The Fantasy of Free Agency
If there’s such thing as a free-agent fantasy, we just saw it unfold. A year ago, running back Saquon Barkley left the New York Giants and signed with the division rival Philadelphia Eagles. With his new team, he rushed for 2,005 yards, was named the NFL’s offensive player of the year, hoisted the Lombardi Trophy, and just signed a gargantuan contract extension. This is the new standard—one that’s almost impossibly high. Once again, as is the case every March, teams are reshuffling their decks. And this year, there are some especially big names in the mix. Will Sam Darnold be bound for Seattle? Could Joey Bosa join his younger brother on San Francisco’s defensive line? What routes will receivers Davante Adams, Christian Kirk, and Tyler Lockett run? Could Aaron Rodgers be following in the precise footsteps of Brett Favre, from Green Bay to the New York Jets and possibly to Minnesota? The answers to these questions and more are likely to emerge this week as the window for teams to begin negotiating with free agents opens on Monday, and players can officially sign with new teams starting at 1 p.m. PDT on Wednesday, the start of the new league year.
The Chargers’ Bold Move
The Los Angeles Chargers made a significant move last week by releasing Joey Bosa, their longest-tenured player whose 72 career sacks rank second in club history to Leslie O’Neal. This decision could pave the way for the San Francisco 49ers to secure a bookend to defensive end Nick Bosa, Joey’s brother. While the Browns are holding tightly to Myles Garrett, Bosa’s trade request adds to the intrigue. For the Chargers, this means they will have a significant amount of salary cap space—second only to the New England Patriots with $83.3 million compared to the Patriots’ $117.3 million. However, much of this space will likely be devoted to re-signing their own players, as General Manager Joe Hortiz emphasizes the importance of building through the draft. The team will have the flexibility to make key moves, but they will also need to be strategic to ensure they build a balanced roster.
Trades and Transitions
Trades are set to play a significant role in this year’s free agency period. The Los Angeles Rams are actively shopping All-Pro receiver Cooper Kupp, a star who has been a cornerstone of their offense. Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks are shipping quarterback Geno Smith to Las Vegas, where he will reunite with new Raiders coach Pete Carroll. This trade creates a glaring vacancy in Seattle that could be filled by former USC standout Sam Darnold, who is coming off a career-reviving season with the Minnesota Vikings. The future of star receiver DK Metcalf is also uncertain, as he has requested to be traded by the Seahawks. These moves highlight the fluid nature of the NFL, where even the most established players can find themselves in new uniforms.
Seattle’s Quarterback Conundrum
The trade of Geno Smith to Las Vegas leaves the Seattle Seahawks in need of a new starting quarterback. Sam Darnold, who played college football at USC, is a free agent and is seen as a potential candidate to fill this void. Darnold had a resurgence in Minnesota last season, showing that he still has the potential to be a valuable asset. Pete Carroll, who coached both Darnold and Russell Wilson at USC, was asked about Wilson, another quarterback headed into free agency, at the scouting combine. Carroll’s response highlighted the ongoing connections and communication within the NFL community. “You might be surprised how much we all communicate,” he said. “All the guys from back in the day, we still communicate and watch each other and share stories and the whole thing. It’s been really fun to watch our guys.” This personal connection could play a role in Darnold’s decision, adding a human touch to the business of free agency.
Elite Talent on the Move
Two elite defensive linemen from Ohio are also making waves. Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns has requested a trade, though the Browns are hesitant to let him go. On the other side, the Cincinnati Bengals are granting Trey Hendrickson’s request to seek a trade. These moves could significantly alter the defensive landscapes of multiple teams. In addition, the Philadelphia Eagles are set to lose a couple of key players from their vaunted defensive front—edge rusher Josh Sweat and tackle Milton Williams. For the Super Bowl champions, keeping the roster intact is a huge challenge, but it’s one they will need to navigate to maintain their competitive edge. The increased salary cap for the 2025 season, up almost $24 million to $279.2 million, provides some relief, but it also incentivizes players to test the waters and find the best fit for their careers.
The Value Proposition
When offensive guards like Philadelphia’s Landon Dickerson can command contracts worth $21 million, it’s clear that the value of elite players is skyrocketing. The increased salary cap has given teams more financial flexibility, but it doesn’t mean they can go on unfettered shopping sprees. For the Rams, with $42.9 million in cap space, the focus will be on re-signing their own players and making targeted acquisitions. The Chargers, with their significant cap space, have a unique opportunity to add top talent. However, the challenge for all teams is to balance the pursuit of high-profile free agents with the need to maintain a cohesive and sustainable roster. As the free agency period kicks off, the decisions made in the next few days could shape the NFL landscape for years to come.
Sign up for The Sports Report to get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond. This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.
