• Loading stock data...
Friday, August 22, 2025
The biggest names in sports media. All in one room. Buy tickets now!

NFL Free Agency Hits Record Pace After Billion-Dollar Weekend

NFL free-agent spending started quickly Monday afternoon, led by a major deal for Sam Darnold and a surprising one for Justin Fields.

Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The NFL’s free agency frenzy is off to a fast start, with multiple NFL franchises already handing out new deals worth more than $100 million each.

Following a billion-dollar weekend of extensions, trades, and new signings, that eye-popping 10-figure total was quickly surpassed Monday afternoon after the league’s “legal tampering” period opened at noon ET. Free agent contracts and trades can’t be officially completed until Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, but parties can now come to terms on any deals they want.

Here are the most expensive—and most surprising—NFL free-agent deals so far:

  • The Seahawks won the Sam Darnold sweepstakes with a $100.5 million deal.
  • Former Bears and Steelers quarterback Justin Fields is signing with the Jets for $40 million over two years.
  • The Panthers made Jaycee Horn the league’s highest-paid defensive back with a $100 million extension averaging $25 million per season.

Two of the most active teams Monday were the Buccaneers and Patriots. 

New England landed defensive tackle Milton Williams with a four-year, $104 million deal, cornerback Carlton Davis (three years, $60 million), and several other players. Tampa Bay spent more than $100 million bringing back receiver Chris Godwin and guard Ben Bredeson, and adding pass rusher Hasaan Reddick.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Oct 2, 2024; Rosemont, IL, USA; Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti speaks with the media during the 2024 Big Ten Women’s Basketball media day at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.

‘Not Ready to Jump In’: Power 4 Commissioners Aren’t Sold on PE

Top leaders in college sports have yet to see a satisfactory proposal.
Nov 23, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin looks at quarterback Drew Allar (15) during the first quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium.

Private Equity Enters College Sports—Without the Equity

As college football starts, lending agreements have become PE’s best way in.

SEC Adopts 9-Game Conference Schedule As CFP Changes Loom

The conference matches schedule formats used by the Big Ten and Big 12.
Pat Fitzgerald

Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern Settle Lawsuit Over Firing

Fitzgerald has insisted he had no knowledge of hazing on the team.

Featured Today

Sep 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants running back Eric Gray (20) returns a kickoff against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at MetLife Stadium.

‘Fauxbacks’ Throw Back to a Retro Uniform That Never Existed

Many throwback jerseys are brand-new designs or “Franken-Unis.”
August 17, 2025

‘Labubu Gang’: The Creepy-Cute Dolls Sweeping Pro Sports

The creepy-cute doll is the hottest collectible—and fashion statement.
Middle Tennessee wide receiver Cam'ron Lacy (86) catches a pass and carries the ball during the season final home football game against New Mexico State on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024.
August 15, 2025

How Middle Tennessee State Added $668,000 to Its NIL Budget

The Blue Raiders are creating a new blueprint for cutting costs.
Bridgewater American 12U Little League player Micah Poulter holds a District 7 pin during a send-off rally to the New England regional tournament in Bristol, Connecticut, from Legion Field on Friday, August 2, 2024.
August 14, 2025

Inside the Little League World Series Pin Trade

The rare little collectibles fuel a frenzy in Williamsport each summer.

Premier League Sets New Highs: $3.2B Spent, Record U.S. Viewership

The league’s transfer spending beats the rest of Europe’s Big Five combined.
August 20, 2025

US Open’s Controversial New Mixed Doubles Format Makes Waves

The first-place prize money for the winning duo climbed from $200,000 to $1 million.
Aug 5, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) looks to drive past New York Liberty guard Natasha Cloud (9) in the third quarter at Barclays Center.
August 21, 2025

Man Arrested for Throwing Dildo at Liberty Game

After police released his photo, the man turned himself in.
Sponsored

Building A Pro League From Scratch

Front Office Sports and Gainbridge® spotlight what it takes to build a professional women’s soccer league.
August 20, 2025

PGA Tour Turning to Theo Epstein, Tiger Woods to Reshape Pro Golf

A new Future Competition Committee was announced Wednesday.
Palestinian flags
exclusive
August 19, 2025

MLS Says Columbus Crew Fans Can Fly Palestinian Flag After Two-Year Ban

MLS has banned Israeli and Palestinian flags since October 2023.
Aug 1, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) signs autographs for fans before the game against the Indiana Fever at the American Airlines Center.
August 19, 2025

WNBA Breaks Regular-Season Attendance Record With a Month Left

The current WNBA season ends Sept. 11.
August 19, 2025

PGA Tour Will Return to Trump Doral for New $20M Signature Event

Doral last hosted a PGA Tour event in 2016.