NFL Free Agency 2024: Aaron Donald Retirement, Texans-Vikings Trade + Value Signings

The free-agent activity of the last two days hasn’t been nearly as exciting as that of the legal-contact period, and it certainly hasn’t involved as many gaudy contracts. However, teams are still landing quality players, and in many cases, at a relative bargain.

The Rams found their new starting safety on Friday when they inked former Washington Commanders standout Kamren Curl to a two-year, $13 million deal, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Curl is an ascending talent with legitimate playmaking ability. Curl only turned 25 earlier this month.

The San Francisco 49ers added more linebacker help when they signed De’Vondre Campbell to a one-year deal, according to Rapoport. Campbell struggled in 2023, but he was a Pro Bowler in 2021 and solid in 2022 for the Green Bay Packers.

Campbell is a great late get for the 49ers, who lost Dre Greenlaw to a torn Achilles in Super Bowl LVIII. San Francisco thought it had found its linebacker insurance with Eric Kendricks, before Kendricks pivoted to join the Dallas Cowboys instead on Wednesday.

The 49ers also re-signed guard Jon Feliciano, which might not be a headline-grabber, but will give San Francisco some veteran insurance along the line.

Another underrated signing from Friday involved the Cincinnati Bengals bringing back receiver Trent Irwin. The 29-year-old had career highs in catches (25) and receiving yards (316) last season while providing valuable depth to Cincinnati’s receiving corps.

The Carolina Panthers, meanwhile, found some reinforcements for their pass rush, signing K’Lavon Chaaisson to a one-year, $5 million deal, according to Rapoport. Carolina had a need for an edge-defender after trading Brian Burns to the New York Giants.

While most of these moves pale in comparison to early free-agent deals—like the Falcons signing Cousins or the Philadelphia Eagles stealing Saquon Barkley away from New York—they help highlight how value can be found late in free agency.

Players who remain available include offensive lineman Trent Brown, pass-rusher Chase Young and safety Justin Simmons—the three remaining players from Bleacher Report’s initial top 50 free-agent big board.

Bleacher Report’s grades for the biggest signings and trades from Friday can be found here.