PFF’S LIVE FREE-AGENCY NEWS TRACKER
https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2016/03/07/pro-pffs-live-free-agency-news-tracker/
Check back regularly as the PFF team provides updates and reactions on every NFL free-agent signing.
Throughout free agency, the PFF team will be commenting on the biggest signings, news, and rumors from around the league. Be sure to check back regularly for the latest free agency updates.
Mark Barron’s versatility too much for Rams to part ways with
4:10 p.m. ET, Wed., March 9
According to Ian Rapoport, the Rams gave linebacker Mark Barron a five-year deal worth $45 million. It’s amazing to think that only two years after the Rams tossed pennies to the Bucs (fourth- and sixth-round picks) for Barron, they’re making him one of the highest-paid linebackers in the NFL. The safety/linebacker hybrid is currently the “trendy” position in the NFL, and Barron fills the role admirably. The issue is that his deficiencies in coverage that forced his move from safety didn’t just disappear at linebacker—they were just less costly, as he graded out right around average in coverage. He’ll obviously improve with more experience at the position, but right now, all the Rams are paying for is potential. – Mike Renner, @PFF_Mike
Rams re-signing key defender in William Hayes
4:07 p.m. ET, Wed., March 9
With DE Chris Long cut and DT Nick Fairley on the free-agent market, the Rams have come to terms on a new three-year deal with DE William Hayes (first reported by Mike Garafolo), with a maximum value of $21 million. Hayes was our No. 13 edge defender in 2015, and has graded very well the past four years, despite never officially being a full-time starter. In 652 pass-rush snaps the past two seasons, Hayes has racked up 10 sacks and 72 combined hits and pressures. – Josh Liskiewitz, @PFF_Josh
Rodney McLeod reportedly headed to Philadelphia
1:09 p.m. ET, Wed., March 9
The Philadelphia Eagles are reportedly landing Rams FS Rodney McLeod to a five-year, $37 million deal, per Ian Rapoport. McLeod is PFF’s fourth-best FA safety and 20th-overall FA, as he graded as the 10th best safety in 2015. McLeod played over 90 percent of his snaps from the deep safety spot in 2015, as he has been solid in pass coverage the past two seasons, allowing just three touchdowns to go along with three interceptions. It is yet to be seen how this shakes up the Eagles’ defensive backfield, but presumably this means Walter Thurmond is on his way out of the City of Brotherly Love. – John Kosko, @PFF_JohnKosko
Janoris Jenkins to the New York Giants
6.55 a.m. ET, Wed., March 9
With the Rams tagging Trumaine Johnson it was always likely that Janoris Jenkins wouldn’t be making the move with them to Los Angeles. Well so it proved as according to Adam Schefter he’s going to sign a deal with the New York Giants who continue retooling their secondary. Jenkins has been something of a polarizing player since entering the league. Capable of the sublime and the ridiculous, he’s coming off his most solid year which saw him post his best touchdown allowed to interception differential (five to three) while breaking up a further 10 passes. The money he gets will be worth watching as it could set the market for guys like Sean Smith. Jenkins was our 26th ranked corner in 2015.
Rams re-sign WR Brian Quick
6:08 p.m. ET, Wed., March 9
Brian Quick will be following the Rams to Los Angeles, as he’s signed a one-year, $3.75 million deal. Quick missed the beginning of the 2015 season, but still finished with nearly the same amount of offensive snaps as the previous two years. He finished with just 10 catches for 102 yards, both career lows. Quick’s 50.2 player grade ranked 108th out of 121 qualifying wide receivers last season. 2014 was his best season, when he caught 25 balls for 375 yards and three touchdowns—all career highs. – Matt Claassen, @PFF_Matt
Rams re-sign center Tim Barnes
4:54 p.m. ET, Wed., March 9
According to Sam Farmer, the Rams are bringing back starting center Tim Barnes (45.6 overall grade in 2015). In his first year as a starter, he played in all but five snaps over the course of the season, but graded below average in both pass-blocking and run-blocking. Barnes did have two games against the Seahawks and Lions where he looked like one of the better centers in the league, but in more games than not, he wasn’t helping the team. Outside of right tackle Rob Havenstein (76.3), the Rams’ offensive line is a weak point for the team, and bringing back Barnes isn’t going to help their situation. – Nathan Jahnke, @PFF_NateJahnke