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We're almost two weeks into NFL free agency and several teams have already made bold moves. The New York Giants and Denver Broncos have offered mammoth contract extensions to star players in a bid to push for glory.
Here, we take a look at the five biggest spenders in the league during the free agency market so far.
#1. New York Giants: Money spent - $239,115,000
The New York Giants will be looking to build on their impressive 2022 NFL season. Brian Daboll's side finished third in the NFC East and qualified for the playoffs with a 9-7-1 record.
They beat the Minnesota Vikings in the wild card round but were then eliminated from the postseason by the Philadelphia Eagles in the divisional round.
Nonetheless, the main reason the Giants have spent so much money in the offseason is due to Daniel Jones' mammoth extension. The quarterback signed a lucrative four-year, $160 million deal with the team earlier this month.
Jones has been a starter for nearly all four seasons during his time in New York. However, last season was the first time that he led the team into the playoffs.
The Giants seem to have put their faith in the 25-year-old. The onus is now on Jones to deliver the goods.
#2. Denver Broncos: Money spent - $237,967,500
The Denver Broncos had an underwhelming season in the 2022 NFL season. However, they have already made some big moves in the offseason.
The Broncos signed right tackle Mike McGlinchey to a five-year, $87.5 million deal, former Baltimore Ravens guard Ben Powers to a four-year, $51.5 million deal and former Arizona Cardinals defensive end Zach Allen to a three-year, $47.75 million deal.
Denver's new head coach Sean Payton also knows what it takes to win a Super Bowl, having led the New Orleans Saints to success in 2010. He will be looking forward to working with the new arrivals and fellow Super Bowl winner Russell Wilson.
Although Wilson didn't have an impactful debut campaign with the Broncos, the quarterback improved toward the end of the regular season. The 34-year-old is expected to have a better season in 2023 with some fresh faces in the team.
#3. New Orleans Saints: Money spent - $219,310,000
The New Orleans Saints are the third biggest spenders in the 2023 NFL offseason. They spent most of their money on bringing Derek Carr to the team.
The quarterback put pen to paper on a four-year, $150 million deal with New Orleans.
Carr spent nine years with the Las Vegas Raiders and left as the team's all-time leader in passing yards (35,222) and touchdowns (217). In nine years, he led the Raiders to two playoff appearances.
Although Carr is a reliable signal caller and has years of experience playing in the league, some believe that he may find it difficult to acclimatize to his new surroundings. The 31-year-old was benched for the final two regular-season games last season after an underwhelming run.
#4. Atlanta Falcons: Money spent - $200,985,000
The Atlanta Falcons struggled to get their act right in the 2022 NFL season. Arthur Smith's side eventually missed out on a playoff appearance after finishing with a 7-10 record in the NFC South.
However, they made quite a splash in the offseason, with a five-year contract extension worth $105 million for Chris Lindstrom. The 26-year-old is now the highest-paid guard in NFL history.
The Falcons also agreed on a on a four-year, $64.02 million deal with safety Jessie Bates and a three-year deal worth $35 million with defensive tackle David Onyemata.
However, the quarterback department remains one of the main areas of focus for Atlanta in the NFL draft following the departure of Marcus Mariota.
#5. Chicago Bears: Money spent - $162,817,500
The Chicago Bears had a disastrous 2022 season as they finished fourth in the NFC North with a 3-14 record. However, the team didn't waste much time once NFL free agency opened.
They were quick to agree deals for inside linebackers Tremaine Edmunds (four years, $72 million) and T.J. Edwards (three years, $19.5 million). The Bears also signed offensive guard Nate Davis to a three-year, $30 million deal and defensive end DeMarcus Walker on a two-year, $14 million contract.
With Justin Fields impressing in his debut season with Chicago, Matt Eberflus will be looking to build his team around the quarterback. However, defensive reinforcements are bound to make the Bears a more balanced side.
