NFL free agency is in full swing with many former Bulldogs and players with ties to the Central Valley getting new deals. Here is a recap of notable signings with ties to the Valley and more from around the league.
Davante Adams returns to Calif., signs with Rams
Former Fresno State wide receiver Davante Adams found himself testing free agency for the first time in his career following his release from the Jets. Adams opted to join the Los Angeles Rams via a two-year, $46 million deal. In 14 games last season with the Raiders and Jets, Adams totaled 1,063 receiving yards and 8 receiving touchdowns on 85 receptions. Now, Adams will be running routes for another projected Hall of Famer in quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Mykal Walker inks deal with Cardinals
Former Fresno State linebacker Mykal Walker is headed to the desert, as he reached an agreement with the Arizona Cardinals on a one-year, $1.79 million deal. Walker’s deal includes $500,000 in guaranteed money. With the Washington Commanders last season, Walker recorded a career-high 11 tackles (8 in regular season, 3 in playoffs) while playing a career-high 344 special teams snaps. Walker appeared in all 17 games last season.
Ronnie Rivers resigns with Rams
Former Fresno State running back Ronnie Rivers will return to Los Angeles as he and the Rams agreed to terms on a one-year contract extension. The team announced the agreement on their website. Last season, Rivers tallied 99 rushing yards on 22 carries while seeing a role on special teams.
Josh Allen makes history, again
The Firebaugh native is coming off his best season yet as he won his first MVP award. Allen led the NFL in quarterback rating (QBR), along with breaking numerous league and Bills franchise records. The Bills were just one game away from the Super Bowl but lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 32-29 in the AFC Championship. In March, Allen signed a six-year extension worth $330 million, making it the largest contract in NFL history.
Other notable signings
Patriots make their mark with massive spending spree
Heading into free agency, the New England Patriots had a league-leading $127 million in cap space available to improve a roster that finished with a 4-13 record in the 2024 season. Needless to say, the Patriots made their fortunes count. New England signed former Detroit Lions cornerback Carlton Davis, former Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane and former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joshua Dobbs. The Patriots also signed Super Bowl LIX champion Milton Williams. The former Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle signed a four- year, $104 million deal.
Cooper Kupp returns home, joins forces with Seahawks
Longtime Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp found himself a free agent after the Rams decided to part ways with him. Kupp had interest from many teams but ultimately decided to join the Seattle Seahawks on a three-year, $45 million deal. Signing with the Seahawks represents a homecoming for Kupp, as Kupp grew up in Yakima, Washington and attended college at Eastern Washington. The 31-year-old could very well end up finishing his career in his home state. Seattle also signed quarterback Sam Darnold on a three-year contract.
Bengals make pricey long-term commitments to receiver duo
The Cincinnati Bengals have one of the top wide receiver duos in the NFL with Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase. Higgins, who was initially scheduled to play on the franchise tag this season, signed a four-year, $115 million deal that is guaranteed for the first two years. Chase signed a four- year, $161 million deal that includes $112 million guaranteed. Chase’s deal was a record deal that made him the highest- paid non-QB in NFL history. The Bengals now have their duo locked in for the foreseeable future.