NFL

Colts sign QB Daniel Jones to one-year, $14 million contract

I really like this for both sides. The Colts wanted to bring in competition for Anthony Richardson, and Jones is perfect for that. If we’re being honest, Jones is probably a better player than Richardson at this juncture. Will he receive a fair chance to win the starting job, though? That remains to be seen, but Jones’ 2024 season wasn’t quite as bad as it’s made out to be.

This is also likely the best possible landing spot for Jones. The 27-year-old could’ve chosen a destination with a better chance — say, the Jets — to start, but winning the Colts’ starting quarterback spot would be fantastic for his career.

Jones only threw eight touchdowns against seven interceptions last year, but this is an exciting marriage.

Grade: B+

Vikings sign DT Jonathan Allen to three-year, $60 million contract

Allen getting released by the Commanders was a little jarring, but the 30-year-old isn’t the same player he was during his peak. After registering 22 sacks from 2021-2023, Allen appeared in just eight games last season, taking the quarterback down three times. The 2017 first-round pick can still be a good starter, but Minnesota overpaid for Allen’s services. I would’ve liked this deal more if it were for just two years.

Grade: C

Vikings sign G Will Fries to five-year, $88 million contract

Minnesota is being aggressive. Fries is yet another addition for the Vikings, and he’s a big one. One of the NFL’s top guards in 2024, Fries will help pave the way for Aaron Jones and whoever else runs the ball for the franchise. Of course, the 26-year-old will also help protect J.J. McCarthy as he transitions into a starting role. This is a large investment, but will help the organization maintain its success.

Grade: B+

Giants sign S Jevon Holland to three-year, $45.3 million contract

By making this deal, New York is betting on receiving the 2023 version of Holland. That season, the 2021 second rounder tallied 74 tackles and one interception, playing like one of the top safeties in the NFL. Last season was a different story, as Holland was effective, but far from a game changer. For this pact to age well for the Giants, the 25-year-old needs to return to form. Age is obviously on his side.

Grade: B

Eagles receive: G Kenyon Green and 2026 fifth-round pick

Texans receive: S C.J. Gardner-Johnson and 2026 sixth-round pick

This is an odd trade. Gardner-Johnson is a significantly better player than Green, so why the Eagles would agree to this exchange is beyond me. Green, at best, will serve as a decent depth piece for the defending Super Bowl champions.

Houston, on the other hand, makes out well here, even if it’s further demolishing its offensive line in the process. Green is a failed 2022 first-round pick, so trading him for an established safety will help the Texans’ bid for contention.

Eagles Grade: D

Texans Grade: B+

Falcons sign LB Divine Deablo to two-year, $14 million contract

The Raiders are getting gashed in free agency — not good for an already below-average team! Deablo, the former Raider, is heading to Atlanta, where I think the Falcons — a theme of this free agency period — overpaid.

Last season, Deablo made 63 tackles and one sack, but he struggled in numerous areas. Perhaps Atlanta feels the 26-year-old still has room to grow. Regardless, the Falcons could’ve found a cheaper — and possibly better — option at linebacker.

Grade: C-

Browns sign OT Cornelius Lucas to two-year, $10 million contract

This is a hard signing to evaluate. For one, Lucas played fairly well across 464 snaps last season for the Commanders, holding his own when called upon. On the other hand, the offensive tackle is 33 and well, only played the aforementioned 464 snaps a year ago. That isn’t a huge issue, though, as Cleveland is likely signing Lucas to be its swing tackle.

Grade: B+

Cowboys sign DT Solomon Thomas to two-year, $8 million contract

This signing is probably a case of the Cowboys — per usual — chasing a big name. Thomas, the 2017 No. 3 overall pick, hasn’t panned out, and his performance with the Jets the last three seasons has been particularly poor. Despite nine sacks with the team, Thomas isn’t worth this money at this stage of his career.

Grade: C-

Dolphins sign S Ifeatu Melifonwu to one-year, $4 million contract

Out goes Jevon Holland and in comes Melifonwu. That isn’t a good thing, folks, especially for a Miami franchise trying to make the playoffs. On the bright side, however, there might be some untapped potential in the 26-year-old. Also, if he’s not much of a contributor on defense, Melifonwu should still be able to help on special teams. This is a fine signing, even if the optics of Holland departing are bad.

Grade: C+

Buccaneers sign P Riley Dixon to two-year, $6 million contract

Dixon is one of the game’s better punters, especially in terms of generating fair catches, but this is more than I’d pay him. There were cheaper alternatives available for Tampa Bay.

Grade: C

Dolphins sign S Elijah Campbell to one-year, $1.9 million contract

This is a waste of money. Campbell plays special teams, but is a zero on defense. Miami could’ve obtained a similar player post-draft among the undrafted free agents.

Grade: D

Bengals sign CB Marco Wilson to one-year, $1.52 million contract

Wilson, a 2021 fourth-round selection, has yet to play good football in the NFL. The 26-year-old leaves you longing for better play, but there’s a silver lining there; Wilson may be capable of playing well. It probably won’t happen, hence the cheap nature of this deal, but there’s a sliver of potential with Wilson.

The Bengals are bringing him back to bet on that, and hey, if he fails, he fails — there’s not much downside. Wilson tallied 17 tackles in 2024.

Grade: C-

49ers sign S Richie Grant to one-year, $1.5 million contract

Grant was dreadful last season, but it hasn’t always been that way. The 2021 second rounder recorded a combined 226 tackles between 2022 and 2023, showing his capabilities. Grant also played special teams last year, so he’ll provide some value even if he can’t cut it on defense. This is a nice signing by San Francisco with almost no risk.

Grade: A-

Dolphins sign LB Quinton Bell to one-year, $1.5 million contract

Bell returns to Miami, where he played in all 17 games a year ago. The 28-year-old didn’t see extensive action, but he’s a solid value at this price.

Grade: B

NCAAB

La Salle hires Darris Nichols as head coach

The Explorers are hiring Nichols away from Radford, where he found success in both 2023 and 2025 with the Highlanders. The La Salle job is a moderate step up, so we’ll see if Nichols is up to the challenge.

Grade: C+