Broncos Go Big
Within the first two days of free agency, the Denver Broncos made three huge moves on the market, signing free agents DeMarcus Ware, saftey T.J Ward, and cornerback Aqib Talib. Denver is clearly trying to revamp their defense, and these three signed players will surely improve this team. Ward and Talib both made the Pro Bowl last season, and both players are under the age of 30. DeMarcus Ware has an incredible 117 career sacks, but only gained six this season due to injuries. It should be very interesting to see these three players play on the same field next season.
Aqib Talib-Cornerback
Basic Contract Structure: 6 years, $57 millionGuaranteed Money: $26 million
First Year: $12 million
Second Year: $6 million
Third Year: $9 million
Notable Stats: 41 tackles, 4 INT's in 2013
T.J Ward-SafteyBasic Contract Structure: 4 years, $22.5 million
Guaranteed Money: $13.5 million
First Year: $2.3 million
Second Year: $7.8 million
Third Year: $5.8 million
Notable Stats: 112 tackles, 2 INT's in 2013
DeMarcus Ware-Defensive End
Basic Contract Structure: 3 years, $30 million
Guaranteed Money: $20 million
First Year: $9.6 million
Second Year: $11.7 million
Third Year: $11.7 million
Notable Stats: 40 tackles, 6 sacks in 2013
Darrelle Revis Changes Teams
Within a mere five hours, all-pro cornerback Darrelle Revis traveled up the east coast and changed divisions. On March 12th during the afternoon, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers cut Darelle Revis from their 53-man roster, not wanting to pay him an expected 16 million dollars next year. That evening, the New England Patriots shocked the football world by signing Darrelle Revis to a one-year contract. The Patriots signed Revis in an attempt to replace Aqib Talib, who obviously moved to Denver. The Patriots-Revis contract includes a second year, $20 million option for the team. Basically, what this means is that if the Patriots would like to keep Darrelle Revis for the 2015 season, they would have to pay him $20 million. A move like this is exactly what the Patriots needed to revitalize a poor secondary, and this team is immediately in the conversation for an AFC Championship. (Note: Three days after signing Revis, The New England Patriots signed former Seattle cornerback Brandon Browner to a 3-year, $17 million contract.)
Basic Contract Structure: 1 year, $12 million
Guaranteed Money: $11.5 million
First Year: $12 million
Second Year: $20 million (club option)
Third Year: N/A
Notable Stats: 2 INT's, 2 forced fumbles in 2013
Baltimore Retains Offensive Talent
So far into free agency, it seems like Ozzie Newsome and the Baltimore Ravens are taking a very conservative approach to the 2014 off-season. During the first few days of free agency, the Ravens only re-signed their own free agents, including tackle Eugene Monroe and return specialist Jacoby Jones. Although these are not blockbuster names like Revis or Ware, these two players were key within the Baltimore Ravens' offense. I believe that these signings were good decisions by the Ravens to keep two talented players on the offensive side of the ball.
Basic Contract Structure: 5 years, $37.5 million
Guaranteed Money: $17.5 million
First Year: $3.2 million
Second Year: $7.7 million
Third Year: $8.7 million
Notable Stats: N/A
Jacoby Jones-Wide Receiver/Kick Returner
Basic Contract Structure: 4 years, $12 million
Guaranteed Money: $3.5 million
First Year: $1.88 million
Second Year: $3.37 million
Third Year: $3.38 million
Notable Stats: 455 receiving yards, 1,129 return yards in 2013
Bucs' and Browns Revamp on Defense
During the last few days, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made huge moves during free agency, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Along with signing one of the best defensive ends on the market, the Buccaneers also replaced star cornerback Darrelle Revis, who left for New England. With the signings of Alterraun Verner and Michael Johnson, along with a new coaching staff, it seems like Lovie Smith is attempting to install his iconic Tampa 2 defense with new players. The Bucs' also made an addition at quarterback, signing John McCown to a 2-year, 10 million dollar contract. With a restructured team, it should be interesting to see how this team does during the 2014 NFL season.
Basic Contract Structure: 4 years, $25.75 million
Guaranteed Money: $14 million
First Year: $8.25 million
Second Year:$4.25 million
Third Year:$6.75 million
Notable Stats: 57 tackles, 5 INT's in 2013
Basic Contract Structure: 5 years, $43.75 million
Guaranteed Money: $16 million
First Year: $9 million
Second Year: $9 million
Third Year: $8.25 million
Notable Stats: 56 tackles, 4 sacks in 2013
Along with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Cleveland Browns also made two key additions to their defense, signing both Donte Whitner and Karlos Dansby. During the 2013 season, Karlos Dansby played for the Arizona Cardinals and helped lead their defense, which played very well. Also, Donte Whitner played for a stingy San Fransisco 49ers defense that was one of the best in the NFL. Pairing these two players with cornerback Joe Haden should make the Cleveland Browns' defense one of the most interesting heading into next season.
Basic Contract Structure: 4 years, $24 million
Guaranteed Money: $12 million
First Year: $5.5 million
Second Year: $5.5 million
Third Year: $6.5 million
Notable Stats: 122 tackles, 4 INT's in 2013
Basic Contract Structure: 4 years, $28 million
Guaranteed Money: $15.5 million
First Year: $4.25 million
Second Year: $6.75 million
Third Year: $8.45 million
Notable Stats: 73 tackles, 2 INT's in 2013
Three Offensive Tackles Sign Big Contracts
In the first 24 hours of the 2014 free agency period starting, three offensive tackles received high-paying contracts, with Branden Albert, Rodger Saffold, and Jared Veldheer. All three of these tackles signed contracts for over $30 million with their new teams, and are going to be relied on as the teams' premier pass protectors. Tackle Branden Albert played a Pro-Bowl worthy season with the Kansas City Chiefs last year, and was almost immediately signed by the Miami Dolphins. Left tackle Jared Veldheer wasn't a well-known player last year, as he played on an awful Oakland Raiders team. After becoming a free agent, Veldheer quickly signed with the Arizona Cardinals. And Rodger Saffold, former guard/tackle for the St.Louis Rams, was signed by the Oakland Raiders, who were attempting to replace Jared Veldheer. All three of these players provide instant stability to their new teams' offensive lines, and should easily become the most talented on their new rosters. Update: After being signed by the Oakland Raiders, Rodger Saffold failed his physical, terminating his contract. Saffold later re-signed with the St.Louis Rams.
Basic Contract Structure: 5 years, $47 million
Guaranteed Money: $26 million
First Year: $4.2 million
Second Year: $10.7 million
Third Year: $10.1 million
Notable Stats: N/A
Basic Contract Structure: 5 years, $35 million
Guaranteed Money: $17 million
First Year: $2.5 million
Second Year: $7.8 million
Third Year: $8.2 million
Notable Stats: N/A
Basic Contract Structure: 5 years, $31.35 million
Guaranteed Money: $11 million
First Year: $4 million
Second Year: $8 million
Third Year: $5.88 million
Notable Stats: N/A
Chicago Signs Houston, Releases Peppers
On the first day of free agency, the Chicago Bears decided to fix their largest problem right away, that being the defensive line. On March 11th, the Bears went into the free agent market and signed former Oakland Raider Lamarr Houston to a 5-year deal. Obviously, this was not a good sign for defensive end Julius Peppers, who was released a short time after the signing. Lamarr Houston is a little-known player because he played in Oakland last year. Despite this, Houston is a very solid defensive end that can play well against the run as well as the pass. Three days after being released, Julius Peppers signed a 3-year, $30 million contract with the Bears' bitter rivals, the Green Bay Packers. This shakeup of defensive ends in the NFC North is sure to add more toughness to this division, which was one of the worst last year on defense.
Basic Contract Structure: 5 years, $35 million
Guaranteed Money: $14.9 million
First Year: $5 million
Second Year: $7 million
Third Year: $7 million
Notable Stats: 69 tackles, 6 sacks in 2013
Steve Smith Changes Teams After 13 Seasons
For 13 years, wide receiver Steve Smith was the heart and soul of the Carolina Panthers, and was on the team for most of the franchise's history. But, at the beginning of the 2014 off-season, it was uncertain if Smith would return to Carolina to play another year. Suddenly, the Panthers decided to let their team captain leave the team on March 13th. Within 24 hours of the release, the Baltimore Ravens had signed the veteran pass-catcher to a 3-year deal. This situation should be very interesting for both of these teams, with the Panthers not having their veteran leader and the Ravens having an even stronger receiving corps.
Basic Contract Structure: 3 years, $11.5 million
Guaranteed Money: $3.5 million
First Year: $3.1 million
Second Year: $4.2 million
Third Year: $4.2 million
Notable Stats: 745 receiving yards, 4 TD's in 2013
Byrd Signs With Saints
During the 2013 season, Jairus Byrd was considered one of the best safeties in the National Football League, with excellent ball skills and awareness. Similar to several other free agents, Byrd was not very well known since he was not on a very successful team (the Buffalo Bills). On a team full of mediocre players, Byrd was the shining star of Buffalo's roster, but yet the Bills decided not to re-sign him. On the first day of the 2014 free agency period, the New Orleans Saints signed Byrd to an expensive 6-year deal. To pay for the safety, the Saints had to release and trade several players, including Darren Sproles, Jonathan Vilma, and Will Smith. With a defense that was greatly improved by Rob Ryan last season, the addition of Jairus Byrd makes this defense even scarier.
Jairus Byrd-SafetyBasic Contract Structure: 6 years, $54 million
Guaranteed Money: $26.3 million
First Year: $3.5 million
Second Year: $10.3 million
Third Year: $9.7 million
Notable Stats: 47 tackles, 4 INT's in 2013
Indianapolis Improves Across the Board
So far into the 2014 off-season, the Indianapolis Colts have made three important signings that are sure to help this team in every aspect of the game. The Colts have re-signed starting cornerback Vontae Davis, as well as signing free agents Hakeem Nicks and defensive end Arthur Jones. Hakeem Nicks was seen by many as one of the best available wide receivers heading into free agency, despite playing with an injury with the New York Giants. Arthur Jones is a former Baltimore Raven that played on a very talented defensive line. These three signings by the Colts are perfect to add depth and talent to every part of football, including the passing game, the defensive line, and the secondary.
Basic Contract Structure: 5 years, $33 million
Guaranteed Money: $10 million
First Year: $5.6 million
Second Year: $7.1 million
Third Year: $5.6 million
Notable Stats: 53 tackles, 4 sacks in 2013
Basic Contract Structure: 4 years, $36 million
Guaranteed Money: $20 million
First Year: $6.25 million
Second Year: $11.25 million
Third Year: $8.25 million
Notable Stats: 46 tackles, 1 INT in 2013
Basic Contract Structure: 1 year, $3.5 million
Guaranteed Money: $0
First Year: $3.5 million
Second Year: N/A
Third Year: N/A
Notable Stats: 896 receiving yards in 2013
Oakland Signs Veteran Defenders
Along with the signing of offensive lineman Rodger Saffold, the Oakland Raiders also signed two players on the defensive side of the ball. Justin Tuck, former New York Giant, and LaMarr Woodley, former Pittsburgh Steeler, were both signed by the Raiders within the first few days of the start of free agency. Both of these players are around 30 years old and have had very productive careers in the NFL, making them great veteran leaders for their new locker room. Hopefully for Raiders' fans, these two players will improve a defense that was absolutely atrocious last season, especially in the front seven.
Basic Contract Structure: 2 years, $10.35 million
Guaranteed Money: $6.35 million
First Year: $4.85 million
Second Year: $5.35 million
Third Year: N/A
Notable Stats: 36 tackles, 5 sacks in 2013
Basic Contract Structure: 2 years, $10 million
Guaranteed Money: $4.35 million
First Year: $5 million
Second Year: $5 million
Third Year: N/A
Notable Stats: 63 tackles, 11 sacks in 2013
Two Major Receiver Signings
Although the wide receiver market was moving very slowly at the beginning of the 2014 free agency period, there have been several notable signings over the last few days. Along with Steve Smith and Hakeem Nicks, free agents Eric Decker, Golden Tate, and Julian Edelman have all decided on their teams for the 2014 season. Eric Decker, who was part of the Denver Broncos' historic offense in 2013, recently signed with the New York Jets, who had one of the worst passing games in the NFL last season. Also, Golden Tate signed a contract with the Detroit Lions to pair up with all-pro receiver Calvin Johnson. Along with these two big free agent names, Julian Edelman stated on March 15th that he would be staying with the New England Patriots for at least another year. Despite Edelman saying this, no official reports of a contract have surfaced. During the 2014 season, these three receivers are sure to have profound impacts on their teams, and should drastically help all of their teams' passing games.
Basic Contract Structure: 5 years, $36.25 million
Guaranteed Money: $15 million
First Year: $4 million
Second Year: $6.5 million
Third Year: $8 million
Notable Stats: 1,288 receiving yards, 11 TD's in 2013
Basic Contract Structure: 5 years, $31 million
Guaranteed Money: $13.25 million
First Year: $3.1 million
Second Year: $5.4 million
Third Year: $6.3 million
Notable Stats: 898 receiving yards, 5 TD's in 2013
Although the defensive tackle position is not the most glamorous position in football, it certainly does pay well, as evidenced by the signings of Linval Joseph, Paul Soliai, and Jason Hatcher. Combined, these three players gained over $90 million over a span of about four days. Jason Hatcher was one of the few talented players on the Dallas Cowboys' defense last season, and was signed by another NFC East team: the Washington Redskins. Soliai, a former Miami Dolphin, was signed by the Atlanta Falcons, who desperately needed talent along the defensive line. In addition to these two players, Linval Joseph was signed by the Minnesota Vikings on the first day of free agency. Joseph was one of the few decent players on the New York Giants' defense, who were poor against both the run and the pass. On their new teams, all three of these defensive tackles should be able to anchor their defensive lines, providing a strong center for the defense to build around.
Basic Contract Structure: 5 years, $27.5 million
Guaranteed Money: $10.5 million
First Year: $3.75 million
Second Year: $5.25 million
Third Year: $8.75 million
Notable Stats: 41 tackles, 11 sacks in 2013
Paul Soliai-Defensive Tackle (Falcons)
Basic Contract Structure: 5 years, $32 million
Guaranteed Money: $11 million
First Year: $5.4 million
Second Year: $4.4 million
Third Year: $6.9 million
Notable Stats: 34 tackles, 1 sack in 2013
Basic Contract Structure: 5 years, $31.5 million
Guaranteed Money: $12.5 million
First Year: $6.6 million
Second Year: $4.6 million
Third Year: $6.4 million
Notable Stats: 59 tackles, 3 sacks in 2013
Eagles Keep Offense and Improve Defense
Throughout last season, the Philadelphia Eagles had one of the most explosive offenses in the entire NFL, with several dynamic players. Wanting to sustain their offensive success, the Eagles re-signed receiver Jeremy Maclin, who suffered a knee injury before the season began. Before free agency, the Eagles also re-signed two of their offensive lineman, extending the group through the 2016 season. Additionally, Philadelphia quietly improved their defense by signing former New Orleans Saint safety Malcolm Jenkins. This addition should dramatically help the Eagles' defense, which was one of the worst in football last season.
Malcolm Jenkins-SafetyBasic Contract Structure: 3 years, $15.5
Guaranteed Money: $8.5 million
First Year: $2.66 million
Second Year: $5.66 million
Third Year: $7.2 million
Notable Stats: 2.5 sacks, 2 INT's in 2013
Basic Contract Structure: 1 year, $5.25 million
Guaranteed Money: $3.5 million
First Year: $5.25 million
Second Year: N/A
Third Year: N/A
Notable Stats: N/A (Injury)
Other Notable Signings:
Basic Contract Structure: 4 years, $21 million
Guaranteed Money: $9.25 million
First Year: $3 million
Second Year: $4.75 million
Third Year: $6.25 million
Notable Stats: 110 tackles, 2 INT's in 2013
Basic Contract Structure: 5 years, $30 million
Guaranteed Money: $9 million
First Year: $6 million
Second Year: $6 million
Third Year: $6 million
Notable Stats: N/A
Zane Beadles-Guard (Jaguars)
Basic Contract Structure: 5 years, $30 million
Guaranteed Money: $12.5 million
First Year: $7.5 million
Second Year: $5 million
Third Year: $5 million
Notable Stats: N/A
Basic Contract Structure: 5 years, $25 million
Guaranteed Money: $11 million
First Year: $3.1 million
Second Year: $3.85 million
Third Year: $6.35 million
Notable Stats: 32 tackles, 4 sacks in 2013
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