NFL free agency winners and losers: Ravens shine and what were the Jets thinking (again)?

"The Rams acted as contenders should. They know they're operating on a different timeline, with Matthew Stafford's retirement looming if not at the end of 2027, then likely in 2028. They spent free agency pushing their chips into the middle, acquiring All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie from the Chiefs for a first-round pick this year, a third-round pick in 2027 and a couple of late-round picks, before signing him to a four-year, $124m extension."

"The Rams' secondary played above its level for much of last season but came unstuck in the playoffs. This is what good franchises do: they don't lie to themselves. The new duo will give the Rams more coverage flexibility and a dynamite man-coverage group on key third downs in the playoffs."

"There is a lot of funny money spent on day one of free agency, inflated contracts handed to average starters. But there's nothing funny about the Ravens acquiring Maxx Crosby for two first-round picks. Baltimore have looked everywhere for a difference-making edge-rusher. By trading for Crosby, they've finally landed the best available player on the market."

"The Crosby of today is not the player of two years ago. His production has declined. He's shown signs of aging. But he remains a pass-rushing force, capable of breaking an offense single-handedly. Besides, the Ravens didn't pay the lofty price for steady production; they were chasing a game-breaker who could deliver in the postseason."

The Rams addressed their secondary vulnerability by acquiring All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie from the Chiefs for draft picks and a four-year, $124 million extension, then added cornerback Jaylen Watson on a three-year, $51 million deal. These moves provide coverage flexibility and strong man-coverage capabilities for playoff situations. The Rams also re-signed safety Kam Curl and retained draft capital at pick 13 to pursue additional playmakers. The Ravens pursued a different strategy, trading two first-round picks for edge-rusher Maxx Crosby, seeking a game-breaking force for postseason performance despite his recent production decline. Both franchises made decisive moves targeting specific roster weaknesses.

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