Broncos' and Patriots' Reloading War Continues
During the first week of free agency, both the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots made huge additions, signing star players such as Darrelle Revis, Aqib Talib, and DeMarcus Ware. In an attempt to beat each other next year, both the Broncos and the Patriots added a wide receiver to their offense that can play in the slot position. The signing between the Patriots and Julian Edelman was finalized on March 17th, after Edelman tweeted that he would be returning to New England. As if to fire back at the Patriots, the Denver Broncos signed former Pittsburgh Steeler Emmanuel Sanders, to replace receiver Eric Decker. These two receivers should have very different roles on their offense, as Edelman is one of the few talented receivers in Foxboro. Emmanuel Sanders, on the other hand, will be adding depth to a very deep receiving corps in Denver.
Basic Contract Structure: 4 years, $17 million
Guaranteed Money: $8 million
First Year: $2.75 million
Second Year: $4.25 million
Third Year: $4.75 million
Notable Stats: 1,056 receiving yards, 6 TD's
Basic Contract Structure: 3 years, $15 million
Guaranteed Money: $6 million
First Year: $4 million
Second Year: $5 million
Third Year: $6 million
Notable Stats: 740 receiving yards, 6 TD's
Jets Sign Vick, Release Sanchez
Throughout last year, it seemed eminent that the New York Jets would release quarterback Mark Sanchez, who was due $2 million by March 25th as a roster bonus. Finally, after a year of controversy, the Jets finally released the former first-round pick in favor of a different quarterback. Since the end of the 2010 season, Mark Sanchez was very inconsistent, causing several turnovers on a very poor offense. Michael Vick had turnover issues as well while he played for the Philadelphia Eagles, but played much better during the 2013 season. Unfortunately, Michael Vick was injured early in the season, allowing Nick Foles to take the starting job for the Eagles. In New York, Michael Vick will compete against Geno Smith for the starting position at quarterback, and will add to the yearly quarterback controversy for the Jets.
Basic Contract Structure: 1 year, $5 million
Guaranteed Money: $5 million
First Year: $5 million
Second Year: N/A
Third Year: N/A
Notable Stats: 1,215 yards, 5 TD's in 2013 (played 6 games)
DeSean Jackson Leaving the Eagles?
Speaking of the Philadelphia Eagles, throughout the last week there have been multiple rumors that DeSean Jackson will be traded or released from the team. The pro-bowl receiver is expected to make over $10 million next year, and the organization obviously does not want to pay this amount of money to one player, despite having over 1,300 receiving yards in 2013. Although the Eagles aren't necessarily looking for a trade with Jackson, they are listening to several offers. It is reported that the 49ers, Patriots, Raiders, Panthers, and Jets are all interested in trading for the receiver. It seems very unlikely that the Eagles will release DeSean Jackson, and will trade him for at least a 2nd round pick, if the Eagles choose to trade him. It should be very interesting to see what Philly does with DeSean Jackson within the next few days. (Click here to see DeSean Jackson's highlights from 2013)
Three Big Cornerback Signings
During the first week of free agency, the signings of Darrelle Revis and Aqib Talib dominated the NFL's headlines, and were the only notable signings in the cornerback market. Now, three other big-name cornerbacks have signed with their new teams,with Antonio Cromartie signing with the Cardinals, Cortland Finnigan signing with the Miami Dolphins, and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie going to the Giants. Last year, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (also known as D.R.C) played for the AFC Champion Broncos, while his cousin, Antonio Cromartie, played for the New York Jets. Cortland Finnigan played for the St.Louis Rams last season, and will be pairing up with pro-bowl cornerback Brent Grimes in Miami. Antonio Cromartie will also be partnering up with a pro-bowler in Patrick Peterson. All three of these cornerbacks are definitely going to improve their teams' secondary, and should be able to cover most teams' top receivers.
Cortland Finnegan-Cornerback (Dolphins)Basic Contract Structure: 2 years, $11 million
Guaranteed Money: $5.5 million
First Year: $4.53 million
Second Year: $6.47 million
Third Year: N/A
Notable Stats: 27 tackles, 1 INT in 2013
Basic Contract Structure: 1 year, $3.25 million
Guaranteed Money: $3.25 million
First Year: $3.25 million
Second Year: N/A
Third Year: N/A
Notable Stats: 38 tackles, 3 INT's in 2013
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie-Cornerback (Giants)Basic Contract Structure: 5 years, $39 million
Guaranteed Money: $14 million
First Year: $2.75 million
Second Year: $7.25 million
Third Year: $8 million
Notable Stats: 31 tackles, 3 INT's in 2013
James Jones and Matt Schaub Go To Oakland
In an attempt to free up some cap space, the Houston Texans finally decided to let go of Matt Schaub, trading him to the Oakland Raiders for a 6th-round draft pick in May's draft. Schaub played horribly last season, and was benched after throwing a pick-six in four straight games. Despite his awful play, Dennis Allen (Oakland's head coach) stated that Schaub could be the team's starter for "three or four years". James Jones caught passes from Aaron Rodgers last year, and caught the most touchdowns in the NFL in 2012. James Jones will help an Oakland Raiders passing game that was one of the worst in the league last season, and is expected to be the first-string wide receiver. Although there are a plethora of questions about Oakland's roster heading into the 2014 season, one thing is certain: their passing game will look completely different compared to last season.
*Matt Schaub's contract is the same as his contract in Houston. Schaub currently has 3 years remaining on his deal, and is expected to make $40 million within that time, with $11 million coming from next season.*
Basic Contract Structure: 3 years, $10 million
Guaranteed Money: $3.65 million
First Year: $3.8 million
Second Year: $3.1 million
Third Year: $3.1 million
Notable Stats: 817 receiving yards, 3 TD's
Cam Newton Has Surgery
So far into free agency, the Carolina Panthers have had a very rough off-season, especially on offense. After losing their top three receivers (Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell, and Ted Ginn Jr.), they now have their franchise quarterback injured. On March 19th, Cam Newton underwent successful surgery to tighten several ligaments in his right ankle. This ankle issue was reportedly caused by a hit in Week 10's game against the San Francisco 49ers, and has been a nagging issue since then. Cam Newton's ankle is expected to be fully healed and able to play in three to four months, which is about when training camp begins. Hopefully for Panthers fans, Cam Newton will be ready to play at the beginning of the 2014 season, and help a completely decimated receiving corps. (Click here to see Cam Newton's highlights from week 11 of the 2013 season)
Devin Hester Changes Teams After 8 Years
After eight years of dominating special teams in Chicago, Devin Hester will be putting on a different jersey for the first time of his career. On March 19th, Devin Hester was signed to a 3-year, $9 million contract that gave a $2.5 million signing bonus. With the falcons, Hester is expected to mainly play on special teams as a returner, but will also play a small amount on offense, to enhance an already deep receiving corps. Since Hester is now 31 years old, it will be very interesting to see if he can return kicks like he did several years ago with the Chicago Bears.
Other Notable Signings
Basic Contract Structure: 5 years, $8 million
Guaranteed Money: $2.25 million
First Year: $1.7 million
Second Year: $1.95 million
Third Year: $1.45 million (Club Option)*
Notable Stats: 602 receiving yards, 10 TD's in 2013
Basic Contract Structure: 1 year, $3.5 million
Guaranteed Money: $1 million
First Year: $1.73 million
Second Year: $9.25 million (Club Option)*
Third Year: $7.75 million (Club Option)*
Notable Stats: 5 tackles in 2013 (Injury)
Basic Contract Structure: 2 years, $9.6 million
Guaranteed Money: $4.2 million
First Year: (Contract Information not Released as of 3/23/14)
Second Year:
Third Year:
Notable Stats: N/A
*In simple terms, a 'Club Option' is an optional extension that an organization can give to a certain player for a pre-determined amount of money. If the club decides not to extend the player's contract, there is no cap penalty dealt to the team.*
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