The free agency period kicked off with a bang as the New York Giants and Houston Texans took the NFL by storm. The Giants spent money on defense by adding Olivier Vernon, Damon Harrison and Janoris Jenkins. The Texans thought offense with Brock Osweiler and Lamar Miller, while the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams had busy days of signing players as well.
New York Giants: A busy day for the Giants, who are fixing their problems from last season with a lot of money. The defensive line got fixed with Olivier Vernon signing a mega deal worth $85 million over five seasons, including $52.5 million in guaranteed money. They also got a defensive tackle in Damon Harrison, with the deal worth $46.25 million over five seasons, including $24 million in guaranteed money. And they weren’t done, adding cornerback Janoris Jenkins from the St. Louis Rams, signing him to a five-year, $62.5 million deal, including $29 million guaranteed.
Houston Texans: The Giants took care of defense, the Texans are going offense. One addition was running back Lamar Miller from the Miami Dolphins, signing a four-year, $26 million contract including $14 million guaranteed. But the big uproar came over the signing of a new quarterback, Brock Osweiler, slipping away from the Denver Broncos. His deal is worth $72 million over four years. Jeff Allen, the center/guard from the Kansas City Chiefs, also joins the Texans, signing a four-year, $28 million contract.
Los Angeles Rams: A busy day for the Rams, replacing one cornerback with Mark Barron, signing him on a five-year, $45 million deal. They also add William Hayes to the defensive line, giving him a three-year deal worth $21 million.
Atlanta Falcons: Alex Mack left the Browns, signing a five-year deal worth around $50 million, although could have made more in Cleveland.
Philadelphia Eagles: The Houston Texans did lose some players, like Brandon Brooks, signing a five-year deal with the Eagles for $40 million to be their guard. They also added former Rams safety Rodney McLeod on a five-year, $37 million deal, including $17 million in guaranteed money. They also make an interesting addition with Chase Daniel, coming on a three-year deal worth $21 million and with incentives, the deal could be worth up to $36 million.
New Orleans Saints: The Saints add another tight end by signing Coby Fleener of the Indianapolis Colts for $36 million over five years
Jacksonville Jaguars: The Browns keep losing players to free agency. One of the biggest losses is Tashaun Gipson, with the free safety signing a five-year, $35.5 million deal with the Jags.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: They add the former Seattle Seahawks guard for $32.5 million over five years, as the former defensive tackle finding the conversion to the offensive line quite lucrative.
Minnesota Vikings: Improve their offensive line with Alex Boone of the San Francisco 49ers, signing the guard to a four-year, $26.8 million deal.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Their problems at tight end might be solved by adding former-Charger Ladarius Green, signing him on a four-year, $20 million contract.
Kansas City Chiefs: Getting another Browns dropout, Mitchell Schwartz, getting the offensive lineman with a five-year contract.
Chicago Bears: Another Denver Broncos players slips away, as Danny Trevathan signs a four year deal worth $24.5 million, including $12 million in guaranteed money.
San Diego Chargers: Made some defensive additions with Brandon Mebane at defensive tackle and Dwight Lowery to improve their safety situation. They also added wide receiver Travis Benjamin on a $24 million, four-year deal.
Detroit Lions: Marvin Jones comes to maybe pick up the Calvin Johnson slack, getting a five-year, $40 million contract.
Arizona Cardinals: Added a safety in Tyvon Branch of the Kansas City Chiefs, giving him a two-year deal worth $10 million.
Tennessee Titans: Signed Matt Cassel on a one year deal to be their backup quarterback.
New York Jets: Matt Forte will be the one replacing Chris Ivory, with the Jets hoping he can add significantly in the passing game.
Staying put: The Seattle Seahawks re-sign cornerback Jeremy Lane, which will be a four year deal for the projected starter opposite Richard Sherman. Despite interest, the Atlanta Falcons are keeping Adrian Clayborn with a two-year, $14 million deal including incentives. The Chiefs hang on to Derrick Johnson, signing him on a three-year deal worth $21 million, including $9 million guaranteed. The Bengals retain Adam Jones with a new three-year deal, and also George Iloka with a five-year, $30 million contract. The Detroit Lions keep defensive tackle Haloti Ngata with a two-year deal worth $12 million, although it’s filled with fitness and injury conditions. The Bucs keep Doug Martin on a five-year, $35 million contract, which is huge for the running back. The Chargers keep Antonio Gates on a two-year deal. The Dallas Cowboys keep Rolando McClain with a one-year, $5 million deal. Washington Redskins keeping Mason Foster with a two-year deal and Colt McCoy as well to be the backup quarterback, a #2 this time.. The 49ers keep defensive tackle Ian Williams on a five-year deal. Pittsburgh Steelers are keeping Ramos Foster at guard with a three-year deal.