NFL Teams Who have Stayed Quiet in Free Agency: Cowboys, Chiefs, Jets and More
A look at some of the teams with less activity in the early free agent period and what it means for the rest of their offseason.
While some franchises have made a splash early in the offseason, several successful franchises have stayed out of free agency. Past results have generally shown that building through the draft and signing only a few free agents to fill the cracks is the best way to sustain a winner.
Players in free agency have usually been in the league at least four seasons, and some veterans are nearing (or over) a decade. Guys lose ability with age (don’t we all). Speed, strength and quickness go away, and veteran players are replaced with younger, cheaper options.
Signing guys more likely to decline over the course of a contract is a losing proposition if done frequently. Short-term and low-cost contracts to fill the depth chart can be the most impactful for winning franchises.
I wanted to look at a few of the teams that have been quiet through the first two days of free agency to see if they might be planning something or if their lack of movement will continue until the draft.
All moves, cap space, numbers, etc. are correct as of 1 a.m. Eastern time on March 13. I referenced the free agent tracker from NFL.com for each team’s moves.
Kansas City Chiefs
Re-signed DT Chris Jones and LB Drue Tranquill
Signed TE Irv Smith
The Chiefs franchise tagged L'Jarius Sneed before free agency, and the outcome of that situation might be the biggest part of Kansas City’s offseason. Retaining Jones was huge, though it cost top-line money. Tranquill was a good player and returned on a modest deal.
Smith is a former first-round pick who has never made a real impact. Injuries played into that, but he will be a backup to Travis Kelce.
KC restructured Patrick Mahomes’ contract to create cap space, so a move could be on the horizon. Whether that’s signing Sneed or acquiring an outside player, the Chiefs can be picky with their moves.
Baltimore Ravens
Re-signed DT Justin Madubuike and WR Nelson Agholor
Signed RB Derrick Henry
Baltimore has had a similar offseason to the Chiefs, re-signing their own star defensive tackle and otherwise staying fairly quiet. The Ravens don’t often venture into free agency, making this offseason on-brand.
The acquisition of Henry could prove to make a difference, but the Ravens were already getting production from the running back spot, so it will be interesting to see if Henry can make a noticeable difference in the run game.
No other big upgrades are likely until the draft and post-June 1 cut period, when players don’t count against the compensatory pick calculations.
Dallas Cowboys
Re-signed LS Trent Sieg
The lone move for Dallas so far has been to retain their long snapper. That’s important but far from impactful for a team that disappointed greatly in the playoffs.
The Cowboys have their own players to take care of, with both CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons eligible for extensions and Dak Prescott holding a huge cap hit in the last year of his deal. Something will happen with a few of those guys.
Dallas won their division and were the second seed in the NFC, but they don’t feel on the same level as the 49ers; other contenders are making moves to improve. Fans of America’s Team may long for a big addition, but they will likely have to settle for extending their own stars.
Seattle Seahawks
Re-signed TE Noah Fant and DT Leonard Williams
Seattle has the seventh-most cap space at nearly $45 million. The Seahawks have a solid roster and are probably looking for depth more than a big move at any position.
Quarterback might be the spot they could make the most difference if Seattle attempts to upgrade on Geno Smith. Justin Fields hasn’t generated much trade interest; bringing him in for a fourth-round pick seems like a worthy venture, even if it means moving on from Smith.
No other move seems available that would change Seattle’s outlook greatly. Things are always going on behind the scenes and there could be a big trade down the line, but it will otherwise stay quiet in the Emerald City.
New York Jets
Re-signed K Greg Zuerlein
Signed QB Tyrod Taylor, G John Simpson and CB Isaiah Oliver
The Jets are interesting because of the contrast to last offseason. New York brought in Aaron Rodgers through trade and proceeded to sign guys in free agency (some former Green Bay players, some not) to turn around the team in one year.
The injury to Rodgers meant all was for naught, and the team now must build to win in 2024. They lost pass rusher Bryce Huff to the Eagles, and the additions the team made have been more under-the-radar than last offseason.
New York hasn’t been as quiet as the other teams listed here, but the feeling around their offseason is a complete 180 from 2023. Good pickups at important positions mean the Jets have made measured additions rather than panicking after a lost season.
Los Angeles Chargers
Re-signed S Alohi Gilman
Signed RB Gus Edwards and TE Will Dissly
LA filled a few depth needs with low-ceiling players, but they have otherwise sat out of the market in the first offseason under new coach Jim Harbaugh. Big moves are likely coming involving some or all of Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa, as all four have huge cap hits, and the team is over the salary cap as we reach the new league year.
There will be more moves at some point, but the Chargers are likely to make smaller additions and bigger subtractions. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the team reset the salary cap this season and be in a position to make moves next year when the new coach and GM are settled in.
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