by Things settled down a bit on Day 4 of NFL Free Agency. We’ve seen a bevy of previously announced moves go official, but big names haven’t been knocked off the board like earlier in the week. Darius Slayton rose again with the New York Giants, and the Chicago Bears made a few sneaky signings in tight end Robert Tonyan and running back D’Onta Foreman. Foreman is the third former Panther to join the Bears this offseason!
There is still a long way to go when it comes to free agency. Who won and who lost in the NFL on Thursday? Let’s take a look.
From Monday: Day 1 winners and losers
From Tuesday: Day 2 winners and losers
From Wednesday: Day 3 winners and losers
The NFL world thought Slay was walking away from the Eagles after three successful seasons. But Howie Roseman broke down the door at the eleventh hour. After an odd Wednesday night of cryptic tweets and reports, Slay agreed with one two-year extension on Thursday. He’s reportedly getting a three-year, $42 million deal that includes $23 million fully guaranteed. Slay is happy, the Eagles are happy and the defense retains its two best cornerbacks after signing James Bradberry to a three-year contract earlier in the week.
CJGJ is the CBS Sports NFL Senior Writer Pete Prisco No. 18 free agent in this class — and many would probably rate him higher. Coming off a career year with the Eagles after being traded from the New Orleans Saints, he recorded 67 combined tackles, eight passes defended and six interceptions – which tied for the league-high. He did all of this in just 12 games played!
Spotrac’s market value tool projects Gardner-Johnson will sign a five-year contract for $66,658,780 with an AAV of $13.3 million. But maybe the market is not so sweet. On Thursday afternoon, he tweeted, then deleted, “The disrespect is real!”
The Eagles have already lost several starters on defense but also retained a few key ones like Fletcher Cox, Bradberry and Slay. There’s no doubt Philly would love to keep Gardner-Johnson, but you have to be wondering how that’s possible. You must also be wondering how much money CJGJ will get.
Thursday didn’t seem like a great day for him, but maybe this weekend will bring good news.
Winner: Giants
In every free agency class, there are a few unknown names that many believe will garner significant interest in the free market. One of those players, for some, was former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Parris Campbell. While the former Ohio State second-round pick struggled with injuries during his early NFL seasons, he bounced back in 2022, eventually playing in all 17 games and posting career stats of 63 catches, 623 yards and three touchdowns. The Giants snapped him up Thursday to bolster their broad receiving corps.
NFL Media reports that Campbell has received a $1.5 million signing bonus and his $1.4 million base salary is fully guaranteed. He will receive a training bonus of $100,000 and $100,000 for each active game (up to $1.7 million in total). Campbell also has incentives that reach up to $1.9 million. This could be a sneaky good signing. Other fandoms wanted this guy.
After this development the Giants brought back Darius Slayton has signed a two-year deal that is valued at a maximum of $16.5 million. He was New York’s leading receiver last year, and someone Daniel Jones wanted to keep in the herd.
Loser: NFL Free Agency
While the NFL typically dominates the headlines year-round, Thursday was not. On Thursday it was all about BRACKETS. It started at noon. Maryland overcame an absurdly slow start to defeat West Virginia in a thriller, No. 4 Virginia fell to No. 13 Furman with a three-pointer in the last second, and No. 2 Arizona was in a game, which was upset by Princeton, No. 15, broke many brackets – March Madness lived up to its bill. There were close games throughout the day and Friday promises to offer more of the same. Sorry NFL. They’ll need Tom Brady to come out of retirement to steal the limelight.
The Atlanta Falcons indicated last week that they have no interest in pursuing Lamar Jackson and made up for it this week signing former Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke. The fan favorite has started 25 regular-season games of his career, but he said Thursday he’s in Atlanta to be “the best replacement I can be for Desmond.” per The Athletic. If there were any questions about that, Ridder should be the Falcons starter in 2023.
