The biggest free agency signings with the most significant impact By: Grant Winsauer
Ian Rapoport reported earlier this week the Atlanta Falcons signed free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins to a huge 4-year $180 million deal. I like this for the Falcons and Cousins; I want this for the Falcons because they haven’t figured out a long-term solution at the quarterback position ever since Matt Ryan left the team. I like it for Cousins because many weapons will surround him – running back Drake London, tight end Kyle Pitts, and wideouts Darnell Mooney and Rondale Moore. He will also have a clean pocket because the Falcons have a great offensive line to protect him.
My concern is that since Cousins will be coming off an ACL injury, will he perform at a high level like he was last year before the injury? According to ESPN.com, Cousins threw for 2,331 yards with 18 touchdowns to five interceptions in only eight games with the Vikings last year.
Another noteworthy move was Christian Wilkins signing with the Las Vegas Raiders. Rapoport reported Wilkins signing a four-year $110 million deal, with $84.75 million guaranteed. With new coach Antonio Pierce running the show and his expertise coming on the defensive side of the ball, this signing makes perfect sense. Now, the Raiders will have a defensive line that consists of Maxx Crosby, Christian Wilkins, and Tyree Wilson. That is going to be a hard front to defend. According to ESPN.com, Wilkins had 65 tackles with nine sacks, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries in his final year with the Miami Dolphins.
The final signing that will impact their new team most is Saquon Barkley joining the Philadelphia Eagles. According to Rapoport, Barkley signed a 3-year deal worth $37.75 million. This surprised me because no one wanted to pay running backs last year. However, I still love this move because the Eagles have everything else: a great quarterback, great receivers, a good tight end, and a tremendous offensive line. The one thing that the Eagles needed was a great running back. According to ESPN.com, the former No. 2 pick rushed for 962 yards and six touchdowns in his final year with the New York Giants. I think this is an excellent get for the Eagles, and I can’t wait to see how he performs behind the brick wall of their offensive line.