Ranking AFC teams after 2024 NFL free agency first wave: Chiefs remain team to beat, Texans a legit contender

The first wave of free agency has come and gone, and while it’s always entertaining, it felt more dramatic than usual this year. The Atlanta Falcons found a new quarterback in Kirk Cousins, Christian Wilkins left Miami for Vegas and the Tennessee Titans made some offensive splashes with Tony Pollard and Calvin Ridley.

It’s exciting when franchises start throwing money around, but that doesn’t always guarantee your team will increase its win total and make a playoff run the following season. Let’s take a step back and attempt to judge the teams in the AFC following the first wave of free agency. Which free-agency additions will guarantee massive improvements from teams, and which aren’t enough?

Key additions: WR Marquise Brown
Key losses: OL Nick Allegretti

I’m not going to bump down the reigning Super Bowl champions just because they haven’t dominated free agency. Still, they’ve done a good job. General manager Brett Veach locked down star defensive tackle Chris Jones on a five-year deal worth nearly $160 million, and franchise-tagged cornerback L’Jarius Sneed while keeping an open mind towards a trade. Maybe there’s a possibility Sneed could remain in Kansas City and play on the tag in 2024. Offensively, the Chiefs added Hollywood Brown for Patrick Mahomes, which could be fun to watch. 

Key additions: RB Derrick Henry
Key losses: LB Patrick Queen, S Geno Stone, OG John Simpson

It felt like a secret everyone was in on before it actually happened, Derrick Henry is headed to Baltimore. The Ravens have been great running the ball no matter who was lined up next to Lamar Jackson, but now with Henry, maybe the Ravens take another step towards that Super Bowl. Baltimore has lost a couple of starters on defense and on the offensive line, but Justin Madubuike is back on a four-year, $98 million deal.

Key additions: EDGE Danielle Hunter, LB Azeez Al-Shaair, DL Denico Autry, RB Joe Mixon
Key…

Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ranking-afc-teams-after-2024-nfl-free-agency-first-wave-chiefs-remain-team-to-beat-texans-a-legit-contender/

Author : Jordan Dajani

Publish date : 2024-03-19 13:28:00

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