NFL free agency frenzy: Several star players change teams and get paid

• It has been a wild few days as the NFL’s free agent signing period approaches. Several big name players are reportedly changing teams and signing big contracts.
• The Seattle Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers seemed to be well involved in the process in the early going.
• Players like Geno Smith, DK Metcalf, Justin Fields, Aaron Rodgers and Devante Adams could shift the balance of power in the league.

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The NFL’s free agent frenzy officially begins Wednesday, March 12, but fans have already seen an incredible few days with blockbuster trades and record setting signings as marquee players reshape the balance of power.

The two most active teams, at least initially, were the Seattle Seahawks and the Pittsburgh Steelers. On Friday, March 7, Seattle traded their starting quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders, then a day later sent their superstar receiver DK Metcalf to Pittsburgh. Those two players will sign massive contract extensions with their new teams in the coming days.

Who replaced Geno Smith as QB in Seattle?

Tuesday, March 11, the Seahawks spent some of the money they freed up reportedly signing their new quarterback, Sam Darnold. The free agent resurrected his career after a stellar season with the Minnesota Vikings. Darnold has also played for the Jets, Panthers and 49ers in his seven-year career. The deal with Seattle is reportedly worth $100 million over the next three seasons.

After those moves, the quarterback dominoes started to fall. Tuesday, March 11, the New York Jets reportedly signed former Steelers quarterback Justin Fields to a two-year deal. The other quarterback on the Steelers roster last season, Russell Wilson is still available.

However, at the scouting combine their General Manager Omar Kahn didn’t give either player a ringing endorsement.

“There are good things from both of them glad to have had both of them with us. It was a good experience. Both of them are really good people. But the reality is, we ended the season with five straight losses and that’s not good enough. That’s unacceptable. And from top to bottom in the organization, we’ve got to be better.” Kahn said.

Who will play quarterback in Pittsburgh?

So, who will throw to DK Metcalf now that he is in Pittsburgh? Rumors are that former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is talking to the Steelers and the New York Giants. Devante Adams, Rodgers top receiver last season in New York has reportedly signed a deal with the Los Angeles Rams.

Several other big-time deals reported in the last couple days include the Arizona Cardinals signing former Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Josh Sweat, former Giants and Vikings quarterback Daniel Jones heading to Indianapolis, and former Dolphins safety Javon Holland moving to the Giants.

The Steelers also lose their star running back Najee Harris, who is moving to the Los Angeles Chargers. Former San Francisco defensive stars Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga will now both play in Denver.

Which big name players signed extensions?

There were also a few big names who stayed with their current teams signing massive extensions. Cornerback Byron Murphy of the Vikings signed a three-year, $66 million extension.

Defensive end Myles Garrett requested a trade out of Cleveland Feb. 3, has now decided to stay as the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history. His deal is worth $123 million over the next four years.

Additionally, NFL’s most valuable player Josh Allen is now the second highest paid player in league history at six years and $330 million. That ranks just behind Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.

All these new deals become official Wednesday, March 12 at 4 p.m. EST, when the start of the new league year officially begins.