Grading The Ten Biggest Free Agent Signings On Day One Of NFL Free Agency

This is how the ten biggest deals on the first day of NFL free agency graded out.

While deals can’t be signed until Wednesday, the tampering period of free agency began on Monday. These ten players signed the biggest deals of the day in terms of annual average value (AAV). Here’s how we graded them based on fit and contract.

Seattle Seahawks Sign QB Sam Darnold: B

Contract Terms: 3 years, $100.5 million, $55 million guaranteed

$100 million for Sam Darnold? Actually, it’s not a bad deal. First, Darnold was one of the league’s better quarterbacks in 2024, despite his playoff meltdown. And, don’t get caught up in the top-line number. Just over half of the contract is guaranteeed, and when you consider Daniel Jones got $80 million guaranteed two years ago, this contract is a bit of a steal.

New England Patriots Sign DL Milton Williams: C

Contract Terms: 4 years, $104 million, $63 million guaranteed

Milton Williams was effective in a part-time role for the Philadelphia Eagles. Now, he will be expected to become one of the stars of the Patriots’ defense alongside Christian Barmore on the interior. I’m not saying he can’t be just as effective, but, given the money handed out, it’s a risky proposition.

Minnesota Vikings Re-Sign CB Byron Murphy: B+

Contract Terms: 3 years, $66 million (guaranteed money figure not available)

We’ve seen cornerbacks decline significantly after getting a big payday in their late 20’s. But, this was a deal the Vikings had to get done to not take a big step back on defense next year, as he has been a good corner in the league for quite some time.

Los Angeles Rams Sign WR Davante Adams: A

Contract Terms: 2 years, $44 million, $26 million guaranteed

Don’t let last year’s production, which wasn’t all that bad anyways, in two dysfunctional situations fool you. Davante Adams is still a very good receiver in the NFL, and will be a great WR2 for the Rams. At this price, it’s a steal.

Tennessee Titans Sign OL Dan Moore: D

Contract Terms: 4 years, $82 million, $50 million guaranteed

This is an awful contract, as Dan Moore is a mediocre-at-best offensive lineman getting big money to play a bad team. This makes no sense for the Titans, a team that had been building the offensive line through the draft.

New England Patriots Sign Carlton Davis: C

Contract Terms: 3 years, $60 million, $34.5 million guaranteed

Davis had a bit of a career resurgence in Detroit last year, and if he is that player for the duration of the contract, this is a solid deal. But, at 28, what are the odds of that happening? 50/50, at best.

Indianapolis Colts Sign Charvarius Ward: C

Contract Terms: 3 years, $60 million, $35 million guaranteed

This contract is essentially identical to Davis’s contract, and Ward has been a bit better of a player throughout his career. But, he was bad last year while battling injuries, and will play next season at 30 years old. Who knows how much those injuries will linger going forward, and I just don’t love paying corners in their 30s.

New York Jets Sign Justin Fields: B+

Contract Terms: 2 years, $40 million, $30 million guaranteed

I don’t think Justin Fields is very good, to be honest. But, $20 million a year on the open market for a fringe starter is a perfectly fine price in this day and age, and maybe a player with a lot of potential figures it out. If not, it will be easy to move on from him heading into 2026.

San Francisco 49ers Sign G Aaron Banks: B-

Contract Terms: 4 years, $77 million (guaranteed money figure not available)

Brooks is a league average guard, so it’s not like he can’t help a team. But, unless the guaranteed money on this contract is really low, this is a bit of an overpay for a guard.

Arizona Cardinals Sign Josh Sweat: B+

Contract Terms: 4 years, $76 million, $41 million guaranteed

In a vacuum, I don’t love this contract. Sweat is an up-and-down pass-rusher. But, the Cardinals desperately need a pass rush, and Sweat is a good risk when it comes to trying to find someone to rush the passer for a team that has few options at the position.