Free agency officially begins at 4 PM today. There have been some big announcements for signings already.
NFC North
Right tackle Ricky Wagner inked a five year deal with Detroit. The deal is rumored to be worth a little over 9 million per year for the former Baltimore Raven. This a great move by Detroit to solidify book end tackles for the long term with Wagner and Decker. Wagner is the only right tackle on the market that was an upgrade over Riley Reiff. Wagner was the 18th ranked tackle out of 78 tackles in 2016. Wagner was the 9th best right tackle and was very good in pass protection and above average in run blocking. Wagner played for Caldwell as a rookie in 2013.
The Lions needed an upgrade at right tackle and they are finally settled for years to come after one year stop gaps since 2013. Former 1st round pick Riley Reiff will move on to a new team and Detroit gets an upgrade at tackle and a veteran presence with experience. We’ll see how the details of Reiff’s new deal will compare to Wagner’s deal. This was a great big splash by Bob Quinn which protects Matt Stafford and improves the Lions run game.
The Lions also signed ILB Paul Worrilow to a one year deal. The Lions needed LB depth and added to their special teams. Worrilow can be a solid tackler but lacks athleticism. He is an upgrade over backup Thurston Armbrister and perma IR player Jon Bostic. Whitehead and Levy are still the starters and Worrilow could battle for the starting SAM job with Antwione Williams or another added LB (FA, Josh Bynes or draft).
The Lions also re-signed Kerry Hyder and TJ Jones to cheap one year deals as exclusive rights free agents. Hyder led the Lions with 8 sacks and was a no brainer to re-sign. Jones has a shot to compete in the slot during his fourth year in the league.
Nick Perry re-signed with the Packers. This is a big re-sign and keeps their top pass rusher on the team. We’ll see the details soon but rumor is a five year deal.
Mike Glennon will sign a 3 year 43.5 million dollar deal to be the Bears new starting QB. Glennon gets very low starter money at 14.5 million per season but will get a shot at a starting spot. We’ll see if the Bears draft a QB in Round 1 (pick 3) or Round 2 in the upcoming draft.
Matt Kalil is close to a deal with the Carolina Panthers. This means the Vikings need to find a new left tackle. The former top 5 pick was more of a bust with Minnesota but had a few decent seasons and a strong rookie season in 2012. The Vikings need to find a left tackle as soon as possible.
Around the League
Tony Romo will be cut today by Dallas and be a June 1st designation. His cap hit will be spread out over two years for the Cowboys.
Kenny Stills got a 4 year 32 million dollar deal to stay with Miami. Eight million per seasons is about right for the speedy number 2 WR.
Vlad Ducasse got a three year deal to start at guard for the Bills. Steve Hauschka will be the Bills new kicker as well.
The 49ers should be signing Pierre Garcon to a big deal. Brian Hoyer got a two year deal with San Francisco and will be throwing to Garcon now in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
Brandon Marshall got a 2 year 12 million dollar deal to move to the New York Giants. Brandon Lafell got a 2 year 10 million dollar deal to stay with the Bengals. Pro bowl full back earned a big 4 year 21 million dollar contract with the 49ers. All the Brandon WRs are accounted for now.
The Patriots traded a 4th round pick for Dwayne Allen and a 6th round pick. This is another slick deal by New England and Martellus Bennett will find a new team now.
Barry Church signed a four year deal with Jacksonville to start at strong safety for them. Jacksonville also got another huge defensive line player in Calais Cambell. They are really trying to build up their defense.
Tyson Jackson was released by Atlanta.
Look for more news and notes on the first day of free agency. There is a lot more fun and excitement in the free agency frenzy.