NFL Free Agency Day 4: Smart Moves and Misses

The NFL free agency period is in full swing, and Day 4 brought some interesting developments. Teams are filling out their rosters with a mix of veterans and young talent. The Houston Texans and Minnesota Vikings made changes to their offensive lines. The Las Vegas Raiders added a former Pro Bowl player, and the Philadelphia Eagles, fresh off their Super Bowl win, are looking to bolster their defense after losing key players like Josh Sweat, Milton Williams, and C. J. Gardner-Johnson. The Kansas City Chiefs made a notable move by bringing in Jacoby Minshew to backup Patrick Mahomes. Minshew missed significant time last year due to a broken collarbone, but his experience and toughness should fit well in Andy Reid's offense. The Chiefs are hoping Minshew's extensive fill-in experience will be a good fit. The Eagles signed Adoree' Jackson, a cornerback with plenty of starting experience. With key players like Darius Slay and Isaiah Rodgers leaving in free agency, Jackson provides a reliable option. He also has experience as a return specialist, adding versatility to the Eagles' roster. The Texans acquired Ed Ingram, a young guard, for a 2026 sixth-round pick. However, Kenyon Green, the player they traded away, was considered a better pass blocker. The Texans' plan to protect C. J. Stroud in the middle of the field is questionable. This move raises questions about the Texans' strategy and whether Ingram will be a reliable option. The Raiders signed Raheem Mostert, a 32-year-old running back. Mostert had a disappointing season last year but has shown he can be a valuable contributor in the past. He will provide speed and depth to the Raiders' backfield, which needed a boost after losing Alexander Mattison and Ameer Abdullah. The Pittsburgh Steelers re-signed Mason Rudolph, a quarterback who knows the city and the system well. Rudolph has shown grit in the past, but he has also been repeatedly replaced and overlooked. His role as a backup is uncertain, and his performance will depend on what else happens at the quarterback position. The Eagles also added Joshua Uche, a linebacker with potential. Uche has never been a full-time starter, but he has shown flashes of excellence, including a double-digit sack season with the New England Patriots. At 26, he has room to grow under Vic Fangio's guidance. The Eagles' moves show a focus on preserving salary after their Super Bowl win. They are making low-risk, medium-reward bets that could pay off in the long run. The Raiders' signing of Mostert is a solid move, but it remains to be seen how effective he will be. The Steelers' decision to re-sign Rudolph is a bit of a mystery, given his past performance and the team's need for a reliable backup. The Chiefs' move to bring in Minshew is a smart one, given his experience and toughness. The Texans' acquisition of Ingram is a bit of a gamble, but it could pay off if he performs well. The Eagles' signing of Jackson is a solid move, adding experience and versatility to their roster.