The second day of free agency still had some excitement. There are still plenty of good players available. Let’s take a look at the news and notes.
NFC North
The Lions signed CB DJ Hayden to a 1 year 5.25 million dollar deal. Hayden was a first round pick for the Raiders in 2013 and improved over time in four seasons. He found a nice home in the slot CB spot last year with Oakland but has the size and speed to play outside as well. Hayden is injury prone and missed 19 games in four years with Oakland. Detroit takes a gamble on a good first round talent on a one year deal.
The Bears signed a first round CB to a one year deal as well. First round pick Prince Amukamara from the Giants (2011) and Jaguars(FA) comes to Chicago. The Bears need CBs and take a chance on Prince in a new home. Fuller and Prince may be the new starting CBs for the Bears. GM Ryan Pace also re-signed kicker Connor Barth.
TJ Lang (Detroit and Seattle) and Eddie Lacy (Minnesota and Seattle) are still making their visits. Packer fans hope to get these guys back or create some holes. Jared Cook and the Packers have been talking about a re-sign but the talks have stalled recently. Cook played well down the stretch but they appear to be apart on a price.
Former Packer OLB, Julius Peppers, signed a one year deal to return to the Carolina Panthers and play DE. Peppers started in Carolina as the 2nd pick of the draft in 2002. He still has some left in the tank despite his age.
Around the League
Eric Winston signed a one year deal to be the Bengals right tackle. Stephen Wisnieski is in Philadelphia on a three year deal at center. The Cardinals re-signed center AQ Shipley. Both are former Penn State centers.
The Ravens cut Ladarius Webb and the Colts cut Patrick Robinson at CB. QB Robert Griffen III was cut by the Browns and they are still shopping Brock Osweiler. The Jets have some interest in RG3.
Eugene Sims (DE) was let go by the Rams along with tight end Lance Kendricks and RB Tre Mason. Karl Klug (DT) re-signed with the Titans.
OLB John Simon inked a 3 year deal with the Colts. Timmons signed a 2 year 12 million dollar deal with the Dolphins. The Redskins signed WR Terrelle Pryor after losing Jackson and Garcon.
Free Agents Available
There are still plenty of good free agents. Dont’a Hightower is deciding where to go at ILB. Dontari Poe is an impressive nose tackle available. Bennie Logan is another nose tackle that is still a free agent. TJ Lang and Eddie Lacy are big names out there for the Packers. Kendall Wright is a nice slot WR available and Kevin Minter, Zach Brown and Lorenzo Alexander are other ILBs available. Chris Long is older but a solid DE and Jabaal Sheard is another decent Patriots De available. Jamaal Charles, Latavius Murray, Darren McFadden, LeGarette Blount and Adrian Peterson are the top running backs available. Johnathan Hankins (DT), Martellus Bennett (TE) and Jared Cook (TE) are the top tight ends. Jarius Byrd, Darius Butler, Bradley McDougald and TJ McDonald are the top safeties. Morris Claiborne, Patrick Robinson and Webb have starting experience. Kelvin Beachum, Mike Remmers Andre Smith and Ryan Clady remain on the tackle market. Demarcus Ware and Dwight Freeney are veteran pass rushers wanting one more chance. Erik Walden hits the market after an 11 sack season. Nick Mangold is a veteran center that could help a team after the Jets cut him. Captain Munnerly, Nolan Carroll and Nickell Robey-Coleman are the top nickel backs. Margus Hunt and Devin Taylor are tall defensive ends but the production hasn’t matched the size. Tony Romo could be cut or traded to the Texans or Broncos.
http://www.nfl.com/freeagency#tab=rankings