The signings kept on coming on Wednesday, and day two of free agency was just as active as day one.
Quite a few big names traded in their old duds for new gear and fat pay checks. The Broncos may have shifted the power of the AFC with the signing of Wes Welker, but we liked the Patriots? countermove of Danny Amendola. Dashon Goldson?s signing in Tampa Bay shores up a woeful pass defense and gives the Bucs one of the more frightening safety duos in the league. Reggie Bush?s arrival in Detroit gives their offense a weapon in the backfield that it has been severely lacking. Anyways, let?s check out all the action and see what happened with all 32 teams.
Arizona Cardinals: Arizona was one of the most active teams on the second day of free agency after they spent the opening day lining up free-agent visits. ? Running back Rashard Mendenhall was signed to a one-year, $2.5 million deal. Coach Bruce Arians has a history with Mendenhall from their days together in Pittsburgh. Upon his signing, Arians called Mendenhall a three-down back, and he could have an early leg up on Ryan Williams for No. 1 duties. ? Linebacker Lorenzo Alexander signed a three-year, $9.5 million contract. The special teams ace says the Cardinals view him as a starter on defense. He?ll slot in next to stud Daryl Washington on the inside. It might explain why free agent linebacker Rey Maualuga left his Wednesday visit without a deal. ? Quarterback Drew Stanton signed a three-year, $8.2 million deal. Another $11.8 million is available in incentives. Stanton says he was promised the opportunity to be able to compete for the starting job. If the quarterback competition is who is currently on the roster, then we?d consider Stanton the favorite. He spent the 2012 season with Arians in Indianapolis as Andrew Luck?s backup. ? The Cardinals added some help to the defensive backfield. Cornerback Jerraud Powers inked a three-year contract, and safety Yeremiah Bell signed on for one year. Powers will start on the outside opposite Patrick Peterson. Free safety Kerry Rhodes, 31, was released on Wednesday, and Bell, 35, will fill his spot. ? Arizona is said to be hammering out a deal with return man Josh Cribbs, but there has been a lot of flip-flopping on him. Some reports have it getting finished on Thursday morning, while others say a deal isn?t close. ? Free agents cornerback Antoine Cason and linebacker Jasper Brinkley are set to visit. ? The Cardinals were loosely linked to free agent linebacker Brian Urlacher, but we don?t see it and neither do the local beat writers.
Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons weren?t linked to a single player on Wednesday. Figures for left tackle Sam Baker?s deal were released, though. It?s a six-year, $41.1 million pact that includes $18.25 million guaranteed and a $10 million signing bonus. The $6.85 million annual average falls right in line with what we expected Baker to get as a serviceable blindside protector. ? Atlanta doesn?t appear to be as in the picture on free agent running back Steven Jackson as we would have expected.
Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens pulled another shocker on us by releasing strong safety Bernard Pollard. He was due a $500,000 roster bonus this offseason, and carried a $3.25 million cap hit for 2013. Pollard?s release just floods the free-agent defensive back market even more. He should have no problems finding a job as a knock-your-head-off bone-crunching safety. ? The conflicting reports on free agent safety Ed Reed continued on into Wednesday. Some believe he?s still in Baltimore?s picture, while others think the Ravens don?t even want him back. Reed will visit the Texans on Thursday. Baltimore now needs two starting safeties. ? Exclusive rights free agent outside linebacker Adrian Hamilton was re-signed for one year and $480,000. In 2011 while at Prairie View A&M, Hamilton set a single-season SWAC conference record with 20.5 sacks. He could be a sleeper to replace Paul Kruger.
Buffalo Bills: The Bills stayed relatively quiet again. Outside linebacker Manny Lawson inked a four-year, $12 million contract. He?ll likely replace Nick Barnett on the weak side in Buffalo. Lawson also could be asked to rush the passer on third downs, filling the old Shawne Merriman role. ? Updating a previous item from Tuesday, Ryan Fitzpatrick was designated as a post-June 1 cut. The Bills can spread the $10 million cap hit out over 2013 and 2014.
Carolina Panthers: Carolina got in on the action Wednesday. The cap-strapped Panthers signed veteran cornerback Drayton Florence to a one-year contract, and re-signed quarterback Derek Anderson to a one-year deal of his own. Florence, 32, started three games for the Lions last season, and he?s no more than depth. Anderson?s signing just reinforces how little the Panthers think of former second-round pick Jimmy Clausen. It wouldn?t be a surprise if he was released sometime before the season.
Chicago Bears: After signing big-ticket items tight end Martellus Bennett and left tackle Jermon Bushrod on Tuesday, the Bears kicked back and watched other teams work. Oh, and they shed some dead weight in the process. Defensive tackle Matt Toeaina and tight end Kellen Davis were handed their pink slips. Davis was a complete bust after signing a two-year, $8 million deal last offseason. Toeaina, 28, was limited to just three games in 2012 due to a knee injury. ? Free agent guard Lance Louis is scheduled to visit an ?unknown? team.
Cincinnati Bengals: As owner Mike Brown sits on top of a pile of cash, the Bengals are sniffing around a couple of mid-level free agents. Cincinnati may have some interest in recently released ex-Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. He played for the Bengals for two seasons from 2007-08, starting 12 games. Free agent running back Mike Goodson visited the Bengals on Wednesday, but he left town without a deal and is headed to New York to meet with the Jets. ? Coach Marvin Lewis is still hopeful the team can lock up free agent right tackle Andre Smith, but talks have been stuck in the mud for weeks now. Smith?s agent reps free agent left tackle Jake Long, so that may have something to do with it.
Cleveland Browns: After spending big on free agents Paul Kruger and Desmond Bryant on Tuesday, the Browns kept adding to their collection on Wednesday. Tight end Gary Barnidge inked a three-year, $3.75 million deal. Outside linebacker Quentin Groves signed a two-year, $2.8 million contract, and running back Chris Ogbonnaya was re-signed to a two-year deal. Barnidge comes over from Carolina to reunite with coach Rob Chudzinski. He?ll likely assume the blocking tight end role vacated by free agent Alex Smith. Groves was with DC Ray Horton in Arizona last season. He can play special teams, as well as provide a bit of a pass rush. Ogbonnaya played some third downs under the old regime in 2012. ? Cleveland is reportedly interest in free agent tight end Fred Davis. He and Jordan Cameron would be an intriguing pass-catching duo in Chudzinski?s tight end-friendly offense. ? Exclusive rights free agents receiver Jordan Norwood and long snapper Christian Yount were re-signed to one-year deals. Norwood will earn $555,000 in 2013, and Yount will get $480,000.
Dallas Cowboys: The money situation in the Big D remains tight. Left end Marcus Spears was released and designated as a post-June 1 cut. He signed a five-year deal prior to the start of the 2011 campaign, but he doesn?t fit the new 4-3 scheme. Plus, Spears? play has been rather average in recent years. He brings nothing to the table as a pass rusher, although he can play the run a bit. ? Dallas might be able to get involved in free agency next week once the prices come down.
Denver Broncos: The Broncos pulled off the biggest shocker of free agency thus far by signing slot receiver Wes Welker away from the Patriots. By adding Welker to an already potent receiving corps that includes Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker, the Broncos are considered the super-early favorites in the AFC. Welker got a fully-guaranteed two-year, $12 million deal. You can read more about Welker?s acquisition in Adam Levitan?s fantasy fallout here. ? Denver didn?t just stop with Welker. Defensive tackle Terrance Knighton was signed to a two-year, $4.5 million pact, and cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie agreed to a one-year, $5 million deal. Knighton and Kevin Vickerson will pair up in the middle to try and shut down opponents? running attacks. Rodgers-Cromartie will start opposite Champ Bailey with Chris Harris in the slot, forming a solid coverage trio. Hell, maybe DRC will learn a thing or two from the grizzled vet Bailey. ? Linebacker Stewart Bradley signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract. He?s expected to compete for the starting middle linebacker job. Joe Mays, with his $4 million salary, is likely out of a job. ? A decision on right end Elvis Dumervil is expected to come down on Friday. His $12 million salary becomes guaranteed if he?s on the roster Saturday. ? Denver was named as a possible landing spot for free agent cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, but after Rodgers-Cromartie?s signing, we can rule that out.
The signings kept on coming on Wednesday, and day two of free agency was just as active as day one.
Quite a few big names traded in their old duds for new gear and fat pay checks. The Broncos may have shifted the power of the AFC with the signing of Wes Welker, but we liked the Patriots? countermove of Danny Amendola. Dashon Goldson?s signing in Tampa Bay shores up a woeful pass defense and gives the Bucs one of the more frightening safety duos in the league. Reggie Bush?s arrival in Detroit gives their offense a weapon in the backfield that it has been severely lacking. Anyways, let?s check out all the action and see what happened with all 32 teams.
Arizona Cardinals: Arizona was one of the most active teams on the second day of free agency after they spent the opening day lining up free-agent visits. ? Running back Rashard Mendenhall was signed to a one-year, $2.5 million deal. Coach Bruce Arians has a history with Mendenhall from their days together in Pittsburgh. Upon his signing, Arians called Mendenhall a three-down back, and he could have an early leg up on Ryan Williams for No. 1 duties. ? Linebacker Lorenzo Alexander signed a three-year, $9.5 million contract. The special teams ace says the Cardinals view him as a starter on defense. He?ll slot in next to stud Daryl Washington on the inside. It might explain why free agent linebacker Rey Maualuga left his Wednesday visit without a deal. ? Quarterback Drew Stanton signed a three-year, $8.2 million deal. Another $11.8 million is available in incentives. Stanton says he was promised the opportunity to be able to compete for the starting job. If the quarterback competition is who is currently on the roster, then we?d consider Stanton the favorite. He spent the 2012 season with Arians in Indianapolis as Andrew Luck?s backup. ? The Cardinals added some help to the defensive backfield. Cornerback Jerraud Powers inked a three-year contract, and safety Yeremiah Bell signed on for one year. Powers will start on the outside opposite Patrick Peterson. Free safety Kerry Rhodes, 31, was released on Wednesday, and Bell, 35, will fill his spot. ? Arizona is said to be hammering out a deal with return man Josh Cribbs, but there has been a lot of flip-flopping on him. Some reports have it getting finished on Thursday morning, while others say a deal isn?t close. ? Free agents cornerback Antoine Cason and linebacker Jasper Brinkley are set to visit. ? The Cardinals were loosely linked to free agent linebacker Brian Urlacher, but we don?t see it and neither do the local beat writers.
Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons weren?t linked to a single player on Wednesday. Figures for left tackle Sam Baker?s deal were released, though. It?s a six-year, $41.1 million pact that includes $18.25 million guaranteed and a $10 million signing bonus. The $6.85 million annual average falls right in line with what we expected Baker to get as a serviceable blindside protector. ? Atlanta doesn?t appear to be as in the picture on free agent running back Steven Jackson as we would have expected.
Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens pulled another shocker on us by releasing strong safety Bernard Pollard. He was due a $500,000 roster bonus this offseason, and carried a $3.25 million cap hit for 2013. Pollard?s release just floods the free-agent defensive back market even more. He should have no problems finding a job as a knock-your-head-off bone-crunching safety. ? The conflicting reports on free agent safety Ed Reed continued on into Wednesday. Some believe he?s still in Baltimore?s picture, while others think the Ravens don?t even want him back. Reed will visit the Texans on Thursday. Baltimore now needs two starting safeties. ? Exclusive rights free agent outside linebacker Adrian Hamilton was re-signed for one year and $480,000. In 2011 while at Prairie View A&M, Hamilton set a single-season SWAC conference record with 20.5 sacks. He could be a sleeper to replace Paul Kruger.
Buffalo Bills: The Bills stayed relatively quiet again. Outside linebacker Manny Lawson inked a four-year, $12 million contract. He?ll likely replace Nick Barnett on the weak side in Buffalo. Lawson also could be asked to rush the passer on third downs, filling the old Shawne Merriman role. ? Updating a previous item from Tuesday, Ryan Fitzpatrick was designated as a post-June 1 cut. The Bills can spread the $10 million cap hit out over 2013 and 2014.
Carolina Panthers: Carolina got in on the action Wednesday. The cap-strapped Panthers signed veteran cornerback Drayton Florence to a one-year contract, and re-signed quarterback Derek Anderson to a one-year deal of his own. Florence, 32, started three games for the Lions last season, and he?s no more than depth. Anderson?s signing just reinforces how little the Panthers think of former second-round pick Jimmy Clausen. It wouldn?t be a surprise if he was released sometime before the season.
Chicago Bears: After signing big-ticket items tight end Martellus Bennett and left tackle Jermon Bushrod on Tuesday, the Bears kicked back and watched other teams work. Oh, and they shed some dead weight in the process. Defensive tackle Matt Toeaina and tight end Kellen Davis were handed their pink slips. Davis was a complete bust after signing a two-year, $8 million deal last offseason. Toeaina, 28, was limited to just three games in 2012 due to a knee injury. ? Free agent guard Lance Louis is scheduled to visit an ?unknown? team.
Cincinnati Bengals: As owner Mike Brown sits on top of a pile of cash, the Bengals are sniffing around a couple of mid-level free agents. Cincinnati may have some interest in recently released ex-Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. He played for the Bengals for two seasons from 2007-08, starting 12 games. Free agent running back Mike Goodson visited the Bengals on Wednesday, but he left town without a deal and is headed to New York to meet with the Jets. ? Coach Marvin Lewis is still hopeful the team can lock up free agent right tackle Andre Smith, but talks have been stuck in the mud for weeks now. Smith?s agent reps free agent left tackle Jake Long, so that may have something to do with it.
Cleveland Browns: After spending big on free agents Paul Kruger and Desmond Bryant on Tuesday, the Browns kept adding to their collection on Wednesday. Tight end Gary Barnidge inked a three-year, $3.75 million deal. Outside linebacker Quentin Groves signed a two-year, $2.8 million contract, and running back Chris Ogbonnaya was re-signed to a two-year deal. Barnidge comes over from Carolina to reunite with coach Rob Chudzinski. He?ll likely assume the blocking tight end role vacated by free agent Alex Smith. Groves was with DC Ray Horton in Arizona last season. He can play special teams, as well as provide a bit of a pass rush. Ogbonnaya played some third downs under the old regime in 2012. ? Cleveland is reportedly interest in free agent tight end Fred Davis. He and Jordan Cameron would be an intriguing pass-catching duo in Chudzinski?s tight end-friendly offense. ? Exclusive rights free agents receiver Jordan Norwood and long snapper Christian Yount were re-signed to one-year deals. Norwood will earn $555,000 in 2013, and Yount will get $480,000.
Dallas Cowboys: The money situation in the Big D remains tight. Left end Marcus Spears was released and designated as a post-June 1 cut. He signed a five-year deal prior to the start of the 2011 campaign, but he doesn?t fit the new 4-3 scheme. Plus, Spears? play has been rather average in recent years. He brings nothing to the table as a pass rusher, although he can play the run a bit. ? Dallas might be able to get involved in free agency next week once the prices come down.
Denver Broncos: The Broncos pulled off the biggest shocker of free agency thus far by signing slot receiver Wes Welker away from the Patriots. By adding Welker to an already potent receiving corps that includes Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker, the Broncos are considered the super-early favorites in the AFC. Welker got a fully-guaranteed two-year, $12 million deal. You can read more about Welker?s acquisition in Adam Levitan?s fantasy fallout here. ? Denver didn?t just stop with Welker. Defensive tackle Terrance Knighton was signed to a two-year, $4.5 million pact, and cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie agreed to a one-year, $5 million deal. Knighton and Kevin Vickerson will pair up in the middle to try and shut down opponents? running attacks. Rodgers-Cromartie will start opposite Champ Bailey with Chris Harris in the slot, forming a solid coverage trio. Hell, maybe DRC will learn a thing or two from the grizzled vet Bailey. ? Linebacker Stewart Bradley signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract. He?s expected to compete for the starting middle linebacker job. Joe Mays, with his $4 million salary, is likely out of a job. ? A decision on right end Elvis Dumervil is expected to come down on Friday. His $12 million salary becomes guaranteed if he?s on the roster Saturday. ? Denver was named as a possible landing spot for free agent cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, but after Rodgers-Cromartie?s signing, we can rule that out.
Detroit Lions: The Lions brought in a nice free agency haul on Wednesday. Running back Reggie Bush landing in the Motor City was blatantly obvious for weeks. He signed up on a four-year, $16 million deal. Bush?s addition adds some much-needed juice to what was a vanilla backfield. The Lions are reportedly set to make Bush a full-time, three-down back. To get a sense of what Bush?s signing means for fantasy purposes, peep Adam Levitan?s piece on Bush from Wednesday afternoon. ? Bush wasn?t the only player the Lions snatched up. Defensive lineman Jason Jones inked a three-year, $9.5 million deal, and safety Glover Quin scored a five-year, $25 million contract. Jones can play both end and tackle. He played under coach Jim Schwartz in Tennessee. Quin is an above-average run supporter. He lacks adequate coverage skills, which is one reason the Texans moved him from cornerback to safety prior to the 2011 season. ? Cornerback Chris Houston re-upped in Detroit on a five-year, $25 million deal, as well. Ideally, the Lions would go out and get a No. 1 corner, but for right now Houston is set to fill that role for the third straight season. ? Detroit came up as a possible suitor for free agent cornerback Cary Williams. He and Houston are essentially the same player ? susceptible to the big play.
Green Bay Packers: The Packers are reportedly getting closer to a three-year deal with free agent running back Steven Jackson. They don?t appear to have much competition for his services, and the major hang-up sounds like money. ? Tight end Jermichael Finley is reportedly ?sitting on pins and needles? as the Packers wait to see what happens with free agent receiver Greg Jennings. If Jennings re-ups in Green Bay, which seems like a real possibility at this point, Finley would likely be dangled in a trade or released.
Houston Texans: Houston was linked to three free-agent defensive backs on Wednesday. Safety Ed Reed is scheduled to visit the facility on Thursday. If he gets out of town without a deal, safety Charles Woodson could be an option. The Texans are in the market for someone to play next to Danieal Manning after losing Glover Quin to the Lions on Wednesday. Houston has been named as a possible destination for free agent cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. If the price is right, Johnathan Joseph and Kareem Jackson could use some help in coverage.
Indianapolis Colts: After a big opening day in free agency, GM Ryan Grigson added another piece to his defensive backfield. Safety LaRon Landry inked a four-year, $24 million deal with the Colts. We didn?t expect him to land $6 million annually like he did, but Landry earned it after posting a career-year with the Jets in 2012. He?ll overtake Tom Zbikowski for the starting strong safety gig. ? Free agent defensive lineman Ricky Jean-Francois arrived late on Wednesday for a visit. He?s been a coveted man.
Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars weren?t linked to a single free agent on Tuesday, but they got in on the spending a little bit on Wednesday. Linebacker Geno Hayes signed a two-year, $2 million contract. He was with DC Bob Babich in Chicago last season. Hayes could be asked to fill free agent Daryl Smith?s shoes on the strong side, but more likely he?ll back up all three spots. ? Jacksonville also set up three free-agent visits with running back Justin Forsett, right tackle Tyler Polumbus, and cornerback Alan Ball. Forsett was in Seattle with OC Jedd Fisch in 2010. Polumbus wouldn?t be much of an upgrade on the in-house candidates. Ball was not good in Houston last season. ? The Jaguars released receiver Laurent Robinson on Wednesday, just one year after he signed a five-year, $32.5 million deal. He suffered four, yes FOUR, concussions in 2012. He has reportedly been cleared to continue his career, but we?re worried that Robinson could be heading down a dangerous road.
Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs laid low for much of Wednesday. Kansas City brass introduced quarterback Alex Smith to the media. They did find Smith a weapon, though. Receiver Donnie Avery was signed to a three-year, $8.55 million deal. We?re not sure if we really like the move all that much. Smith doesn?t have a big arm, and Avery is a one-trick pony as a go-route runner. However, he does add an element to the receiver corps that was missing. ? We learned some further details to quarterback Chase Daniel?s three-year deal that was inked on Tuesday. If Daniel throws for more than 2,000 yards and 12 touchdowns in any season, his deal will void. Obviously, that will only happen if he becomes the starter.
Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins kept quiet after blowing through a load of cash on Tuesday. Free agent tight end Dustin Keller was in town undergoing a physical and having dinner with the Miami brass. He could be signed on Thursday, and would be an upgrade on recently departed Anthony Fasano in the passing game. ? Free agent receiver Brandon Gibson is scheduled to visit on Thursday, but that?s only if he gets away from the Jets. Gibson was in New York all day on Wednesday and spent the night. He?d be the No. 3 or 4 receiver in Miami. ? The Dolphins remain hopeful they can re-sign free agent left tackle Jake Long, but he spent the entire day in St. Louis.
Minnesota Vikings: Minnesota remains interested in Greg Jennings, but his price is going to have to come down significantly. ? Free agent linebacker Brian Urlacher has reportedly been in contact with the Vikings, but local beat writers aren?t buying it. We aren?t, either. Urlacher has slowed down, and the Vikings are going to stick to their plan of getting younger. ? The Vikings continue to be linked to Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel. There?s zero chance they?ll trade for him, but he could become an option if/when he?s released.
New England Patriots: Talks officially broke down with receiver Wes Welker on Wednesday, and he jettisoned to Denver on a two-year, $12 million deal. The Patriots wasted no time in finding his replacement. Slot machine Danny Amendola signed a five-year, $31 million contract, which included $10 million guaranteed. We really like the move, even if Amendola is an injury-risk. He?s younger, bigger, quicker, and stronger than Welker. Amendola can also play on the outside if need be, as he isn?t limited to just the slot. He?s a legit threat for 100 grabs in 2013. New England may now look to re-sign receiver Julian Edelman to back up/platoon with Amendola.
New Orleans Saints: The Saints remain low on funds. Long snapper Justin Drescher was re-signed to a four-year deal. That was the only transaction for New Orleans on Wednesday. ? Free agent cornerback Keenan Lewis is reportedly on his way for a visit, and the Saints could be in on free agent cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. Either of the two would be upgrades for the worst pass defense in the history of the NFL.
New York Giants: The G-Men moved on from free agent kicker Lawrence Tynes by signing Josh Brown to a one-year deal. Brown kicked for the Bengals at the end of last season. He made the winning field goal to clinch Cincinnati a playoff berth. ? Free agents linebacker Jasper Brinkley and safety Ryan Mundy have set up visits. Brinkley would be an upgrade on Chase Blackburn in the middle as a two-down thumper. Mundy would replace Kenny Phillips as the third safety in New York. ? Free agent left guard Kevin Boothe reiterated his desire to re-sign with the Giants. There hasn?t been much movement on that front.
New York Jets: Free agent receiver Brandon Gibson spent all of Wednesday in New York, and stayed overnight. He may not get out of town without a deal. The Jets are considered the favorite for him. Gibson would be the No. 2 to Santonio Holmes. ? Free agents running back Mike Goodson and outside linebacker Antwan Barnes are scheduled to visit. The Jets are interested in Goodson to replace Shonn Greene?s touches. Barnes was drafted in Baltimore while coach Rex Ryan was there. He?d add a little juice to the pass-rushing efforts. ? New York re-signed FB Lex Hilliard to a one-year pact. He?s a special-teamer. ? GM John Idzik is reportedly holding out for the Bucs? first-round pick (No. 13 overall) in a Darrelle Revis trade. So far, Tampa Bay GM Mark Dominik isn?t budging. Dominik is willing to offer the 2013 second-rounder or a 2014 first-rounder.
Oakland Raiders: The Silver and Black signed a trio of young veterans on Wednesday. Defensive tackle Pat Sims signed a one-year deal, defensive end Jason Hunter inked an undisclosed deal, and outside linebacker Kaluka Maiava agreed to a three-year, $6 million contract. Sims highlights the group, but all three players could end up starting on such a talent-deficient roster. Sims is a former third-round pick, one-dimensional run-stuffer. Hunter was with coach Dennis Allen in Denver, but he missed the entire 2012 campaign with a torn triceps. Maiava started 13 games for the Browns last season, playing surprisingly well versus both the run and the pass. ? Free agent linebackers Nick Roach and Dan Connor have scheduled visits. The Raiders entered Wednesday with all three starting linebacker spots open. ? Oakland reportedly has preliminary interest in free agent quarterback Vince Young. We wouldn?t bet on it happening. ? Exclusive rights free agent cornerback Coye Francies was re-signed to a one-year, $630,000 contract.
Philadelphia Eagles: Nothing but rumors surrounded the Eagles on Wednesday, a day after inking five players. Free agent defensive lineman Ricky Jean-Francois was in town for a visit, but he left after the sides were reportedly far apart on terms. ? The Eagles may be eyeing free agent right tackles Sebastian Vollmer and Andre Smith. We wouldn?t expect Philadelphia to sign either one. Reports are that the Eagles don?t plan to dole out big money to any free agents. ? Free agents outside linebackers Connor Barwin and Victor Butler, along with cornerback Cary Williams reportedly interest the team. Even after signing Bradley Fletcher on Tuesday, the Eagles are likely seeking another corner. You can never have enough pass rush, so Butler and Barwin make sense as the Eagles transition to the 3-4 scheme. ? Philadelphia has withdrawn from the Darrelle Revis trade talks. It seems to be Tampa Bay or bust for Revis.
Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers signed a few veterans and set up a few free-agent visits on Wednesday. ? Quarterback Bruce Gradkowski signed a three-year deal to back up Ben Roethlisberger. Long snapper Greg Warren re-signed on a one-year contract, as did receiver Plaxico Burress. Burress will be no higher than the fourth receiver, if he even makes the team. ? Free agents outside linebacker Victor Butler and tight end Kellen Davis are scheduled to visit on Thursday. Butler could replace James Harrison in the starting lineup, and Davis could be the blocking tight end with Leonard Pope being a free agent. ? Free agent linebacker Dan Connor was supposed to visit on Wednesday, but he never did. He?s now headed out to Oakland for a visit.
San Diego Chargers: The Bolts added a couple of pieces on Wednesday. Guard Chad Rinehart signed a one-year deal, and cornerback Derek Cox landed a four-year, $20 million contract. Rinehart is expected to start at one of the guard spots, and he spent the last three seasons in Buffalo with new Chargers? offensive line coach Joe D?Alessandris. Cox was a top-six free-agent corner, and they got him at a good rate. When healthy, he?s one of the top cover corners in the league.
San Francisco 49ers: San Francisco signed former No. 5 overall pick defensive lineman Glenn Dorsey to a two-year contract on Wednesday. He?ll replace Ricky Jean-Francois as the run-stuffing backup at both end spots. ? Free agent safety Louis Delmas is scheduled to visit on Thursday after the 49ers missed out on LaRon Landry. The Niners are looking for Dashon Goldson?s replacement. ? San Francisco has been mentioned as a possible destination for free agent cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha.
Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks were just minding their own business until Wednesday night they swooped in and nabbed top pass rusher Cliff Avril on a two-year, $15 million deal. It?s a huge discount rate for Avril, who was believed by some to be the top overall free agent entering the offseason. He and Bruce Irvin will team up to replace Chris Clemons as the ?Leo? pass rusher as Clemons recovers from his torn ACL.
St. Louis Rams: The Rams spent the entire day putting free agent left tackle Jake Long through a physical before finally taking him out to dinner on Wednesday night. A decision is expected by Thursday. If the Rams do sign Long, incumbent left tackle Rodger Saffold will reportedly ask for a trade. He doesn?t want to play right tackle. ? Free agent safety Louis Delmas received a contract offer on Wednesday, but he left town and is headed for San Francisco. There is an abundance of free agent safeties on the market to choose from. ? St. Louis was reportedly willing to offer receiver Danny Amendola $4 million annually, but he ended up signing in New England for a shade over $6 million per season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Bucs landed the big fish of the day in free safety Dashon Goldson. They signed him to a five-year, $41.25 million deal. Goldson?s $8.25 million annual average is third-highest in the league among safeties. A ball-hawk who isn?t afraid to come up and hit a running back, Goldson will pair up with Mark Barron to form one of the best duos in the league. ? Linebacker Jonathan Casillas signed a one-year deal worth up to $3 million. The former Saint flashed in limited opportunities throughout his young career, and he?ll likely get a chance to start on the strong side in 2013. ? The Bucs have reportedly been in talks with free agent return man Leon Washington. He?d be an upgrade on Roscoe Parrish. ? GM Mark Dominik is unwilling to give up the No. 13 overall pick in the draft to the Jets for Darrelle Revis. However, he is willing to give up a 2013 second-rounder or 2014 first-rounder. The Jets haven?t budged, yet.
Tennessee Titans: The Titans entered the offseason in the market for a bigger back to complement Chris Johnson. On Wednesday, they think they found one. Running back Shonn Greene was signed to a three-year, $10.5 million deal. Greene isn?t as superb in the short-yardage game as one would believe. He?s likely to siphon some scoring opportunities from Johnson in 2013. ? Linebacker Moise Fokou signed a two-year deal after spending a year with the division rival Colts. He?ll likely back up all three spots, and play on special teams. ? Receiver Brandon Gibson is scheduled to make a free-agent visit on Friday, but he still has to get through his visits with the Jets and Dolphins first. If signed, Nate Washington will likely be traded. He said he prefers to be released, obviously. ? Tennessee is reportedly interested in free agent safety Gerald Sensabaugh. He?d be the third safety with the Titans. Gerald?s cousin, Coty, plays for the Titans.
Washington Redskins: Washington is interested in three free agent cornerbacks: Aqib Talib, Antoine Cason, and Antoine Winfield. They?ve yet to set up visits for any of them, but all three would be the new No. 1 corners in D.C. after DeAngelo Hall?s release. ? Free agent offensive tackle Jeremy Trueblood is scheduled to visit. He?d be an option at right tackle if Tyler Polumbus doesn?t re-sign. Trueblood was booted from the starting lineup in Tampa Bay last season due to poor play. ? Strong safety Brandon Meriweather took a pay cut. He sliced his salary from $2.45 million to $1.2 million after playing in just one game last season due to a knee injury.
Source: http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/nfl/42765/310/nfl-hot-stove-day-3
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