The first wave of NFL free agency is in the books, which means it's time to judge some of the biggest moves that have been made.
It's been a chaotic week for the NFL, that's for sure. We've seen a blockbuster trade get nixed right before the start of the league year, we've seen a Pro Bowl quarterback basically sign for the veteran minimum, and we've seen a few general managers fail to address their biggest needs.
Without further ado, let's discuss the "biggest losers" in free agency so far.
Jan 29, 2026; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Eric DeCosta at Jesse Minter's press conference at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Lexi Thompson-Imagn Images © Lexi Thompson-Imagn Images.
Baltimore Ravens aren't just at the center of controversy.
Yes, the Baltimore Ravens are dominating the headlines because they "backed out" of their trade for Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby. However, that's not the only reason why they should be considered one of the biggest losers in free agency.
Before the Ravens pulled the plug on this trade for Crosby, the front office let Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum, tight end Isaiah Likely, All-Pro punter Jordan Stout and a few other players sign elsewhere. Maybe general manager Eric DeCosta didn't plan on re-signing those free agents anyway, but we can't rule out the possibility of their cap situation being tied to the Crosby trade.
Dec 11, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) looks on during warmups before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images © Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
End of an era for the Buccaneers.
Losing franchise legend Mike Evans to the San Francisco 49ers was already bad enough for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but then the contract details came out. It turns out the future Hall of Famer accepted a three-year deal that's worth $42.4 million.
"I love money like everybody else, but ... the money was not the biggest factor for me," Evans said. "Like I said, it was just football and something that I can be excited about. I'm super excited."
Evans clearly took less money to leave Tampa Bay for another NFC team. Let's also not forget that Todd Bowles and Jason Licht failed to address their need for a game-changing pass rusher. They missed out on Maxx Crosby and failed to sign Trey Hendrickson.
Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) leaves the field after a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images © Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images.
J.J. McCarthy might need a new home.
The Minnesota Vikings got an upgrade at quarterback Thursday by signing Kyler Murray to a one-year, $1.3 million contract. That's bad news for J.J. McCarthy, who completed 57.6% of his passes last season for 1,632 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell has not yet named a Week 1 starter, but all signs point to Murray winning the job.
With that being said, McCarthy may have to revitalize his career elsewhere.
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