At 4:00 p.m. ET, it becomes an all-out bidding war, and multiple teams will finalize deals with guys they have had their eyes on since falling short of last year's playoffs. Other plays will decide between a multitude of offers to decide where they will play for the foreseeable future. This if NFL free agency, and it's the quite possibly the most exciting day of the NFL offseason. I'll be live-blogging every move, giving some analysis and as many details on the deal as I can, below in sequential order.
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11:26 AM EST — Giants sign DE George Selvie
12:50 PM EST — Colts sign LB Nate Irving
2:10 PM EST — Dolphins re-sign QB Matt Moore, S Louis Delmas, RB LaMichael James
2:21 PM EST — Saints re-sign OT Bryce Harris
6:02 PM EST — Jets sign defensive lineman Kevin Vickerson
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10:44 AM EST — Bengals re-sign DT Devon Still
11:47 AM EST — Chargers sign CB Patrick Robinson to one-year deal
12:20 PM EST — Dolphins won't match offer for Charles Clay, he's signing with Bills
2:33 PM EST — Bucs sign defensive back Sterling Moore
2:42 PM EST — Browns sign recently cut wide receiver Dwayne Bowe
4:28 PM EST — Former basketball player, OT Demarco Cox, signs with Colts
4:36 PM EST — Falcons sign tight ends Jacob Tamme and Tony Moeaki
5:08 PM EST — Browns re-sign TE Dante Rosario
5:10 PM EST — Jags claim RB Bernard Pierce on waivers
5:20 PM EST — Vikings, RB DuJuan Harris agree to one-year deal
6:07 PM EST — LB Reggie Walker signs with Broncos
6:49 PM EST — Dolphins re-sign C J.D. Walton
7:12 PM EST — Browns lose DT Ahtyba Rubin, signing 1-year deal with Seahawks
8:41 PM EST — Cowboys re-sign DT Nick Hayden
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11:26 AM EST — Patriots sign CB Bradley Fletcher
12:10 PM EST — Ravens re-sign DL Chris Canty on two-year deal
1:42 PM EST — Veteran CB Robert McClain announces he's signing with Super Bowl champs
2:01 PM EST — Jets sign versatile DL-man Kenrick Ellis
2:16 PM EST — Detroit re-signs solid veteran CB Rashean Mathis
3:42 PM EST — Bills officially sign WR Percy Harvin
3:44 PM EST — Cowboys ink DE Greg Hardy to incentive-laden deal
4:22 PM EST — Ravens re-sign DE Lawrence Guy
5:08 PM EST — Rams signing OL Garrett Reynolds
5:17 PM EST — Falcons re-signed DE Kroy Biermann
8:36 PM EST — Chargers sign DT Mitch Unrein to two-year deal
10:46 PM EST — Giants re-signing TE Daniel Fells
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8:36 AM EST — Stevie Johnson chooses to sign with Chargers
10:12 AM EST — Redskins re-sign QB Colt McCoy
10:41 AM EST — Raiders sign RB Trent Richardson
3:10 PM EST — Patriots sign former Saints RB Travaris Cadet
7:21 PM EST — The Bills signed Charles Clay to a five-year, $38 million offer sheet
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Monday, March 16 — Day Seven
The NFL decided to take a day off on Sunday, apparently. There was little to no news, so I decided to skip ahead to Monday.
9:07 AM EST — The Panthers sign S Kurt Coleman
10:42 AM EST — Legion of Boom reserve Jeron Johnson signs with Washington
12:16 PM EST — Browns sign DT Randy Starks
2:35 PM EST — Eagles workout QB Tim Tebow
2:47 PM EST — Browns take top market off the board in Tramon Williams
2:47 PM EST — Texas sign WR Cecil Shorts III as Johnson replacement
3:26 PM EST — Texans ink DT Vince Wilfork
Saturday, March 14 — Day Five
1:17 PM EST — The Chiefs are re-signing S Ron Parker
2:33 PM EST — The 49ers agreed to terms with OL Erik Pears
4:31 PM EST — CB Perrish Cox heading to Titans
6:43 PM EST — CB Shareece Wright signed with 49ers
7:29 PM EST — Ravens ink Kendrick Lewis to three-year deal
7:39 PM EST — Patriots bring back DL Alan Branch on two-year deal
8:04 PM EST — 49ers signing RB Reggie Bush
8:39 PM EST — 49ers re-sign CB Chris Cook to one-year deal
8:55 PM EST — Vikings cut WR Greg Jennings
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Friday, March 13 — Day Four
9:08 AM EST — Redskins steal cornerback CB Chris Culliver from 49ers
9:59 AM EST — Titans keep trend, re-sign K Ryan Succop
10:40 AM EST — Cowboys sign RB Darren McFadden
12:22 PM EST — DT Nick Fairley signs incentive-laden deal with Rams
12:33 PM EST — Anthony Fasano reaches deal with Titans
4:19 PM EST — RB DeAngelo Williams signs with Steelers
6:45 PM EST — Chiefs announce signings of WR Jason Avant, TE Richard Gordon, S Kelcie McCray
7:07 PM EST — Dolphins trade WR Mike Wallace for fifth-round pick
7:07 PM EST — Dolphins trade WR Mike Wallace for fifth-round pick
8:09 PM EST — Raiders announce signing of QB Christian Ponder
9:40 PM EST — WR Kenny Britt re-signed with Rams
Thursday, March 12 — Day Three
9:04 AM EST — Eagles and RB Ryan Mathews have not officially inked deal
Mathews wants a job as a starting back, but the Eagles are having RB DeMarco Murray in for a visit today. Naturally, he's not ready to sign yet. If Murray doesn't land here, I still expect Mathews to. If not, Mathews will be moving on.
UPDATE: Mathews is moving on, won't sign with the Eagles.
UPDATE UPDATE: The NFL is crazy, and Mathews is signing with the Eagles.
Mathews wants a job as a starting back, but the Eagles are having RB DeMarco Murray in for a visit today. Naturally, he's not ready to sign yet. If Murray doesn't land here, I still expect Mathews to. If not, Mathews will be moving on.
UPDATE: Mathews is moving on, won't sign with the Eagles.
UPDATE UPDATE: The NFL is crazy, and Mathews is signing with the Eagles.
9:58 AM EST — Bills re-sign WR Marcus Easley. A four-year deal worth $7 million
This is strictly a special teams signing. He's only caught two passes in his three-year career.
This is strictly a special teams signing. He's only caught two passes in his three-year career.
10:32 AM EST — Bills sign multi-tool QB Tyrod Taylor
Any fantasy football head would love to see Taylor test E.J. Manuel and Matt Cassel for the starting job. The multi-tool QB has sat on the bench behind Joe Flacco for his entire NFL career. With LeSean McCoy at RB, the field could open up for Taylor and the offense could be very quickly.
Any fantasy football head would love to see Taylor test E.J. Manuel and Matt Cassel for the starting job. The multi-tool QB has sat on the bench behind Joe Flacco for his entire NFL career. With LeSean McCoy at RB, the field could open up for Taylor and the offense could be very quickly.
11:20 AM EST — Jaguars release defensive lineman Red Bryant
10:40 AM EST — Vikings announce the re-signings of long snapper Cullen Loeffler and guard Joe Berger. Both are the type of signings that go unwarranted and unnoticed in the free agency period, but they're the moved that help shore up teams. Two solid signings here.
12:27 PM EST — DeMarco Murray will sign with the Eagles
What a turn of events. Murray was offered around $5 million per year by the Cowboys, who wouldn't budge. Murray decided to visit the Eagles, with the Cowboys as the only other real team in contention, and now are going to sign him. Details on the deal will come ASAP, but expect a four-year deal worth around $6 million per year — a number the Cowboys won't match. This means the Cowboys are on the look for a RB, and the Eagles will likely not be signing RB Ryan Mathews.
UPDATE: Murray signs 5-year, $42 million deal with the Eagles.
This is pretty surprising. Murray is tabbed to make $8.4 million/year with the Eagles, and will get $21 million guaranteed. That's more than $3 million/year than the Cowboys were reportedly offering. Of course, signing a 27-year-old running back who carried the ball almost 500 times last year to a five-year deal is very risky, but Murray is what the Eagles are looking for. By trading LeSean McCoy, the Eagles proved they weren't looking for an agile runner, but rather a get up the field type of guy, and Murray is that guy. Murray will get a chance to show the Cowboys why they should have re-signed him twice a year.
1:21 PM EST — Saints trade OG Ben Grubbs for 5th-round pick
Grubbs signed a five-year deal in 2012. He's scheduled to make $9.6 million this year, the fourth year of his deal, so the Chiefs may try to bring that number down, as they're not great on cap. However, Grubbs is well worth the fifth-round pick and will likely start at LG. Though his career is winding down, he hasn't missed a game in three years and has been a solid starter in the NFL since 2007. This is a really, really good move by the Chiefs. It could also open the door for Max Unger to start at RG for the Saints, which is where he started his career before moving to center
1:31 PM EST — Forsett re-signs with the Ravens
2:56 PM EST — Jets sign Antonio Cromartie, re-united with Revis
3:01 PM EST — Saints ink Brandon Browner to three-year deal
3:15 PM EST — Former Broncos S Rahim Moore signs with the Texans
4:40 PM EST — Ryan Mathews still signing with the Eagles
5:09 PM EST — Colts officially waive RB Trent Richardson
5:13 PM EST — The Broncos signed defensive lineman Vance Walker
5:49 PM EST — The Falcons agreed to terms with O'Bryan Schofield
5:56 PM EST — Jordan Cameron re-signs with Browns on two-year deal
6:37 PM EST — Chiefs sign OG Paul Fanaika
It's a three-year, $8.1 million deal. The Chiefs agreed to the terms on Wednesday, but the deal became final on Friday. With Grubbs and Fanaika newly acquired, it leaves a big question mark for 25-year-old Jeff Allen who missed most of 2015 with an elbow injury. The Chiefs offensive line was really, really bad last year, so it's good to see them get some pieces they can rely on. They have the potential to have a very good offense in 2015.
7:06 PM EST — Terrance Knighton signs 1-year deal with Redskins
8:05 PM EST — Rams sign LB Akeem Ayers
8:41 PM EST — Lions get defensive line depth, sign Tyrunn Walker
11:02 PM EST — Cowboys, LB Jasper Brinkley ink deal
11:04 PM EST — Jets, S Marcus Gilchrist finalize four-year deal
10:40 AM EST — Vikings announce the re-signings of long snapper Cullen Loeffler and guard Joe Berger. Both are the type of signings that go unwarranted and unnoticed in the free agency period, but they're the moved that help shore up teams. Two solid signings here.
12:27 PM EST — DeMarco Murray will sign with the Eagles
What a turn of events. Murray was offered around $5 million per year by the Cowboys, who wouldn't budge. Murray decided to visit the Eagles, with the Cowboys as the only other real team in contention, and now are going to sign him. Details on the deal will come ASAP, but expect a four-year deal worth around $6 million per year — a number the Cowboys won't match. This means the Cowboys are on the look for a RB, and the Eagles will likely not be signing RB Ryan Mathews.
UPDATE: Murray signs 5-year, $42 million deal with the Eagles.
This is pretty surprising. Murray is tabbed to make $8.4 million/year with the Eagles, and will get $21 million guaranteed. That's more than $3 million/year than the Cowboys were reportedly offering. Of course, signing a 27-year-old running back who carried the ball almost 500 times last year to a five-year deal is very risky, but Murray is what the Eagles are looking for. By trading LeSean McCoy, the Eagles proved they weren't looking for an agile runner, but rather a get up the field type of guy, and Murray is that guy. Murray will get a chance to show the Cowboys why they should have re-signed him twice a year.
1:21 PM EST — Saints trade OG Ben Grubbs for 5th-round pick
Grubbs signed a five-year deal in 2012. He's scheduled to make $9.6 million this year, the fourth year of his deal, so the Chiefs may try to bring that number down, as they're not great on cap. However, Grubbs is well worth the fifth-round pick and will likely start at LG. Though his career is winding down, he hasn't missed a game in three years and has been a solid starter in the NFL since 2007. This is a really, really good move by the Chiefs. It could also open the door for Max Unger to start at RG for the Saints, which is where he started his career before moving to center
1:31 PM EST — Forsett re-signs with the Ravens
2:56 PM EST — Jets sign Antonio Cromartie, re-united with Revis
3:01 PM EST — Saints ink Brandon Browner to three-year deal
3:15 PM EST — Former Broncos S Rahim Moore signs with the Texans
4:40 PM EST — Ryan Mathews still signing with the Eagles
5:09 PM EST — Colts officially waive RB Trent Richardson
5:13 PM EST — The Broncos signed defensive lineman Vance Walker
5:49 PM EST — The Falcons agreed to terms with O'Bryan Schofield
5:56 PM EST — Jordan Cameron re-signs with Browns on two-year deal
6:37 PM EST — Chiefs sign OG Paul Fanaika
It's a three-year, $8.1 million deal. The Chiefs agreed to the terms on Wednesday, but the deal became final on Friday. With Grubbs and Fanaika newly acquired, it leaves a big question mark for 25-year-old Jeff Allen who missed most of 2015 with an elbow injury. The Chiefs offensive line was really, really bad last year, so it's good to see them get some pieces they can rely on. They have the potential to have a very good offense in 2015.
7:06 PM EST — Terrance Knighton signs 1-year deal with Redskins
8:05 PM EST — Rams sign LB Akeem Ayers
8:41 PM EST — Lions get defensive line depth, sign Tyrunn Walker
11:02 PM EST — Cowboys, LB Jasper Brinkley ink deal
11:04 PM EST — Jets, S Marcus Gilchrist finalize four-year deal
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Wednesday, March 11 — Day Two
9:19 AM EST — We're up and at it again. The Dolphins will release DT Randy Starks today, clearing some more room for DT Ndamukong Suh, who still hasn't officially signed with the team. The move saves teh Dolphins $5 million.
10:09 AM EST — Jaguars make signing of tight end Julius Thomas official
Thomas will make $46 million over five years, with $24 million guaranteed. The Raiders, who were in the running for Thomas, would have had to pay around $30 million to Thomas, according to one report, because of income tax, which Thomas won't have to pay them in Jacksonville. Thomas will become a big part of the Jags offense, but — especially if they land another running back — his fantasy value is going to plummet with Blake Bortles throwing him the ball. Bortles is no Peyton Manning. I'd expect somewhere around 65 catches, 800 yards, and 4-5 touchdowns.
10:41 AM EST — Raiders signing both DT Dan Williams and LB Curtis Lofton
Both are on visits with the team today and both are going to get paid in a big way by Oakland, which is just asking players if they can give their money away. Williams signing likely takes the Raiders out of the Terrance Knighton pool, and he's visiting the Redskins today. Knighton is expected to sign with an "upset" team of sorts, and not the initially interested Broncos, Raiders, or Bears. Williams played in a two-down role last year and was one of the best run-stoppers in the league, but doesn't add much in terms of pass rush. Lofton is coming off his worst year of his career with the Saints, which contributed to his release, but he might be able to get back to his old ways in a system which favors his play-style.
10:43 AM EST — Bengals and OL Clint Boling agreed to five-year deal worth $26 million
Boling has been a main part of the Bengals offensive line, starting 44 games over the last three years, so this comes as no surprise. He's huge for the interior line and inside run game, and would have made similar numbers on the open market, with the Vikings among the teams already interested. Instead, he's back in Cleveland, blocking for... whoever the hell is back there in Week 1.
10:45 AM EST — Jaguars announce signing of DE Jared Odrick
The Jaguars are trying to spending all of their cap, and doing it fast. Odrick is signing a deal worth $7 million a year including $22 million in guaranteed money, according to reports He'll play the three-tech in the Jaguars' 3-4 system. Though the Jaguars may have paid a bit extra to bring Odrick into town, it's a very good signing, one that shouldn't be slept on.
10:52 AM ET — Jaguars make signing of OT Jeremy Parnell official
We've known for a few days the Parnell, the former Cowboy, had agreed to a five-year, $32 million deal in Jacksonville. Parnell came into Dallas still trying to find his position before settling in as a swing tackle. At $6 million a year, it's overpaying, without a doubt, but the Jaguars likely hope he can be an every-down starting tackle for them.
10:56 AM ET — Chiefs finalize deal with WR Jeremy Maclin
Maclin is set to make $55 million over five years, including $22.5 million guaranteed money. The Chiefs just need to clear some space for that deal now. They'll likely release Bowe ($5.5M) and restructure Alex's Smith bonuses to make room. Maclin becomes the sixth-highest paid receiver in the NFL with the deal, and he gives Smith a top receiver to play with. Hopefully, it'll make him look like more than an average quarterback, but you can't expect too much from Alex Smith.
11:57 AM ET — Ryan Fitzpatrick being traded to Jets
Once the Texans finalized their deal with Brian Hoyer, they closed the deal with the Jets. New York got a conditional late-round pick in exchange for their QB, who they deemed not as worth as the Ryan Mallett/Hoyer combo. Fitzpatrick will push Geno Smith for the starting job, even having the chance to take it.
12:00 PM ET — Frank Gore, Colts make signing official
Gore was going to sign with the Eagles, but made the switch to the Colts after second-guessing his decision. He got a three-year, $12 million deal with $8.5 million in first two years, $1 million more than in the Eagles deal. He'll start for the team, with Dan "Boom" Herron getting in the mix as well.
12:35 PM ET — Bears announce deal with McPhee
It's reportedly a five-year, $38.75 million agreement. McPhee will play outside linebacker in the Bears' 3-4 system after placing as PFF's No. 2 3-4 OLB in last year's PFF grades, even as a two-down guy for the team. The Bears defense is notoriously awful, and but now they'll have a presence in the pass-rush with a guy who notched 7.5 sacks last year. This is one of the better signings of free agency.
12:46 PM ET — Cardinals announce deals with OG Mike Iupati, LB Sean Weatherspoon, re-sign DE Corey Peters
Iupati's deal with the Cowboys is worth $40 million over five years. He was the top guard on the market, and he's essentially a no-risk signing; they know exactly what they're getting. Weatherspoon took a one-year "prove it deal". He'll be a free agent again next year, and has the chance to sign a long-term contract next season if he stays healthy and lives up to his potential. He should start at inside linebacker for the team, and says his Achilles injury from last season is fully healed. Finally is DE Corey Peters, who will replace Darnell Dockett in the starting lineup, and signed a three-year, $10.5 million deal. He's getting $5.75 million guaranteed, and can earn $750k in incentives.
1:59 PM ET — Eagles sign RB Ryan Mathews to 3-year deal
Three-year, $11.5 million deal with the former Chargers back. He'll be Chip Kelly's starter and two-down back unless they manager to land ultimate free agent prize (at this point) DeMarco Murray. Mathews is the perfect fit for this Chip Kelly offense, but he wasn't Kelly's first priority, as they took swings at both Mark Ingram and Frank Gore before moving onto Mathews.
2:15 PM ET — Cardinals sign Colts free agent DE Cory Redding
Two-year, $6 million deal with $5.75 million guaranteed. He'll take the spot the team vacated when they released DE Darnell Dockett. He became expendable for the Colts when they signed Kendall Langford.
2:53 PM ET — CB Brice McCain signs two-year deal with Dolphins
After Cortland Finnegan was a flop last year, the team knew it had to make some moves at CB. The Dolphins probably aren't done yet, but getting McCain on a 2-year, $5.5 million deal is a start. He should get plenty of run as a slot corner.
4:01 PM ET — Dolphins announce signing of DT Ndamukong Suh
Suh made so many dollars with this deal that is finally finished. It's a six-year deal worth $114 million, a number Detroit wasn't prepared to match. The deal includes $60 million guaranteed. Suh chose the money over everything else, and he absolutely broke the bank.
4:07 PM ET — Colts sign future Hall of Fame WR Andre Johnson
5:07 PM ET — OLB Bruce Carter is signing with the Bucs
Carter got way too much money at 4-years, $20.5 million, but beside that, he's not a bad signing. He's started to come into his own in the Cowboys scheme over the last few years. The Bucs are likely paying up for the 27-year-old's potential, and the last good fit for their open SAM linebacker position.
5:11 PM ET — Falcons announce WR Leonard Hankerson has signed
It's a one-year, $1 million deal. It's a good, low-risk deal, as Hankerson hasn't even been able to stay on the field in past years. But we all know he has potential with a 4.4 40-yard-dash time and a 6'2" build. He'll be fantasy relevant when Julio Jones or Roddy White are sidelined.
6:50 PM ET — Patriots sign DE Jabaal Sheard
Great signing, maybe the best of the day. It's a two-year, $11 million deal with only $5.5 million for the defensive end. Sheard is still very raw at just 23-years-old, but he's shown flashes of being a very good pass-rusher, but he didn't fit in as a stand-up linebacker in the Browns system. Opposite Chandler Jones, the possibilities are endless for this front line, and Sheard get to a defense which he'll feel more comfortable in. Watch out for Sheard in 2015.
7:45 PM ET — Bucs plan to release S Dashon Goldson
The teams is finalizing a deal for safety Chris Conte. When that's done, they'll release Goldson, the former 2013 signing from the 49ers. He will walk with $4 million, but the Bucs will also clear $4 million, helping them sign Chris Conte. Goldson has been one of the worst corners in the league since being signed by the Bucs, so this comes as no surprise. Goldson will probably parlay his success into another short contract, but his career doesn't have a lot left at 31 years old.
10:44 PM EST — Bears sign safety Antrel Rolle
It's a three-year deal for Rolle. Worth $11.25 million with $5 million guaranteed. He won the Super Bowl with the Giants a few years ago, but he's declined since and is now at 32 years old. This is an uninspiring signing.
———10:09 AM EST — Jaguars make signing of tight end Julius Thomas official
Thomas will make $46 million over five years, with $24 million guaranteed. The Raiders, who were in the running for Thomas, would have had to pay around $30 million to Thomas, according to one report, because of income tax, which Thomas won't have to pay them in Jacksonville. Thomas will become a big part of the Jags offense, but — especially if they land another running back — his fantasy value is going to plummet with Blake Bortles throwing him the ball. Bortles is no Peyton Manning. I'd expect somewhere around 65 catches, 800 yards, and 4-5 touchdowns.
10:41 AM EST — Raiders signing both DT Dan Williams and LB Curtis Lofton
Both are on visits with the team today and both are going to get paid in a big way by Oakland, which is just asking players if they can give their money away. Williams signing likely takes the Raiders out of the Terrance Knighton pool, and he's visiting the Redskins today. Knighton is expected to sign with an "upset" team of sorts, and not the initially interested Broncos, Raiders, or Bears. Williams played in a two-down role last year and was one of the best run-stoppers in the league, but doesn't add much in terms of pass rush. Lofton is coming off his worst year of his career with the Saints, which contributed to his release, but he might be able to get back to his old ways in a system which favors his play-style.
10:43 AM EST — Bengals and OL Clint Boling agreed to five-year deal worth $26 million
Boling has been a main part of the Bengals offensive line, starting 44 games over the last three years, so this comes as no surprise. He's huge for the interior line and inside run game, and would have made similar numbers on the open market, with the Vikings among the teams already interested. Instead, he's back in Cleveland, blocking for... whoever the hell is back there in Week 1.
10:45 AM EST — Jaguars announce signing of DE Jared Odrick
The Jaguars are trying to spending all of their cap, and doing it fast. Odrick is signing a deal worth $7 million a year including $22 million in guaranteed money, according to reports He'll play the three-tech in the Jaguars' 3-4 system. Though the Jaguars may have paid a bit extra to bring Odrick into town, it's a very good signing, one that shouldn't be slept on.
10:52 AM ET — Jaguars make signing of OT Jeremy Parnell official
We've known for a few days the Parnell, the former Cowboy, had agreed to a five-year, $32 million deal in Jacksonville. Parnell came into Dallas still trying to find his position before settling in as a swing tackle. At $6 million a year, it's overpaying, without a doubt, but the Jaguars likely hope he can be an every-down starting tackle for them.
10:56 AM ET — Chiefs finalize deal with WR Jeremy Maclin
Maclin is set to make $55 million over five years, including $22.5 million guaranteed money. The Chiefs just need to clear some space for that deal now. They'll likely release Bowe ($5.5M) and restructure Alex's Smith bonuses to make room. Maclin becomes the sixth-highest paid receiver in the NFL with the deal, and he gives Smith a top receiver to play with. Hopefully, it'll make him look like more than an average quarterback, but you can't expect too much from Alex Smith.
11:57 AM ET — Ryan Fitzpatrick being traded to Jets
Once the Texans finalized their deal with Brian Hoyer, they closed the deal with the Jets. New York got a conditional late-round pick in exchange for their QB, who they deemed not as worth as the Ryan Mallett/Hoyer combo. Fitzpatrick will push Geno Smith for the starting job, even having the chance to take it.
12:00 PM ET — Frank Gore, Colts make signing official
Gore was going to sign with the Eagles, but made the switch to the Colts after second-guessing his decision. He got a three-year, $12 million deal with $8.5 million in first two years, $1 million more than in the Eagles deal. He'll start for the team, with Dan "Boom" Herron getting in the mix as well.
12:35 PM ET — Bears announce deal with McPhee
It's reportedly a five-year, $38.75 million agreement. McPhee will play outside linebacker in the Bears' 3-4 system after placing as PFF's No. 2 3-4 OLB in last year's PFF grades, even as a two-down guy for the team. The Bears defense is notoriously awful, and but now they'll have a presence in the pass-rush with a guy who notched 7.5 sacks last year. This is one of the better signings of free agency.
12:46 PM ET — Cardinals announce deals with OG Mike Iupati, LB Sean Weatherspoon, re-sign DE Corey Peters
Iupati's deal with the Cowboys is worth $40 million over five years. He was the top guard on the market, and he's essentially a no-risk signing; they know exactly what they're getting. Weatherspoon took a one-year "prove it deal". He'll be a free agent again next year, and has the chance to sign a long-term contract next season if he stays healthy and lives up to his potential. He should start at inside linebacker for the team, and says his Achilles injury from last season is fully healed. Finally is DE Corey Peters, who will replace Darnell Dockett in the starting lineup, and signed a three-year, $10.5 million deal. He's getting $5.75 million guaranteed, and can earn $750k in incentives.
1:59 PM ET — Eagles sign RB Ryan Mathews to 3-year deal
Three-year, $11.5 million deal with the former Chargers back. He'll be Chip Kelly's starter and two-down back unless they manager to land ultimate free agent prize (at this point) DeMarco Murray. Mathews is the perfect fit for this Chip Kelly offense, but he wasn't Kelly's first priority, as they took swings at both Mark Ingram and Frank Gore before moving onto Mathews.
2:15 PM ET — Cardinals sign Colts free agent DE Cory Redding
Two-year, $6 million deal with $5.75 million guaranteed. He'll take the spot the team vacated when they released DE Darnell Dockett. He became expendable for the Colts when they signed Kendall Langford.
2:53 PM ET — CB Brice McCain signs two-year deal with Dolphins
After Cortland Finnegan was a flop last year, the team knew it had to make some moves at CB. The Dolphins probably aren't done yet, but getting McCain on a 2-year, $5.5 million deal is a start. He should get plenty of run as a slot corner.
4:01 PM ET — Dolphins announce signing of DT Ndamukong Suh
Suh made so many dollars with this deal that is finally finished. It's a six-year deal worth $114 million, a number Detroit wasn't prepared to match. The deal includes $60 million guaranteed. Suh chose the money over everything else, and he absolutely broke the bank.
4:07 PM ET — Colts sign future Hall of Fame WR Andre Johnson
5:07 PM ET — OLB Bruce Carter is signing with the Bucs
Carter got way too much money at 4-years, $20.5 million, but beside that, he's not a bad signing. He's started to come into his own in the Cowboys scheme over the last few years. The Bucs are likely paying up for the 27-year-old's potential, and the last good fit for their open SAM linebacker position.
5:11 PM ET — Falcons announce WR Leonard Hankerson has signed
It's a one-year, $1 million deal. It's a good, low-risk deal, as Hankerson hasn't even been able to stay on the field in past years. But we all know he has potential with a 4.4 40-yard-dash time and a 6'2" build. He'll be fantasy relevant when Julio Jones or Roddy White are sidelined.
6:50 PM ET — Patriots sign DE Jabaal Sheard
Great signing, maybe the best of the day. It's a two-year, $11 million deal with only $5.5 million for the defensive end. Sheard is still very raw at just 23-years-old, but he's shown flashes of being a very good pass-rusher, but he didn't fit in as a stand-up linebacker in the Browns system. Opposite Chandler Jones, the possibilities are endless for this front line, and Sheard get to a defense which he'll feel more comfortable in. Watch out for Sheard in 2015.
7:45 PM ET — Bucs plan to release S Dashon Goldson
The teams is finalizing a deal for safety Chris Conte. When that's done, they'll release Goldson, the former 2013 signing from the 49ers. He will walk with $4 million, but the Bucs will also clear $4 million, helping them sign Chris Conte. Goldson has been one of the worst corners in the league since being signed by the Bucs, so this comes as no surprise. Goldson will probably parlay his success into another short contract, but his career doesn't have a lot left at 31 years old.
10:44 PM EST — Bears sign safety Antrel Rolle
It's a three-year deal for Rolle. Worth $11.25 million with $5 million guaranteed. He won the Super Bowl with the Giants a few years ago, but he's declined since and is now at 32 years old. This is an uninspiring signing.
Tuesday, March 10 — Day One
9:27 AM EST — Jets will release Percy Harvin on TuesdayWe all knew this one was coming. The Jets traded a late-round pick for Harvin to the Seahawks last year, as Seattle pushed the big cap number onto the Jets, and Harvin failed to pay up. At 26-years-old, Harvin will be re-signed, but he's never truly been productive during his NFL career. The Patriots have reportedly had interest.
10:32 AM EST — Chiefs sign Tyvon Branch
The deal is for one-year, $2 million, which is a heck of a deal for Kansas City. Branch has always been an extremely capable strong safety, he just hasn't been able to stay healthy. Branch's salary is largely incentive-based, with only $870k of it coming in the form of salary, and another $200k in bonus money. The rest is all incentives, based on INTs, Pro Bowl, and playtime.
11:19 AM EST — Bengals OT Eric Winston tweets that he's re-signed
Winston's deal was later confirmed to be a one-year deal. He likely won't start, but will be used as a swing tackle in the Bengals system.
11:23 AM EST — Colts announce they agreed to terms to re-sign OT Joe Reitz
Reitz was the 12th OT on my rankings. He got a 3-year, $9 million deal worth up to around $10 million, according to NFL Network. He's a good signing as a versatile OL-man who can play both the tackle and the guard positions. He started at RT down the stretch last season, including all three playoff games.
11:27 AM EST — Bilal Powell agrees to terms to re-sign with the Jets
For some reason, Powell was coveted by a few teams, just because he's a multi-faceted back. But, regardless, he'll be back in gang green. He's a very average runner through his career who has no real chance to win the starting job. The deal is for one-year.
12:47 PM EST — Browns officially announce Brian Hartline signing
Hartline was cut by the Dolphins last week, and immediately garnered attention from about half a dozen teams. He took multiple visits, but being from Ohio, he decided and decided to go back home. Hartline might end up starting, just because this receiving corps is so horrific and Josh Gordon won't play (in all likelihood) in 2015. It's an average signing for an average team at 2-years, $6 million for a slot guy.
12:59 PM EST — Titans, Harry Douglas agree to deal, officially
Bad teams make unimportant signings. This one is Harry Douglas, who, somehow landed a three-year deal with the team. The 30-year-old will likely slide into the slot for the Titans, but won't make much of an impact, as the team doesn't have a QB right now. He'll be the guy replacing Nate Washington in three-wide sets.
1:08 PM EST — Panthers re-sign defensive tackle Dwan Edwards
Edwards is just depth. At 34 years old, he will only be thrown into a starting role if there is an injury on the Panthers front-line. It's a two-year deal for Edwards and the Panthers.
1:58 PM EST — Packers OT Bryan Bulaga re-signs with Packers
We knew the Packers were still the front-runners for the Bulaga, and they finally locked down the top free agent tackle. ProFootballFocus graded Bulaga as the third-best right tackle in the NFL last season, and he got paid like it. The terms: 5-year, $35 million, likely less than he would have commanded on the free agent market. It's a big keep for the Packers, who have one of the top offensive lines in the league protecting an elite QB. He'll be 31 when he hits the open market again.
2:02 PM EST — Cardinals signing OLB LaMarr Woodley to one-year deal
The Raiders cut the 30-year-old last week after he missed 10 games in 2014 with a torn biceps muscle, but he was never going to have trouble finding another job on the open market. He ended up getting a deal worth $870k. It's a very good veteran signing of a player who is just over the hump, but can still do his job well. He'll play outside linebacker in Arians' 3-4, and shouldn't have a problem making the roster.
2:47 PM EST — Ed Dickson will re-sign with Panthers
This was the last piece to the Panthers puzzle in terms of re-signing their own guys which they wanted to re-sign. It's a three-year deal for the 27-year-old. He won't start, as the team already has Greg Olsen, an elite tight end option, but he will add solid depth behind Olsen, which is what he's always done during his career.
2:52 PM EST — Kelvin Sheppard re-signed by Dolphins
This has been in the fold for the Dolphins for some time after they released both Dannell Ellerbe and Phillip Wheeler were released. Sheppard outplayed Ellerbe when Ellerbe went down with an injury last year (which is more of a testament to how bad Ellerbe was, not how good Sheppard was). Now Sheppard has a job, and Ellerbe doesn't. He won't do much besides serve as depth, as Sheppard has been unproductive as a starting outside linebacker.
3:10 PM EST — Broncos re-sign TE Virgil Green
It's a three-year deal. He was coveted by multiple other teams, including the Bears, but Green will stay in Denver for another year and remain a blocking tight end.
3:49 PM EST — Jimmy Graham headed to Seahawks, Max Unger to join Saints
Minutes after it was reported that Graham was on the trade block, the Seahawks and Saints agreed to a blockbuster deal to send Graham to the Seahawks. The move will free up a big chunk of change for the Saints, who likely made the move because they were strapped for cap. The Saints get their starting center and a first-round pick, while the Seahawks get a top weapon for Russell Wilson, which he's never before had. The Seahawks got a fourth-round pick in addition to Unger.
3:56 PM EST — Lions acquire DT Haloti Ngata in trade with Baltimore
We don't have a lot of details here. Just days ago, Ngata and his $16 million cap number was a cut candidate for Ozzie Newsome and the Ravens. Instead, he'll be joining the Lions. We're not sure if he's going to be restructuring his deal, only that he will be joining the Lions, as the team announced. Peter King reported that compensation for Ngata will be a fourth and fifth-round pick, on top of his massive salary. I'll bring more on this when we have it, but the Lions have their "replacement" for Suh.
3:58 PM EST — Rams getting Nick Foles, trading away Sam Bradford
We knew there was shakiness between Foles and the Eagles, but the Rams never strayed from their confidence on Sam Bradford. It could have been the team just boosting his trade value, who knows. According to reports, Chip Kelly really, really wanted Sam Bradford and went after him hard. The Eagles will send a second-round pick in 2016 along with Foles to the Rams for Bradford, a fourth- and fifth-round pick. The "winner" of this trade ultimately boils down to Bradford's small potential to become a franchise type of QB, and whether the Eagles can harvest that potential.
4:00 PM EST — The Packers didn't tender WR Jarrett Boykin. He's an unrestricted free agent.
4:00 PM EST — The Patriots didn't pick-up the contract option of cornerback Brandon Browner. He'll test the free agent market, but still could return to the team. Add that to Darrelle Revis hitting free agency, and it's a nice little market.
4:07 PM EST — The Saints are listening to offers for QB Drew Brees.
They might not be done making moves, but this rumor doesn't have a ton of substance.
4:10 PM EST — The Jets are signing CB Buster Skrine.
4:17 PM EST — The Raiders are signing TE Lee Smith, formerly of the Bills.
The deal is worth $9 million over 3 years.
4:17 PM EST — Owen Daniels, Broncos agree to three-year deal
4:18 PM EST — WR Eddie Royal will sign with the Bears.
4:20 PM EST — The Vikings have signed OL Joe Berger to a two-year deal.
4:24 PM EST — RB DeMarco Murray will sign with the Jaguars, save for a late push from another team. Negotiations are in the final stages. I expect him to be a Jaguar by the end of the day.
4:26 PM EST — Free agent quarterback Jake Locker is retiring from football. He was the No. 8 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. "I no longer have that burning desire necessary to play the game for a living," Locker said in a statement.
4:35 PM EST — Cowboys free agent WR Dwayne Harris has signed with the NFC East-rival Giants on a five-year, $17.5 million deal. (Source)
4:41 PM EST — Ravens free agent WR Torrey Smith has signed a five-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers. Schefter later reported that it's a 5-year, $40 million deal including $22 million guaranteed.
4:53 PM EST — The Bills have signed fullback Jerome Felton. Felton was the top FB on the market. (Source)
4:55 PM EST — The Titans finalized their deal with safety Da'Norris Searcy. It's a four-year deal worth $24 million, which was reported earlier in the day.
5:00 PM EST — The Eagles officially traded RB LeSean McCoy to the Bills for LB Kiko Alonso. As far as we know, it was a straight up player for player trade.
5:01 PM EST — Running back Shane Vereen and the Giants agreed to a deal worth $12.35 million over three years. (Source)
12:59 PM EST — Titans, Harry Douglas agree to deal, officially
Bad teams make unimportant signings. This one is Harry Douglas, who, somehow landed a three-year deal with the team. The 30-year-old will likely slide into the slot for the Titans, but won't make much of an impact, as the team doesn't have a QB right now. He'll be the guy replacing Nate Washington in three-wide sets.
1:08 PM EST — Panthers re-sign defensive tackle Dwan Edwards
Edwards is just depth. At 34 years old, he will only be thrown into a starting role if there is an injury on the Panthers front-line. It's a two-year deal for Edwards and the Panthers.
1:58 PM EST — Packers OT Bryan Bulaga re-signs with Packers
We knew the Packers were still the front-runners for the Bulaga, and they finally locked down the top free agent tackle. ProFootballFocus graded Bulaga as the third-best right tackle in the NFL last season, and he got paid like it. The terms: 5-year, $35 million, likely less than he would have commanded on the free agent market. It's a big keep for the Packers, who have one of the top offensive lines in the league protecting an elite QB. He'll be 31 when he hits the open market again.
2:02 PM EST — Cardinals signing OLB LaMarr Woodley to one-year deal
The Raiders cut the 30-year-old last week after he missed 10 games in 2014 with a torn biceps muscle, but he was never going to have trouble finding another job on the open market. He ended up getting a deal worth $870k. It's a very good veteran signing of a player who is just over the hump, but can still do his job well. He'll play outside linebacker in Arians' 3-4, and shouldn't have a problem making the roster.
2:47 PM EST — Ed Dickson will re-sign with Panthers
This was the last piece to the Panthers puzzle in terms of re-signing their own guys which they wanted to re-sign. It's a three-year deal for the 27-year-old. He won't start, as the team already has Greg Olsen, an elite tight end option, but he will add solid depth behind Olsen, which is what he's always done during his career.
2:52 PM EST — Kelvin Sheppard re-signed by Dolphins
This has been in the fold for the Dolphins for some time after they released both Dannell Ellerbe and Phillip Wheeler were released. Sheppard outplayed Ellerbe when Ellerbe went down with an injury last year (which is more of a testament to how bad Ellerbe was, not how good Sheppard was). Now Sheppard has a job, and Ellerbe doesn't. He won't do much besides serve as depth, as Sheppard has been unproductive as a starting outside linebacker.
3:10 PM EST — Broncos re-sign TE Virgil Green
It's a three-year deal. He was coveted by multiple other teams, including the Bears, but Green will stay in Denver for another year and remain a blocking tight end.
3:49 PM EST — Jimmy Graham headed to Seahawks, Max Unger to join Saints
Minutes after it was reported that Graham was on the trade block, the Seahawks and Saints agreed to a blockbuster deal to send Graham to the Seahawks. The move will free up a big chunk of change for the Saints, who likely made the move because they were strapped for cap. The Saints get their starting center and a first-round pick, while the Seahawks get a top weapon for Russell Wilson, which he's never before had. The Seahawks got a fourth-round pick in addition to Unger.
3:56 PM EST — Lions acquire DT Haloti Ngata in trade with Baltimore
We don't have a lot of details here. Just days ago, Ngata and his $16 million cap number was a cut candidate for Ozzie Newsome and the Ravens. Instead, he'll be joining the Lions. We're not sure if he's going to be restructuring his deal, only that he will be joining the Lions, as the team announced. Peter King reported that compensation for Ngata will be a fourth and fifth-round pick, on top of his massive salary. I'll bring more on this when we have it, but the Lions have their "replacement" for Suh.
3:58 PM EST — Rams getting Nick Foles, trading away Sam Bradford
We knew there was shakiness between Foles and the Eagles, but the Rams never strayed from their confidence on Sam Bradford. It could have been the team just boosting his trade value, who knows. According to reports, Chip Kelly really, really wanted Sam Bradford and went after him hard. The Eagles will send a second-round pick in 2016 along with Foles to the Rams for Bradford, a fourth- and fifth-round pick. The "winner" of this trade ultimately boils down to Bradford's small potential to become a franchise type of QB, and whether the Eagles can harvest that potential.
4:00 PM EST — HAPPY NEW LEAGUE YEAR
4:00 PM EST — The Packers didn't tender WR Jarrett Boykin. He's an unrestricted free agent.
4:00 PM EST — The Patriots didn't pick-up the contract option of cornerback Brandon Browner. He'll test the free agent market, but still could return to the team. Add that to Darrelle Revis hitting free agency, and it's a nice little market.
4:07 PM EST — The Saints are listening to offers for QB Drew Brees.
They might not be done making moves, but this rumor doesn't have a ton of substance.
4:10 PM EST — The Jets are signing CB Buster Skrine.
4:17 PM EST — The Raiders are signing TE Lee Smith, formerly of the Bills.
The deal is worth $9 million over 3 years.
4:17 PM EST — Owen Daniels, Broncos agree to three-year deal
4:18 PM EST — WR Eddie Royal will sign with the Bears.
4:20 PM EST — The Vikings have signed OL Joe Berger to a two-year deal.
4:24 PM EST — RB DeMarco Murray will sign with the Jaguars, save for a late push from another team. Negotiations are in the final stages. I expect him to be a Jaguar by the end of the day.
4:26 PM EST — Free agent quarterback Jake Locker is retiring from football. He was the No. 8 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. "I no longer have that burning desire necessary to play the game for a living," Locker said in a statement.
4:35 PM EST — Cowboys free agent WR Dwayne Harris has signed with the NFC East-rival Giants on a five-year, $17.5 million deal. (Source)
4:41 PM EST — Ravens free agent WR Torrey Smith has signed a five-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers. Schefter later reported that it's a 5-year, $40 million deal including $22 million guaranteed.
4:53 PM EST — The Bills have signed fullback Jerome Felton. Felton was the top FB on the market. (Source)
4:55 PM EST — The Titans finalized their deal with safety Da'Norris Searcy. It's a four-year deal worth $24 million, which was reported earlier in the day.
5:00 PM EST — The Eagles officially traded RB LeSean McCoy to the Bills for LB Kiko Alonso. As far as we know, it was a straight up player for player trade.
5:01 PM EST — Running back Shane Vereen and the Giants agreed to a deal worth $12.35 million over three years. (Source)
5:18 PM EST — The Chicago Bears announced that they traded away WR Brandon Marshall and a 7th-round pick to the New York Jets for a 7th-round pick. The deal is final as Marshall has passed his physical.
5:28 PM EST — The Jets officially released WR Percy Harvin. As I mentioned above, the Patriots are interested in his services.
5:32 PM EST — The Bucs released OT Anthony Collins after just one year with the team. He graded out at 63rd out of 84 eligible offensive tackle on ProFootballFocus in 2014, and he didn't even play int he final four games of the season. The Bucs only guaranteed Collins $9 million so that's all the team paid him (which includes $3 million of his 2015 salary), plus his signing bonus. Demar Dotson will probably take Collins spot in 2015.
5:34 PM EST — The Bengals have signed linebacker A.J. Hawk. They also re-signed LB Rey Maualuga earlier this offseason, so they're stacked at the ILB position. The deal with Hawk is a two-year deal.
5:44 PM EST — The Texans traded one of their three quarterbacks, Case Keenum, to the Rams for a seventh-round pick in 2016. Keenum is no more than a backup, and will serve behind new Rams QB Nick Foles. (Source)
5:45 PM EST — The Bills jumped into the race for CB Darrelle Revis. They have the money to sign him, so it wouldn't be crazy. Jets and Patriots are still the top two in the race though. (Source)
6:45 PM EST — Things have slowed considerably, but the Falcons did make some moves. The team signed OLB Brooks Reed, ILB Justin Durant, OL Mike Person, and re-signed RB Antone Smith. Reed has been mostly a bust in his NFL, never logging more than six sacks in a single season and struggling to stay healthy. Justin Durant came on for the Cowboys last year and was solid until going on I.R. with a biceps tear. Durant is the top signing of this group, as he's able to do a lot of things on defense, but the 29-year-old will have to stay healthy to contribute.
7:05 PM EST — Free agent defensive tackle Kendall Langford signed with the Colts. The main thing he add is a versatility to play multiple positions as a reserve. He has the chance to start at the five-technique for the Colts, where he has thrived in his career. The Rams deferred to re-sign Langford as he just doesn't fit in their 4-3 system, so the 3-4 should fit him well.
7:06 PM EST — The deal to send Matt Cassel to the Bills has been finalized as Cassel passed his physical on Tuesday evening. Cassel will be E.J. Manuel's mentor/competition in Buffalo.
7:14 PM EST — The Eagles and CB Byron Maxwell finalized a six-year deal. The former member of the Legion of Boom in Seattle signed a deal for just over $10 million per year ($63 million total) with $25 million guaranteed. This deal was reportedly agreed to two days ago.
8:51 PM EST — The Jets are signing CB Darrelle Revis. Revis is going to break the bank again. He's expected to get north of $40 million over this contract, according to Schefter. The Jets now signed the top and the 6th free agent corners in my free agency rankings. I'll bring more details as they come. UPDATE: Below is the deal Revis got with the Jets. Likely his last contract in the NFL, if he lasts all five years.
Darrelle Revis got a 5 year, $70 million deal with $39 million guaranteed from Jets. $33 million in first 2 years, per source. #nyj9:15 PM EST — The Raiders have signed RB Roy Helu to a two-year, $4 million deal. I like Helu, a lot, and this is a fantastic price. But if this takes the Raiders out of the DeMarco Murray sweepstakes, which have opened up now that the Eagles and Raiders are interested, then they're making a mistake.
— Brian Costello (@BrianCoz) March 11, 2015
11:25 PM EST — Forgot to leave this here earlier: Patriots signed WR Brandon Gibson to a one-year, $825,000 deal. Gibson is the most Belichickian wide receiver of all-time.
12:08 AM EST — The perfect signing to close out the day: 49ers and QB Blaine Gabbert ink a two-year deal to keep him in San Francisco. He's gonna get real good at holding the clipboard for Colin Kaepernick.
12:34 AM EST — Okay, we weren't closing out the day with Gabbert. According to his agent, Steelers free agent linebacker Jason Worilds is retiring from the NFL. Another early retirement? At 27 years old? Damn. That's extremely sad to see, but it's good to see when guys know how to walk away when they think it's time. Worilds was a lock to make $7-$8 million per year, and over $14 million guaranteed. That's a lot of money to walk away from, but he's found a new career path, reportedly, and has had a "spiritual awakening".
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