NFL free agency is an exciting time for all football fans. It’s the time of year that fans get to see what their team plans to do and watch it unfold. Some teams come out with an amazing offseason and others, not so much.
This list is going to discuss the biggest winners of the 2021 NFL free agency so far.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the defending NFL champions. There were a lot of question marks around the team because they had a lot of key players entering free agency. The Buccaneers seemed to have no issue keeping the band together.
Significant Moves By Tampa Bay This Offseason
Extending QB Tom Brady (two years, $50 million)
Resigned:
TE Rob Gronkowski (one year, $8 million)
LB Shaq Barrett (three years, $51 million)
LB Lavonte David (two years, $25 million)
Franchise tagged WR Chris Godwin (one year, $16 million)
The majority of these guys had the opportunity to play somewhere else for far more money but decided to stay in Tampa to run it back. It was crucial for Tampa Bay to find a way to keep everyone together. Between contract reconstructions, cutting players, and players taking less money, Tampa Bay made it possible.
The reigning champs made one thing very clear: They have every intention to run it back with their star-studded roster.
Los Angeles Chargers
When it comes to the Chargers, they have a talented roster already. Above all, they have found their star quarterback for the next 15 years. Once a team has that figured out, the job gets a little easier. They know that all they have to do is put the right pieces around him. The Chargers seem to be doing just that.
Significant Moves By Los Angeles This Offseason
Signed:
C Corey Linsley (two years, $26 million)
G Matt Feiler (two years, $15 million)
TE Jared Cook (one year, $4.5 million)
The Chargers went out and got one of the highest-rated centers in the NFL in Corey Linsley. They also signed one of the best guards in the NFL in Matt Feiler. Los Angeles knows that they have to protect their young QB at all costs. If you give Justin Herbert some time in the pocket with good protection, the Chargers will be a scary team to face.
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are one of the most exciting teams in the league. They are so young but they are on the rise to the top. Every year they improve and this upcoming season feels like the one for Bills Mafia. They made some noise in free agency, adding some depth to their roster.
Significant Moves By Buffalo This Offseason
Resigned:
RT Daryl Williams (two years, $17 million)
G Jon Feliciano (one year, $5 million)
LB Matt Milano (two years, $22 million)
Extended S Micah Hyde (two years, $17 million)
Released WR John Brown
Signed WR Emmanuel Sanders (one year, $6 million)
Signed QB Mitch Trubisky (one year $2.5 million)
The Buffalo Bills made it a point to keep their solid offensive line together this offseason. Again, another team with a young star QB so you have to keep him protected. They also have a star WR in Stefon Diggs, so they went out and got him a number two on the other side. Sanders is a classy veteran who will always produce for your team. Micah Hyde is also a crucial part of the already solid defense in Buffalo.
New York Giants
The New York Football Giants were hit with injuries left and right last season on offense. The Giants’ defense last season was one of the best in the league. Their priority was clear this offseason. They wanted to get Daniel Jones some offensive weapons to see if Jones can really be a starter in the NFL.
Significant Moves By New York This Offseason
Signed:
WR Kenny Golladay (three years, $54 million)
TE Kyle Rudolph (two years, $12 million)
WR John Ross (one year, $2 million)
DE Leonard Williams (two years, $45 million)
CB Adoree’ Jackson (three years, $39 million)
New York goes and gets a sure number one receiver in Kenny Golladay and they also add a little receiver depth with the signing of John Ross. The addition of Kyle Rudolph also helps take the load off of Evan Engram. Adoree Jackson helps the already solid Giants defense in a position of need for them. The Giants look good so far this offseason.
The NFL free agency period is far from over. There are still talks about several big-time players moving on from their teams via trades. There are also some solid pickup options available on the free agency market.