To put it mildly, NFL free agency has been ridiculous. Fans have witnessed players moving around like it’s a Madden video game fantasy draft during what is thought to be the best free agency class in the history of the league. While players like Josh Jacobs, Derrick Henry, and Kirk Cousins have found new homes outside of their division, several well-known players have used this free agency to sign with fierce rival teams.
Thus far, Patrick Queen (Pittsburgh Steelers) and Saquon Barkley (Philadelphia Eagles) are the two best players to have left for division rival teams. The fact that these guys would sign with their bitter opponents despite receiving offers from teams outside of their division and conference is rather startling. With these players facing their former teams twice the following season, this sets up some exciting games of retribution.
Players and spectators alike were berating these people for moving up to division opponents. While the fact that so many great players have left the league for their competitors is nothing uncommon, it is unprecedented to have so many go in one off-season. Maybe the rivalry between teams and fans differs from that between players. The players know how the league operates and are only attempting to get the best deal possible.
Along with those two well-known players, Jordan Poyer, Aaron Jones, and Geno Stone all left their division. Poyer left the Bills to join the Miami Dolphins, with whom he has had a fierce rivalry for the past many seasons. Similar to Queen, Stone also left the Ravens to remain in the division, but he joined the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Minnesota Vikings acquired Aaron Jones from the Green Bay Packers. By 2024, each of these players will have played two revenge games. Although the 2024 free agency class has been wild, we have never seen athletes sign with their bitter rivals.
