Saquon Barkley: The Cornerstone of the Eagles’ 2024 Offseason
The 2024 Philadelphia Eagles’ offseason is likely to be remembered for one pivotal signing: Saquon Barkley. This addition was instrumental in the team’s victory at Super Bowl LIX. While Barkley’s contract was undoubtedly significant, it wasn’t the largest deal the Eagles inked. That honor goes to Bryce Huff, a pass rusher who signed a three-year, $51 million deal after a career year with the New York Jets. However, Huff’s performance in the 2024 season was a major disappointment, culminating in just 2.5 sacks and his inactivity during the Super Bowl. This underscores the inherent risk in the free agent market, where even the best organizations can make significant missteps alongside their grand successes.
Key Free Agents: A Mix of Promising Talent and Injury Risks
As the NFL offseason approaches and the "tampering" period begins on March 10, the landscape of free agency is brimming with potential and caution. The list of top free agents this year features a blend of promising young talent and experienced players with injury concerns. One such player is Tre’Von Moehrig, a safety from the Raiders. Moehrig, a former second-round draft pick, has been a durable four-year starter for Oakland, racking up 104 tackles and a couple of interceptions in 2024. His consistency and reliability make him a desirable option for teams looking to fortify their secondary.
Following closely is Dre Greenlaw, a linebacker from the 49ers whose career has been marked by both excellence and setbacks. Greenlaw tore his Achilles in the Super Bowl two seasons ago, only to make a memorable return with eight tackles against the Rams late in the 2024 season. Unfortunately, a calf injury sidelined him again, raising concerns about his future durability. Despite these hiccups, Greenlaw’s prior track record as an exceptional linebacker means he will likely draw interest from teams willing to take a chance on his recovery.
High-Profile Pass Rushers and Their Risks
Haason Reddick, formerly of the Jets, is another intriguing free agent. Reddick’s last season was marked by significant drama, including his refusal to report after the Jets traded for him. However, he eventually played under a restructured contract and managed just one sack. Despite his off-season antics, Reddick’s age (31) and his history of double-digit sacks from 2020 to 2023, including two Pro Bowl selections, make him a valuable commodity. Teams will need to weigh the potential risks against the rewards he has shown in the past.
Khalil Mack, a former NFL Defensive Player of the Year, is another pass rusher who will attract considerable attention. Mack, who will be 34 this season, had a respectable six sacks last year and made his ninth Pro Bowl. While his advanced age and injury considerations might temper some interest, his track record of excellence and leadership will ensure he garners offers from teams looking for a seasoned edge rusher.
Impactful Receivers with Questionable Health
Amari Cooper, a wide receiver from the Bills, is another player who will test the market’s appetite for risk. Cooper’s season in Buffalo was limited by injuries, and he only managed 297 yards in eight games. However, he had a 1,250-yard season in 2023 and has been consistently productive throughout his career. Teams will need to determine if his 2024 performance was an anomaly or the beginning of a decline as he approaches his 31st birthday in June.
Chris Godwin, a wide receiver from the Buccaneers, is another player with a stellar reputation but a concerning injury history. Godwin’s 2024 season ended prematurely with a dislocated ankle in Week 7, adding to his 2021 ACL tear. He’s still a young player at 29 and a versatile, productive receiver, making him a valuable asset for teams that can afford to take on his health risks.
Emerging Talent and Young Stars
Nick Bolton, a linebacker from the Chiefs, is a rising star who will command significant attention. Bolton, just 25, has become a fixture on the field, recording over 100 tackles in three of his four seasons. As the NFL sees a resurgence in running the ball, off-ball linebackers like Bolton are becoming more valuable. His consistent production and youth make him a prime candidate for a lucrative new deal.
Zack Baun, a linebacker from the Eagles, is another player who will see a significant payday this offseason. Baun’s journey from a special teamer with the Saints to a first-team All-Pro with the Eagles is nothing short of remarkable. He played on a one-year, $3.5 million deal in 2024 and is now poised to cash in on the open market. His playmaking abilities and versatility have made him a highly sought-after commodity.
Top Defensive Linemen and Offensive Linemen
Osa Odighizuwa, a defensive tackle from the Cowboys, is expected to receive a hefty contract. Odighizuwa, who will be 27 next season, emerged as a dominant force in 2024, leading the NFL with 60 quarterback pressures. His disruptive play and youthful age make him an attractive option for teams needing a formidable presence in the trenches. The Cowboys, however, might find it difficult to keep him within their budget.
Ronnie Stanley, an offensive tackle from the Ravens, is another player who will fetch a large contract. Stanley, 26, had an excellent 2024 season, starting all 17 games and earning a Pro Bowl nod. His ability to stay healthy and perform at a high level is a testament to his talent and resilience. While his past injury history is a concern, his recent full season and dominant play should mitigate some of those fears.
The Cream of the Crop: Sam Darnold and Tee Higgins
Sam Darnold, a quarterback from the Vikings, is a player with a complex profile. Darnold’s 2024 season was a mixed bag, with excellent performances early on followed by two disappointing final games. His pedigree as a high draft pick and his success in a positive environment make him an attractive option for teams desperate for quarterback stability. However, the small sample size of his success and the final disappointing outings will add a layer of risk to any potential deal.
At the top of the free agent list is Tee Higgins, a wide receiver from the Bengals. Higgins, 26, had a phenomenal 2024 season and would serve as a reliable WR1 for many teams. Receivers of his caliber rarely hit the open market, which means teams will likely pay a premium to secure his services. His age and recent performance suggest a bright future, and he is expected to command one of the largest contracts this offseason.
Conclusion: A Marketplace of Opportunities and Risks
The 2024 NFL free agency class is a treasure trove of talent, presenting teams with numerous opportunities to bolster their rosters. However, it also comes with its fair share of risks, particularly for players with recent injury histories. Teams will need to strike a delicate balance between pursuing high-impact players and managing the financial and physical risks associated with such signings. As the tampering period commences, the decisions made will have lasting implications on the dynamics of the league and the success of individual franchises. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to see which teams can navigate this complex market and emerge with the most impactful free agent signings.
