In the turbulent waters of NFL free agency, standout signings can make or break teams. This past offseason highlighted several impactful acquisitions that transformed franchises. The Green Bay Packers struck gold with Josh Jacobs, who, after a rocky stint with the Raiders, rushed for 1,329 yards and played a pivotal role in playoff contention.

The Minnesota Vikings found value in Andrew Van Ginkel, who excelled with career-highs in multiple categories, while the Philadelphia Eagles made a savvy move by signing Zack Baun, who quickly became a defensive stalwart and earned All-Pro honors.

Derrick Henry, signed by the Baltimore Ravens, proved the running back position still holds value, leading to an AFC North title, while Saquon Barkley’s move to the Eagles not only brought him individual accolades but also helped propel the team to championship contention.

The 2024 NFL offseason witnessed a mix of highs and lows in free agency, highlighted by Saquon Barkley's stunning impact after joining the Philadelphia Eagles. Barkley signed a lucrative three-year deal, swiftly accumulating over 2,000 rushing yards and securing a Super Bowl victory. His success culminated in a record-setting contract extension, establishing him as the highest-paid running back ever.

Conversely, the Atlanta Falcons' acquisition of Kirk Cousins resulted in one of the worst free agent blunders. After inking Cousins to a $180 million deal, they selected quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the draft, a decision that raised eyebrows. Cousins struggled with turnovers and was benched mid-season in favor of Penix, leaving Atlanta to navigate the fallout of this misjudgment.

The NFL offseason is heating up as teams prepare for free agency, which begins on March 12, 2025. The Philadelphia Eagles recently halted the Kansas City Chiefs' hopes of a historic third consecutive Super Bowl victory. The return of key players such as Saquon Barkley is crucial to the Eagles' success. As teams assess their rosters, the offseason presents a unique opportunity to acquire talent through free agency, including unrestricted and restricted free agents.

Unrestricted free agents, like Davante Adams and Sam Darnold, have the freedom to sign with any team, giving them leverage in negotiations. Meanwhile, restricted free agents, such as Desmond Ridder and KaVontae Turpin, are bound by specific rules that allow their original teams to match offers from potential suitors. Understanding the intricacies of these designations is essential for fantasy football enthusiasts as they prepare for the upcoming season.

In dynasty fantasy football leagues, managers often overlook veteran players as they quickly look to cut aging assets. However, certain running backs still hold significant value and can bolster a team. Joe Mixon, now with the Houston Texans, had a solid season, but his advanced metrics raise concerns about his efficiency as he approaches age 29. Selling him for rookie draft capital could be wise. Tony Pollard of the Tennessee Titans also had a decent year but struggled with efficiency and may see competition from Tyjae Spears. Selling him could prevent a drop in value.

James Conner of the Arizona Cardinals had a career year but faces injury concerns as he turns 30 soon. If not contending, trading him should be a priority. Alvin Kamara remains productive, yet his metrics suggest decline as he enters his 30s. Lastly, Saquon Barkley's stellar season raises his value, making him a prime sell-high candidate. While he still performs well, the risk of injury looms large, and capitalizing on his current market value is smart.

The Philadelphia Eagles have secured All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun with a substantial three-year, $51 million contract, cementing him as one of the highest-paid players at his position. The deal includes $34 million guaranteed and an additional $1.5 million in performance incentives. Baun's remarkable 2024 season, characterized by 151 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and five forced fumbles, helped propel the Eagles to success, including a standout performance in the playoffs. This signing follows another major deal for running back Saquon Barkley, who recently became the highest-paid player at his position.