NFL free-agency tracker: Golladay, Trent Williams still unsigned

The NFL offseason is already a scramble, as the drop in the salary cap led to a torrent of veterans released, and some last-minute moves to retain top talent poised to hit the market.

The Patriots made headlines on the first day of the “legal tampering” period, adding versatile pieces on offense (TE Jonnu Smith and WRs Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne) and defense (EDGE Matt Judon and DB Jalen Mills) a few days after re-signing Cam Newton. On Tuesday morning, they added TE Hunter Henry to the mix.

Players who have signed or been franchise-tagged are in italics. For unsigned players, their most recent team is noted in parentheses.

QUARTERBACKS

1. Dak Prescott: Re-signed with Dallas
One of the most efficient quarterbacks of the past five years, Prescott represents both where the game is headed and, given his placement on this list, the NFL’s reticence in awarding players that are not a dated archetype of how quarterbacks should play. Prescott is accurate, doesn’t make mistakes and spreads the ball around. He’s now the second-highest-paid player in football, behind Patrick Mahomes. —CO

2. Cam Newton: Re-signed with New England
I think most everyone realizes how valuable it is to have Newton on a paltry contract, loaded with incentives, like this one. It’s an interesting pairing in Foxboro; he seems to be legitimately in love with the idea of playing for Bill Belichick and the Patriots, which, as we all know, can be an acquired taste for some. Having Newton on a backup QB salary gives New England the flexibility to go upgrade the rest of the offense while also ensuring that they have a good-enough QB should other options (via draft or via trade for someone like Jimmy Garoppolo) fall through. —CO

3. Jacoby Brissett (Indianapolis)
Two seasons ago, he had the Colts at 5–2 before a knee injury sidelined him, and by the time he returned to the lineup, the receiving corps had been decimated by injury. Brissett has to continue to make strides when it comes to processing speed, but the physical traits are there and he’s still only 28. It would be interesting to see how he’d progress if he entered training camp with the starting job somewhere for the first time in his career. —GG

4. Ryan Fitzpatrick: Agreed to sign with Washington
Fitzpatrick has established himself as the commensurate Bridge Guy with a high four- or five-game ceiling. Landing in Washington gives him an excellent change to hold on to the starting job for a full season—only Taylor Heinicke and possibly an aggressive draft-day move stand in his way. —CO

5. Jameis Winston: Re-signed with New Orleans
The QB competition with Taysom Hill is on. While Sean Payton has spoken of Winston in glowing terms, the Saints instead turned to Hill when Drew Brees was hurt last season. Winston’s 30-minute audition in relief of Brees in Week 10—when Winston was tasked with protecting a lead—featured an unfortunate decision that was reminiscent of his turnover-filled stint in Tampa. While he has starting-caliber talent, coaching the interceptions out of Winston’s game is a tall order. —GG

6. Andy Dalton (Dallas)
7. Mitchell Trubisky (Chicago)
8. Joe Flacco (N.Y. Jets)
9. Tyrod Taylor (L.A. Chargers)
10. C.J. Beathard (San Francisco)

RUNNING BACKS

1. Aaron Jones: Re-signed with Green Bay
Green Bay is a smart team that understands the importance of layering a position like running back, especially in this particular offense. Maybe Jones isn’t around forever and maybe he affects AJ Dillon’s development, but they ensure that the position is well-stocked and that they are as versatile in the red zone as possible. —CO

2. Chris Carson (Seattle)
He’s been outstanding when healthy, capable of creating his own yardage as a runner, and Carson’s receiving skills have improved to the point of making him a respectable part of the passing game. Durability is the issue; he’s missed 19 games over his first four NFL seasons, and his violent running style suggests he’ll be a regular on the injury report. —GG

3. Kenyan Drake (Arizona)
He was excellent after being acquired by the Cardinals at the 2019 trade deadline, but Drake battled ankle and hip injuries over his first full season in Arizona and wasn’t nearly as effective last year. He didn’t have great blocking in front of him, but Chase Edmonds typically outperformed Drake, who too often failed to create his own yards. Interested teams will have to determine whether a return to health will result in a reemergence of his 2019 form. —GG