As the Los Angeles Lakers dust themselves off from an early playoff exit at the hands of the Denver Nuggets, the focus shifts to an offseason filled with pivotal decisions that could shape the franchise’s future. With LeBron James’ potential departure looming large and several contract options on the table, the Lakers’ front office faces a delicate balancing act in navigating the salary cap landscape.
The Cap Conundrum The Lakers’ salary cap situation for the 2024-25 season presents a mixed bag of opportunities and challenges.
After another early playoff exit, the Atlanta Hawks enter a pivotal offseason where they must decide whether to double down on their current core or pursue a new direction. Much of their strategy hinges on the future of star guard Trae Young, who has been the subject of persistent trade rumors despite signing a max contract extension in 2021.
According to reports, the Hawks are seriously considering trading either Young or running mate Dejounte Murray in order to reshape their roster.
After over a decade celebrating championships and raining three-pointers as part of the Golden State Warriors dynasty, Klay Thompson now faces an uncertain offseason. The veteran shooting guard is set to enter free agency following one of the worst playoff performances of his career.
In what could have been his final game in a Warriors uniform, Thompson missed all 10 of his shot attempts in a lopsided 118-94 loss to the Sacramento Kings in the Play-In Tournament.
In a move that solidifies their commitment to building a formidable defense, the Jacksonville Jaguars have agreed to a massive five-year, $150 million contract with star pass rusher Josh Allen, according to multiple reports. The deal includes a staggering $88 million in guaranteed money, ensuring Allen’s long-term future with the team that drafted him seventh overall in 2019.
Allen’s exceptional performance in the 2022 season, where he recorded 17.5 sacks and earned a well-deserved Pro Bowl selection, positioned him as one of the most coveted free agents on the market.
The New England Patriots have wasted no time in addressing their offensive needs this offseason, reportedly signing former Washington Commanders running back Antonio Gibson to a three-year contract. This move comes as the first external addition for the Patriots during the NFL’s legal tampering period, and it’s a signing that could pay dividends for their revamped offensive scheme.
At 25 years old, Gibson brings a unique blend of speed and versatility to the Patriots’ backfield.
In a move to bolster their linebacker depth and special teams unit, the Cincinnati Bengals have reportedly agreed to terms with veteran Akeem Davis-Gaither on a one-year contract extension worth approximately $3 million, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
The 48-hour negotiating window for unrestricted free agents opened on Monday, allowing teams to discuss contract terms with players before the official start of free agency on Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET. Davis-Gaither, a former fourth-round pick by the Bengals in 2020, chose to remain with the team despite potentially having opportunities for more defensive playing time elsewhere.
The Baltimore Ravens have added a major weapon to their backfield, signing former Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry to a two-year, $16 million contract, with the potential to earn up to $20 million and $9 million guaranteed. The move brings a freight train of a rusher to complement the electrifying speed and elusiveness of quarterback Lamar Jackson.
At 30 years old, Henry departs the Titans after eight seasons, including four Pro Bowl selections and two rushing titles.
The Atlanta Falcons have made a significant move to strengthen their offensive firepower, agreeing to sign free agent wide receiver Darnell Mooney to a three-year, $39 million deal, including $26 million fully guaranteed. This addition provides quarterback Kirk Cousins with another potent weapon as the Falcons aim to bolster their offense for the upcoming season.
Mooney, 26, joins a talented group of skill position players in Atlanta, including tight end Kyle Pitts, receiver Drake London, and highly touted rookie running back Bijan Robinson.
The NFL free agency frenzy is in full swing, and the running back market is shaping up to be a tantalizing one, especially for the Cleveland Browns. With the surprise releases of Aaron Jones from the Green Bay Packers and Joe Mixon from the Cincinnati Bengals, the Browns have a prime opportunity to bolster their backfield and provide a formidable complement to their star running back, Nick Chubb.
Jones, a two-time Pro Bowler, has been a consistent force for the Packers, amassing over 5,000 rushing yards and scoring 37 touchdowns in his six seasons with the team.
After losing star running back Saquon Barkley to their NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles, the New York Giants wasted no time finding his replacement, agreeing to a three-year, $16.5 million contract with former Houston Texans starter Devin Singletary. The deal could be worth up to $19.5 million with incentives.
Singletary, 26, is coming off a career year in Houston where he rushed for 898 yards, easily his personal best across five NFL seasons.
In a dramatic shift in the NFL’s running back landscape, the New York Giants have moved quickly to fill the void left by Saquon Barkley’s departure to their NFC East rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles. Just hours after losing their star running back, the Giants agreed to a three-year, $16.5 million contract with former Houston Texans starter Devin Singletary, a deal that could be worth up to $19.5 million with incentives.
In a move that will keep him in the AFC North division, safety Geno Stone has agreed to a two-year, $15 million contract with the Cincinnati Bengals, according to multiple reports. The deal includes a $6 million signing bonus for the former Baltimore Raven.
Stone, a seventh-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, initially served as a reserve player for the Ravens before earning a more prominent role in his final two seasons with the team.
