2024 NFL free agency grades, day 3: Cowboys get props for hitting on 49ers' Eric Kendricks

Two days after the fireworks (also known as the legal tampering period), NFL The first day of free agency kicked off on Wednesday. Today wasn't as crazy as the previous two days, but it saw the top free agent available find his new home.

The day also saw the release of veteran receivers Mike Williams and Hunter Renfroe by the Chargers and Raiders respectively. Both players will now join the list of available free agents.

There have been several other notable signings, including at the centre-back and full-back positions. We've analyzed each of these signatures and more below providing a score for each.

The Cowboys, who did nothing in the early stages of free agency, were able to secure a highly productive linebacker who had 117 tackles and 3.5 sacks for the Chargers in 2023. And while he just turned 32, Kendricks' play last season indicates… That has a lot of gas left in the tank. The fact that the Cowboys convinced Kendricks to sign with them instead of the 49ers made this signing even sweeter.

Kendricks is a huge win for Dallas. Besides being a solid player, he helps replace Leighton Vander Esch, whose career could be over due to injuries.

Longevity is the only question mark here. Will Kendricks be more than just a one-year band-aid? This question will be answered in 2024.

degree: a-

Elliott has agreed to terms on a four-year, $24 million extension, which ties him with Justin Tucker as the highest-paid player in the world. NFL date, According to ESPN.

It's hard to argue against Elliott joining Tucker as the highest-paid players in league annals. He made a whopping 93.8% of his field goal attempts last season which included making 7 of his 8 attempts of 50 yards or more. He also made all but one of his 46 point attempts.

Kickers are like good tires. You don't appreciate what you have until you have a problem. Signing Elliott long-term gives the Eagles peace of mind at an important position for the foreseeable future.

degree: a

Jackson agreed to a two-year deal worth up to $14.5 million, According to NFL Media. Given the money in this deal, it's safe to say the Panthers are hoping Jackson will be a starter after making 28 appearances during his four years in Buffalo.

This deal makes sense as the Panthers recently traded former cornerback Donte Jackson to Pittsburgh in exchange for former Pro Bowl wide receiver Diontae Johnson. In Dane Jackson, the Panthers get a 27-year-old defensive back who has made three passes and broken up 28 more during his time with the Bills.

This signing is a bit of a risk, given Jackson's lack of a professional career to this point (if it's worth noting he made 14 appearances in 2022). Unfortunately for the Panthers, when you're a team that hasn't had a lot of success, you usually have to overpay for free agents in order to attract them to your team. This is likely the situation here.

degree: B-

The former Steelers quarterback agreed to a one-year, $3.62 million deal. According to NFL Media. This is a great opportunity for Rudolph, who will likely get a chance to compete with Will Levis to be the Giants' starting center fielder.

The quarterback market isn't very strong, so the Giants decided to spend relatively little money while getting the 28-year-old quarterback who shows promise. Rudolph went 3-0 as the Steelers' starting quarterback last regular season while completing over 74% of his passes. The Steelers went 8-4-1 in games Rudolph started.

degree: B+

Tennessee struck again moments after signing Rudolph when they agreed to terms with Ridley on a four-year, $92 million deal that includes $50 million guaranteed. According to NFL Media.

Ridley entered Wednesday as the best skill player still available. He proved he's still a top-tier talent last year after missing all of 2022 while suspended. Ridley caught 76 passes for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns during his only season with the Jaguars.

Ridley is certainly talented, but that's a lot of money to offer any player, let alone one whose resume doesn't include a single Pro Bowl championship. Ridley will also turn 30 in December. The Giants got a talented player here, but they probably would have been better off signing a wide-ranging deal and/or drafting a less expensive one in April.

degree: C+

Flacco provides the Colts with much-needed depth, but it has come at a high price. Last year's MVP reportedly agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $8.7 million with $4.5 million guaranteed. For each report.

The 39-year-old ex power The MVP played excellently for Cleveland late in the 2023 season, but some feel he was just a product of Kevin Stefanski's system. Can he have the same success in Indy? Time will tell.

degree: C

Shortly after DJ Humphries was released, the Cardinals signed former Bengals offensive tackle Jonah Williams to a two-year, $30 million deal. According to NFL Network.

While his career in Cincinnati was considered a disappointment, Williams — a 2019 first-round pick — was a consistent member of the Bengals' starting lineup. He was also very durable while playing left and right tackle during his time in Cincinnati.

Arizona could have been here, but this was a good signing at a key position. What makes this signing even better is the fact that Williams (who is only 26 years old) should be entering his prime years.

degree: a-

With DJ Reader exploring free agency, the Bengals went ahead and signed Rankins to a two-year, $26 million deal. According to NFL Media.

The soon-to-be 30-year-old Rankins is capitalizing on a 2023 season that saw him record six sacks (his highest total since 2018), a forced fumble and a fumble return for a score. Rankins will now try to help the Bengals contain Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Nick Chubb and Derrick Henry six times a year.

That's a lot of money for a defensive tackle, so Rankins will have to reach 2023 level in Cincinnati for this signing to be considered a success.

degree: B+