2014 NFL Free Agents (1 Viewer)

[B-Deep]

Rotoworld:

Cowboys agreed to terms with DT Henry Melton, formerly of the Bears.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, it's a multi-year pact. It's a deal both sides have wanted to get done since the start of free agency, but Melton still made the rounds on the open market, visiting Seattle and St. Louis in addition to the Cowboys. The Vikings were also interested. Melton will be reuniting with DC Rod Marinelli, the man who moved him from end to tackle in Chicago. Melton is recovering from a torn ACL, but will provide a badly needed disruptive presence along the Cowboys' patchwork line as long as he's healthy.

Related: Bears

Henry Melton's being sued for biting a bar owner.

awesome

 

[Hooper31]

He'll very likely earn his $2MM salary in 2015, as they'll have to take on a $1.6MM cap hit if they cut him, plus the cost of replacing him.

Also, where are you finding the details of this contract?

 

[TheFanatic]

But there are plenty of players who actually play out their entire contracts with their club.

Not counting rookie contracts, what percentage of players play out their full contracts? What is "plenty"? More specifically, what percent of free agent signings play out their fully advertised contract?

Feel free to set me straight. How many free agent signings can you point to that have played out their fully advertised contract? My gut tells me its close to 0%, but if I'm wrong I would like to learn.

I don't think it's close to 0%. Lots of players go into their final year of a contract.

 

[Hooper31]

I don't think it's close to 0%. Lots of players go into their final year of a contract.

There are some, but I would guess none of those players are having their contract details announced on Sportscenter.

Veteran special teamer that plays backup safety? Sure, he might see the end of a contract. Free agent starting QB like Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, or Michael Vick? No chance one of those guys plays out the advertised contract. Potentially restructured money to kick the can down the road, but no way we're talking about the final year being paid out for big time signings.

 

[Hooper31]

Started searching for some data. This one is a start:

LINK

Report: Less than 10 percent of free agents play out long-term contractsEverybody loves big-number free-agent contracts with multiple years and multiple zeroes — players can put a price on their worth, agents can demonstrate their own value, teams can show how much they're willing to shell out to field a winner.

Of course, the truth is that in the NFL, few of those monster contracts ever pay out completely. Most players get cut long before they cash every allotted paycheck. The actual number, though, is pretty surprising.

The Big Lead has crunched the numbers, and found that over a period from 2005 to 2010, only eight percent of the top 50 free agents across that time who signed deals of five-plus years ended up playing out their contract. Those players: Drew Brees, Reggie Hayward, Derrick Mason, Charles Woodson, and Adam Vinatieri, withJustin Smith, presumably on San Francisco's roster at the start of next season, rounding out the list.

So how long did players usually last? Players with five-year deals lasted an average of 2.9 years, six-year deals lasted 3.1 years, and seven-year deals averaged 3.7 years. (Albert Haynesworth, pictured above, was released outright less than three years after the Redskins signed him to a seven-year deal, and by then three teams had given up on him.) The message, then, is clear: take your big contract and cut it roughly in half.

TBL breaks down the contract length by position, and this is one case where kickers and punters actually come out on top: they average more than 80 percent of their contract length. At the other end of the spectrum: wide receivers, safeties and offensive tackles, who each average less than half their signed contract length.

Check out the full statistical breakdown at The Big Lead

 

[RUSF18]

I'm not going to research how many players earn every dollar of their contract. My point is that you can't make it only about the guaranteed money. Those base salary dollars, even when not guaranteed, count against the cap in the years they are earned, so they matter.

Started searching for some data. This one is a start:

LINK

Report: Less than 10 percent of free agents play out long-term contractsEverybody loves big-number free-agent contracts with multiple years and multiple zeroes — players can put a price on their worth, agents can demonstrate their own value, teams can show how much they're willing to shell out to field a winner.

Of course, the truth is that in the NFL, few of those monster contracts ever pay out completely. Most players get cut long before they cash every allotted paycheck. The actual number, though, is pretty surprising.

The Big Lead has crunched the numbers, and found that over a period from 2005 to 2010, only eight percent of the top 50 free agents across that time who signed deals of five-plus years ended up playing out their contract. Those players: Drew Brees, Reggie Hayward, Derrick Mason, Charles Woodson, and Adam Vinatieri, withJustin Smith, presumably on San Francisco's roster at the start of next season, rounding out the list.

So how long did players usually last? Players with five-year deals lasted an average of 2.9 years, six-year deals lasted 3.1 years, and seven-year deals averaged 3.7 years. (Albert Haynesworth, pictured above, was released outright less than three years after the Redskins signed him to a seven-year deal, and by then three teams had given up on him.) The message, then, is clear: take your big contract and cut it roughly in half.

TBL breaks down the contract length by position, and this is one case where kickers and punters actually come out on top: they average more than 80 percent of their contract length. At the other end of the spectrum: wide receivers, safeties and offensive tackles, who each average less than half their signed contract length.

Check out the full statistical breakdown at The Big Lead

You're right that this is good, but you're confusing the points. The top 50 free agents (a limited group BTW) are those who are earning fairly large signing bonuses, and teams tack on an extra year or two only to lessen the cap hit in the early years, figuring the cap will either increase, they'll restructure, or they'll just take the dead money hit down the road. They're not adding on extra years to eliminate base salaries being paid. Of all those players who only saw 3 years of their 6 year deal, they received those base salaries in years 2 and 3 which were very unlikely to be guaranteed.

 

[deadlyrange0321]

Good signing for Dallas and the contract structure sounds pretty good as well. Has the potential to turn into a multi-year deal if he is on the roster at start of league year in 2015. Gives them a year to check him out following this injury and allows them to tweak the roster in the meantime in preparation.

 

[Hooper31]

You're right that this is good, but you're confusing the points. The top 50 free agents (a limited group BTW) are those who are earning fairly large signing bonuses, and teams tack on an extra year or two only to lessen the cap hit in the early years, figuring the cap will either increase, they'll restructure, or they'll just take the dead money hit down the road. They're not adding on extra years to eliminate base salaries being paid. Of all those players who only saw 3 years of their 6 year deal, they received those base salaries in years 2 and 3 which were very unlikely to be guaranteed.

How am I confused? I fully grasp what's going on here. Agents want to announce giant numbers because it looks good in recruiting more players to sign with them. Agents announce a dollar figure to the media. The media parrots that number. Fans do the same. Rarely do players actually see those dollars.

Also, the definition of "guaranteed" isn't set. Agents often report the first year base salary as part of the guaranteed money assuming the player won't be cut before the season starts after signing a new deal.

The Brandon Browner deal in New England is a perfect example of fans being duped. It was announced as 3 years and $17 million. The reality is that only $1 million is guaranteed. That guaranteed money includes the base salary for year #1.

LINK

The numbers have come out and I believe the Patriots are clear winners with this deal.

Did newly signed cornerback Brandon Browner's agent really hustle the Patriots?

Mike Reiss provides a breakdown of the contract and it's definitely a quality deal for both sides, should Browner perform.

Year 1 (2014): $1 million guaranteed, $250k workout bonus, $500k bonus for making the active roster for one day this season, $150k per game active, $1.25 million in playing incentives
Year 2 (2015): $1.9 million base, $2 million roster bonus for league year, $100k per game active, $250k for playing 75% of snaps, $250k for 85% of snaps
Year 3 (2016): $1.9 million base, $2 million roster bonus for league year, $100k per game active, $250k for playing 75% of snaps, $250k for 85% of snaps
The breakdown is $3-$7-$7, for a total of three seasons and $17 million.

What does the structure mean? It's heavily incentive based, so if Browner gets into any more trouble, the Patriots will be safe from cap hits. The reality is the contract is guaranteed for $1 million; if the Patriots want out of the deal, they can cut Browner at any point for minimal damage.

They can release Browner prior to free agency next season and have no dead money.

It's clear how the team copy-and-pasted their terms from 2015 into 2016 that the extra year is the fruit of the negotiations during Browner Watch 2.0.

If Browner plays well, he'll see good money. If he doesn't play well, the Patriots are off the hook. It's a very team-friendly deal.

 

[Terpman22]

Good signing for Dallas and the contract structure sounds pretty good as well. Has the potential to turn into a multi-year deal if he is on the roster at start of league year in 2015. Gives them a year to check him out following this injury and allows them to tweak the roster in the meantime in preparation.

But if he performs well, isn't it more likely they just can't afford him?

 

[RUSF18]

If Browner plays well, he'll see good money.

And there's a chance he does. But according to you, that money above the $1 million doesn't matter at all. Even if we're having this conversation after the 2015 season. The $10 million he had earned up to that point did not matter at all because only $1 million was initially guaranteed.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

A source tells FOX Sports that free agent DE Jared Allen is "unlikely" to sign with the Cowboys following Tuesday's visit.
The Cowboys were just $7.162 million below the salary cap before the Henry Melton deal, so they were probably looking to get Allen on the cheap. If he's going to accept a bargain-basement deal, he'll likely take it from the Seahawks and chase a Super Bowl ring. Expect more visits in the coming days.

Related: Cowboys

Source: Mike Garafolo on Twitter

According to ESPN's Ed Werder, free agent DE Jared Allen wants close to $10 million per season.
Allen continues to badly overestimate his worth on the open market. He'll turn 32 years old next month and has shown rapidly declining quickness as a pass-rusher as well liabilities in the run game. The Cowboys and Seahawks are not going to be interested in paying Allen DeMarcus Ware or Julius Peppers kind of coin. He's failed to gain any leverage with those hollow retirement threats.

Related: Cowboys, Seahawks

Source: Ed Werder on Twitter

 

[Dr. Octopus]

A source tells NJ.com that free agent QB Michael Vick will visit the Jets this weekend.
This will be Vick's first official visit of free agency. Reports out of New York have consistently maintained that he is the Jets' top choice at quarterback, as they want him to provide both mentoring and competition for Geno Smith. Vick had arguably the best year of his career with the Eagles in 2010 under offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, who now holds the same position with the Jets. Even at age 34, Vick would be a heavy favorite to beat out Smith in an open camp battle.

 

[Hooper31]

But according to you, that money above the $1 million doesn't matter at all. Even if we're having this conversation after the 2015 season. The $10 million he had earned up to that point did not matter at all because only $1 million was initially guaranteed.

Please don't attempt to put words in my mouth. It's belittling and does nothing to further a discussion.

Did not matter at all? No. If used those exact words (I don't think I did) that's wrong. It highly unlikely that Browner will see $17 million in salary. My world isn't black and white. It's shades of gray.

What really bothers me is anyone saying, "The pats are paying Browner more than $5 million per over the next three seasons" when history shows us that its very unlikely. Would you agree with that?

 

[BroadwayG]

You are correct Hooper, most contracts will not get paid out in their entirety. Can we move on?

 

[Faust]

What we learned on Day 8 of free agency

 

[Faust]

Week 2 NFL free agency: Jared Allen's price and other observations

 

[Hooper31]

Can we move on?

Apologies for impeding your progress.

 

[B-Deep]

Good signing for Dallas and the contract structure sounds pretty good as well. Has the potential to turn into a multi-year deal if he is on the roster at start of league year in 2015. Gives them a year to check him out following this injury and allows them to tweak the roster in the meantime in preparation.

But if he performs well, isn't it more likely they just can't afford him?

yup

i'll be shocked if he sees year 2 of this contract

 

[RUSF18]

But according to you, that money above the $1 million doesn't matter at all. Even if we're having this conversation after the 2015 season. The $10 million he had earned up to that point did not matter at all because only $1 million was initially guaranteed.

Please don't attempt to put words in my mouth. It's belittling and does nothing to further a discussion.

Did not matter at all? No. If used those exact words (I don't think I did) that's wrong. It highly unlikely that Browner will see $17 million in salary. My world isn't black and white. It's shades of gray.

What really bothers me is anyone saying, "The pats are paying Browner more than $5 million per over the next three seasons" when history shows us that its very unlikely. Would you agree with that?

I can't believe that people still talk about the big numbers that agents throw out as salaries. The only number that counts is the guaranteed money. That's all. Players know this. Teams know this. ESPN knows this. I have no idea why fans allow themselves to be blinded so badly. As soon as you even mention the full contract amount your opinion drops in credibility IMO.

Moving on.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Free agent RB Maurice Jones-Drew is visiting the Steelers Wednesday.
The Steelers have a gaping hole behind Le'Veon Bell, where Alvester Alexander is currently listed as the backup. Jones-Drew looked completely out of gas last season as he averaged 3.43 yards per carry, but he'll turn just 28 years old later this month. A role as Bell's change-of-pace would fit nicely. Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Steelers "are not the only interested team." MJD has previously been linked to the Jets.

Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter

 

[RUSF18]

Is MJD really much of a change of pace from Bell?

 

[Hooper31]

I can't believe that people still talk about the big numbers that agents throw out as salaries. The only number that counts is the guaranteed money. That's all. Players know this. Teams know this. ESPN knows this. I have no idea why fans allow themselves to be blinded so badly. As soon as you even mention the full contract amount your opinion drops in credibility IMO.

Moving on.

Yes. I initially overstated the case.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Is MJD really much of a change of pace from Bell?

Sometimes they use "change of pace" incorrectly when it's really just a guy that gets thrown out there a series or two per half to allow the starter to rest.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

A source tells ESPN that free agent KR Devin Hester is seeking $4 million per season.
It's a laughable request from a 31-year-old return specialist. If Hester lowers his price, he's expected to draw interest from the Falcons, Dolphins, Chiefs and Packers. Green Bay is looking to get Randall Cobb off returns so he can focus solely on offense.

Related: Packers, Randall Cobb, Falcons

Source: ESPN.com

 

[Faust]

Helping hands: 12 biggest beneficiaries of free agency

By Chris Wesseling

Around the League Writer

Gregg Rosenthal has offered an excellent look at 10 players hurt by free agency over the past nine days.

On the flip side, the players who stand to benefit the most from recent additions might just be a trio of future Hall of Famer quarterbacks staring headlong into an opportunity to cement their legacies with another Super Bowl ring or two.

Tom Brady and Peyton Manning have watched their teams' brass ratchet up a super-powers arms race as they pull even further away from the crowd in the AFC.

Aaron Rodgers' dynamic offense is now counterbalanced by a defense that has added eight-time Pro Bowler Julius Peppers to go with the talented foursome of Clay Matthews, Casey Hayward, Jerel Worthy and Nick Perry returning from injuries.

Quarterbacks with MVP trophies on the mantle weren't the ones to benefit from free agency. Here is a list of nine more players and coaches with an arrow pointing up.

1. Carson Palmer, Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals have ranked last in Pro Football Focus' pass blocking metrics for two consecutive seasons, with left tackle as a primary culprit. Now the left side will be more than capably manned by a Matterhorn in Jared Veldheer and 2013 first-round pick Jonathan Cooper, one of the most athletic guards to enter the NFL in the past decade. General manager Steve Keim recently boasted that Palmer can spin the ball with any quarterback in the league when he has time. That claim will be put to the test in 2014.

2. Emmanuel Sanders, Denver Broncos: Ben Roethlisberger is no slouch, but Sanders is now ensconced in Peyton Manning's high-octane, record-breaking offense. Eric Decker was the last receiver to benefit from playing opposite Demaryius Thomas. All Decker did was rank 11th in receptions (172), ninth in receiving yards (2,352) and third in touchdowns (24) while hauling in Manning's pinpoint passes the past two years.

3. Rob Ryan, New Orleans Saints: In his Big Easy debut, Ryan improved the Saints defense from 32nd to fourth in total yards. While pulling off that trick, Ryan turned rookie Kenny Vaccaro into one of the most versatile defensive weapons in the league. With Jairus Byrd now joining Vaccaro to rival the Seahawks' dynamic safety duo, Ryan can get even more creative with his schemes in 2014.

4. Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions: Over the past three seasons, Stafford has ranked first, third and first in number of passes dropped by his receivers. It's no wonder he went into a late-season funk throwing to the likes of Kris Durham and Kevin Ogletree. Enter sure-handed Golden Tate, the first talented young sidekick Calvin Johnson has enjoyed since he was drafted in 2007.

5. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens: After losing go-to receiver Anquan Boldin and security blanket Dennis Pitta by August of last year, Flacco spent a trying season throwing to Torrey Smith and the island of misfit toys. Now he has Pitta back in the fold on a five-year contract, along with one of the greatest receivers of the past decade to fill Boldin's move-the-chains role.

6. Mike Nolan, Atlanta Falcons: Mike Smith's 4-3 defense has been missing a backbone for the past half-decade. Nolan has experience with a 3-4 base, though, and the signings of unmovable nose tackle Paul Soliai and run-plugging defensive end Tyson Jackson confirm Roddy White's recent revelation that the scheme is changing.

If the Falcons draft Mike Mayock-favorite Khalil Mack with the No. 6 overall pick, Nolan will finally have the talented young pass rusher he desperately needs.

7. Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts: By the time the Colts' season ended in the divisional round of the playoffs, Luck's second and third options in the passing game were unproven wideouts LaVon Brazill and Da'Rick Rogers. Already welcoming back injured No. 1 receiver Reggie Wayne and future Pro Bowl tight end Dwayne Allen, Luck will now have the benefit of a talented bounceback candidate in Hakeem Nicks. It doesn't hurt that Ahmad Bradshaw and Vick Ballard are returning from injuries of their own to add a touch of reliability to the rushing attack.

8. Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins: Tannehill led the league in sacks absorbed and yards lost due to sacks as his offensive line devolved into a season-long soap opera. He now has a top-tier blindside protector in Branden Albert and a starting guard in Shelley Smith. The next step is adding a right tackle.

9. Dennis Allen, Oakland Raiders: Dealt a bad hand from the beginning, Allen's roster placed 30th on offense and 32nd on defense in our end of season "nucleus" rankings.

General manager Reggie McKenzie rallied from an early free agency misstep, landing three offensive linemen, a quality wide receiver, two proven pass rushers and a starting cornerback. While the organization still lacks a single young difference-making talent, this is closer to a .500 team than last year's four-win squad. Fair or not, Allen has no more excuses.

The "Around The League Podcast" breaks down the latest free agency moves and highlights a few under-the-radar signings.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

ESPN 980 Washington D.C. reports the Panthers and 49ers are among six teams interested in free agent WR Josh Morgan.
The Panthers are being connected to every free-agent receiver at the moment. They badly need help with Tavarres King and Marvin McNutt currently atop the depth chart. Morgan is a solid blocker on the outside but hasn't been a protective receiver since 2009-2010 with the Niners. Morgan turns 29 in June.

Related: 49ers, Panthers

Source: Chris Russell on Twitter

 

[Faust]

Offseason Extra: Free agency Fantasy fallout

 

[Childress]

Albert Breer ‏@AlbertBreer 2m
Free-agent RB Maurice Jones-Drew, who visited with Steelers today, will be back at the team's facility tomorrow. Could have a home there.

Per twitter, wow

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Bengals signed QB Jason Campbell to a one-year deal.
The 32-year-old Campbell had his best success in the NFL under Bengals' OC Hue Jackson while both were in Oakland. He will provide a solid, veteran backup for Andy Dalton. Campbell posted an 11:8 TD-to-INT ratio in eight starts for the Browns last season.

Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

NFL Network's Albert Breer reports free agent Maurice Jones-Drew will visit with the Steelers again on Thursday.
Breer speculates Jones-Drew "could have a home" in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have a gaping hole behind Le'Veon Bell, where Alvester Alexander is currently listed as the backup. Jones-Drew looked completely out of gas last season as he averaged 3.43 yards per carry, but he'll turn just 28 years old later this month. A role as Bell's change-of-pace would fit nicely.

Source: Albert Breer on Twitter

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Rotoworld:

NFL Network's Albert Breer reports free agent Maurice Jones-Drew will visit with the Steelers again on Thursday.

Breer speculates Jones-Drew "could have a home" in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have a gaping hole behind Le'Veon Bell, where Alvester Alexander is currently listed as the backup. Jones-Drew looked completely out of gas last season as he averaged 3.43 yards per carry, but he'll turn just 28 years old later this month. A role as Bell's change-of-pace would fit nicely.

Source: Albert Breer on Twitter

That would be a horrible landing spot for MJD from a fantasy perspective.

 

[Grahamburn]

Rotoworld:

NFL Network's Albert Breer reports free agent Maurice Jones-Drew will visit with the Steelers again on Thursday.

Breer speculates Jones-Drew "could have a home" in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have a gaping hole behind Le'Veon Bell, where Alvester Alexander is currently listed as the backup. Jones-Drew looked completely out of gas last season as he averaged 3.43 yards per carry, but he'll turn just 28 years old later this month. A role as Bell's change-of-pace would fit nicely.

Source: Albert Breer on Twitter

That would be a horrible landing spot for MJD Le'Veon Bell from a fantasy perspective.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Rotoworld:

NFL Network's Albert Breer reports free agent Maurice Jones-Drew will visit with the Steelers again on Thursday.
Breer speculates Jones-Drew "could have a home" in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have a gaping hole behind Le'Veon Bell, where Alvester Alexander is currently listed as the backup. Jones-Drew looked completely out of gas last season as he averaged 3.43 yards per carry, but he'll turn just 28 years old later this month. A role as Bell's change-of-pace would fit nicely.

Source: Albert Breer on Twitter

MJD ... 3.43 coming off a huge injury playing for the Henne-led Jags

Bell ... 3.52 coming off a similarish injury and playing for Roethlisberger's Steelers

Not so sure MJD to Pittsburgh wouldn't ruin both guys for fantasy.

 

[humpback]

Rotoworld:

NFL Network's Albert Breer reports free agent Maurice Jones-Drew will visit with the Steelers again on Thursday.

Breer speculates Jones-Drew "could have a home" in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have a gaping hole behind Le'Veon Bell, where Alvester Alexander is currently listed as the backup. Jones-Drew looked completely out of gas last season as he averaged 3.43 yards per carry, but he'll turn just 28 years old later this month. A role as Bell's change-of-pace would fit nicely.

Source: Albert Breer on Twitter

That would be a horrible landing spot for MJD from a fantasy perspective.

Agreed, but I'm not sure there are many good options for him. He's probably going to need an injury to a starter to be ff relevant IMO.

 

[massraider]

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2014/03/19/fa-special-4-questions-4-analysts/

It’s been a hectic week in the NFL as a cap rise created an excellent market for some of the top players in the NFL. It’s allowed some teams to reshape their rosters, others to cut some deadwood and the staff at PFF to develop some strong opinions.

Well four of those staff have been asked for their thoughts on some of the moves that have gone down and they’ve come back with answers loaded with their own slant on things. So you can sit back and enjoy a very special “Four Questions, Four Analysts” free agency special with Steve Palazzolo, Sam Monson, Ben Stockwell and Khaled Elsayed. Feel free to make them aware of your disagreements through their twitter selves.

[SIZE=medium]Which Team Has Improved the Most During Free Agency?[/SIZE]

Steve: When evaluating free agent “winners,” both long and short-term goals must be considered. While many moves often help in the short-term, the long-term effects of overpaying for declining players catches up to most organizations. With that said, focusing on just the short term, I like what the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have done to improve themselves for 2014. Granted, losing Darrelle Revis is not ideal, but turning his salary into a handful of useful players should make for a better-rounded team. Adding Michael Johnson to perhaps the worst defensive ends in football in 2013 will immediately upgrade the run defense with potential to provide some pass rush, while new defensive tackle Clinton McDonald should help in that area as well. Signing CB Alterraun Verner to replace Revis is about as well as they could have done on the open market. Finally, adding QB Josh McCown may be the biggest risk as they’ve already declared him the starter for next season. As much as we loved McCown’s play with the Bears last year, it remains to be seen whether or not he’s a one-year wonder, but he certainly earned the chance to prove otherwise with a string of stellar performances for the Bears.

Sam: Talk about going all-in. The Denver Broncos are heading into potentially their last season of the Peyton Manning window and are doing everything they can to ensure they can make the most of it before it closes. They have spent big on moves for big-name free agents like Aqib Talib and DeMarcus Ware, but they have also added depth and replaced players they allowed to walk. The best part is that they are still in a healthy spot under the cap and when Manning finally does go they won’t be crippled in cap-hell.

Ben: In a tumultuous period for the franchise as a whole the Cleveland Browns have quietly gone about their business quite nicely in free agency. They haven’t made any astronomic leaps to give the team a “quick fix” but they have engineered some solid upgrades that should solidify the team and hopefully the franchise around it. For only $2million more in total they made a sizeable upgrade at inside linebacker with Karlos Dansby better than D’Qwell Jackson in every facet of the game. At safety though it will have been tough to say goodbye to T.J. Ward if they get the 2013 version of Donte Whitner I would say they have upgraded in terms of coverage at safety. While in Andrew Hawkins they have capitalized on some miss-management by a division rival to upgrade in the slot. The shadow looming over the entire team is the quarterback position but as of right now they’re making some impressive strides without breaking the bank.

Khaled: Sometimes keeping as status quo as possible is all it takes. Nobody would say theSeattle Seahawks were not the best team last year, yet they managed to retain key free agents. I’m chiefly talking about Michael Bennett who was a revelation as a nickel tackle capable of causing havoc. Pairing him and Cliff Avril together ensures production in key situations. Sure losing Red Bryant, Chris Clemons and Golden Tate will hurt, but those guys are either aging or replaceable. Let’s not forget Percy Harvin missed nearly all of the regular season while they have been as productive as anyone in the draft.

[SIZE=medium]What move have you liked the most?[/SIZE]

Steve: It feels like the search for a Calvin Johnson-complement has stretched over a decade, but the Detroit Lions may have finally found their man in Golden Tate. He’s one of the league’s best with the ball in his hands and he’s more than capable of joining Johnson and tight end Joseph Fauria making contested catches when covered. Tate should be a big asset in Detroit’s short and intermediate passing game.

Sam: I can understand why the Bucs let go of Darrelle Revis. Sure it makes the trade look terrible in hindsight, but with the new regime in place, Revis just doesn’t fit. That’s not to say that he couldn’t do a job for them and do it well, but the dropoff from him in that Tampa-2 defense to Alterraun Verner in the same role isn’t huge, but the price difference is around $10m. In New England Revis gives Bill Belichick a chess piece to play with and the best corner in football still. It’s going to be exciting to see how creative they get schematically now they have the option.

Ben: It’s not often that one of the first signings in free agency is one of the best but in the case of Geoff Schwartz going to the Giants I think it definitely is. Consider the sort of deals that some top guards have got in recent years and Schwartz’s 4yr $16million looks a great deal for the Giants. Now playing healthy for the first time in years Schwartz showed the ability to be one of the league’s best with the Chiefs last year and offers a sizeable upgrade for the Giants at guard. His best position is guard and it’s where the Giants should play him but his position flexibility allows the Giants the leverage to add competition at tackle either by threatening to move Justin Pugh over to left tackle (as a threat to the underperforming William Beatty) or to shift Pugh inside to guard if that’s where he fits best. The Giants’ line needed an injection of talent and motivation. The Giants got all of this at $4million per year with Schwartz, an excellent deal.

Khaled: I figured the Ravens would lose Eugene Monroe in free agency but it appears the market never really developed for him. That’s all sorts of off. Monroe isn’t an elite left tackle but he’s pretty close. He might not be standing out during live viewing but if Baltimore are to have success then they need to keep Joe Flacco clean. He’s a mess when the pressure is constant and so having a top tier tackle is essential.

[SIZE=medium]Which team looks set to drop off next year based on their work in free agency?[/SIZE]

Steve: Any time three offensive linemen move on in free agency, it’s going to be a tough re-build, and that’s what the Kansas City Chiefs are facing. They’ve lost two guards, as well as left tackle Branden Albert, leaving them with two positively-graded holes up front as well as key depth gone. When you throw in the losses of role players Tyson Jackson and Akeem Jordan, the Chiefs find themselves in the less-than-ideal situation of heading toward the draft with needs still remaining on the roster.

Sam: It was somewhat inevitable given the cap situation they found themselves in but theDallas Cowboys have gotten significantly poorer on paper. They have allowed three quarters of their starters to walk (Spencer was injured last year, but he would still have that role healthy) and replaced them with Jeremy Mincey, Henry Melton and Terrell McClain. That’s not a net win for the Cowboys no matter what way you slice it.

Ben: Before people start to get irate this is judging these teams right now in mid-March, there’s plenty of time to turn the corner and fill holes. But as of right now the Carolina Panthers have the furthest to fall and have lost the most pieces to open the potential of a fall. Cap pressure has played a significant part in the Panthers’ difficulties this month but it still can’t change the fact that multiple linemen have retired, their top receivers are gone and they’ve lost their excellent slot corner just for starters. The bright spot is the retention of Greg Hardy but they need to sort a multi-year deal sorted soon if that franchise tag isn’t to be a hindrance in filling the holes that litter the roster.

Khaled: In recent years the Tennessee Titans haven’t been shy about handing out loads of money in free agency. In fact some might say the agents have had a field day with them, and I wouldn’t disagree with them based on this year. They cut the possibly retiring David Stewart which made sense, but then replaced him with a tackle who has got worse every year since his excellent rookie season. They’ve brought in another linebacker who struggles against the run, a slot receiver they’ll use at running back no matter how undersized he is and lost a starting corner. The AFC South is hardly an arms race but the Titans aren’t making it easy for themselves.

[SIZE=medium]Who is your favorite free agent still out there and where would you like to see him end up?[/SIZE]

Steve: Though he’s not the most spectacular player, Robert Ayers is useful when used in the proper role. He always grades positively against the run, but last year he even showed well as a pass rusher picking up 42 hurries on 330 rushes. Ayers is a perfect example of draft position unfairly defining a player’s career. The former first rounder certainly hasn’t lived up to those lofty expectations, but taking draft position out of it, he’s found a nice niche in the league. He’d be a nice fit in Dallas where he can join former Broncos teammate Jeremy Mincey in shoring up some of the Cowboys’ woes against the run.

Sam: Everybody is looking to copy the Seattle defense, and one of the most vital components for that is a rangy free safety that can play the deep middle and influence plays. Chris Clemons is no Earl Thomas, but he is one of the few safeties in the NFL with the range to be able to play that role and effect the game. I’m surprised he hasn’t been snapped up already. Green Bay have been trying to fill Nick Collins’ spot for a while now – they should be all over Clemons.

Ben: Assuming he is returned to full health then I think Jermichael Finley is one of those rare talents at tight end who has the ability to really stress NFL defenses as they try to find ways to counter the athletic, receiving tight ends. Having just lost Tony Gonzalez to retirement the Atlanta Falcons are short of a proven talent at tight end and Finley’s receiving skills would give a buffer for Levine Toilolo to continue to learn.

Khaled: Age is but a number. I’ve always been a big fan of Lance Moore but feel that in the Saints offense a ceiling was put on where he could be most effective. I don’t blame Sean Payton for that but rather the incredibly amount of talent they had that could operate from the slot. I’m asking Dave Gettlemen to make this guy a Panther who can start on the outside and move to the slot in nickel. Give him the chance to show the Saints he’s not done.

 

[Coeur de Lion]

Rotoworld:

NFL Network's Albert Breer reports free agent Maurice Jones-Drew will visit with the Steelers again on Thursday.

Breer speculates Jones-Drew "could have a home" in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have a gaping hole behind Le'Veon Bell, where Alvester Alexander is currently listed as the backup. Jones-Drew looked completely out of gas last season as he averaged 3.43 yards per carry, but he'll turn just 28 years old later this month. A role as Bell's change-of-pace would fit nicely.

Source: Albert Breer on Twitter

MJD ... 3.43 coming off a huge injury playing for the Henne-led Jags

Bell ... 3.52 coming off a similarish injury and playing for Roethlisberger's Steelers

Not so sure MJD to Pittsburgh wouldn't ruin both guys for fantasy.

As a Steelers homer, MJD on a cheap deal would be spectacular. For owners of either Bell or MJD not so much...

 

[TheFanatic]

Rotoworld:

NFL Network's Albert Breer reports free agent Maurice Jones-Drew will visit with the Steelers again on Thursday.

Breer speculates Jones-Drew "could have a home" in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have a gaping hole behind Le'Veon Bell, where Alvester Alexander is currently listed as the backup. Jones-Drew looked completely out of gas last season as he averaged 3.43 yards per carry, but he'll turn just 28 years old later this month. A role as Bell's change-of-pace would fit nicely.

Source: Albert Breer on Twitter

That would be a horrible landing spot for MJD from a fantasy perspective.

From a fantasy perspective, I'm not so sure there is a good landing spot for MJD. One of my favorite players, but I think the guy might be done. Maybe a change in scenery will revitalize him, but he may just be done...

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Free agent Maurice Jones-Drew's visit with the Steelers ended without a contract.
It doesn't mean the door is closed on Jones-Drew as Le'Veon Bell's backup, but it's certainly a step in the wrong direction. Jones-Drew's camp insists the veteran is drawing plenty of interest, possibly from the Jets. He's going to take his time and search for the right fit because at age 28 with tons of mileage and a declining skill set, his NFL window isn't too wide. Expect more visits shortly.

Related: Steelers

Source: Ed Bouchette on Twitter

 

[TheFanatic]

Rotoworld:

Free agent Maurice Jones-Drew's visit with the Steelers ended without a contract.

It doesn't mean the door is closed on Jones-Drew as Le'Veon Bell's backup, but it's certainly a step in the wrong direction. Jones-Drew's camp insists the veteran is drawing plenty of interest, possibly from the Jets. He's going to take his time and search for the right fit because at age 28 with tons of mileage and a declining skill set, his NFL window isn't too wide. Expect more visits shortly.

Related: Steelers

Source: Ed Bouchette on Twitter

Considering who they have to back up Bell, this says a lot about what MJD has left.

 

[humpback]

Rotoworld:

Free agent Maurice Jones-Drew's visit with the Steelers ended without a contract.

It doesn't mean the door is closed on Jones-Drew as Le'Veon Bell's backup, but it's certainly a step in the wrong direction. Jones-Drew's camp insists the veteran is drawing plenty of interest, possibly from the Jets. He's going to take his time and search for the right fit because at age 28 with tons of mileage and a declining skill set, his NFL window isn't too wide. Expect more visits shortly.

Related: Steelers

Source: Ed Bouchette on Twitter

Considering who they have to back up Bell, this says a lot about what MJD has left.

Not necessarily- it could say a lot about how much playing time and/or money he wants.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Ian Rapoport‏@RapSheet15s

Jerricho Cotchery was choosing between the #Steelers and #Panthers, and he’s chosen Carolina. Final details being hammered out

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Ian Rapoport‏@RapSheet1mhttps://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/446690798059270144

It’s a one-year deal for the #Cardinals and CB Antonio Cromartie

 

[TheFanatic]

Rotoworld:

Free agent Maurice Jones-Drew's visit with the Steelers ended without a contract.

It doesn't mean the door is closed on Jones-Drew as Le'Veon Bell's backup, but it's certainly a step in the wrong direction. Jones-Drew's camp insists the veteran is drawing plenty of interest, possibly from the Jets. He's going to take his time and search for the right fit because at age 28 with tons of mileage and a declining skill set, his NFL window isn't too wide. Expect more visits shortly.

Related: Steelers

Source: Ed Bouchette on Twitter

Considering who they have to back up Bell, this says a lot about what MJD has left.

Not necessarily- it could say a lot about how much playing time and/or money he wants.

Considering he hasn't been to any other teams and no FA RB is getting much in terms of money, I'll stand by it and say MJD is a biscuit away from being retired.

 

[humpback]

Rotoworld:

Free agent Maurice Jones-Drew's visit with the Steelers ended without a contract.

It doesn't mean the door is closed on Jones-Drew as Le'Veon Bell's backup, but it's certainly a step in the wrong direction. Jones-Drew's camp insists the veteran is drawing plenty of interest, possibly from the Jets. He's going to take his time and search for the right fit because at age 28 with tons of mileage and a declining skill set, his NFL window isn't too wide. Expect more visits shortly.

Related: Steelers

Source: Ed Bouchette on Twitter

Considering who they have to back up Bell, this says a lot about what MJD has left.

Not necessarily- it could say a lot about how much playing time and/or money he wants.

Considering he hasn't been to any other teams and no FA RB is getting much in terms of money, I'll stand by it and say MJD is a biscuit away from being retired.

So you think Pitt didn't know what he had left until he visited?

 

[TheFanatic]

Rotoworld:

Free agent Maurice Jones-Drew's visit with the Steelers ended without a contract.

It doesn't mean the door is closed on Jones-Drew as Le'Veon Bell's backup, but it's certainly a step in the wrong direction. Jones-Drew's camp insists the veteran is drawing plenty of interest, possibly from the Jets. He's going to take his time and search for the right fit because at age 28 with tons of mileage and a declining skill set, his NFL window isn't too wide. Expect more visits shortly.

Related: Steelers

Source: Ed Bouchette on Twitter

Considering who they have to back up Bell, this says a lot about what MJD has left.

Not necessarily- it could say a lot about how much playing time and/or money he wants.

Considering he hasn't been to any other teams and no FA RB is getting much in terms of money, I'll stand by it and say MJD is a biscuit away from being retired.

So you think Pitt didn't know what he had left until he visited?

They gave him a shot. Doesn't seem like anyone else is.

 

[humpback]

Rotoworld:

Free agent Maurice Jones-Drew's visit with the Steelers ended without a contract.

It doesn't mean the door is closed on Jones-Drew as Le'Veon Bell's backup, but it's certainly a step in the wrong direction. Jones-Drew's camp insists the veteran is drawing plenty of interest, possibly from the Jets. He's going to take his time and search for the right fit because at age 28 with tons of mileage and a declining skill set, his NFL window isn't too wide. Expect more visits shortly.

Related: Steelers

Source: Ed Bouchette on Twitter

Considering who they have to back up Bell, this says a lot about what MJD has left.

Not necessarily- it could say a lot about how much playing time and/or money he wants.

Considering he hasn't been to any other teams and no FA RB is getting much in terms of money, I'll stand by it and say MJD is a biscuit away from being retired.

So you think Pitt didn't know what he had left until he visited?

They gave him a shot. Doesn't seem like anyone else is.

A shot at what? I don't think he was running through combine drills on his visits.

 

[Faust]

Which player best fits where?

 

[TheFanatic]

Rotoworld:

Free agent Maurice Jones-Drew's visit with the Steelers ended without a contract.

It doesn't mean the door is closed on Jones-Drew as Le'Veon Bell's backup, but it's certainly a step in the wrong direction. Jones-Drew's camp insists the veteran is drawing plenty of interest, possibly from the Jets. He's going to take his time and search for the right fit because at age 28 with tons of mileage and a declining skill set, his NFL window isn't too wide. Expect more visits shortly.

Related: Steelers

Source: Ed Bouchette on Twitter

Considering who they have to back up Bell, this says a lot about what MJD has left.

Not necessarily- it could say a lot about how much playing time and/or money he wants.

Considering he hasn't been to any other teams and no FA RB is getting much in terms of money, I'll stand by it and say MJD is a biscuit away from being retired.

So you think Pitt didn't know what he had left until he visited?

They gave him a shot. Doesn't seem like anyone else is.

A shot at what? I don't think he was running through combine drills on his visits.

Wait, you think when they bring free agents in they don't run them through their paces? Seriously? Particularly one at the tail end of his career?

 

[Bigboy10182000]

Ian Rapoport‏@RapSheet1mhttps://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/446690798059270144

It’s a one-year deal for the #Cardinals and CB Antonio Cromartie

Kind of hard not to like this deal

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Ian Rapoport‏@RapSheet1mhttps://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/446690798059270144

It’s a one-year deal for the #Cardinals and CB Antonio Cromartie

Kind of hard not to like this deal

I know right, would of been a great move for SD or Detroit to snag him hell give him 2 years