As the leaves turn and the NFL season hits its midpoint, it’s time to take stock of how those splashy offseason acquisitions are really panning out. Did teams strike gold with their marquee signings and blockbuster trades? Or are they regretting handing over those hefty contracts? Let’s dive into the biggest hits and misses of the 2024 offseason.
Signings Exceeding Expectations
Some new faces in new places are proving to be the missing pieces their teams sorely needed. These players are exceeding even the lofty expectations that came with their big-money deals.
Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Many eyebrows were raised when the Eagles inked the former Giants star to a three-year, $37.8M contract, but Barkley is proving the doubters wrong. He’s already eclipsed his 2023 rushing total in just seven games, averaging a blistering 6.5 yards per carry. The one-two punch of Barkley and Jalen Hurts has Philly’s offense soaring.
“I’ll have a tough time sleeping if Saquon goes to Philadelphia, I’ll tell you that,” Giants owner John Mara said on Hard Knocks this offseason. He must be tossing and turning now.
Derrick Henry, RB, Baltimore Ravens
After a few “down” years by his lofty standards, some questioned how much the 30-year-old workhorse had left in the tank. Turns out, plenty. Henry is on pace for over 2,000 yards in Baltimore, thriving in their run-heavy offense alongside Lamar Jackson. The addition of speedster Keaton Mitchell provides a perfect counterbalance.
Danielle Hunter, DE, Houston Texans
The Texans raised some eyebrows with Hunter’s hefty $24.5M per year price tag, but the elite pass rusher is earning every penny. He paces the NFL with 51 pressures and has unlocked rookie phenom Will Anderson Jr. on the opposite edge. With QBs running for their lives, Houston boasts a top-5 defense and a surprising 5-2 record.
Not Living Up to the Hype
For every home run signing, there are plenty of costly whiffs. These acquisitions haven’t delivered the anticipated bang for their teams’ bucks.
Gabe Davis, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Davis was expected to be Trevor Lawrence’s new top target after inking a 3-year, $39M deal, but he’s been shockingly quiet. The deep threat is averaging just 12.1 yards per catch after posting 15.7 or better in all four Buffalo seasons. Drops and miscommunications have plagued the duo, and an injured shoulder could sideline Davis further.
Calvin Ridley, WR, Tennessee Titans
The Titans made Ridley a top-paid wideout with a 4-year, $92M megadeal, but the returns have been minimal. He went catchless on 8 targets in Week 6 and has found the end zone just twice all year. Ridley is averaging a meager 30.5 yards per game, a far cry from his 1,000-yard form in Jacksonville last season.
The New York Jets Offensive Line
Gang Green spent big hoping to protect Aaron Rodgers, signing veterans Tyron Smith, Morgan Moses and John Simpson. Yet New York ranks just 28th in run block win rate and 19th in pass protection. Smith in particular is showing his age at 34, allowing constant pressure and committing six penalties already.
D’Andre Swift, RB, Chicago Bears
The electric dual-threat back has lacked his usual spark in the Windy City, averaging just 3.6 yards per carry before one long run bumped him to 4.4 in Week 8. Game script has led to inconsistent touches, and the 3-year, $24M deal is looking dicey, even with his receiving contributions. The Bears are getting little ground game thunder alongside Justin Fields’ lightning.
The Jury’s Still Out
Of course, midseason is no time for definitive judgments. Plenty of players and teams still have time to flip the script after slow starts. Will pricey trade chips like Stephon Gilmore and Donte Jackson sustain their strong play in Minnesota and Pittsburgh? Can Titans rookie QB Boyd Webb build chemistry with Ridley and his other weapons? The next two months will be telling.
Either way, one truth endures: building a winner in the NFL is never as simple as winning the offseason. Culture, coaching and continuity matter as much as collecting talent. But in a league of slim margins, a few key moves can still tilt the balance of power when the games begin. As always, time will tell which 2024 bets pay out and which prove a costly bust.
