The first day of free agency was crazy as usual. Today, we look at some of the signings that have happened and look at where some of the top free agents left could sign.
Although most of the moves are fee Agent signings, the Pats traded for Dwayne Allen, Kony Ealy and Brandin Cooks, filling their needs at receiver, defensive end, and tight end. Brock Osweiler was also traded to Cleveland and now they’re going to release or trade him to chase for Jimmy Garoppolo.
Jimmy Garoppolo said on his Instagram that he’s saying farewell to Boston, but apparently, it’s a hoax. I think either Garoppolo’s Instagram was hacked, or Garoppolo has inside information that wasn’t supposed to be released. Or he’s trying to up his value. Who knows? This is the craziest story I’ve heard since DeflateGate.
Photo Credit: NFL
Alshon Jeffery, Torrey Smith Sign With Eagles
The Eagles really loaded up on wide receivers. They signed both Jeffery and Smith to multiple year deals. With that, the Eagles are definitely an NFC East threat. Ryan Mathews should be good for running back, and now Carson Wentz has plenty of weapons to throw to. However, there’s another team besides Dallas and the Eagles that will make the NFC East extremely tight.
Giants Grab Brandon Marshall, Negotiating With Adrian Peterson
The Giants released Victor Cruz and Rashad Jennings to begin the off-season and looked ready to rebuild. However, they signed Brandon Marshall to make their receiving game loaded. They still need a tight end, and could use a decent running back, but are in negotiations with Adrian Peterson. Right now, the Giants would not compete with Philly and Dallas but if they sign AP, they could contend.
Jackson and Garçon Leave Redskins for Other Teams
DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garçon are out of Washington. The ‘Skins need to make a move but do have some decent receivers as it is. Jackson signed in Tampa Bay, where a second receiver was definitely needed. Meanwhile, Pierre Garçon will help San Francisco’s disaster at wide receiver. The Niners still need a star receiver, but Pierre Garçon will help.
Okung, Reiff, Whitworth, Zeitler, Kalil Reach Agreements
Matt Kalil joined his brother in Carolina, replacing Mike Remmers. Riley Reiff left Detroit to replace Kalil in Minnesota. Russell Okung signed with the Chargers to help their problematic o-line, and Whitworth and Zeitler signed elsewhere, Zeitler going to the Browns and Whitworth heading for the Rams.
Campbell Headed to Jacksonville
With Jared Odrick being released, the Jaguars made a big defensive move, signing former Cardinal Calais Campbell. Campbell was a star defenseman for the Cardinals and will help the Jaguars defense continue to improve. This defense is getting pretty good and is getting a lot better.
Stephon Gillmore to Patriots
The Pats signed top corner Stephon Gillmore. This will likely be to replace Malcolm Butler, but if Butler sticks around, the Pats will have one of the best secondaries in the league. Gillmore, Butler, McCourty and Chung are all strong players.
Bennett Signs With Packers
Martellus Bennett was allowed by the Pats to test the market after New England traded for Dwayne Allen. The Packers are one of a few teams looking for a good tight end, and they got their guy in Bennett. He will take a crucial role in another dominant offense.
LBs Timmons, Dansby Sign
Lawrence Timmons and Karlos Dansby both got deals today. Dansby signed with the Cardinals, and Lawrence Timmons signed with the Dolphins. Both teams had a major hole at linebacker, so these moves will be very beneficial.
Those are just the biggest moves, there’s more!
Jack Doyle, Nick Fairley, Jacquizz Rodgers, Chandler Jones, Kenny Stills, Nick Perry and Dre Kirkpatrick were resigned.
Top FAs Left and Where They’ll Sign
First things first, I think both Donta Hightower and Blount will resign with the Patriots, Dontari Poe will return to KC, Zach Brown will resign in Buffalo, Morris Claiborne will return to Dallas, and Jonathan Babineaux will return to the Falcons. Here are some other top free agents who will sign around the league.
Adrian Peterson, RB
Prediction: New York Giants
The Giants have been chasing for him since before he was released. This would be a good fit for Peterson, and he would be a good veteran mentor for Paul Perkins. Peterson will only sign for a couple of years because running backs his age are bound to decline quickly, but by the time he leaves or retires, Perkins will be ready to start.
Jamaal Charles, RB
Prediction: Green Bay Packers
The Packers are desperate for a running back. They’re not going to resign Lacy. Jamaal Charles will help the running game. Ty Montgomery will still play running back, but he can’t be the only guy in the backfield. Charles, at least for the next couple of years will be a big help and veteran mentor to help at running back.
Eddie Lacy, RB
Prediction: Oakland Raiders
The Raiders do need a replacement for Latavius Murray. DeAndre Washington can take over eventually, but for the next few years, Lacy can help lead the backfield. If he gets hurt, then Washington can take over. But if not, Lacy will dominate and help lead the Raiders back to contention.
Latavius Murray, RB
Prediction: Washington Redskins
Clearly, the Redskins need a running back, and the Raiders are letting Murray test the market. The Redskins currently have Rob Kelley leading the backfield. Signing Murray would really boost that backfield, and Murray will sign for multiple years.
Connor Barwin, DE
Prediction: Chicago Bears
The Bears really need some work for their defensive line. Barwin was just released but the Bears are desperate. I also think Mario Williams, who’s been released two off-seasons straight, will end up with the Bears on a small deal. However, Barwin will be the better signing.
DeMarcus Ware, OLB
Prediction: New York Giants
The Giants really need a linebacker. They have more money than most teams in the league, they have a big market. So Ware could end up on the Titans, Browns or Lions, but the Giants are a more realistic path for Ware to take. He could get the money he wants in New York, and he will continue to improve this defense.
Darrelle Revis, CB
Prediction: Kansas City Chiefs
Revis Island will not be dominant anymore, but he has a couple more years in him, and he would be a nice veteran mentor for the Chiefs secondary. He will only be there for two or three years before retiring, but that will be enough time to season the younger players.
So, those are my predictions and thoughts. Comment your thoughts.