Free agency Week 2 trickles to a crawl. There are a few good players out there especially at LB and RB. Let’s take a look at the news and notes.
NFC North
Cornerback Davon House returns home to Green Bay on a one year deal for 3.5 million. House failed with the Jaguars on a big FA contract but was decent on his cheap rookie deal with Green Bay as a 4th round pick. House provides outside CB depth for the Packers.
Datone Jones continued the exodus out of Green Bay. Datone Jones signed in Minnesota for 1 year 3.75 million. Jones can be the 4th DE and a pass rushing DT for the Vikings. The Packers also signed OLB Jordan Tripp. This was a solid depth signing for Minnesota. The Packers have four capable OLBs already and a draft upcoming and chose to let Jones walk.
The Vikings also re-signed Terrence Newman at 39 years old at 3.25 million. Newman had a great 2016 with the Vikings. Let’s see if he can repeat that and start over Trae Waynes again. The Vikings stayed busy inking Latavius Murray to a deal. This should end the Adrian Peterson era for the Vikings.
Finally, the Vikings also re-signed top WR Adam Thielen to a 3 year 17 million dollar deal. Thielen was given a 2nd round tender but inked a new longer term deal instead. Thielen had a very good third season with Minnesota with 967 yards and 5 TDs.
Cordarelle Patterson got 1 year 5.25 million from the Raiders. That is a pretty big deal for him.
Former Viking “great”, Andre Smith also returned home. Smith signed a one year deal to go back to the Bengals, who drafted him in Round 1 many years ago.
Backup guard Tim Lelito is visiting Detroit. Lelito has 24 games of starting experience with the Saints.
Percy Harvin retired again. Former Detroit Lion “great”, Gosder Cherilus also retired.
Around the League
Donta’ Hightower re-signed with New England after exploring the market. Hightower got a 4 year 43.5 million dollar deal. The top ILB is off the market and back with the defending champions.
The Panthers signed DT Kyle Love to a two year deal and Tampa Bay inked Center Joe Hawley for two years. The Steelers added former Titans WR Justin Hunter.
The 49ers traded for center Jeremy Zuttah and a 6th round pick to the Ravens for the 49ers better 6th round pick.
Greg “the Leg” Zuerlein signed a 3 year 6.75 million dollar deal to remain kicking for the Los Angeles Rams. Former Bengals player, Rex Burkhead signed a one year deal with the Patriots. Burkhead is a nice utility player at FB, TE, RB and special teams.
Wesley Woodward signed a 2 yea r 9.6 million dollar deal with the Titans. The Redskins released Ricky Jean Francois (DE) but signed Evander Ziggy Hood to a two year deal. The Saints signed RB Travaris Cadet.
The Cowboys signed former Cardinals 1st round pick Jonathan Cooper. Cooper will provide depth with Leary bolting. Cooper could start if the Cowboys move La’el Collins to right tackle due to the retirement of Doug Free.
OLB Jarvis Jones (former Steelers 1st round pick) signed a one year deal with the Cardinals replacing Alex Okafor. Okafor signed a one year deal with the Saints.
Top Available
http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agents/available/
Brandon Carr (CB), Alterraun Verner (CB), Morris Claiborne (CB), Ladarius Webb (CB/S), Tramon Williams, Patrick Robinsion (CB), Aaron Willaims (SS) CB), Jarius Byrd (S) could help a team on the right deal. Brandon Flowers (CB), Shareece Wright (CB) and Leodis McKelvin have experience as well.
Colin Kaepernick, Jay Cutler, Chase Daniels and Ryan Fitzpatrick remain on the QB market. Brock Osweiler is in a permament state of trade bait.
Jared Cook is visiting the Vikings and Raiders but is available.
Donatri Poe is still making his decision at nose tackle.
King Dunlap and Ryan Clady can play left tackle for a needy team. Brenoc Giacommi and Sebastian Vollmer can be starting right tackles.
Josh Bynes (LB) and Stephen Tulloch (ILB) are former Detroit players on the market.
Jared Odrick (DE), Sendarick Marks (DT), and Roy Miller (DT) are all Jacksonville cast-offs with some talent.
Nick Mangold (Center) and Darelle Revis (CB) are former Jets staples available.
Kamar Aiken (WR), Victor Cruz (WR) and Andrew Hawkin are still on the market as slot WRs. Anquan Boldin will play another year and still can be a productive WR like he proved in 2016 with Detroit.
I’m surprised Chris Long (DE) and Mario Williams are still available.
LeGarette Blount, Jamaal Charles, Darren McFadden and Adrian Peterson lead the running back market available.
DQwell Jackson and Kevin Minter are good ILBS still on the market. There are still moves to be made and the draft is a month and a half away.