3 Years, $10 million
Best: SAF Jaylinn Hawkins, Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens are the subject of some real controversy at the moment, with some fans under the impression that they failed Maxx Crosby’s physical on purpose after realizing Trey Hendrickson wouldn’t cost as much as originally expected. Nonetheless, they’ve had a nice offseason, and Hawkins’ contract might be the best of them all. The ex-Patriot had a career year last season, totaling 71 tackles and fourinterceptions during the regular season. A breakout at 28 years old, he might have left teams wary of handing him a richer deal, and the Ravens landed a bargain. PFF suggested he’d have a $15-$20 million market this offseason, but the Ravens find an upgrade of Ar’Darius Washington for only $3 million more per season. Grade: A+
Worst: ED Jaelan Phillips, Carolina Panthers
4 Years, $120 million
When healthy, Phillips is fantastic. Health has been a rarity in his career, however. He’s played only 63 regular-season games in five years and has played 29 in his last three seasons. He had a modest 5.0 sacks in 2025, and while he’s better than that number shows, a $30 million pass rusher should be expected to consistently rack up double-digits in the category. He’s never done that. Turning 27 before the season, age is no issue for the pass rusher, but consistency is. The Panthers had a major hole on the edge last season, and while rookies Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen showed signs they could be productive players, adding an alpha was a must for the Panthers. They’ve paid the Miami product like he’s just that, but he hasn’t been that alpha since his 2023 Achilles tear. Grade: D-
Best: RB Kenneth Walker, Kansas City Chiefs
3 Years, $45 million
The Chiefs needed to upgrade a backfield that featured Kareem Hunt and Isaih Pacheco, and they did exactly that by signing the Super Bowl MVP. Walker had 313 yards and four touchdowns in three playoff games, and, while splitting the backfield with Zach Charbonnet, broke the 1,000-yard threshold. Holders of the No. 9 pick in the NFL Draft, Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love was often mocked to the Chiefs, but now, they have the ability to ignore the most replaceable position that early in the draft. The departures of starting cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson to the Rams necessitate adding a cornerback, and the draft has several to offer. LSU’s Mansoor Delane and Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy could be the answer for the Chiefs now as they hold their first top 10 selection since 2017, when they selected the league’s most talented quarterback. Grade: A
Worst: WR Alec Pierce, Indianapolis Colts
4 Years, $114 million
Pierce became the highest-paid free agent wide receiver in history after inking a four-year extension with the Colts. The Patriots reportedly offered him north of $37 million per season and while his size and deep threat ability would have made him an intriguing target for Drake Maye, his loyalties lied in Indiana. Be it for $29 million or $27 million, Pierce is receiving far too big a contract for what he does. He eclipsed the 1,000-yard threshold for the first time in his career last season, and he’s yet to have a 50-catch season. Michael Pittman was traded, leaving Pierce the clear No. 1 wide-out, though Josh Downs is sure to see a healthy dose of targets. The offense will primarily run through Jonathan Taylor and Tyler Warren, but paying nearly $30 million for a one-trick pony has bust written all over it. I truly feel that this has the potential to go down as one of the worst contracts in NFL history. Grade: F
Best: SAF Kevin Byard, New England Patriots
1 Year, $9 million
The Patriots allowing Hawkins to leave for such a modest price tag hurts without a doubt, but they made up for it with the signing of Byard. An All-Pro in 2025, the former Bear lead the league in interceptions (7) for the second time, bringing his career total to 36. At 32, it remains to be seen how much elite play he has left, but he’s likely to continue to be one of the league’s best safeties in 2026. Not only was his ‘25 play excellent, but Byard was a part of Vrabel’s teams in Tennessee until the very end. He’s bounced around over the past few seasons, but I’d expect him to end his career playing in New England, be that at the end of the 2026 season or later. Adding an All-Pro safety to a defensive backfield that already features Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis, Marcus Jones and Craig Woodson only helps the rich get richer. Grade: A+
Worst: TE Charlie Kolar, L.A. Chargers
3 Years, $24.5 million
The going rate for blocking tight ends is steep at this point in time, and Kolar is one of the league’s better blockers. Despite his ability in the run game, he has only 30 career catches but signed for north of $8 million per season. Chig Okonkwo signed a three-year deal worth $30 million with the Washington Commanders, and he’s caught 164 more passes in that time. I understand the Chargers’ affinity for running the football, but $8 million yearly for a player who’s never been higher than the TE3 on his depth chart is a steep price. I can see a world where he fits into L.A.’s scheme, but there were better players available at the position for his price. Grade: D