The beginning of NFL free agency has been marked by massive deals and major trades. Teams are demonstrating urgency to improve quickly. Some franchises are willing to spend big due to having significant salary cap space.
Big names have found new homes, and rising stars have secured major money. The offseason is only just beginning, with the negotiation window opening on Monday and the new league year starting on Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET. Signings and trades can then become official.
Ravens Bolster Defence with Maxx Crosby Trade
Jesse Minter, the Baltimore Ravens’ new head coach, is expected to lead the team back to the postseason and improve the defence. General manager Eric DeCosta traded for star edge rusher Maxx Crosby, giving Minter a boost. The Ravens traded a couple of first-round picks (one in 2026, one in ’27) for Crosby, who’s been named second-team All-Pro twice and earned five Pro Bowl nods.
This trade signals the urgency for Minter to succeed as the replacement for John Harbaugh, who was fired in January. Minter and defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver now have a dominant pass-rushing presence.
Crosby is expected to be a game-changer. The Ravens had the league’s best defence in 2023. Minter’s unit already looks improved with stars like linebacker Roquan Smith and safety Kyle Hamilton.
Trent McDuffie’s Fortunate Timing
Trent McDuffie is described as a young, talented player in the right place at the right time. The Los Angeles Rams were seeking cornerback help after struggling in the second half of last season. This was especially apparent in their NFC Championship Game loss to Seattle. The Chiefs were facing salary-cap limitations.
- News of massive deals and major trades has been materializing at a rapid clip.
- Big name found new homes.
- Rising stars scored major money.
There’s a lot to cover in a short amount of space, so this edition of The First Read is going to start where we usually do at this time of year — with a look at the winners and losers through the first day of the negotiating period.