In a whirlwind of activity during the NFL’s legal tampering period, Kirk Cousins, Saquon Barkley, and Brian Burns all made major moves to new teams. Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowl quarterback, is leaving the Minnesota Vikings for the Atlanta Falcons in a blockbuster $180 million, four-year deal with $100 million guaranteed. Barkley, a two-time Pro Bowl running back, is joining the Philadelphia Eagles on a three-year, $37.75 million contract with $26 million guaranteed. The New York Giants lost Barkley but gained Burns from the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a second-round pick and a fifth-rounder, with Burns signing a lucrative five-year contract worth up to $150 million with $87.5 million in guarantees.
The day was filled with more player movement, as running backs like Josh Jacobs, Tony Pollard, and Austin Ekeler found new homes with different teams. The Las Vegas Raiders made a big splash on defense by signing Christian Wilkins to a four-year, $110 million contract with $84.75 million guaranteed. The Raiders also acquired quarterback Gardner Minshew, who had success with the Indianapolis Colts last season.
Other notable moves included the Detroit Lions adding Marcus Davenport and Carlton Davis, the Green Bay Packers signing Xavier McKinney, and the Jacksonville Jaguars bringing in Mac Jones as a backup to Trevor Lawrence. The Washington Commanders made moves to strengthen their defense by acquiring Dorance Armstrong and Tyler Biadasz from the Dallas Cowboys.
Many teams also focused on retaining their own talent, with the Cleveland Browns re-signing Za’Darius Smith and Maurice Hurst, the Philadelphia Eagles extending Landon Dickerson’s contract, and the Seattle Seahawks bringing back Noah Fant and Leonard Williams.
Overall, the first day of the NFL’s legal tampering period was filled with excitement and anticipation for the upcoming season.
