Re-Grading NFL Free Agency's Biggest Signings At Each Position After Preseason Week 1

The NFL picture is finally coming into focus.

Throughout the offseason, we've analyzed, graded and ranked the biggest signings from March and beyond. Now, with training camps in full swing, Preseason Week 1 in the books and camp buzz colliding with early injury realities, it's time to recalibrate.

Whether evaluating late additions for the first time or updating initial grades with a fresh perspective and real on-field data, this is where the league's major signings stand in the middle of August.

QUARTERBACKS

Minnesota Vikings: Kyler Murray

Terms: 1 year, $1.3 million

Take: This could be the ultimate coup. The Cardinals are paying Murray big money to play for the Vikings, who absolutely needed an alternative to J.J. McCarthy to either take over or push their young first-round pick. There's practically no downside. 

Grade: A+

Atlanta Falcons: Tua Tagovailoa

Terms: 1 year, $1.2 million

Take: Another no-brainer for another NFC team losing confidence in a third-year first-round pick. Tagovailoa is a flawed quarterback but has accomplished a lot (Pro Bowler, league's highest-rated passer, passing yardage leader) at the age of 28. Miami is footing most of the bill. 

Grade: A

Miami Dolphins: Malik Willis

Terms: 3 years, $67.5 million with $45 million guaranteed 

Take: He's 27 with limited wear and tear and a decent amount of upside. It's a relatively limited long-term commitment for a talented player at the ultimate position who has flashed at the NFL level. I get it, and view it similarly to a first-round gamble on a QB. 

Grade: B+

Las Vegas Raiders: Kirk Cousins

Terms: 2 years, $12.6 million with $11.3 million guaranteed

Take: This is a cost-effective bridge deal that keeps the pressure off Fernando Mendoza and gives him a veteran mentor to start his pro career. The upside is limited, but it makes sense. 

Grade: B

WIDE RECEIVERS

NEW: Indianapolis Colts: Keenan Allen

Terms: 1 year, $8.3 million 

Take: Love these midsummer bolster deals for teams in need of some depth and experience at key positions. You know what your cap-space situation is for the rest of the season anyway, so there's almost no risk in handing out a one-year contract to a veteran who has gone over 700 yards in nine consecutive campaigns. 

Grade: A

New England Patriots: Romeo Doubs

Terms: 4 years, $68 million with $39 million guaranteed

Take: The Pats deserve credit for being proactive about improving and not resting on their laurels after winning the AFC in 2025, and Doubs gives Drake Maye a solid weapon to complement A.J. Brown. It's certainly not an underpay but I get it. 

Grade: B

San Francisco 49ers: Mike Evans

Terms: 3 years, $42.4 million with $16.3 million guaranteed

Take: An all-in 49ers team desperately needed a receiver who could make an immediate impact, and Evans went over 1,000 yards in each of his first 11 seasons. But he's now 33, coming off an injury-marred season, and dealing with a new ankle/foot injury in camp. There's a decent chance this blows up in the team's face.

Grade: C-

Tennessee Titans: Wan'Dale Robinson

Terms: 4 years, $70 million with $38 million guaranteed

Take: He is coming off a breakout 1,000-yard campaign, but that's a hell of a price tag for an undersized slot receiver with nine touchdowns in four NFL seasons. There are too many limitations. 

Grade: D

Las Vegas Raiders: Jalen Nailor

Terms: 3 years, $35.03 million with $23 million guaranteed

Take: This isn't breaking the bank, but Nailor isn't super young (27) and has been quite unproductive (never hitting 500 yards or catching 30 passes in a single campaign). Throw in somewhat of an injury-prone track record and this doesn't look like a smart move for the future. 

Grade: D

INTERIOR DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

Green Bay Packers: Javon Hargrave

Terms: 2 years, $23 million with $10.5 million guaranteed

Take: This addresses a need for a contender and helps soften the blow associated with Micah Parsons' injury and Rashan Gary's departure on the edge. I think he's got some gas left, so it works. 

Grade: B

Tennessee Titans: John Franklin-Myers

Terms: 3 years, $63 million with $42 million guaranteed

Take: I like the idea of an ascending team like the Titans adding a proven veteran from a strong and established defense like Denver's, but Franklin-Myers turns 30 next month and might be well beyond his prime by the time Tennessee is competitive. Tennessee is also now committing more than $56 million merely to the starting defensive tackle spots. It's overkill. 

Grade: C

Cincinnati Bengals: Jonathan Allen

Terms: 2 years, $25 million with $7.5 million guaranteed

Take: The Bengals have done their best to remake their defense on the fly, but this is an out-of-place move for a guy well beyond his prime and commanding a decent chunk of change while surrounded by expensive new talent. He's likely to do more harm than good at that rate. 

Grade: D