Russell Wilson’s news that quarterback will join the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday has started a free agency frenzy, with other elite players already committing to new contracts.
The first day of NFL legal tampering resulted in some enormous deals, with some players receiving large payouts.
The excitement began on Sunday, when Russell Wilson announced his move to the Pittsburgh Steelers, triggering a free agency frenzy as the legal tampering period commenced on Monday. While players are not allowed to sign contracts until Wednesday, many already know where they will play next, thanks to the start of official negotiations between representation and NFL teams.
The quarterback market has become even more competitive following Baker Mayfield’s extension with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and several top running backs have already found new homes. Here are 10 of the biggest Day 1 deals….
Saquon Barkley is joining the Philadelphia Eagles. Barkley will stay in the NFC East after signing a three-year, $37.75 million (£29.4 million) contract with the Eagles. After being franchise-tagged last year, the running back will now be the fourth-highest-paid player in his position, slightly more than Cleveland Browns’ Nick Chubb.
Kirk Cousins is moving to the Atlanta Falcons. The most sought-after quarterback on the market is no longer available, as Cousins’ agent announced that his client has signed a four-year deal with the Falcons. The contract is reportedly worth $180m (£140.4m), with up to $100m (£78m) guaranteed and a $50m (£39m) signing bonus.
Gabe Davis is joining the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars appear to be moving on from Calvin Ridley this offseason, with Davis signing a three-year contract worth $39 million (£30.4 million) that may increase to $50 million (£39 million).
Jonathan Greenard is joining the Minnesota Vikings. Following a remarkable year with the Houston Texans, the defensive end has agreed to a four-year contract for $76 million (£59.3 million).
Robert Hunt is moving to the Carolina Panthers. He has agreed to a five-year, $100 million (£78 million) contract after leaving the Miami Dolphins.
Josh Jacobs is joining the Green Bay Packers. The two-time Pro Bowler will sign a four-year, $48 million (£37.4 million) contract with a $12.5 million (£9.8 million) signing bonus and a front-loaded £11 million ($14.8 million) salary for the next season.
Tony Pollard is off to the Tennessee Titans on a three-year, $24m (£18.7m) deal, marking the end of the Derrick Henry era. After five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, the running back is returning to his home state and his college stomping ground at Memphis.
Devin Singletary is moving to the New York Giants. The team knew that Barkley wouldn’t be sticking around for long this offseason, so they’ve found his replacement for half the price the Eagles paid him. They’ve agreed on a three-year, $16.5m (£12.9m) deal that could see Singletary earning close to $19.5m (£15.2m)
D’Andre Swift is heading to the Chicago Bears. After just one season in Philadelphia, Swift is making the most of a career year by turning it into a three-year, $24m (£18.7m) contract with the Bears. The running back could soon be sharing a locker room with draft prospect Caleb Williams in the NFC North after less than 12 months away.
Christian Wilkins is off to the Las Vegas Raiders in one of the day’s biggest deals. After a standout season in Miami, the defensive tackle will now call Las Vegas home for four years. He’ll earn a base salary of $110m (£85.8m), with a guaranteed $84.75m (£66.1m).
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