Free Agency Highlights
Golden Eagles Aim For Two, Land One in Free Agency
The Golden Eagles made a splash in 2020's Free Agency by signing Kareem Hunt, who became the lifeblood of an offense that struggled under the lackluster leadership of fourth-round pick Hunter Bailey. Hunt went on to set the new NFL record for single-season rushing yards, and proved to be worth the high price tag the team spent on him.
This year, the Golden Eagles only bid on two free agents, and the first one was a high-profile offer to QB Deshaun Watson. The former Texan maintained the speed that made Hunter Bailey deadly in the rushing game, but brought with him the arm to be a truly multi-threat Quarterback. However, the Golden Eagles were outbid by the Los Angeles Chargers, who will retain Watson on a six-year contract worth a total of $165 million. Watson will replace the veteran Philip Rivers, who was released into the free agent market and signed on with the Steelers to become their new lead man under center.
But while Bruce Arians didn't get his big-ticket quarterback, he did sign a heavyweight defender in 26-year-old Strong Safety Keanu Neal. Neal will take over the starting job previously held by M.J. Stewart Jr, and represents a major upgrade for the Golden Eagle defense. Neal was signed to a $69.8 million-dollar contract that is good for five years.
Quarterback Changes
The Los Angeles Chargers acquired Deshaun Watson, who will replace the departing Philip Rivers.
The New England Patriots will need to move on now that the Tom Brady era has ended, but it may take some time for the team to find its new franchise QB. In the meantime, the Patriots signed veteran Kirk Cousins to a 1-year, $22 million-dollar contract to run the offense in 2021.
The Pittsburgh Steelers don't seem to believe that Mason Rudolph is prepared to take over the team, as they signed on the long-time Charger Philip Rivers. Rivers was taken at the tail end of free agency on a bargain-basement one-year deal worth just $980K, but will be the starter for the black and gold come August.
Other Significant Signings- CB Richard Sherman - 49ers
- LOLB Samson Ebukam - Jaguars
- HB Leonard Fournette - Jaguars
- WR Cooper Kupp - Cardinals