2023 NFL Free Agency: Day 2 Winners and Losers
The 2023 NFL Free Agency is off to a flying start. The opening day saw a lot of trades and signings. This trend continued into Day 2 as well. The league saw some big-time players move across coasts into new teams.
Although deals won't be finalized until 4 pm ET today, there is an idea of how the teams will be stacked after two days of signings and trades. With that being said, here are the winners and losers from Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Free Agency.
Winner: New York Giants
In what was probably the blockbuster move of the 2023 NFL Free Agency, the Giants traded for Raiders TE Darren Waller in exchange for a third-round pick. This is an incredible addition to the Giants offense. Having a TE of Waller's caliber improves the passing-game options for Daniel Jones.
Despite being plagued by injuries and having appeared in only 20 games in the past two years, Waller is still one of the best tight ends in the NFL when healthy. By extending Jones and Saquon Barkley, the Giants had to bring in good pass catchers to help their quarterback. With the addition of Waller, they are on the right track to build their offense.
Winner: Philadelphia Eagles
There were plenty of questions for the Eagles heading into free agency. A lot of their players were going to be free agents. This meant that most of the players who made the trip to Super Bowl LVII will not be returning to Philadelphia. Enter Howie Roseman. Regarded as one of the best general managers in the NFL, Roseman pulled the right strings and completely turned around the roster in two days.
The Eagles filled their big void by retaining their free agent wide receiver James Bradberry for another three years ($44 million). They signed Rashaad Penny from the Seahawks, who's considered to be one of the best running backs in the NFL, on budget. They've also retained Boston Scott and Jason Kelce.
The Eagles are still looking to add another piece by re-signing their free agent safety, C.J. Gardner-Johnson. But the reigning NFC Champs look ready to make another run at the Super Bowl.
Winner: Dallas Cowboys
Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn spearheaded the Cowboys' free agency moves. They re-signed safety Donavan Wilson to a three-year, $24 million contract. Next, they got Stephon Gilmore from the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. This is an outstanding pick-up for Dallas.
Heading into the 2023 NFL Season, the Dallas defense looks dangerous. The Cowboys also re-signed linebacker Leighton Vander Esch on a two-year, $11 million contract. DC Quinn has done an excellent job of stabilizing their defense with important moves in free agency.
Loser: Arizona Cardinals
The free agency period has been horrendous for the Arizona Cardinals. With the hiring of a new head coach in Jonathan Gannon, the team was expected to make noise during the legal tampering period. However, the Cardinals failed to lure T.J. Edwards, James Bradberry and Javon Hargrave to Arizona.
In fact, the DT left the Eagles to join their divisional rivals San Francisco 49ers. Finally, to top off a catastrophic tampering period, the Cardinals lost their defensive pieces Byron Murphy and Zach Allen in free agency as well.
Loser: Indianpolis Colts
The past couple of days for the Colts have been disappointing. First, they let go of their premier cornerback Stephon Gilmore to the Cowboys for a mere fifth-round pick. Next, they cut their quarterback Matt Ryan, who they acquired from the Falcons.
The Colts will have to pay Ryan $12 million this year due to his contract. Do they plan on signing Lamar Jackson once he is allowed to talk to teams today? If not, no move from the Colts makes any sense.
Loser: Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders signed quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo on the first day of the legal tampering period. Next, they picked up free agent WR Jakobi Meyers yesterday. All looked well until they ended up sending their star tight end Darren Waller to the New York Giants in exchange for a third-round pick. This is a significant blow to their offense.
A couple of weeks back, HC Josh McDaniel stated that Waller will be a "big part" of what they'll be doing going forward. This move only raises questions about the management. The Raiders will look to add more depth to their offense and if they fail to do so, it's time to hit the panic button in Las Vegas.