Monday, March 10, marked the first day of legal tampering with NFL free agents. There are some huge names among this offseason’s free agents, none may be bigger than former New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers. His name will continue to pop up as we take a look at the early action in the free agent market.

Some of the big names to already agree to new contracts included Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett, a first-team All-Pro for the second consecutive season last year. Garrett signed a new contract extension with the Browns that makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. Garrett’s new deal extends his contract four years with an average value of $40 million per season. About $123 million of the contract is fully guaranteed.

That sounds like a win for Garrett as well as a big win for Cleveland. Garrett had asked to be traded after last  year’s 3-14 debacle in Cleveland. The Browns instead ponied up big bucks to make sure the NFL’s leader in tackles for loss (22) remains in Cleveland as long as possible. Who are the other winners in the early NFL free agency period? Let’s take a look.

Winners: Jayden Daniels & the Washington Commanders

So, you draft the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and he leads your team to a playoff berth. You actually make a deep playoff run all the way to the NFC championship game and then you go out and get your quarterback some weapons. First, Washington traded for former 49er do-it-all receiver Deebo Samuel. Samuel had some injury issues last year, but he is a dynamic runner and receiver and gives QB Jayden Daniels another legitimate scoring threat alongside Terry McLaurin.

The Commanders also made an upgrade on the offensive line to make sure Daniels is well-protected. Washington traded to obtain Pro Bowl OT Laremy Tunsil. Tunsil is a nine-year veteran who graded out at No. 10 in pass block win rate last season. Another big-time receiver and a quality piece up front is definitely a win-win for the Commanders. Washington’s odds to win Super Bowl 60 have only dropped slightly to +1750 at BetOnline Sportsbook.

Losers: San Francisco

It’s almost insane to look at a list of the players that are no longer with the San Francisco 49ers. Of course, Samuel was traded to the Commanders, but he’s not the only one that will not be in the city by the bay in 2025.

• WR Deebo Samuel
• RB Elijah Mitchell
• QB Josh Dobbs
• FB Kyle Juszczyk
• OT Jaylon Moore
• OG Aaron Banks
• LB Dre Greenlaw
• CB Charvarius Ward
• S Talanoa Hufanga
• DT Javon Hargrave 
• OLB Leonard Floyd
• DT Maliek Collins

Not all of those players are starters, but each played a role in the 49ers winning three of the last six NFC West Division titles, four trips to the NFC championship game, and two trips to the Super Bowl (both losses). 

Meh…Pittsburgh?

One look at the Steelers and a new WR like DK Metcalf (career stats) will go real nice in black and gold. He’s the type of big, physical receiver that the Steelers have always loved. He might also be a guy who can get George Pickens to grow up and become the player he is capable of becoming. 

The Steelers signed Metcalf to a five-year contract worth $150 million. It represents a significant commitment for a team that is going to have a quarterback situation. Remember, last year Pittsburgh dumped Kenny Pickett then signed Justin Fields and Metcalf’s former quarterback in Seattle, Russell Wilson. Well, the New York Jets signed Fields away from Pittsburgh and there is some speculation that the Steelers may entertain the idea of Aaron Rodgers? 

Pittsburgh did make an offer to Rodgers and in the meantime the Steelers did re-sign former backup Mason Rudolph. That leaves the Steelers with an interesting quarterback situation. Wilson? Rogers? Rudolph? A rookie draft pick? Who knows.

Da Bears

The Chicago Bears and new head coach Ben Johnson continue to make some noise in the NFL offseason. Realizing that the offense needs to be built up front first, Johnson and company have been hard at work revamping an offensive line that allowed rookie QB Caleb Williams to be sacked a league-high 68 times last season. 

Chicago signed former Atlanta C Drew Dalman, then traded for Chiefs G Joe Thuney and Rams G Jonah Jackson. The Bears offensive line instantly went from garbage to damn good overnight. That’s a win for Chicago though their Super Bowl odds (+4000) haven’t changed much.

Seattle Loser-hawks

Seattle traded away Metcalf, but figures they still have a generational talent in Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Don’t forget, Seattle also will be without WR Tyler Lockett, who the team released but he may re-sign with the team. Add on to that the team downgraded at quarterback and the Seahawks are now in a pickle.

Sam Darnold was signed after his outlier season in Minnesota last season. That was a season with perhaps the top wide receiver in all of football, Justin Jefferson. Seattle does not have the offensive line that the Vikings had and will have to be able to adapt to pressure. He’s going to see more of it this coming season. Now, Seattle is tied to Darnold for the next three seasons at about $30 million per. They’ve missed the postseason in each of the last two seasons. How do these moves get them back into the playoff race in a strong NFC West? That, of course, is why the Seahawks are given +7000 odds at SportsBetting Sportsbook to win next year’s Super Bowl.