The biggest NFL free agent bargains so far this offseason

The first wave of free agency is over following a hectic opening salvo to the NFL’s season of wheeling and dealing.

The biggest and most high-profile names are now off the board, as teams across the league look to set their rosters up for the 2024 season. 

But as teams step up their preparations for next month’s draft, who has got the biggest bargain in free agency? Here’s a look at six cut-price deals that could come to look very good when the new season gets underway.  

Russell Wilson - Pittsburgh Steelers

Will it be a case of one man’s rubbish being another man’s treasure in Pittsburgh?

After the Denver Broncos called time on the Russell Wilson era, they chose to swallow up Wilson’s $37.8million salary for the upcoming season, meaning that the QB was in a position to accept a league-minimum deal with another team. 

Pittsburgh couldn’t turn down the offer to land a former Super Bowl-winning quarterback in what is a low-risk, high-reward deal. 

Wilson still has the ability to stretch the field and add another dimension to the Steelers passing game and with some very healthy competition behind him in Justin Fields, this deal could look to be a steal. 

Austin Ekeler - Washington Commanders

We saw a crowded running back market this month, with the likes of Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry grabbing the main headlines. But the Commanders’ pick-up of Ekeler on a two-year, $8.4million deal could prove to be a very shrewd move. 

Still only 28, Ekeler also adds a threat to the passing game and should be a good comfort blanket for whichever rookie QB the team end up drafting. 

Marquise Brown - Kansas City Chiefs

Although they made it back-to-back Super Bowl wins last season, the Chiefs offense was far from perfect for most of the regular season, with drops galore from their wide receiver corps. 

The signing of Brown in a one-year, $11million deal ticks a lot of boxes on paper. At 26, he’s a good age and brings a playmaking edge to the team that Patrick Mahomes will be able to take advantage of. 

Aaron Jones - Minnesota Vikings 

Another of the deep class of running backs to be on the move, Jones signed a one-year, $7million deal with the Vikings, where he should be part of an effective unit alongside Ty Chandler. 

With the Vikings making signals that they are looking to trade up in the draft, he can also be an effective weapon for a rookie QB. 

Willie Gay - New Orleans Saints

The best deals in free agency are often the ones for the cheaper, situational players that can make a difference on a team and the one-year, $3million deal for the 26-year-old linebacker looks to tick that box.

Fast and able to help in coverage, Gay should quickly find a role in Dennis Allen’s defense. 

Geno Stone - Cincinnati Bengals

What’s more satisfying than filling a position of need without breaking the bank? Doing it while taking a player from your bitter rivals in the process, of course. 

Stone’s two-year, $15million deal looks very good on paper after the safety’s breakout season in Baltimore and with just $6million in guaranteed money, it’s a very team-friendly deal.

Andrew Van Ginkel - Minnesota Vikings

As they braced for the loss of Danielle Hunter, the Vikings were able to land talented edge rusher Van Ginkel from the Dolphins on a two-year, $20million deal, which could be a real bargain. 

After making 69 tackles and six sacks last season, Van Ginkel is ready for a bigger role and Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores will be able to get the most out of him and make that contract look like extremely good value. 

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