Best Signings From Day One Of NFL Free Agency

Contract: 3 Years, $45 Million

The Carolina Panthers made a few moves yesterday, but the Devin Lloyd signing stands out. In 2025, Lloyd was one of the best linebackers in the NFL. Since being drafted in 2022, he has recorded 436 total tackles, 9 interceptions, and 230 solo tackles. He also finished the 2025 season with an 88.4 PFF grade, which was second among all linebackers.

The 15M AAV salary for Lloyd is also a great value. Many other notable linebackers like Fred Warner, Roquan Smith, and Zack Baun all make more annually. The Panthers are building something pretty special on defense, and they expect Devin Lloyd to be at the forefront of it.

Jalen Thompson To The Dallas Cowboys

Contract: 3 Years, $33 Million

The Cowboys’ entire offseason plan is centered around improving the defense. Yesterday, they signed Jalen Thompson to a three-year contract, and Cowboys fans should be excited about this move. He has played seven seasons for the Arizona Cardinals and has been one of the most consistent safeties in football.

The Cowboys’ secondary struggled mightily in 2025 in all of the major departments. Thompson is a sound tackler with only a 7% miss rate and has much experience in a variety of roles, including the slot. He has also played 15 games in every season of his career, except 2020, showing his durability. For 11M AAV a season, the Cowboys got a home run signing.

Jalen Nailor To The Las Vegas Raiders

Contract: 3 Years, $35 Million

Jailen Nailor is headed to Las Vegas and ready to be a WR1/WR2 for the first time in his career. Watching the Vikings the past couple of seasons, the WR room was flooded with talent. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison got most of the targets, leaving Nailor with limited opportunities to make an impact. Since 2024, Nailor has recorded 57 receptions, 858 yards, and 10 touchdowns.

The Raiders are paying Nailor solely for his potential and how he could complement future #1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. Nailor is a receiver who gets open downfield and can make impressive plays at the catch point. The Raiders need WR help desperately and take a chance on a WR3 from Minnesota.

Kenneth Walker To The Kansas City Chiefs

Contract: 3 Years, $45 Million

The Super Bowl MVP is headed to Kansas City. Many people were shocked when this news broke, and right away, the fit with the Chiefs looks to be a good one. The Chiefs’ rushing attack has been mediocre for a couple of years now and has lacked explosiveness coming out of the backfield. Kenneth Walker is that and more, showing his mix of power and speed during the 2025 campaign.

This signing makes sense for both parties. The Chiefs wanted to get a weapon at RB to complement their elite passing game. While Walker wanted a payday with the intention of going to a team that would use him similarly to how Kubiak did in 2025. The contract is fair and still gives the Chiefs flexibility to make other moves this Free Agency period. Lastly, the consensus opinion is that draft prospect, Jeremiyah Love, wouldn’t be around at ninth overall, so they pivoted to Walker.

Alijah Vera-Tucker To The New England Patriots

Contract: 3 Years, $42 Million

The Patriots had a great 2025 season, going all the way to the Super Bowl, but fell short mainly due to the offensive line. The didn’t waste much time to sign former 1st rounder Alijah Vera-Tucker to a three-year deal. Tucker is a solid interior guard when healthy, but has missed 41 of a possible 85 regular-season games. The Patriots are hoping this is the stretch of his career where he can finally stay healthy.

The Jets, on the other hand, will be looking to fill that hole at guard with the loss of Vera-Tucker. Will Campbell, who was the Patriots first-rounder in 2025, struggled in his rookie season but should be better in 2026. Many experts think Campbell is a guard, but with the signing of Vera-Tucker, New England feels just fine with Campbell staying at tackle. If the former Jet can stay on the field, this will be a great signing for the Patriots. If he continues to miss games due to injury this will not age well.

End Of My Free Agency Rant

Many top players still remain heading into Day 2 of Free Agency. The Draft plans have changed significantly since last week, leaving teams with big decisions to make in the coming weeks. The trade market should also remain active, with teams making the decision to acquire players rather than sign them. Top players like Trey Hendrickson and Riq Woolen remain unsigned, and it will get interesting in the coming days as to where they will land. Overall, the first day of Free Agency was wild, and the coming days should be more of the same.