Tag: free agency

2024 Saints free agent report cards: Was Lucas Patrick a good signing?

Taking a look back at the 2024 offseason, was Lucas Patrick a good signing for the Saints? He played some important snaps at left guard:

The NFL offseason grows ever closer by the day, and as the New Orleans Saints look towards the future under a new head coach, there is also some time to look in retrospect at their 2024 offseason. While they only had a couple of signings and departures, it is worth taking a look at how each of those panned out during the season.

One of their more notable 2024 signings was left guard Lucas Patrick, who ended up being the starter for the large majority of the time he was available and was an intriguing piece throughout the course of the year. Let’s take a look at his contract, 2024 season, and give the signing a grade:

Free agent contract

Lucas Patrick signed one of the more simple contracts when it comes to the Saints, with a one-year deal worth $1,210,000 with $324,000 guaranteed. Among the left guards in the 2024 season, this was the 38th largest contract of 94, so near starting value as he almost made the top 32.

There are no additional void years or additions as it was a smaller scale contract, so the Saints have full flexibility to let him walk or bring him back if they wish to do so.

Snap counts

Patrick has had a very split snap count in his career, as early on he did not get many at all, but then he started getting significantly more in recent years. Here are his offensive snap totals for each season, only including games he played in:

  • 2017: 29% (227)
  • 2018: 29% (278)
  • 2019: 15% (137)
  • 2020: 90% (939)
  • 2021: 82% (911)
  • 2022: 65% (269)
  • 2023: 88% (958)
  • 2024: 79% (563)

2024 season review

2024 was a solid season for Patrick, not his best but absolutely one of his best, and it went heavily under the radar due to the time he missed with injury. In his 11 games played (10 started), he allowed 0 sacks, 10 pressures, and had 3 penalties, good for a 98.4% pass blocking rate. This type of production is exceptional, especially when dealing with injuries later in the season that made things difficult on him. 

Report card grade

Overall this was a solid signing for the Saints, given the price and production both being solid. The six games missed makes it tough to go higher than where we have him graded, however it was definitely a season worth following up with another one-year deal. Given he was expected to be replacement-level or a low-end starter, he had an exceptional season statistically and worked well with the offensive line in place.

Signing Grade: B-

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Should Jaguars sign this former second-round free agent cornerback?

Should the Jaguars sign this former second-round free agent cornerback to provide their secondary with a boost?

Marcus Mosher of the 33rd Football Team recently selected one free agent that each team should sign this offseason. So who did he select for the Jacksonville Jaguars?

Not surprisingly, Mosher chose to address the cornerback position, saying that the LA Chargers’ Asante Samuel Jr. is who the Jaguars should have on their radar.

Mosher notes that Samuel did play only 234 snaps in 2024 due to injury, but added that he is a “quality No. 2 cornerback” and would be a “huge upgrade” for the Jaguars.

Samuel was a second-round pick by the Chargers in 2021 out of Florida State and played over 1,000 defensive snaps during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

For his career, Samuel has allowed a completion rate of 62% on 259 targets at 13.1 yards per catch. He’s had good ball production, something this Jaguars’ defense needs more of, totaling nine interceptions and 30 pass breakups over his four seasons.

Opposing quarterbacks also have a below-average passer rating of 91.4 when targeting Samuel.

Addressing the secondary is a must for the Jaguars’ this offseason–both the cornerback and safety positions. Last season, the Jaguars ranked 24th in completion rate allowed and were 30th or worse in yards per pass attempt–giving up a lot of big plays–interceptions, and passer rating.

Samuel is Pro Football Focus’ 26th ranked free agent this offseason and is projected to land a three-year deal worth $43.5 million in free agency.

The Jaguars currently rank 17th in available cap space, according to Over the Cap, with just over $32 million available. They do, however, have the means to create a lot more room if needed.

Colts 2025 free agency predictions: Will Grant Stuard return?

Up next in our Colts’ free agency prediction series is a look at whether or not LB Grant Stuard will return.

In the coming weeks, we will be taking a closer look at each of the Indianapolis Colts’ unrestricted free agents and making a prediction as to whether or not they will return for the 2025 season.

Up next, let’s take a look at linebacker Grant Stuard. If you’ve missed any of our other free agency predictions, you can find them below.

Will Fries
Julian Blackmon

During his four year tenure with the Colts, Stuard has primarily been a core special teams contributor. In three of the last four seasons, he has played at least 340 special teams snaps and done so steadily across five of the six different phases.

This year, with rookie Jaylon Carlies having a stint on injured reserve, Stuard took on a much larger role on defense as the Colts’ third linebacker when lining up in their base 4-3 look.

Stuard also stepped in as the nickel linebacker alongside Zaire Franklin when EJ Speed missed time as well.

He finished the season proving to be a reliable tackler, making 32 of his 35 attempts, according to PFF, and Stuard held pass catchers to only 6.0 yards per catch with that tackling ability helping him limit any YAC.

Stuard may not be a player that you’ll bank on having as one your starters going into a season, but in what is currently a fairly inexperienced Colts’ linebacker room with Speed also set to hit free agency, there is a lot of value that Stuard’s experience can provide off the bench if needed.

In addition to that, every team needs a prominent special teams player or two on their roster, which Stuard has been.

Lastly, this isn’t a re-signing that would break the bank by any means and it wouldn’t alter any other plans that the Colts might have at the linebacker position.

Prediction: Colts re-sign Stuard.

This DT will ‘undoubtedly’ be a free agent target for Jaguars

Pro Football Focus said this defensive tackle will “undoubtedly” be a free agent target for the Jaguars.

The Jacksonville Jaguars were named a potential landing spot for Detroit Lions’ free agent defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike by Pro Football Focus.

“Onwuzurike is the penetrating 3-technique interior pass-rusher that every team covets,” wrote PFF’s Mason Cameron. “And given how ineffective the Jaguars’ interior pass rush was in 2024 — having ranked dead last in pass-rush win rate by defensive tackles (8.9%) — he will undoubtedly be a target for new defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile’s defense.”

Onwuzurike is coming off a career season with the Lions, recording 47 pressures and three sacks. Among all defensive tackles, Onwuzurike ranked 18th in pass rush win rate and was 21st in run defense grade.

As Cameron noted, the interior defensive line play for the Jaguars could very much improve in 2025. Potentially helping that unit will be Arik Armstead, who is looking to move back to the defensive tackle spot.

According to Pro Football Reference, the Jaguars’ defense as a whole ranked 30th in pressure rate in 2024 and were 15th in yards per rush allowed.

PFF is projecting that Onwuzurike lands a two-year deal in free agency worth $16.5 million.

The Jaguars currently have $32.27 million in available cap space, according to Over the Cap, which ranks as the 17th most–although they have the means to create quite a bit more room if needed.

Colts 2025 free agency predictions: Does Will Fries return?

Next up in our Colts’ free agency predictions is OL Will Fries. Will he return for the 2025 season and beyond?

In the coming weeks, we will be taking a closer look at each of the Indianapolis Colts’ unrestricted free agents and making a prediction as to whether or not they will return for the 2025 season.

Up next is right guard Will Fries. To see our prediction on whether or not safety Julian Blackmon will return, click here.

Fries’ 2024 season was, unfortunately, cut short in Week 5 due to a tibia injury suffered against Jacksonville. However, before then, he was playing at a very high level, ranking fourth in PFF’s run-blocking grade among all guards and 10th in pass-blocking grade.

If Fries were to go elsewhere in free agency, the Colts would then have a massive hole at right guard. Neither Mark Glowinski nor Danny Pinter are the caliber of players that Fries is nor are they long-term options, but they are free agents as well, so the only viable right guard option on the roster right now is Dalton Tucker, who was benched late last season.

While Anthony Richardson’s play will determine how good this Colts’ offense can be, any chance of sustained success for him begins with the offensive line play. Having a run game to lean on can keep the offense out of predictable down-and-distances and open up opportunities in the passing game, and we all know how important time in the pocket is for any quarterback.

With the guard market having really exploded last offseason, NFL insider Jeremy Fowler recently mentioned that Fries is likely in-store for a big pay day this offseason.

PFF recently projected that he will earn a four-year $57.25 million deal on the open market.

However, whatever the price ends up being, this is a re-signing that the Colts have to make. Success for the offense starts in the trenches and Fries was playing at a high level last season.

The Colts currently rank 18th in available salary cap space with just over $24 million, but they do have the means to create more room through restructures to be able to sign Fries while still addressing other needs.

Prediction: The Colts re-sign Fries

Paulson Adebo progressing well from devastating injury

Paulson Adebo shared an update on his recovery from a broken femur. The Saints’ starting cornerback is progressing well before free agency:


Paulson Adebo went down with a broken femur midway through last season against the Denver Broncos, and it was the last time we saw the New Orleans Saints cornerback in 2024. There are some that question if it is the last time we will see him in a Saints uniform.

Adebo suffered the injury in the seventh game of the year and is showcasing his recovery process after the season. The cornerback shared a video clip of himself on social media running on the treadmill at 21 miles per hour.

This is a great sign after a bad leg injury. Alontae Taylor and Kool-Aid McKinstry are your top returning corners on the roster. Seeing that Adebo is about to enter free agency, that video was an advertisement to the entire league that he’s healthy and ready to help his team — whoever they might be.

It would make sense for the Saints to attempt to retain Adebo. Neither Taylor nor McKinstry have shown they’re above competing for their spot in the starting lineup. New Orleans should reinforce the position after trading Marshon Lattimore. The only other corners under contract for 2025 are Rico Payton and Rejzohn Wright, who spent his year on injured reserve.

While his value on the free agent market remains to be seen, Adebo could also benefit from a return to New Orleans. It would likely be a short-term deal and allow him to build his stock with a healthy year of quality game tape. He could also be priced out of the Saints’ budget. He’s been one of the most productive ballhawks in the NFL since he was drafted with 43 passes defensed in 52 games played. But until that time comes, it’s just good to see Adebo moving at high speed again.

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2024 Saints free agent report cards: Was letting Zack Baun go a big loss?

Taking a look back at the 2024 offseason, was letting linebacker Zack Baun go a big loss? His rapid and sustained success with the Eagles suggests so:

The NFL offseason and free agency are almost upon us, and with that, we wait in anticipation for the New Orleans Saints to make a head coaching hire to kick things off. After a brutal 5-12 campaign in 2024, there are many ways to distribute the blame amongst the organization. One of the notable issues for the Saints the past few seasons has been letting players walk who they mismanaged, and then they turned out to be good shortly after.

One such player is linebacker Zack Baun, who the Saints let walk in the 2024 offseason, as he would move on to the now Super Bowl bound Philadelphia Eagles. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the decision to let him walk and his production to this point in his career.

Free agent contract

Zack Baun received a one-year deal with the Eagles in the 2024 offseason, with a total value of $3.5 million and a guaranteed salary worth $1.125 million. He also earned an additional $1 million in incentives for his level of play, and likely for the Super Bowl berth. 

With this being only a one-year deal, the Eagles will have a tough decision to make on whether or not they want to pay him his new value for the long term, or let him walk to a new team.

Snap counts

The snap counts for Baun tell the story quite well, and his utilization has been quite low until he joined Philadelphia. Here is his defensive snap rates for each season, only including games he played:

  • 2020: 8% (82)
  • 2021: 17% (194)
  • 2022: 10% (83)
  • 2023: 27% (301)
  • 2024: 95% (939)

2024 season review

2024 was not only a breakout year for Baun, it was a year where he finally got a full opportunity to get substantial playing time, and he made the most of it. He wrapped up the regular season with a whopping 151 total tackles (93 solo, 58 assisted), 11 tackles for loss, 5 forced fumbles with one recovery, 4 pass deflections, 3.5 sacks, and an interception. 

This type of season was not only unprecedented but enormously impressive, with the Eagles finding a way to utilize him correctly, he was able to put up defensive player of the year type numbers.

Report card grade

When it comes to grading a team for letting players walk, it typically is hard to gauge the factor of whether or not the player in question would have performed at a similar level with that team and not their new team. Who knows if Zack Baun would have ever had a breakout season with the Saints, especially at that level.

Regardless, he had an outstanding season, and when it comes down to it, letting a DPOY candidate walk is going to reflect extremely poorly on your team. This is an F in pretty much every sense of how the grading scale could be applied, as the Saints chose to never utilize him this often, and now it will bite them for years to come.

Departure Grade: F-

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Colts named potential landing spot for this top free agent linebacker

Pro Football Focus named the Colts as a “potential landing spot” for this top free agent linebacker.

The Indianapolis Colts were selected by Pro Football Focus to be a “potential landing spot” for top free agent linebacker Dre Greenlaw.

Along with the Colts, the Detroit Lions were listed as a landing spot for Greenlaw as well.

Greenlaw missed most of the 2024 season recovering from an Achilles injury he had sustained during the 2023 postseason.

Throughout his career, Greenlaw has proven to be a reliable tackler, which has made him a sound run defender, also someone who’s been able to limit opponents in the passing game.

During the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Greenlaw held pass-catchers to only 8.0 yards per catch and had good ball production at the linebacker position with three interceptions and seven pass breakups.

“Coverage at the linebacker position left something to be desired in this defense with both Franklin and his running mate, E.J. Speed (UFA this offseason), earning coverage grades under 48.0,” wrote PFF’s Mason Cameron. “Inserting Greenlaw into the lineup would be a sizable upgrade, as he produced 82.6 and 79.5 coverage grades in his last two full seasons.”

The overall play from the Colts linebacker position as a whole in 2024 was hot and cold. While there were impactful stretches, there were also games where opponents ran wild on the Indianapolis defense, along with tight ends and running backs making plays in the passing game.

This is a position that will have to be addressed this offseason with EJ Speed and Grant Stuard both set to be free agents. The extent to which the Colts do that will likely be dependent on how they feel about second-year linebacker Jaylon Carlies potentially stepping into a larger role.

As a former college safety, he can potentially add that missing coverage element that PFF highlighted as being a need for the Colts.

PFF is projecting that Greenlaw will earn a one-year deal in free agency worth $6 million. A contract that could end up being a steal for whichever team signs him.

2024 Saints free agent report cards: Was Chase Young a good signing?

Taking a look back at the 2024 offseason, was defensive end Chase Young a good free agent signing for the Saints?

The New Orleans Saints have desperately needed an influx of talent along the defensive line for a few seasons now, and despite their attempts to fix that through the draft vis-à-vis the selections of Payton Turner and Isaiah Foskey, it has not panned out how they expected.

In the 2024 offseason, they tried at a different method of adding talent, signing defensive end Chase Young to a one-year deal. With him coming off a neck injury and requiring surgery to get back to where he needed to be, the Saints took the shot on him with a short contract.

With the 2025 offseason nearly upon us, we will first take the opportunity to look back at the 2024 signings and grade them based on their first season with the black and gold. So without further ado, we begin with arguably their biggest signing of the offseason.

Free agent contract

Young was signed by the Saints to a 1-year, $13 million deal last offseason, with $12.55 million being guaranteed. This contract was the 26th largest contract at his position among the 244 signed defensive ends/edges in 2024. His cap hit did get split partially into 2025 however, with his 2024 cap number at $3,912,000 and his 2025 cap number at $9,088,000. 

The 2025 number was via a prorated signing bonus, so if Young were to leave this offseason, it would count towards the dead cap figure. If he were to return on a new contract it would be added onto that new deal, and would be able to be spread out further over the life of that instead.

Snap counts

When it comes to career snap counts for Chase Young, he has been utilized pretty heavily. Here is his defensive snap rate for each season of his career, only counting games he played in:

  • 2020: 78% (770)
  • 2021: 80% (477)
  • 2022: 65% (115)
  • 2023: WAS 84% (407), SF 58% (328)
  • 2024: 63% (742)

As you can see, he has always been a pretty heavily played pass rusher when on the field, but years like 2022 stand out where he missed all but three games, and 2021 where he played in nine.

2024 season review

2024 was a relatively solid season for Young, and while it was not as strong as his rookie season in 2020, he was making a positive impact all season long. This was the first season of his career where he has played every game, and in that span had 5.5 sacks, 31 total tackles (21 solo, 10 assisted), 8 tackles for loss, 21 QB hits, 66 pressures, 3 pass deflections and a forced fumble. 

Overall he performed better in the second half of the season as he grew more accustomed to the system. While the Saints are looking for a new head coach entering 2025, if he were to return it would likely benefit him to get a jump start and have a full offseason process.

Report card grade

Grading this signing is a little difficult, as on one hand Young was enormously impactful in many key statistics, but the sack number being only 5.5 is slightly underwhelming. This defense needs someone who can get the quarterback on the ground more than anything at the moment, and despite Young being exceptional at getting into the pocket, he had a tough time finishing the rep fast enough to get the quarterback down.

Regardless, for a one-year rental and only 13 million dollars spent, this was a strong season for Young. If he could be brought back for that range on multiple years it would be a positive, and that’s all you could ask for.

Signing Grade: B+

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What condition the position is in: Assessing Raiders level of need at QB

As the NFL offseason gets underway, we analyze the Raiders level of need at quarterback.

With free agency a month away, it’s time to check in on the Raiders’ quarterback position to give it a condition of either Strong, Stable, Unstable, Serious, or Critical.

Starter: Aidan O’Connell

Backups: Gardner Minshew, Carter Bradley

Free agents: Desmond Ridder (RFA)

A rough training camp gave way to a ‘lesser of the evils’ situation with Gardner Minshew getting the nod as the starter. Four games in and the Raiders were already ready to make a change. They switched to Aidan O’Connell only to have him get injured, leading to the return of Minshew. Then Minshew got hurt and O’Connell returned as the starter the rest of the way. The result of all this was each QB finishing with two wins and neither looking like worthy starters.

Condition: Critical

Minshew is a prime cut candidate and O’Connell’s lack of mobility is a major concern.

This team needs a franchise quarterback in the worst way. After finally pulling the ripcord on the Derek Carr era, they have fiddled around with several different starters, none of whom are the long term answer. The result was two lost seasons and in the same position they were in before. Getting a QB this offseason is priority number one by a wide margin.