Free agency and the new league year begin today at 4 PM. There is an awful lot to scoop today due to some leaked signings and rumors. Also, there was one very sad retirement.
Retirements
It was a sad day in Detroit. The great Calvin Johnson retired after 9 seasons. This freed up 11.1 million in cap space for Detroit but they will have to replace a legend. We’ll get into the details of that in another article.
Trades
DeMarco Murray was traded to the Titans. The trade should be official today and Murray will get a new deal.
The Eagles have also traded Kiki Alonso and Bryon Maxwell to the Dolphins for a swap for 1st round picks and a 4th round pick (rumored). The Dolphins have some concerns over Maxwell’s shoulder injury and this may cause a hiccup in this trade.
Signings
Malik Jackson got a 6 year 90 million dollar deal with the Jaguars with 42 million guaranteed. The Jaguars have a ton of cap space to spend and made a big splash. Jackson added and Dante Fowler returning could boost the Jaguars pass rush under Gus Bradley.
Kelechi Osemele may be heading to Oakland on a 5 year 60 million dollar deal. The Raiders need a right tackle since they started JaMarcus Webb there all of last season. Osemele could also play guard or left tackle if the Raiders don’t re-sign Donald Penn. Penn wants to return to the Raiders as a free agent.
Speaking of the Raiders, they are pursuing and may sign Bruce Irivn. Irvin is a pass rushing 4-3 OLB that is solid against the run and coverage. Irvin and Mack would be a nice combo for Raiders fans.
Ian Williams re-signed with the 49ers on a five year deal. Williams was an underrated DT and gives the 49ers some stability on the defensive line for once.
Mario Williams was cut from the Bills but will stay in the AFC East. Mario Williams will sign a 2 year 17 million dollar deal with the Dolphins. The Dolphins have a decision to make with Cameron Wake (Achilles) still and Olivier Vernon could be stolen away on the transition tag with a good deal that the Dolphins don’t match. Mario Williams is very good insurance for losing one of them in a 4-3 defense.
Tight end Dwayne Allen signed a 4 year 28 million dollar deal with the Colts. This move is surprising since Allen didn’t do much for them last season. Allen has been a solid receiver and good blocker earlier in his four year career.
Rumors
Janoris Jenkins may sign with the Giants. Prince Amukamara is a free agent and the Giants would need a number 1 CB. Jenkins would fit that job role after four years with the Rams. Trumaine Johnson was franchise and the Rams may lose Jenkins.
Charles Johnson may re-sign with the Panthers after visiting the Bucs.
Lamar Miller is rumored to be close to signing with the Texans. The Texans cut Arian Foster due to a big cap hit and injuries. Miller produced for the Dolphins and can be a 200 carry back.
Travis Benjamin is close to signing with the Chargers. Malcolm Floyd retired and the Chargers could use a deep threat to pair with Keenan Allen.
The Packers have an interest in Matt Forte. This would be an interesting pickup for the Packers. Forte would fit James Starks role perfectly and be an upgrade while paired with Eddie Lacy. A former Bear stud player in Green Bay. That one would have to hurt Bears fans after the Julius Peppers turncoat.
The Lions have an interest in Linebacker Emmanuel Lemmur from the Bengals. Lemmur is mainly a special teams player and coverage LB. The Lions may lose Tahir Whitehead (rumored to Eagles so far) but Lemmur would upgrade their coverage at the LB spot.
The Bears have an interest in Danny Trevathan from the Broncos. John Fox coached Trevathan for three years and knows him well. The Bears need an ILB and this would be a no brainer signing for the Bears.
The Patriots have an interest in Bengals WR Mohammed Sanu. Tom Brady needs some outside WRs but has the slot and TE covered very well.
The Vikings re-signed Audie Cole to bolster their LB depth.
Cuts
The Vikings cut speedy receiver Mike Wallace. Wallace arrived via a trade last season but only had 429 yards and 2 TDs. The deep threat wasn’t there with Wallace but the Vikings protection and Bridgewater’s arm didn’t help matters. Greg Jennings was also cut from Miami.
Free Agency Begins
All signings and trades will become official today. All teams must be under the salary cap today by 4 PM. Only the top 51 on the roster count against the salary cap. It should be a very exciting rest of the week for the NFL.