The free agency excitement is over. But the impact of those player trades and signings for the upcoming NFL season is going to be crucial.
The 2024 NFL season is kicking off on September 5th and fans are eager to see how their favorite teams will perform with these new additions.
Several notable trades and free-agent signings have been made across each division this year. These moves can’t guarantee a team to move from worst to first place overnight.
However, the influx of new talent can significantly reshape the competitive nature of the game. Let’s know more.
Notable Player Signings 2024-25
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most significant player signings and their potential influence on the teams and the league as a whole.
1. New York Jets – Mike Williams, WR
Source: Yahoo Sports
The Chargers released Williams on March 13, 2024. Six days later, on March 19, he signed a one-year deal with the New York Jets.
Williams is a strong and reliable option for the Jets, especially in tough one-on-one situations. His ability to win 50/50 balls makes him a key player in the red zone.
Williams missed 18 games in the past two seasons due to his health issues. However, if he stays fit this time, his presence could boost the Jets’ offense. He can also help them reach the playoffs for the first time since 2010.
2. Baltimore Ravens – Derrick Henry, RB
Source: NFL.com
Derrick Henry has recently signed a two-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens. He will strengthen the Ravens with his powerful running and ability to gain tough yards consistently.
But things that really make him a formidable presence are his size and strength. Paired with Lamar Jackson, he can be a nightmare for the teams.
His ability to break tackles will force defenses to commit more resources to stop the run. This will open up opportunities for the passing game.
3. Houston Texans – Danielle Hunter, DE
Source: ESPN
Danielle Hunter is a four-time Pro Bowler for the Vikings but now he has moved to the Texans. Texans were number 1 in the AFC South standings last season. They were only short of a game-changer in their defense.
So, they signed Hunter, who boasts 87.5 career sacks and 11 forced fumbles. He is famous for his explosive pass-rush tactics. The Jaguars and Colts will also try hard to bring their A-game in 2024.
4. Las Vegas Raiders – Christian Wilkins, DT
Source: Sports Illustrated
Christian Wilkins, who has been playing for the Miami Dolphins since 2019 has recently joined Las Vegas Raiders. Kansas City is on the top in the AFC West.
However, Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce has managed to take his team to second place in 2023, even though he took over midseason. The Raiders are a strong force as they beat the Chiefs in their last game at Arrowhead Stadium.
They sacked Patrick Mahomes four times and limited his passing yards. Adding Wilkins will strengthen the Raiders’ defense even more. He’s a skilled interior defender with a mix of power and agility. His presence will greatly help his fellow Maxx Crosby in the upcoming games.
5. Philadelphia Eagles – Saquon Barkley, RB
Source: ESPN
In 2023, the Eagles faltered in critical games, despite having a top-10 offense. They failed to exceed 300 yards and lost crucial games that allowed Dallas to take the NFC East title.
The absence of a standout running back was a key factor. Barkley’s game-changing skills can add new dimensions to the already strong Eagles’ force. His inclusion might potentially make the Eagles a top contender in the NFC East.
With Barkley joining a dynamic offense featuring A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and a dual-threat quarterback in Jalen Hurts, the Eagles’ offense can become unstoppable.
6. Green Bay Packers – Xavier McKinney, S
Source: Packers
After playing for the Giants for four years, McKinney is now set to make an impact in Green Bay. Xavier McKinney has signed a four-year contract with the Green Bay Packers.
The Packers, who have recently made a wild-card playoff appearance in 2023, aim to thrash the Lions in the NFC North.
Under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley who has introduced the “vision and break” defense, McKinney’s skills are expected to thrive.
The fifth-year pro, has nine interceptions and 27 passes defensed in 49 games, including three picks in 2023. His instinctive playmaking is a great addition to Green Bay.
Top Trades 2024-25
Over the past three off-seasons, the NFL trade market has included the movement of at least one marquee quarterback. This year, no high-profile quarterbacks were traded.
However, several impactful player trades and signings have been made that can still reshape the upcoming season. Here are the top player trades so far:
1. Stefon Diggs, WR
Source: Reuters
- Former Team: Buffalo Bills
- Traded to: Houston Texans
Stefon Diggs has been traded to the Houston Texans from Buffalo Bills. This is a great chance for the Texans to boost their young QBs’ game alongside some A-listers and make a splash in the AFC.
Diggs’ impact in Buffalo was average with 42.2 receiving yards per game in his last 10 games. However, he was still ranked high in catches and touchdowns. At 31, he’s not as flashy as before.
But in Houston, he’ll benefit from a strong supporting cast with Nico Collins, Tank Dell, and Dalton Schultz. Diggs can create opportunities for others and can also help C.J. Stroud become a top contender, just as he did for Josh Allen.
2. Keenan Allen, WR
Source: NFL.com
- Former Team: Chicago Bears
- Traded to: Los Angeles Chargers
Just forget the usual stats of Keenan Allen for a moment. We think that Allen’s real test will be how he helps Caleb Williams end the Bears’ long quarterback struggles.
As one of the most experienced players alongside Williams, Allen is quite reliable and has a high catch rate. He is one of just six NFL players with over 150 receptions and a 72% catch rate in the past two seasons.
3. Jerry Jeudy, WR
Source: NFL.com
- Former Team: Denver Broncos
- Traded to: Cleveland Browns
If the Cleveland Browns need constant success, they need Deshaun Watson to play like a top quarterback. This will become much easier if they find another reliable pass-catcher besides Amari Cooper and David Njoku.
The Browns always find it hard to draft good receivers. But the team wisely traded for Cooper two years ago and now Jerry Jeudy with a three-year deal. Browns are hoping for a breakout season from Jeudy.
He only needs to bring enough big-play ability (averaging 14.5 yards per catch) to keep the offense strong. This will be a crucial move as they are aiming for back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time since 1989.
4. Brian Burns, DE
Source: ESPN
- Former Team: Carolina Panthers
- Traded to: New York Giants
Brian Burns is among my top picks for my player trades and signings list, who is most likely to deliver a star performance for their new team in 2024. Unlike Allen and Diggs, the 26-year-old is right in his prime. Unlike Jeudy, he’s a proven player with consistency and high level performances.
According to Next Gen Stats, Burns is able to maintain a double-digit pressure rate every year of his career. He’s set to join hands with Kayvon Thibodeaux, and try to boost a defense that ranked 30th in pressure rate last season.
The catch is, even if Burns dominates this season, the Giants might still struggle due to offensive shortcomings.
5. Haason Reddick, OLB
Source: ESPN
- Former Team: Philadelphia Eagles
- Traded to: New York Jets
Reddick is a pass-rushing expert with 50.5 sacks over the last four seasons, having played for Arizona, Carolina, and Philadelphia. The Jets needed a pass rusher after losing Bryce Huff to the Eagles in free agency.
The Jets defense was ranked third overall and fifth in pressure rate last season and has still been strong enough. The crucial part is, whether they maintain this strength or not. Aaron Rodgers is also coming off an Achilles tear at age 40.
We are also waiting to see if he can improve the offense that has struggled for eight seasons. New offensive tackle Morgan Moses will play a key role, but Reddick’s reliable sack production is going to keep the defense solid.
6. Maliek Collins, DT
Source: Bleacher Report
- Former Team: Houston Texans
- Traded to: San Francisco 49ers
Here’s a prime example of strategic roster building to fill in the off-season player departure places. San Francisco let go of defensive lineman Arik Armstead and also allowed Sebastian Joseph and Javon Kinlaw to leave.
To fill the gap, they traded for Collins, who delivered five sacks for Houston last season, matching Armstead’s final-year performance with the Niners. However, Collins did it in 16 games compared to Armstead’s 12.
Collins offers a significant cap advantage, costing $8.5 million compared to Armstead’s hefty $28.4 million for 2024. If Collins performs well and bolsters a San Francisco defense that ranked eighth last season, this move could be praised as a masterstroke.
7. Diontae Johnson, WR
Source: ESPN
- Former Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
- Traded to: Carolina Panthers
Trading Johnson was a calculated move for the Panthers. They are desperately seeking support for second-year quarterback Bryce Young. There is a great chance that Johnson could exceed expectations.
Though he has a history of off-field drama, he has an impressive 14.1 yards per catch record. His skills combined with quarterbacks Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph, and Mitchell Trubisky will be a great show.
Not only Johnson has a bright career ahead but can also improve Young’s game.
8. Justin Fields, QB
Source: Yahoo Sports
- Former Team: Chicago Bears
- Traded to: Pittsburgh Steelers
Not a single traded quarterback is guaranteed to start a game soon except for Justin Fields. He is the one who is most likely to make a difference in 2024 season. If he doesn’t play, he could still inspire Russell Wilson to perform better in Pittsburgh.
If Fields becomes the starter, he’ll get the chance to show how his skills can lead a playoff team, something he hasn’t had the opportunity to do yet.
Conclusion
The impact of recent player trades and signings for the NFL 2024-25 season cannot be overstated. Each move can reshape teams and redefine their trajectories.
As the season unfolds, it will be exciting to see how these new additions influence the game and determine the fate of their franchises.
Fans everywhere will be watching closely, hoping that their team’s off-season moves payoff in the form of victories and, ultimately, a shot at the Super Bowl.
