The 10 largest contracts in the first two days of NFL free agency showcase the financial power of teams willing to invest in top talent. This year, as always, players entering the open market have secured substantial deals, reflecting their value and the rising salary cap.
With the salary cap hitting new heights, franchises have shown a willingness to spend, leading to some remarkable contracts that have turned heads across the league.
Which players have landed the most lucrative agreements, and what teams are they joining?
Here are the 10 largest contracts signed in the initial 48 hours of NFL free agency:
10 largest contracts in the first two days of NFL free agency (from Spotrac)
Among the standout cornerbacks, Murphy chose to remain with his current team. Although his $54 million contract appears significant, it positions him as the 15th highest-paid cornerback, with an average annual value (AAV) ranking him 14th. This deal is well-deserved for a player who led all cornerbacks with six interceptions in 2024.
Adebo, a former third-round pick from 2021, has made a name for himself with 10 interceptions and 43 passes defended during his four seasons with the Saints. Pro Football Focus (PFF) highlighted his impressive performance, noting that quarterbacks had a passer rating of 67.0 against him last season, ranking him fifth among all cornerbacks, including postseason play. At just 25 years old, he is poised to take on a primary corner role with the Giants.
The 28-year-old cornerback, despite facing a jaw fracture in Week 15 of the previous season, attracted significant interest after a strong showing with the Lions. Since his 2018 draft, he has recorded 11 interceptions, 84 passes defended, four forced fumbles, and 14 tackles for loss. His versatility in the secondary is expected to make him a valuable asset for the New England Patriots.
Ward faced a challenging 2024 season, but the Colts are optimistic he will return to his 2023 form. That year, he achieved 23 pass breakups, five interceptions, and earned a Pro Bowl selection with the 49ers. His recent performance helped him secure a $60 million contract, with a $20 million AAV, ranking him seventh among cornerbacks in the league.
T-7. Camryn Bynum: 4 years, $60M with Colts
Bynum’s four-year deal places him among the elite safeties in the NFL. His $15 million AAV ties him for ninth among all safeties, while his $60 million contract ranks seventh. His 2024 performance, featuring five pass breakups and three interceptions, demonstrated his solid coverage skills from the back end of the field.
Sweat’s exit from the reigning champion Eagles led to a significant contract that places him just outside the top 10 at the EDGE position. His 2024 performance was impressive, with 54 total pressures and eight sacks. At 27, he remains in the prime of his career.
3. Will Fries: 5 years, $88M with Vikings
Fries may be the most unexpected name on this list, but his performance last year was exceptional. He earned the fourth-highest grade among guards, according to PFF. Although an injury cut his season short, he started every game the previous year. His $88 million contract places him third among guards in total contract value, a deserved recognition for his efforts.
Darnold’s season didn’t conclude as he had hoped, but he made a remarkable recovery, guiding the Vikings to a successful regular season. With 35 touchdown passes and only 12 interceptions, he earned a $100 million contract. While this is a significant amount, he ranks 18th among quarterbacks in AAV and total contract value.
One of the most sought-after names in free agency, Williams seemed destined for Carolina before the Patriots made a strategic move to acquire him. The young defensive lineman recorded five sacks from the interior defensive line in 2024. At just 25 years old, he possesses significant potential and has now joined the ranks of the sixth active defensive lineman to secure a contract exceeding $100 million.
