Football fans everywhere can finally rejoice — the long month of inactivity that follows the Super Bowl is nearing its end. NFL free agency begins Wednesday, meaning all players on expiring contracts will be free to officially join new teams.
It is going to be an exciting and chaotic offseason and one of special interest to fans of Virginia football. After all, three former Cavalier stars are set to become unrestricted free agents. Each is at a unique stage in their career, but all of them can be expected to contribute wherever they end up.
Olamide Zaccheaus, Receiver
Class of 2018 alumnus Olamide Zaccheaus had the second most receiving yards of all-time for Virginia football. He was also second in both receiving yards and snaps amongst wide receivers on the Washington Commanders this past season. Although he essentially matched his 2022 sheet with the Atlanta Falcons across receptions, yards and touchdowns, 2024 represented a bit of a breakout season for Zaccheaus. In between those two career-best seasons, he spent 2023 as a non-factor on the Philadelphia Eagles.
In many ways, 2024 was proof of life for the former Cavalier. After an injury to receiver Noah Brown late in the season, Zaccheaus fit well as the third receiving option behind Terry McLaurin and Zach Ertz for rookie quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels. When targeted, he delivered the 21st best passer rating in the entire league, making him a key contributor to a Commanders offense which ended the season ranked fifth in scoring. Perhaps most notably, Zaccheaus was essential to the Commanders’ regular season win against the eventual 2024 Super Bowl champion Eagles, scoring not one but two touchdowns against his former team.
Zaccheaus could command a slightly higher price than his current deal, which is just a shade over $1 million per year. The Commanders, who went into the legal tampering period with some of the most cap space in the league but also many expiring contracts, seem willing to pay it. Letting Zacchaeus slide into their third starting spot behind McLaurin and Samuel would allow them to spend most of their cash on shoring up their defense rather than splurging further at receiver.
If he does walk, the Seattle Seahawks, the Tennessee Titans and the New York Jets, who all appear to be rebuilding their receiving rooms, represent spots with large target deficits which he could fill.
Bryce Hall, Cornerback
Class of 2020 alumnus Bryce Hall qualified as an All-American and led the nation in pass breakups in his junior year at Virginia — admirable feats for a player who only had one offer besides Virginia coming out of high school. While he was seen by many analysts and scouts as a potential first round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, Hall unselfishly elected to play out his eligibility at Virginia. Unfortunately, in the sixth game of the 2019-20 season against Miami, disaster struck — he broke his left leg and dislocated the ankle, ending his Virginia playing career and severely damaging his draft stock.
Nevertheless, in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL draft, Hall landed with the Jets. He had a solid first few years in New York, working his way to becoming a regular starter, but by the end of his rookie contract he was buried on the depth chart. Hall signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers going into the 2024 season for a likely starting role. However, in a Week 1 matchup against the Commanders, Hall broke his right leg and dislocated the ankle.
In cases like these, the most likely destination for the injured player, if any, is their current team. From the perspective of the Buccaneers’ front office, they know they saw something in him last offseason and giving Hall another chance wouldn’t hurt. He has overcome essentially this exact injury before in under a season, showcasing not only his mental resilience but also his ability to physically recover from severe injuries.
He will likely receive a heavily incentivized, one year prove-it deal with a low base value. He’ll have to compete for a spot on the roster come training camp. But if anyone can overcome this, it’s Hall.
Morgan Moses, Tackle
Class of 2014 alumnus Morgan Moses agreed to a 3-year, $24 million contract with the New England Patriots on Monday during the legal tampering period. Entering his 12th season, he is currently tied for the longest active NFL career by a former Cavalier. Moses’s strength has always been in his toughness. He showed this through his hard work both on the field and in his courses during his time on Grounds. Moses was an All-ACC tackle as a junior, a remarkable feat years in the making — before he could even commit to Virginia he persevered to work past his high school academic difficulties to attain NCAA eligibility. His tenacity has followed him to the pros.
Excluding his rookie season with the Commanders, he has started at least 14 games every year of his career, even playing through a torn pectoral in 2023 with the Baltimore Ravens and a Grade 2 MCL sprain in 2024 with the Jets. Entering free agency, he was declared healthy by the Jets medical staff and should be ready for the start of the season.
After giving up the sixth most sacks last season, the Patriots made perfect sense as a new home for the former Cavalier. Despite his age, he performed solidly last season for the Jets — registering an above-average PFF pass blocking grade. Even with a subpar run blocking grade, the value Moses provided in pass protection, only allowing two sacks and eight penalties all year, was enough for New England to give him a multi-year deal at 34 years old. The total value of the contract, with incentives, is $28.5 million.
While Virginia may have less alumni in the NFL than powerhouses such as Ohio State or Alabama, there’s no denying that former Cavaliers are hard-workers at the next level. In 2023, Class of 1997 alumnus Ronde Barber became a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame after an impressive career highlighted by a Super Bowl ring and the all-time record for consecutive starts at cornerback.
Like Barber — albeit not at the Hall of Fame level — Moses, Zaccheaus and Hall have demonstrated their own version of resiliency and excellence so far in their careers. Virginia fans will wish them good luck for the rest of their time in the NFL and beyond.
Read More
No. 23 Virginia baseball takes down the Terrapins in Fredericksburg
By Xander Tilock | 7 hours agoThe Cavaliers clawed their way to a thrilling victory.
Virginia has the best problem in baseball
By Ryan Weiner | 18 hours agoThe Cavaliers have lots of depth, for both better and worse.
Men’s and women’s squash end season among college squash’s elite
By Peter Kratz | 20 hours agoThe Cavaliers did not win the national championship but made strides against elite competition.
