Midseason Review: Noteworthy NFL Offseason Acquisitions of 2024

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08/11/2024 23h32

### Midseason Review: Top NFL Offseason Acquisitions of 2024

As we reach the halfway point of the 2024 NFL regular season, it's an opportune moment to reassess the major moves made during the offseason. Teams have been busy, and several significant signings and trades have reshaped rosters with varying levels of success.

#### Kirk Cousins: Elevating the Falcons

Kirk Cousins, formerly the Minnesota Vikings' starter, signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons. Despite some inconsistent performances, he has mostly played as a top-10 quarterback, boosting the Falcons to a leading position in the NFC South with standout connections including Drake London and Darnell Mooney.

#### Russell Wilson's Belated Debut with the Steelers

Russell Wilson's transition to the Pittsburgh Steelers came on a modest one-year, $1.2 million contract. Delayed by a calf injury, Wilson's impactful performances following Justin Fields' interim starts have exceeded expectations. His presence has bolstered the Steelers' old-school playoff run.

#### Saquon Barkley’s Impact on the Eagles

For three years and $37.8 million, the Philadelphia Eagles secured Saquon Barkley from the New York Giants. Barkley has delivered career-best rushing stats alongside Jalen Hurts and has arguably been the offensive MVP for the Eagles, balancing reliability with explosive runs.

#### Josh Jacobs’ Role in Green Bay

Josh Jacobs, now with the Green Bay Packers under a four-year, $48 million deal, has provided stability during quarterback Jordan Love's injury absences. His rugged running style has lived up to expectations, contributing significantly to the Packers’ offense.

#### Derrick Henry Dominates in Baltimore

The Baltimore Ravens' rushing game, led by Lamar Jackson, reached new heights with Derrick Henry's addition on a two-year, $14 million deal. Henry leads the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns, bringing unparalleled strength and speed to the ground game.

#### Stefon Diggs’ Short Season with the Texans

Turning to the Houston Texans, Stefon Diggs was acquired in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick, supplemented by receiving additional future draft picks. Diggs was set to be a key piece for C.J. Stroud's offense, but a season-ending ACL injury in Week 8 has placed his future and performance in question.

#### Calvin Ridley’s Flash with the Titans

The Tennessee Titans invested $92 million over four years into Calvin Ridley, who shows his field-stretching speed despite the team's inconsistent offense. Ridley’s performance flashes brilliance, but he’s yet to be the game-changer his contract demands.

#### Mixed Returns for Houston’s Joe Mixon

Acquired by the Houston Texans for a seventh-round pick, Joe Mixon received a new contract and has mostly justified it, adding resilience to the Texans' ground game despite some injuries.

#### Atlanta Thriving with Darnell Mooney

Darnell Mooney, enjoying a revival in Atlanta with Kirk Cousins as his quarterback, promises career-high numbers as a reliable and explosive companion to Drake London.

#### Robert Hunt Boosts Carolina’s Line

Despite the Panthers' overall struggles, their $100 million investment in Robert Hunt has paid off, with the lineman significantly supporting Chuba Hubbard’s rushing efforts.

#### Defensive Shifts: Wilkins, Burns, and More

Defensive moves have also left their mark. Christian Wilkins, on a four-year, $110 million deal with the Raiders, brings stability to Las Vegas' defensive front. Meanwhile, Brian Burns has integrated well into the Giants’ defense, and Danielle Hunter has proven valuable to the Texans.

#### Ups and Downs for Johnson, Allen, and Sneed

Acquisitions like Keenan Allen and John Johnson have faced challenges. Allen has struggled to find rhythm with Caleb Williams in New York, and Johnson's tenure with the Panthers was fleeting. L'Jarius Sneed’s injuries have also limited his impact for the Titans.

#### McKinney Shines in Green Bay

Xavier McKinney has been a standout for Green Bay, leading the NFL with six interceptions. His performance on a four-year, $68 million contract has been critical in bolstering the Packers' defense.

As the season progresses, the impact of these offseason moves will continue to unfold, defining the successes and failures of teams across the league.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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