Kirk Cousins, Saquon Barkley, and Brian Burns were among the NFL stars making moves on the first day of the league’s legal tampering period.
Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowl quarterback, is leaving Minnesota for Atlanta, where he agreed to a lucrative four-year deal worth $180 million, with a staggering $100 million guaranteed and a $50 million signing bonus.
Meanwhile, Barkley, a two-time Pro Bowl running back, opted for a change of scenery within the NFC East, joining the Philadelphia Eagles on a three-year contract worth $37.75 million, with $26 million guaranteed.
In a significant defensive move, the New York Giants acquired pass rusher Brian Burns from the Carolina Panthers in exchange for draft picks. Burns, in turn, secured a five-year contract worth up to $150 million, with $87.5 million guaranteed.
The day also saw a flurry of activity among running backs. D’Andre Swift left the Eagles for the Chicago Bears, while other notable moves included Josh Jacobs to Green Bay, Tony Pollard to Tennessee, Austin Ekeler to Washington, Devin Singletary to the Giants, and Gus Edwards to the Chargers.
On the defensive front, the Las Vegas Raiders secured defensive tackle Christian Wilkins on a hefty four-year, $110 million deal with $84.75 million guaranteed. The Raiders also signed quarterback Gardner Minshew, who impressed as a backup in Indianapolis last season.
Elsewhere, several teams bolstered their rosters with strategic acquisitions. The Detroit Lions acquired Marcus Davenport and Carlton Davis in a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while the Minnesota Vikings added Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Blake Cashman to their defensive lineup.
Additionally, the Packers strengthened their defense with the addition of safety Xavier McKinney, while the Commanders made significant moves by acquiring Dorance Armstrong and Tyler Biadasz from the Dallas Cowboys.
Overall, the first day of the NFL’s legal tampering period saw a flurry of activity as teams jockeyed to secure talent and address key roster needs ahead of the upcoming season.
