The initial NFL free agency rush of 2023 was a frenzy, as hundreds of players were given millions of dollars to relocate to new cities.
There were quarterbacks on the move (though the fates of the two big names have yet to be finalized), and teams such as the Bears and Broncos took big swings to try to improve. Other teams tried to weather the storm (including the defending NFC champs), while many others tried to find smart, budget-friendly solutions to roster issues.
Now that we're more than a week removed from the start of free agency, our NFL Nation reporters took the pulse of the teams they cover. Not only did they pick out big additions (and costly subtractions), but they also provided the vibes of each franchise and hints to what they might do next in the second wave of free agency or the draft in preparation for the upcoming season.
Buffalo Bills
Marquee additions: Jordan Poyer (S), Connor McGovern (G), Deonte Harty (WR)
Marquee subtractions: Tremaine Edmunds (LB), Case Keenum (QB), Isaiah McKenzie (WR)
Did the Bills hit their free agency goals? Pretty much. There's still work to be done and additions to be made, but the Bills didn't go into free agency expecting to make massive moves, and the team was able to address some key areas in a manageable way, including bringing back Poyer on a team-friendly deal.
One thing we heard: Safety Damar Hamlin continues to have medical consultations as he recovers from going into cardiac arrest on the field in Week 17. Hamlin said that his goal is to return to football. The Bills have more security at safety with Poyer returning, but they haven't signed additional help and there's little depth at the position. General manager Brandon Beane said last week that "everything is checked out to this point, and so it's trending in the right direction" for Hamlin to return to playing, but he still has steps to take."
Biggest remaining roster hole: Middle linebacker. There is a big hole with Edmunds gone. While there are players on the roster whom the Bills want to give the opportunity to compete -- Tyrel Dodson, Terrel Bernard and Baylon Spector were all mentioned by Beane -- there isn't a lock to pair with Matt Milano.
Miami Dolphins
Marquee additions: Jalen Ramsey (CB), David Long Jr. (LB), Braxton Berrios (WR)
Marquee subtractions: Mike Gesicki (TE), Elandon Roberts (LB), Byron Jones (CB)
Did the Dolphins hit their free agency goals? The Dolphins entered the new league year with a bang, trading for Ramsey -- who technically wasn't a free agent but a major addition nonetheless. They addressed their need at linebacker by signing Long, before filling their running back room by re-signing Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr., Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed.
One thing we heard: The Dolphins believe their championship window is now, which inspired the Ramsey trade and their decision to exercise quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's fifth-year option. Even before any roster moves, arguably their biggest addition of the offseason came in February when they hired defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. Future salary cap be darned, the Dolphins are all-in.
Biggest remaining roster hole: The Dolphins could stand to add more receiving talent at tight end. Durham Smythe still has one year remaining on the two-year contract he signed last offseason, and Eric Saubert has flashed in the receiving game. The wild card in the room is 2022 undrafted free agent Tanner Conner, who was a big-play threat throughout training camp. If he takes a step forward this offseason, he'll be an interesting name to watch as the team fills the void left by Gesicki's departure.
