorado State 3.18 || Concordia St Paul 3.13 || Connecticut 3.20 || Delaware State 3.25 || Duke 3.28 || Duquesne 3.27 || East Stroudsburg 4.1 || Eastern Kentucky 3.21 || Florida 3.21 || Florida International 3.18 || Florida State 3.22 || Fresno State 3.18 || Gannon 3.26 || Georgia 3.13 || Georgia Southern 3.25 || Georgia State 3.18 || Georgia Tech 3.15 || Holy Cross 3.21 || Houston Christian 3.21 || Howard 3.28 || Iowa 3.18 || Jackson State 3.25 || James Madison 3.19 || Kansas State 3.27 || Kent State 3.18 || Kentucky 3.22 || Kingsley Suamataia (BYU) 3.22 || Louisiana 3.25 || Louisiana State 3.27 || Louisiana Tech 3.28 || Louisville 3.26 || Liberty 3.20 || Limestone 3.11 || Marshall 3.28 || Maryland 3.29 || Memphis 3.28 || Mercer 3.14 || Miami 3.18 || Miami-Ohio 3.21 || Michigan 3.22 || Michigan State 3.13 || Middle Tennessee 3.25 || Minnesota 3.14 || Mississippi 3.27 || Mississippi State 3.26 || Missouri 3.22 || Missouri State 3.22 || Murray State 3.27 || New Hampshire 3.21 || New Mexico State 3.25 || North Carolina 3.28 || North Carolina Central 3.27 || North Carolina Charlotte 3.25 || North Carolina State 3.26 || North Dakota State 3.26 || North Texas 3.26 || Northern Colorado 3.18 || Northern Iowa 3.18 || Notre Dame 3.21 || Ohio 3.21 || Ohio State 3.20 || Oklahoma 3.12 || Oregon 3.12 || Oregon State 3.11 || Ottawa (AZ) 3.13 || Ouachita Baptist 3.26 || Penn State 3.15 || Pittsburgh 3.27 || Portland State 3.11 || Prairie View 3.18 || Princeton 3.28 || Qwan'tez Stiggers (Toronto Argos) 3.15 || Rhode Island 3.20 || Rice 3.21 || Richmond 3.21 || Rutgers 3.28 || Saginaw Valley State 3.12 || Sam Houston State 3.19 || San Diego 3.19 || South Carolina 3.12 || South Dakota 3.25 || South Dakota State 3.25 || Southern California 3.20 || Southern Mississippi 3.25 || South Florida 3.20 || Stanford 3.21 || Stephen F Austin 3.26 || Syracuse 3.18 || Tarleton State 3.27 || Temple 3.25 || Tennessee 3.27 || Texas 3.20 || Texas A&M 3.19 || Texas El Paso 3.26 || Texas Southern 3.21 || Toledo 3.19 || Towson 3.29 || Troy 3.18 || Tulane 3.26 || UCLA 3.15 || Utah 3.21 || Virginia 3.20 || Virginia State 3.21 || Virginia Tech 3.27 || Wake Forest 3.27 || Washington 3.28 || Washington State 3.27 || Western Michigan 3.11 || Western Kentucky 3.25 || William and Mary 3.21 || Wisconsin 3.15 || Wyoming 3.19 || East Stroudsburg 4.1 || Yale 4.3

OPEN CALL COMBINES

Numerous inquiries have been made about where to get verified measurements and testing results. If you are a draft-eligible prospect locked out of a pro day, or a pro free agent in need of a workout, here are two events we recommend and are confirmed to be attending:

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