NFL Free Agency Buzz — Steelers Corner the Market on Old Guys

Big Bags. Big Names. Big Moves.

From future Hall of Famers clinging to one last payday to rising stars cashing in early, this offseason had everything: blockbuster trades, head-scratching contracts, and at least three moves that made Steelers fans wonder if they’re assembling a team or a museum exhibit. Meanwhile, the Jets kept writing checks like the salary cap is just a suggestion — the NFL never sleeps, and neither do the accountants:

Headliners That Broke the Bank

Rams land Davante Adams (WR)

After the Jets cut him loose, the Rams pounced. Two years, $46M to pair Adams with Matthew Stafford — and suddenly LA’s offense doesn’t just look alive, it looks dangerous.

Jets lock up Garrett Wilson (WR)

The Jets finally put their money where their mouth is. Four years, $130M for their star wideout, with $90M guaranteed and a $13.75M signing bonus. Oh, and a lifetime supply of New York media pressure.

Jets pay Sauce Gardner (CB)

Lock it up. Four years, $120.4M for the NFL’s smoothest corner. The Jets are paying everybody except the guy snapping the ball.

Steelers extend T.J. Watt (EDGE)

Pittsburgh made sure Watt isn’t going anywhere. Three years, $123M to make him the highest-paid defender in NFL history (for now).

Rams keep Matthew Stafford (QB)

At 37, Stafford re-ups for two years, $84M with $44M guaranteed in 2025. If he’s still standing in 2026, another $40M kicks in. Not bad for a guy held together by tape and vibes

Bills snag Joey Bosa (EDGE)

Buffalo keeps stacking the defense. One year, $12.6M for Bosa on a prove-it deal, chasing a ring in upstate New York.

Bengals re-sign Tee Higgins (WR)

Cincy keeps Burrow’s big target happy: three years, $72M with $48M guaranteed. Still eating into Chase’s shine.

Chiefs keep Trey Smith (G)

Kansas City resets the guard market. Four years, $94M to keep Mahomes upright and the Lombardi pipeline flowing.

Steelers sign Aaron Rodgers (QB)

Yup. He’s back, and he’s wearing black & gold now. Pittsburgh goes all-in on the veteran QB, because why not when Will Howard was your QB1.

Seahawks sign Sam Darnold (QB)

Seattle gives Darnold two years, $28M ($16M guaranteed) because they believe whatever that was in Minnesota last year was real.

Raiders trade for Geno Smith (QB)

Vegas sends a 3rd-rounder to Seattle, takes on two years, $52M ($27M guaranteed). All that cash for the worst QB in the AFC West — bold strategy.

Steelers land Jalen Ramsey (CB)

Pittsburgh trades for the All-Pro corner and restructures his deal to make it work. Four years, $84.7M with $19.5M fully guaranteed in 2025. Pittsburgh is betting there’s still some juice left in those legs.

Other Notables You Might’ve Missed

• Ronnie Stanley (Ravens) — Baltimore keeps their longtime tackle, still hoping he stays healthy long enough to earn the paycheck.

• Laremy Tunsil (Commanders) — Washington grabs Tunsil from Houston, who apparently decided their offensive line was already bad enough without him.

• Shaquill Griffin (Seahawks) — Veteran CB reunites with Seattle to solidify the secondary.

• Jonnu Smith (Steelers) — Traded from Miami, extended for a year. Another chess piece for Pittsburgh.

• Darren Waller (Dolphins) — Miami trades for Waller from the Giants and gives him a one-year extension. He’s old, a little washed, and held together with KT tape at this point — but hey, he can still catch a few passes before the wheels fall off.

Quick Take:

The Rams just made the NFC West fun again, the Jets are spending like it’s Monopoly money, the Steelers are quietly building an All-Pro retirement home, the Bills are hunting hardware — and I still can’t believe Darren Waller is playing football in 2025.

Stay tuned — because free agency isn’t just about filling holes anymore. It’s about making headlines.