The Free Agency period officially begins on 4 p.m. ET Wednesday, but teams have already made some moves. None bigger than the Oakland Raiders with their additions of Kelechi Osemele and Bruce Irving, while the Jacksonville Jaguars worked quickly to spend their cap space, starting with Malik Jackson and Chris Ivory. The New York Giants retaining Jason Pierre-Paul was the biggest news among those keeping players instead of adding them.
Oakland Raiders: The Raiders signed the best offensive lineman in free agency, Kelechi Osemele. The 26-year old played left tackle last season and will probably be in that position for the Raiders next season. He signed a five-year, $60 million deal, although the specifics won’t be known until the move is made official later on Wednesday. The Raiders didn’t stop there, and appear to have signed Bruce Irvin, leaving the Seattle Seahawks. This gives the Raiders a serious two-way threat on the pass rush along with Khalil Mack.
Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars got themselves a major boost to the defensive line by luring Malik Jackson away from the Denver Broncos thanks to their endless amount of cap space. Jackson signed a deal for five or six seasons, which should be worth around $15 million a year. The Jaguars also helped out their offense by adding Chris Ivory coming off a couple of good seasons with the New York Jets, pairing him with T.J. Yeldon.
Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins don’t have a lot of cap room to work with, but they found a way to make Mario Williams fit in, hoping it breathes some life into their defense. The former number one overall pick, released by the Buffalo Bills recently, signed a two-year deal worth $17 million, hoping the defensive scheme this time won’t upset him.
Staying put: Jason Pierre-Paul is staying with the New York Giants on a one-year deal worth $10.5 million despite getting bigger offers, especially from the Arizona Cardinals. Richie Incognito pondered leaving but will stay with the Bills, signing a three-year deal worth just under $16 million overall. The Kansas City Chiefs retain Tamba Hali on a three-year deal that probably means he ends his career with them, which is a bit surprising considering his injury problems last season. Charles Johnson visited with the Giants and Buccaneers, but is sticking with the Panthers who released him, signing a one-year deal worth $3 million, although he did get bigger offers, but preferred sticking around something he likes and knows. And last but not least, Adam Vinatieri will remain with the Indianapolis Colts. The Kicker signed a two-year, $6 million deal.
Minor additions: The Baltimore Ravens, as expected, added a tight end, signing Benjamin Watson who had a big year with the New Orleans Saints in 2015. The Buffalo Bills cut Leodis McKelvin last week and now he’s on a two-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Tennessee Titans sign Ben Jones, who was the starting center for the Houston Texans last season. Our last mention is Donald Stephenson, who stays within the division, leaving the Kansas City Chiefs offensive line to the Denver Broncos, hoping to be more consistent there.