2022 NFL Free Agency Grades and Analysis

Mar 14th 2022

Charles McDonald

NFL Free Agency is kicking off with the legal tampering period starting on Monday, March 14.

Here's a running tab of analysis and takes on the signings as they're announced.

Chargers sign CB J.C. Jackson

Buccaneers re-sign CB Carlton Davis

For the second year in a row, the Buccaneers seem to be trying to keep their guys in town. Carlton Davis came back to Tampa Bay on a three year, $45 million deal where he'll continue to be the featured starting cornerback in Todd Bowles' defense.

Grade: B+

Jets sign TE C.J. Uzomah

This is a nice signing for the Jets at three years, $24 million. Uzomah was hurt during the Bengals run to the Super Bowl, but when he's healthy he's a quality starting tight end that holds up well in the pass and run game. He's also a nice fit in Mike LaFleur's offense as a tight end that can plays after the catch.

Grade: B+

Jaguars sign WR Zay Jones

Good for Zay! Jones sign with the Jaguars for a three year, $30 million contract. He'll join Christian Kirk and Evan Engram as the new weapons for Trevor Lawrence as the Jaguars try to rebuild their offense.

The Jaguars still need a legitimate dude on the outside and they've shelled out a lot of money to not have that yet.

Grade: D

Jets re-sign WR Braxton Berrios

Getting Berrios back was an important move that the Jets needed to make this offseason and they did so on a deal that works for both sides. Berrios showed a strong rapport with Zach Wilson towards the end of last season and proved himself as a quality safety valve. They still need more on the outside, but keeping Berrios on a two year, $12 million deal makes sense for both sides.

Grade: B+

Bengals re-sign DT B.J. Hill

The Bengals acquired Hill in a trade with the Giants last season. Hill immediately turned into a quality defender for them and fit well in their rotation with high-priced defensive tackle D.J. Reader. Hill will be back with the Bengals on a three year deal worth roughly $30 million according to Adam Schefter.

Grade: A

Jaguars sign WR Christian Kirk

Good for Christian Kirk! According to Adam Schefter, Kirk signed a four year deal with the Jaguars worth up to $84 million. Of course, the guarantees need to be announced, but Kirk has a chance to be one of the highest paid receivers in the league.

On the Jaguars end, why? Kirk's resume doesn't command this kind of money. He's a solid starting slot receiver, but he's getting paid like one of the top receivers in the game. That's crazy for a receiver that's averaging 51.2 yards per game for his career. The Jaguars might have to overpay in free agency to get players on board, but this is a bit much.

However, this is an upgrade for the Jaguars at a position they sorely needed to upgrade. They have that as a positive at least. It'll be interesting to see how the Jaguars split reps with Lavishka Shenault, who is also probably better out of the slot where Kirk plays.

Grade: D

Eagles sign EDGE Haason Reddick

Haason Reddick gets to cash in on a career-best year with the Panthers, racking up 11 sacks and 12 tackles for loss. Reddick and Josh Sweat are an athletic duo on the edge to pair together for the long haul and Reddick has shown that he can be an extremely effective player with another talented edge rusher across from him. Reddick, Sweat and Javon Hargrave is a great trio on the defensive front to have locked in for the next few seasons.

Grade: A-

Jets sign G Laken Tomlinson

The Jets signed Laken Tomlinson to a three year, $40 million deal to shore up their offensive line for Zach Wilson. That might seem steep for Tomlinson, but the Jets are building a talented, athletic offensive line and currently have Tomlinson, Alijah Vera-Tucker and Mekhi Becton to build around for the long haul. Tomlinson also has experience in the same system the Jets run considering he's coming from the 49ers.

Grade: B+

Jaguars sign LB Foye Oluokun

The former Falcons starting linebacker broke the bank with a three year deal worth roughly $45 million. Oluokun isn't the most consistent linebacker out there, but he does have the speed and athletic ability to make big plays. If Myles Jack sticks around with the Jaguars, they'll have one of the most athletic linebacker duos in the league. They might not always be good per se, but it'll be fun to watch.

Grade: C

Jaguars sign G Brandon Scherff

The terms on this deal still have yet to be announced, but the Jaguars are adding a veteran offensive lineman to help the growth of Trevor Lawrence under new head coach Doug Pederson. Lawrence won't be the only player to benefit from Scherff's arrival. Scherff will make life easier for running backs James Robinson and Travis Etienne as well. Pederson always had strong guard play in Philadelphia with guys like Brandon Brooks, here's a chance to replicate that formula in Jacksonville.

Grade: A