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GRADING EVERY DEAL OF 2016 NFL FREE AGENCY
https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2016/03/10/pro-nfl-free-agency-grading-every-deal/
The PFF team assigns a grade ("A" through "F") to every NFL free-agent deal. How did your team fare?
During the season, Pro Football Focus grades every player on every play of every game. We are doing the same for every transaction this free-agency period, with the return of our Deal Grader.
How should you feel about the moves your team made? Take a look at our grades for each move, on an A through F scale, which we will update throughout free-agency season as contract terms become known:
A-plus:
None
A:
DE Jason Pierre-Paul (NYG): One year, $10 million with $8.5 million guaranteed
When you see what other edge defenders have got, how can you not like this? Even if JPP never completely adjusts to his injured hand, he proved in 2015 he can still get it done, recording one of his best pass-rushing seasons of his career.
DE William Hayes (LA): Three years, $17.5 million with $10 million guaranteed
Whenever called upon, Hayes delivered the goods in St Louis, and he has earned this deal and the starting spot that comes with it. It has been four strong seasons in a row for the one-time Titan who can contribute on every down. This is not a lot of money for a guy who had the 13th-best grade among all edge defenders in 2015. Great value signing.
LB Danny Trevathan (CHI): Four years, $24.5 million with $12 million guaranteed
Is there a more perfect fit in free agency? Chicago desperately needed linebacker help, and the only surprise about this move is how little it cost them to execute. Sure, Trevathan has battled some injury issues in the past. But he’s a guy who had the 10th-highest grade of all linebackers and was one of our top 10 free agents on the open market.
A-minus:
OLB Tamba Hali (KC): Three years, $22 million with $12 million guaranteed
While Hali isn’t getting any younger, he still proved to be a productive pass-rusher this season, even when Justin Houston went down to injury and he had more attention to deal with.
RB Lamar Miller (HOU): Four years, $26 million with $14 million guaranteed
Given that Miller took less money to go to Houston should give you an idea of the value of this move. Miller has graded positively the past three years, with his 2015 effort worthy of a top-five grade at the position. Now he should get the opportunity to carry the load in a way Miami never gave him.
G Ramon Foster (PIT): Three years, $9.5 million with $2.75 million guaranteed
Over the past five years, Foster has developed into one of the most reliable guards in a league devoid of them. To retain his services for so little money, and with the knowledge the team isn’t tied to him if his performance drops, is great work.
CB Casey Hayward (SD): Three years, $15.3 million with $6.8 million guaranteed
Hayward played a full time role for the first time since his rookie season for the Packers last year and recorded a passer rating allowed below 100 for the fourth straight season. Hayward provides a clear upgrade across from Jason Verrett to give the Chargers a strong starting corner pairing.
B-plus:
G Richie Incognito (BUF): Three years, $11.5 million with $5.45 million guaranteed
Buffalo is rewarded for taking a chance on Incognito with a per annum payout far less than his 2015 performance (top ranked left guard) would say he’s worth.
RB Doug Martin (TB): Five years, $35.75 million with $15 million guaranteed
It was a big move for the Buccaneers to keep Martin in town. He was our first-team All-Pro running back and led our rushing rankings with a nice bounce-back year after two years of underwhelming play. If he can maintain that level, he’s well worth this deal, which looks huge on the surface but isn’t too crazy in terms of guaranteed money.
K Adam Vinatieri (IND): Two years, $6 million with $3 million guaranteed
Maybe this is the year age catches up with the leg of Vinatieri, who is one of the greatest kickers of all time.
S George Iloka (CIN): Five years, $30 million with $5 million guaranteed
This was a big move for the Bengals, ensuring they kept an important part of their defense in town. Iloka isn’t your Earl Thomas type of playmaking safety, but he is a more than competent player who can make an impact as a center fielder. The money, given what others have been given, makes this a real win for the Bengals.
DE Derrick Shelby (ATL): Four years, $18 million with $7.5 million guaranteed
Coming off a year where he had the 10th-highest PFF grade of all 4-3 defensive ends, we expected Shelby to walk away a little richer, so kudos to Atlanta for getting value on a day when not everyone did. The former undrafted free agent really took advantage of Cameron Wake’s injury to show himself as more than just a run defender.
OT Mitchell Schwartz (KC): Five years, $33 million with $12.66 million guaranteed
One of the top right tackles in the league, Schwartz was a PFF selection for a second-team All-Pro spot after a strong 2015 season. He did an admirable job against Von Miller this season, but will now get to show whether that was a fluke when he faces off with him and Khalil Mack twice a year.
CB William Gay (PIT): Three years, $7.5 million with $1.9 million guaranteed
This really isn’t a lot of money for a guy who graded above-average and was as good as it got in a disappointing Steelers secondary in 2015. Gay might not be getting any younger, but the structure of the deal ensures the Steelers are covered if his play drops off.
C Alex Mack (ATL): Five years, $45 million with $28.5 million guaranteed
It’s a lot of money for a center, but given that no team lost as many games last year because of the play of their center, it was somewhat necessary. The Falcons retooled offensive line is one of the better ones in the league, especially if Mack can return to his pre-leg break form.
S Tavon Wilson (DET): Two years, $2.2 million with $500k guaranteed
Wilson always impressed in spot duty for the Patriots, but never got the extended look to really showcase that he could turn that small sample size into a sustained career. Now he gets that opportunity in a Detroit system that will offer a path to playing time. For the Lions, the lack of cash means they really have nothing to lose here.
CB Sean Smith (OAK): Four years, $40 million for $20 million guaranteed
The Raiders made a big statement raiding their AFC West rivals, getting our 12th-highest graded cornerback in 2015. Given some of the deals that cornerbacks have gotten recently, this has to be considered a real value get for Oakland.
LB Derrick Johnson (KC): Three years, $21 million with $12 million guaranteed
There’s always the danger when you get to Johnson’s age that his play suddenly worsens. But you have to give someone who has played as well as he has for as long as he has the benefit of the doubt. 2015 showed he is still one of the best linebackers in the league (6th highest rank of linebackers) so credit to the Chiefs for retaining this stud.
DE Robert Ayers (NYG): Three years, $19.5 million with $10.5 million guaranteed
Ayers has quietly become a very fine player, and the Giants were badly underusing him in terms of snaps on the field. If the Bucs can get the same player while upping his workload this could prove to be one of the steals of free agency.
LB Jerrell Freeman (CHI): Three years, $12 million with $6 million guaranteed
The Bears had a big hole on their defense a year ago at inside linebacker and they double-dipped this free agency period, adding both Danny Trevathan and Freeman. Freeman’s grade against the run last year was second only to Luke Kuechly among off the ball linebacker.
B:
DL Malik Jackson (JAX): Six years, $90 million with $42m guaranteed
Have the Jaguars overpaid? Heck yeah. But they have so much cap room they have to spend that it’s justifiable. Grabbing an inside pass-rushing beast in Jackson (seventh highest grade of all interior defenders) is a win for the team.
OT Joe Barksdale (SD): Four years, $22.2 million with $10.5 million guaranteed
Given the Chargers’ luck with injuries you wouldn’t be surprised if Barksdale got injured signing his contract. But presuming he can make it to the regular season in good shape, Barksdale was a bright spot (21st-ranked tackle in PFF grades) on a terrible offensive line.
TE Antonio Gates (SD): Two years, $12 million with $6 million guaranteed
It was hard to imagine Gates playing anywhere else, and common sense shines through with this re-signing. Sure, Gates isn’t the athlete he once was, but his ability to get open remains excellent, as evidenced by him having the ninth-highest receiving grade of any tight end despite missing nearly half the season.
G Brandon Brooks (PHI): Five years, $40 million with $17 million guaranteed
It’s a lot of money, especially since Brooks didn’t have his best year in 2015. But his work prior to that was of a level of a player who deserved to paid near the top of his position. A rare athlete, he can really open up lanes in the run game.
DT Kenrick Ellis (MIN): One year, $810k with $25k guaranteed
You don’t need to spend big money to make good moves that fill out your roster. Ellis has never got an extended amount of action because wherever he’s ended up there’s been some ridiculous talent in front of him (Damon Harrison and Linval Joseph). But he’s delivered in limited action as an early down run stuffer and if called upon he can do so for the Vikings in 2015.
RB Khiry Robinson (NYJ): One year, $1.175 million with $80k guaranteed
Small outlay up front, and some insurance in case your ageing back drops off. Robinson is a strong runner even if the rest of his game doesn’t compare, and this is the kind of low risk move that can really pay off if things don’t go to plan.
B-minus:
G Alex Boone (MIN): Five years, $26.8 million with $10 million guaranteed
Boone hasn’t really built upon his breakout 2012 season and become one of the best guards in the league. But he has always graded positively, and given the money the Vikings have put into this deal they can consider this a good value pickup as they retool their offensive line.
DE Olivier Vernon (NYG): Five years, $85 million with $52.5 million guaranteed
In three years time, when people are re-grading this free-agent period, Vernon won’t sit here in the middle of the pack. No, he’ll either be right at the top because he delivered, or right near the bottom because he failed to. If he can play close to the way he did in the second half of the 2015 season, then he’ll be considered a success. He was as good as any edge rusher in the league during that stretch, and he did it against top tackles like Dallas’ Tyron Smith. But if he reverts closer to how he played earlier in his career — when he was a solid player, not an elite one — he won’t come close to justifying this contract.
LS Morgan Cox (BLT): Five years, $5.6 million with $700k guaranteed
Long snappers are people, too! Cox is one of the more reliable ones in the league, and this kind of figure puts him rightfully near the rest of the top earners at the spot.
LB Audie Cole (MIN): One year, $760k with $40k guaranteed
He caught our eye with some impressive play in 2014 but then got bitten by the injury bug last year. There’s definitely talent there, and given the money involved the Vikings will be happy to get at the very least a solid depth player and a good special teamer.
TE Ben Watson (BAL): Two years, $7 million with $3 million guaranteed
He’s not getting any younger, but the Ravens’ need at tight end combined with his good work in the passing game show what a valuable weapon he could be for Joe Flacco. The worry is if they’re expecting an every-down guy, his blocking isn’t what it once was.
RB Matt Forte (NYJ): Three years, $12 million with $8 million guaranteed
When it’s a running back who has had as many touches as Forte over the years, you always worry that the cliff is just around the corner. For that reason it’s a little scary that the team is tied to him for a couple of years, but on the plus side the Jets have added a do-it-all back who had the 10th-highest grade of all running backs last year.
T Chris Clark (HOU): Two years, $6 million with $3.25 million guaranteed
Outside of a game against Miami during which he was torn apart, Clark had a nice first year in Houston. He has his limitations, but the Texans are paying a small chunk of change for a guy who can play both tackle spots at a serviceable level. He might lose some battles, but at this cost he’ll win more than enough.
S Isa Abdul-Quddus (MIA): Three years, $12.75 million with $4.23 million guaranteed
This was an underrated move by the Dolphins, as they picked up a safety in the prime of his career who didn’t cost them an arm and a leg. Sure, he isn’t the flashiest player, but generally if you can get a safety who keeps it safe, you’ve done all right.
S Dwight Lowery (SD): Three years, $7.2 million with $1.5 million guaranteed
Similar to the William Gay deal, the Chargers have lined up a tried and tested veteran who can ably fill in without hurting the team’s cap space. Lowery had a solid year in Indianapolis after resurrecting his career somewhat in Atlanta.
WR Rishard Matthews (TEN): Three years, $15 million with $2.5 million guaranteed
It felt a little odd that Matthews couldn’t get more of an opportunity in Miami, but with a tidy little outlay from Tennessee he should get the chance to showcase his skills in extended playing time.
DE Cedric Thornton (DAL): Four years, $17 million with $9 million guaranteed
The only question is where Dallas see Thornton playing on its defensive line. Will he play 1-technique defensive tackle, or early down 3-technique DT? It’s a smart signing for the Cowboys, and a very average salary for a player who has shown himself to be good against the run throughout his career, so long as they can figure out the position fit.
FB Mike Tolbert (CAR): Two years, $3.75 million with $700k guaranteed
Did Tolbert deserve his All Pro nod as a full back? No. Because in pure full back terms he’s not quite average. But he is an extremely versatile piece of an offense that keeps you off guard with it’s versatility. He can block a little, he can run a little and he can catch a little. When you add those things up this is good value.
LB Tahir Whitehead (DET): Two years, $8 million with $4.75 million guaranteed
It certainly took Whitehead a while to get on the field, but these past two years he’s proved he belongs on it. He’s posted positive grades in run defense the past two years.
WR Jermaine Kearse (SEA): Three years, $13.5 million with $6.3 million guaranteed
When you look at what other receivers have been paid you have to give the Seahawks some credit here. Kearse isn’t a stud by any stretch but, as the playoffs have showed, he is capable of big moments. In the current market he may have converted that into a bigger deal.
DE Akiem Hicks (NE): Two years, $10 million with $5.5 million guaranteed
There may be questions about his ceiling, but Hicks has now been a productive member of the rotation in two different places. Chicago’s defensive line needed help and Hicks should provide an immediate upgrade without breaking the bank, even if it isn’t exactly a bargain. Only the cost keeps this away from a higher grade.
C-plus:
OLB Bruce Irvin (OAK): Four years, $37 million with $12.5 million guaranteed
This contract is a bit rich for a player who never delivered consistently, despite getting ample opportunities. But at the very least Irvin is a solid starter to whom the team isn’t tied for the long term, and when you have the cap room Oakland has, it’s hard to go wrong front-loading these deals.
DB Tyvon Branch (ARZ): Two years, $10 million with $5 million guaranteed
Is Branch an insurance plan in case Tyrann Mathieu can’t come back early next season? In any case, the Cardinals love themselves players who can do multiple things, and Branch is a guy who can line up all over the defensive backfield and provide solid play.
CB Kyle Wilson (NO): One year, $840k with $80k guaranteed
Wilson never delivered on his first-round potential, but has developed into the definition of an average slot corner. Not every player on your team needs to be a star, so if you can land contributors for less than market value it’s got to be considered a marginal win.
S Keith Tandy (TB): Two years, $1.85 million with $250k guaranteed
It might win the award for least flashy move, but free agency isn’t just about finding starters. It’s about finding reliable depth players who can contribute on special teams and Tandy checks those boxes nicely.
DT Haloti Ngata (DET): Two years, $12 million with $6 million guaranteed
Ngata proved he still has some juice in the tank with a strong finish to his 2015 season. He might not be the player he once was, but he can still make the kind of plays you look for at an interior spot. This is a reasonable move Detroit couldn’t afford not to make.
G Lane Taylor (GB): Two years, $4.15 million with $600k guaranteed
He didn’t look out of place when forced into the starting lineup. This is a useful chunk of change for the insurance of having someone fill in should either of the Packers’ stellar guards be forced from the field.
OL Kelechi Osemele (OAK): Five years, $60 million with $25.4 million guaranteed
On one hand, we love Osemele at guard. And if the Raiders play him there the move makes a degree of sense, because Oakland simply has to burn some cash in this window. But there’s a sneaky suspicion that Osemele might end up at left tackle, and that’s a huge leap of faith given how little experience he has at the spot and how he played when forced to play there last year (he earned negative grades in his games at left tackle).
WR Marvin Jones (DET): Five years, $40 million with $20 million guaranteed
It is certainly a great year to be a free-agent receiver. Jones broke out in 2013 but nothing he did in 2015 (he was PFF’s No. 38 wide receiver) suggested this big of a pay day was coming his way. The talent is certainly there, but is the consistency? He’ll be vying with Golden Taint to be the Lions’ top target.
LB Frank Zombo (KC): Three years, $3.5 million with $500k guaranteed
With Tamba Hali locked up, the Chiefs are in consolidation mode on defense, and the signing of Zombo brings back a guy who can help at any of the linebacker spots, as well as on special teams. He may not wow you when on the field, but for the cost involved it’s worth it.
TE Ladarius Green (PIT): Four years, $20 million with $4.75 million guaranteed
This is a somewhat aggressive move for a team scrambling to replace the excellent (and now retired) Heath Miller at tight end. Green must be happy to be out of the shadow of Antonio Gates, and you’d imagine he’s set to improve upon his career-high mark of 686 snaps in a season.
S Robert Golden (PIT): Three years, $5 million with $1.25 million guaranteed
A shrewd re-signing by the Steelers who have brought back a guy who did a decent job in his 400 regular season snaps. Added benefit of having top end special teams ability.
CB Leodis McKelvin (PHI): Two years, $6.2 million with $3 million guaranteed
McKelvin isn’t coming off the best two years of his career, but he’s not so far removed from his career year in 2013 that this doesn’t have some upside to it.
C:
TE Dwayne Allen (IND): Four years, $29.4 million with $16 million guaranteed
On his recent performance this deal makes little sense. But Allen has talent like few others at the position. If he can find the kind of form he did in his rookie year, and if the Colts can figure out how to use him more often, he has the talent to get Pro Bowl and All-Pro nods.
C Ben Jones (TEN): Four years, $17.5 million with $7.5 million guaranteed
While we don’t like this is verging on top-10 center money, we do like that the Titans are rectifying their big-time issues at the pivot. The three guys they started at center last year had a combined minus-47.0 grade, so they simply had to do something here.
S Rodney McLeod (PHI): Five years, $37 million with $17 million guaranteed
McLeod is very much an ascending player, and brings with him an intensity and aggressiveness you don’t often see from safeties. But as good as he is, it’s an almighty leap of faith to pay him like a top-5 safety when he’s never played like one.
DT Damon Harrison (NYG): Five years, $46.25 million with $24 million guaranteed
We love the play of “Snacks,” who has developed into a one-man wrecking crew in the run game, regularly leading the league in defensive stops against the run. There is no doubt that he makes the Giants better on early downs, but we can’t go higher with our grade because of the money involved. It’s simply too much for a guy who doesn’t get after the passer.
RB Chris Ivory (JAX): Five years, $32 million with $10 million guaranteed
It’s hard for the Jaguars to make bad moves, given how much money they have to spend. But that doesn’t mean every move they’ve made sees them hitting it out of the park, and there is a question whether Ivory was a player they really needed to go after, especially with the impressive rookie year of T.J. Yeldon. Nonetheless, they have acquired one of the better runners in the league.
TE Michael Hoomanawanui (NO): Three years, $5.2 million with $1.85 million guaranteed
In a league filled with terrible run-blocking tight ends, being around average has a level of value. Hoomanawanui won’t pull up any trees, but he will serve a function as a No. 2 tight end in an offense not afraid to use them.
P Brad Nortmann (JAX): Four years, $8.8 million with $1.65 million guaranteed
While Nortmann isn’t a top tier punter, that’s okay, because the Jags haven’t paid him top dollar. He’ll do a job worth the money on offer.
G Jeff Allen (HOU): Four years, $28 million with $12 million guaranteed
It’s a big investment in a player who until last year didn’t inspire confidence when he got on the field. But the versatile and tough lineman did enough last year that Texans fans should be relatively happy with this move. Allen was our 10th-ranked guard in 2015.
TE Coby Fleener (IND): Five years, $36 million with $14.6 million guaranteed
Was it Fleener’s inability or the all-around ability of Dwayne Allen that limited Fleener’s contributions in Indianapolis? Well, there will be no excuses for the tight end in New Orleans, where the team will be counting on Fleener to best his 491 receiving yards of 2015.
S Tashaun Gipson (JAX): Five years, $35.5 million with $12 million guaranteed
If Gipson can get back to his 2014 form, then this move will prove much better than the grade we’ve currently given it. But we can’t ignore how Gipson struggled last year and that’s what makes this move something of a leap of faith.
CB Ron Brooks (PHI): Three years, $5.5 million with $1.55 million guaranteed
This is a solid signing by the Eagles, and it reunites new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz with another player from his time in Buffalo. Brooks struggled to get on the field last year, but given the money involved he should provide handy depth and special teams assistance.
DE Jaye Howard (KC): Two years, $10 million with $5.8 million guaranteed
A versatile lineman who can play over the center or all the way out to a 5-technique defensive end in a three-man front, Howard had a breakout 2015 season. And while he didn’t deliver the consistency we wanted to see from him, there was enough to show he can start in this league. He was our 24th-ranked interior defender in 2015.
RB Bilal Powell (NYJ): Three years, $11.25 million with $6 million guaranteed
The price is a little bit steep for a player who will almost certainly be Matt Forte’s backup. Powell is coming off his best season, and is a solid backup running back, but did they need to spend that much on a backup?
QB Luke McCown (NO): Two years, $3 million with $500k guaranteed
This is a quiet move that keeps McCown as Drew Brees’ backup once again. He started one game last year and held his own, but the best part about this deal is that it doesn’t cost the Saints too much money.
WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (PIT): Three years, $3.8 million with $400k guaranteed
LB Tank Carder (CLV): Two years, $2.5 million with $300k guaranteed
While not the most impressive player, Carder is a guy who has experience on defense and can do a job on special teams. Bonus points for being the first guy the Browns were able to re-sign.
QB Thaddeus Lewis (SF): One year, $600k with no guarantees
The worst case scenario? A camp arm. Lewis isn’t a starting calibre quarterback but not every move is about who contributes on game day.
LB Mason Foster (WAS): Two year, $2.5 million with $350k guaranteed
After struggling in Tampa Bay Foster salvaged his career with a solid enough effort in Washington. The jury is very much out on him right now, with this being a waste of money if he reverts to old ways, but a bargain if he continues his 2015 play.
K Nick Novak (HST): One year, $965k with 80k guaranteed
Accurate enough but doesn’t have the leg you look for in kickoffs or the big field goals.
CB Sherrick McMannis (CHI): Two years, $2.85 million with $600k guaranteed
McMannis bombed as a cornerback, but if you keep him off defense and let him star on special teams this is worth the money.
CB Brent Grimes (TB): Two years, $13.5 million
Grimes has hit the age where he has started to decline, and this is still pretty strong money for a corner who is on the way down. This past season he allowed a passer rating of 103.2.
TE James Hanna (DAL): Three years, $8.25 million with $2.75 guaranteed
Played 231 snaps last season for the Cowboys as the primary backup to Jason Witten. Blocked well but offered little as a receiver.
G Mackenzy Bernadeau (JAX): Two years, $4 million
Bernadeau was playing very well the last time he saw significant game action, but that was now two full seasons ago, so the Jaguars are taking a bit of a shot into the unknown with him. At this kind of money though it’s a risk worth taking.
NT Al Woods (TEN): Three years, $10.5 million with $5 million guaranteed
Woods is a strong run defender but offers virtually nothing as a pass-rusher and has never seen more than 362 snaps over a season. This is strong money for a player that likely won’t see more than a third of defensive snaps.
C-minus:
DE Mario Williams (MIA): Two years, $17 million with $7.5 million guaranteed
Rarely has Williams lived up to what is expected of him, but last season was a borderline disaster for him, as he ranked dead-last in pass-rush grade among edge defenders. It was less an aberration and more the culmination for a player who has rarely delivered against top competition. He is by no means a bad player, and the relatively little money involved here makes this worth a flyer. But why has the team gotten older and less explosive at a premium position?
DT Ahtyba Rubin (SEA): Three years, $12m with $5.5m guaranteed
Rubin did get better towards the end of the season, but he has a skill set that is readily available in the NFL. It’s a move that means the team doesn’t need to go out shopping for an early-down player, and it’s relatively cheap, so consider this a giant “meh.”
T Eric Winston (CIN): One year, $1.1m with $80k guaranteed
It’s not a lot of money for a guy who more than likely acts as insurance, given the team spent their first two picks last year on offensive tackles. Once one of the best right tackles in the league, Winston isn’t that guy any more — but in a pinch he could fill in.
DT Brandon Mebane (SD): Three years, $13.5 million with $5.5 million guaranteed
While Mebane had a good run in Seattle, he’s not the player he once was, and it’s hard to envision him making a big impact on the nose in a Chargers defense that is devoid of talent. Mebane had the 70th-highest grade of 123 qualifying interior defenders last season.
T LaAdrian Waddle (NE): Two years, $2.35 million with $250k guaranteed
If Waddle can forget his 2015 performance and play more like he did when he entered the league, then this isn’t such a bad deal. But there’s no guarantee of that, and this deal seems rich for a guy who will do well to even make the roster.
CB Jeremy Lane (SEA): Four years, $23 million with $11 million guaranteed
Is Lane a bad player? No. But has he done enough to warrant double digits in guaranteed money? We’d say no, given that in four years he’s never managed more than 356 snaps. He’s a guy you’d want on your roster, but it’s hard to imagine many teams getting close to paying him that figure.
CB Shareece Wright (BAL): Three years, $13 million with $4.76 million guaranteed
Wright put some tough years in San Diego behind him with a decent showing in 2015. But this is a little too much money and we’d have rather seen a little less up front.
LB Ramon Humber (NE): One year, $965k with $25k guaranteed
It’s unlikely that Humber sees the field on defense, and truth be told he’s just another guy on special team. Sure there’s not a lot guaranteed but given he’ll do well to hold onto a roster spot, did they need to guarantee any cash?
T Bobby Massie (CHI): Three years, $18 million with $6.5 million guaranteed
One of these frustrating players. Massie can be very good, but there are stretches where pass rushes just work over him. Turned it on in the second half of the year and if he continues to play like that the Bears will be happy with their outlay.
T Sam Young (MIA): One year, $910k with $150k guaranteed
Young was not good in Jacksonville. On a per snap basis one of the weakest tackles in the league, he should be grateful for a chance to redeem himself and extremely grateful the Dolphins decided to guarantee part of his deal.
D-plus:
WR Travis Benjamin (SD): Four years, $24m with $13m guaranteed
It’s a terrible market for teams in need of wide receivers, and the result is guys getting paid far more than they warrant. Benjamin may be coming off a career year, but he still only finish 66th in our wide receiver rankings. Is he the kind of receiver Philip Rivers needed?
WR Brian Quick (LA): One year, $3.75 million with $1.5 million guaranteed
For a guy who has never managed more than 400 snaps in a year, with a career best of 375 yards, you wonder if the Rams couldn’t have sweated a lower figure out of a guy who you imagine will be competing for a roster spot.
DL Kedric Golston (WAS): One year, $1 million with no guarantees
At some point you have to cut the cord. We love their being no guarantees, but Golston has been a below average player since entering the league, and nothing is going to change that now.
CB Tracy Porter (CHI): Three years, $12 million with $4.25 million guaranteed
He got hot in the middle of the season, but all that did was serve as a sandwich to the usual replacement level play. Porter is worth having on the roster, but not at this dollar amount.
S Eddie Pleasant (HST): Two years, $2.15 million with $300k guaranteed
Just not good enough on special teams that you can be certain he’ll crack the final 53. At which point the question is why guarantee him cash?
P Shane Lechler (HST): One year, $1.8 million with $500k guaranteed
A great career, but his leg isn’t what it once was and boy is it showing.
WR Chris Hogan (NE): Three years, $12 million with $7.5 million guaranteed
Odd move given that Hogan never really produced in Buffalo. You think the Bills had to think twice about not matching this offer?
CB Morris Claiborne (DAL): One year, $3 million with $500k guaranteed
Claiborne was supposed to become an elite cornerback, but since being drafted has been anything but. His grade has been getting worse each season and if there was one team for whom his upside should seem unattainable at this point it is Dallas. Only relative low cost prevents this being even worse.
D:
QB Brock Osweiler (HOU): Four years, $72 million with $37 million guaranteed
There are those who like Osweiler’s potential and those who don’t, but wherever you stand you can’t deny there’s a huge air of uncertainty about a guy who was benched for a fading Peyton Manning last year. Osweiler did a serviceable job when coming into the lineup, but enough to think that he could be “the guy”? He ranked just 20th in PFF quarterback grades and second-worst in deep-ball accuracy percentage this season. This is the kind of risky move that could define Bill O’Brien’s time as Texans head coach.
S Andrew Sendejo (MIN): Four years, $16 million with $3.9 million guaranteed
It’s starter money for a guy who isn’t all that likely to start (certainly not in an every-down role), and isn’t all that good. Sendejo had the 85th-highest grade of 88 safeties in 2015.
T Donald Stephenson (DEN): Three years, $14 million with $10 million guaranteed
Paying Stephenson starter money is fine if he can play like he did Week 2 of the 2015 season against the Broncos. He was impressive then, but that was the exception to his season, and not the rule. He’s consistently been one of the weaker starters in the league, and paying him to be something else seems unnecessary.
C Tim Barnes (LA): Two years, $5.6 million with $2.5 million guaranteed
It’s not so much the max value of the deal that bothers us. In any move there’s an element of projection, and the Rams will hope that Barnes is better for having a year’s worth of starts under his belt. But the guaranteed figure seems unnecessary, given that Barnes could only finish the year 29th out of 39 ranked centers.
G J.R. Sweezy (TB): Five years, $32.5 million with $14.5 million guaranteed
He of the highlight-reel block. Sweezy can do things that coaches and fans can’t help but fall in love with, but it’s the lack of consistency (especially in pass protection) that has us shaking our heads at this deal. He’s earned a negative grade in each of his four years and looks to be quite the drop-off from the recently retired Logan Mankins.
LB Mark Barron (LA): Five years, $45 million with $15 million guaranteed
The league may be shifting to smaller linebackers, but this seems like an overpay for a guy who produced his first decent season in the NFL last year. And we emphasize the word decent, because while he was much improved in St. Louis, he was still only our 20th-ranked linebacker on the year. He’ll need to play at a level we haven’t seen from him yet to justify this cash.
LB Emmanuel Lamur (MIN): Two years, $6 million with $2.2 million guaranteed
While Lamur is familiar with Mike Zimmer from their time in Cincinnati, he really isn’t a guy who has gotten better the more he played. In fact, the past two years he’s really struggled, to the point where he’s really a guy you bring into compete for a spot on a roster, rather than offering enough in guarantees that you’re pretty much obliged to keep him.
G Tony Bergstrom (HST): Two years, $5.75 million with $1.125 million guaranteed
Given how little he has got on the field, did Houston really need to guarantee this much money? He flashed starting potential at center, but he still has a lot to prove with just 367 career snaps to his name.
S Johnson Bademosi (DET): Two years, $4.5 million with $2.9 million guaranteed
Did not look good when he got a longer run on defense, and while he is on a lot of special teams tackles, tackles does not equal talent.
DE Kendall Reyes (SD): One year, $2.5 million
Washington were able to re-sign Kedrick Golston for $1m, so adding Reyes to the mix given his proven history of awful play every season outside of his rookie year makes little sense. $2.5m is hardly rich, but it isn’t chump change either for a player with this kind of track record.
C Geno Gradkowski (CAR): Three years, $3.15 million with $450k guaranteed
A backup offensive linemen for moderate money, Gradkowski has only played significant snaps once, and he was bad in that season with a -13.1 overall grade.
DE Eugene Sims (LA): Three year, $10 million with $3.75 guaranteed
The Rams had a lot of talent on the D-line, but despite over 500 snaps of action last season Sims was the only member of the unit to grade worse than Chris Long – who got cut loose. Offers little as a pass-rusher and last season his play against the run deserted him too.
D-minus:
Janoris Jenkins (NYG): Five years, $62.5 million with $29 million guaranteed
This is just an awful lot of money for a good corner who still gambles way too much. Big plays win games, and while Jenkins can make them, he’s been on the wrong end of more than his fair share. The Giants paid top-10 cornerback money for a guy who barely cracked the top 20 in our 2015 cornerback grades.
QB Chase Daniels (PHI): Three years, $21 million with $12 million guaranteed
It’s just an awful lot of money for a backup, and if he isn’t a backup, then why was so much money spent on Sam Bradford? In some respect you have to trust new head coach Doug Pederson, who has more knowledge of Daniels than any of us, but even he hasn’t seen how Daniels might handle significant game action.
WR Mohamed Sanu (ATL): 5 years, $32.5 million with $14 million guaranteed
This is a lot of money for a player with a negative receiving grade in each of the past three seasons. He likely comes to Atlanta as the No. 2 receiver next to Julio Jones, but the salary, and his play to date, don’t really justify that.
F:
None
https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2016/03/10/pro-nfl-free-agency-grading-every-deal/
The PFF team assigns a grade ("A" through "F") to every NFL free-agent deal. How did your team fare?
During the season, Pro Football Focus grades every player on every play of every game. We are doing the same for every transaction this free-agency period, with the return of our Deal Grader.
How should you feel about the moves your team made? Take a look at our grades for each move, on an A through F scale, which we will update throughout free-agency season as contract terms become known:
A-plus:
None
A:
DE Jason Pierre-Paul (NYG): One year, $10 million with $8.5 million guaranteed
When you see what other edge defenders have got, how can you not like this? Even if JPP never completely adjusts to his injured hand, he proved in 2015 he can still get it done, recording one of his best pass-rushing seasons of his career.
DE William Hayes (LA): Three years, $17.5 million with $10 million guaranteed
Whenever called upon, Hayes delivered the goods in St Louis, and he has earned this deal and the starting spot that comes with it. It has been four strong seasons in a row for the one-time Titan who can contribute on every down. This is not a lot of money for a guy who had the 13th-best grade among all edge defenders in 2015. Great value signing.
LB Danny Trevathan (CHI): Four years, $24.5 million with $12 million guaranteed
Is there a more perfect fit in free agency? Chicago desperately needed linebacker help, and the only surprise about this move is how little it cost them to execute. Sure, Trevathan has battled some injury issues in the past. But he’s a guy who had the 10th-highest grade of all linebackers and was one of our top 10 free agents on the open market.
A-minus:
OLB Tamba Hali (KC): Three years, $22 million with $12 million guaranteed
While Hali isn’t getting any younger, he still proved to be a productive pass-rusher this season, even when Justin Houston went down to injury and he had more attention to deal with.
RB Lamar Miller (HOU): Four years, $26 million with $14 million guaranteed
Given that Miller took less money to go to Houston should give you an idea of the value of this move. Miller has graded positively the past three years, with his 2015 effort worthy of a top-five grade at the position. Now he should get the opportunity to carry the load in a way Miami never gave him.
G Ramon Foster (PIT): Three years, $9.5 million with $2.75 million guaranteed
Over the past five years, Foster has developed into one of the most reliable guards in a league devoid of them. To retain his services for so little money, and with the knowledge the team isn’t tied to him if his performance drops, is great work.
CB Casey Hayward (SD): Three years, $15.3 million with $6.8 million guaranteed
Hayward played a full time role for the first time since his rookie season for the Packers last year and recorded a passer rating allowed below 100 for the fourth straight season. Hayward provides a clear upgrade across from Jason Verrett to give the Chargers a strong starting corner pairing.
B-plus:
G Richie Incognito (BUF): Three years, $11.5 million with $5.45 million guaranteed
Buffalo is rewarded for taking a chance on Incognito with a per annum payout far less than his 2015 performance (top ranked left guard) would say he’s worth.
RB Doug Martin (TB): Five years, $35.75 million with $15 million guaranteed
It was a big move for the Buccaneers to keep Martin in town. He was our first-team All-Pro running back and led our rushing rankings with a nice bounce-back year after two years of underwhelming play. If he can maintain that level, he’s well worth this deal, which looks huge on the surface but isn’t too crazy in terms of guaranteed money.
K Adam Vinatieri (IND): Two years, $6 million with $3 million guaranteed
Maybe this is the year age catches up with the leg of Vinatieri, who is one of the greatest kickers of all time.
S George Iloka (CIN): Five years, $30 million with $5 million guaranteed
This was a big move for the Bengals, ensuring they kept an important part of their defense in town. Iloka isn’t your Earl Thomas type of playmaking safety, but he is a more than competent player who can make an impact as a center fielder. The money, given what others have been given, makes this a real win for the Bengals.
DE Derrick Shelby (ATL): Four years, $18 million with $7.5 million guaranteed
Coming off a year where he had the 10th-highest PFF grade of all 4-3 defensive ends, we expected Shelby to walk away a little richer, so kudos to Atlanta for getting value on a day when not everyone did. The former undrafted free agent really took advantage of Cameron Wake’s injury to show himself as more than just a run defender.
OT Mitchell Schwartz (KC): Five years, $33 million with $12.66 million guaranteed
One of the top right tackles in the league, Schwartz was a PFF selection for a second-team All-Pro spot after a strong 2015 season. He did an admirable job against Von Miller this season, but will now get to show whether that was a fluke when he faces off with him and Khalil Mack twice a year.
CB William Gay (PIT): Three years, $7.5 million with $1.9 million guaranteed
This really isn’t a lot of money for a guy who graded above-average and was as good as it got in a disappointing Steelers secondary in 2015. Gay might not be getting any younger, but the structure of the deal ensures the Steelers are covered if his play drops off.
C Alex Mack (ATL): Five years, $45 million with $28.5 million guaranteed
It’s a lot of money for a center, but given that no team lost as many games last year because of the play of their center, it was somewhat necessary. The Falcons retooled offensive line is one of the better ones in the league, especially if Mack can return to his pre-leg break form.
S Tavon Wilson (DET): Two years, $2.2 million with $500k guaranteed
Wilson always impressed in spot duty for the Patriots, but never got the extended look to really showcase that he could turn that small sample size into a sustained career. Now he gets that opportunity in a Detroit system that will offer a path to playing time. For the Lions, the lack of cash means they really have nothing to lose here.
CB Sean Smith (OAK): Four years, $40 million for $20 million guaranteed
The Raiders made a big statement raiding their AFC West rivals, getting our 12th-highest graded cornerback in 2015. Given some of the deals that cornerbacks have gotten recently, this has to be considered a real value get for Oakland.
LB Derrick Johnson (KC): Three years, $21 million with $12 million guaranteed
There’s always the danger when you get to Johnson’s age that his play suddenly worsens. But you have to give someone who has played as well as he has for as long as he has the benefit of the doubt. 2015 showed he is still one of the best linebackers in the league (6th highest rank of linebackers) so credit to the Chiefs for retaining this stud.
DE Robert Ayers (NYG): Three years, $19.5 million with $10.5 million guaranteed
Ayers has quietly become a very fine player, and the Giants were badly underusing him in terms of snaps on the field. If the Bucs can get the same player while upping his workload this could prove to be one of the steals of free agency.
LB Jerrell Freeman (CHI): Three years, $12 million with $6 million guaranteed
The Bears had a big hole on their defense a year ago at inside linebacker and they double-dipped this free agency period, adding both Danny Trevathan and Freeman. Freeman’s grade against the run last year was second only to Luke Kuechly among off the ball linebacker.
B:
DL Malik Jackson (JAX): Six years, $90 million with $42m guaranteed
Have the Jaguars overpaid? Heck yeah. But they have so much cap room they have to spend that it’s justifiable. Grabbing an inside pass-rushing beast in Jackson (seventh highest grade of all interior defenders) is a win for the team.
OT Joe Barksdale (SD): Four years, $22.2 million with $10.5 million guaranteed
Given the Chargers’ luck with injuries you wouldn’t be surprised if Barksdale got injured signing his contract. But presuming he can make it to the regular season in good shape, Barksdale was a bright spot (21st-ranked tackle in PFF grades) on a terrible offensive line.
TE Antonio Gates (SD): Two years, $12 million with $6 million guaranteed
It was hard to imagine Gates playing anywhere else, and common sense shines through with this re-signing. Sure, Gates isn’t the athlete he once was, but his ability to get open remains excellent, as evidenced by him having the ninth-highest receiving grade of any tight end despite missing nearly half the season.
G Brandon Brooks (PHI): Five years, $40 million with $17 million guaranteed
It’s a lot of money, especially since Brooks didn’t have his best year in 2015. But his work prior to that was of a level of a player who deserved to paid near the top of his position. A rare athlete, he can really open up lanes in the run game.
DT Kenrick Ellis (MIN): One year, $810k with $25k guaranteed
You don’t need to spend big money to make good moves that fill out your roster. Ellis has never got an extended amount of action because wherever he’s ended up there’s been some ridiculous talent in front of him (Damon Harrison and Linval Joseph). But he’s delivered in limited action as an early down run stuffer and if called upon he can do so for the Vikings in 2015.
RB Khiry Robinson (NYJ): One year, $1.175 million with $80k guaranteed
Small outlay up front, and some insurance in case your ageing back drops off. Robinson is a strong runner even if the rest of his game doesn’t compare, and this is the kind of low risk move that can really pay off if things don’t go to plan.
B-minus:
G Alex Boone (MIN): Five years, $26.8 million with $10 million guaranteed
Boone hasn’t really built upon his breakout 2012 season and become one of the best guards in the league. But he has always graded positively, and given the money the Vikings have put into this deal they can consider this a good value pickup as they retool their offensive line.
DE Olivier Vernon (NYG): Five years, $85 million with $52.5 million guaranteed
In three years time, when people are re-grading this free-agent period, Vernon won’t sit here in the middle of the pack. No, he’ll either be right at the top because he delivered, or right near the bottom because he failed to. If he can play close to the way he did in the second half of the 2015 season, then he’ll be considered a success. He was as good as any edge rusher in the league during that stretch, and he did it against top tackles like Dallas’ Tyron Smith. But if he reverts closer to how he played earlier in his career — when he was a solid player, not an elite one — he won’t come close to justifying this contract.
LS Morgan Cox (BLT): Five years, $5.6 million with $700k guaranteed
Long snappers are people, too! Cox is one of the more reliable ones in the league, and this kind of figure puts him rightfully near the rest of the top earners at the spot.
LB Audie Cole (MIN): One year, $760k with $40k guaranteed
He caught our eye with some impressive play in 2014 but then got bitten by the injury bug last year. There’s definitely talent there, and given the money involved the Vikings will be happy to get at the very least a solid depth player and a good special teamer.
TE Ben Watson (BAL): Two years, $7 million with $3 million guaranteed
He’s not getting any younger, but the Ravens’ need at tight end combined with his good work in the passing game show what a valuable weapon he could be for Joe Flacco. The worry is if they’re expecting an every-down guy, his blocking isn’t what it once was.
RB Matt Forte (NYJ): Three years, $12 million with $8 million guaranteed
When it’s a running back who has had as many touches as Forte over the years, you always worry that the cliff is just around the corner. For that reason it’s a little scary that the team is tied to him for a couple of years, but on the plus side the Jets have added a do-it-all back who had the 10th-highest grade of all running backs last year.
T Chris Clark (HOU): Two years, $6 million with $3.25 million guaranteed
Outside of a game against Miami during which he was torn apart, Clark had a nice first year in Houston. He has his limitations, but the Texans are paying a small chunk of change for a guy who can play both tackle spots at a serviceable level. He might lose some battles, but at this cost he’ll win more than enough.
S Isa Abdul-Quddus (MIA): Three years, $12.75 million with $4.23 million guaranteed
This was an underrated move by the Dolphins, as they picked up a safety in the prime of his career who didn’t cost them an arm and a leg. Sure, he isn’t the flashiest player, but generally if you can get a safety who keeps it safe, you’ve done all right.
S Dwight Lowery (SD): Three years, $7.2 million with $1.5 million guaranteed
Similar to the William Gay deal, the Chargers have lined up a tried and tested veteran who can ably fill in without hurting the team’s cap space. Lowery had a solid year in Indianapolis after resurrecting his career somewhat in Atlanta.
WR Rishard Matthews (TEN): Three years, $15 million with $2.5 million guaranteed
It felt a little odd that Matthews couldn’t get more of an opportunity in Miami, but with a tidy little outlay from Tennessee he should get the chance to showcase his skills in extended playing time.
DE Cedric Thornton (DAL): Four years, $17 million with $9 million guaranteed
The only question is where Dallas see Thornton playing on its defensive line. Will he play 1-technique defensive tackle, or early down 3-technique DT? It’s a smart signing for the Cowboys, and a very average salary for a player who has shown himself to be good against the run throughout his career, so long as they can figure out the position fit.
FB Mike Tolbert (CAR): Two years, $3.75 million with $700k guaranteed
Did Tolbert deserve his All Pro nod as a full back? No. Because in pure full back terms he’s not quite average. But he is an extremely versatile piece of an offense that keeps you off guard with it’s versatility. He can block a little, he can run a little and he can catch a little. When you add those things up this is good value.
LB Tahir Whitehead (DET): Two years, $8 million with $4.75 million guaranteed
It certainly took Whitehead a while to get on the field, but these past two years he’s proved he belongs on it. He’s posted positive grades in run defense the past two years.
WR Jermaine Kearse (SEA): Three years, $13.5 million with $6.3 million guaranteed
When you look at what other receivers have been paid you have to give the Seahawks some credit here. Kearse isn’t a stud by any stretch but, as the playoffs have showed, he is capable of big moments. In the current market he may have converted that into a bigger deal.
DE Akiem Hicks (NE): Two years, $10 million with $5.5 million guaranteed
There may be questions about his ceiling, but Hicks has now been a productive member of the rotation in two different places. Chicago’s defensive line needed help and Hicks should provide an immediate upgrade without breaking the bank, even if it isn’t exactly a bargain. Only the cost keeps this away from a higher grade.
C-plus:
OLB Bruce Irvin (OAK): Four years, $37 million with $12.5 million guaranteed
This contract is a bit rich for a player who never delivered consistently, despite getting ample opportunities. But at the very least Irvin is a solid starter to whom the team isn’t tied for the long term, and when you have the cap room Oakland has, it’s hard to go wrong front-loading these deals.
DB Tyvon Branch (ARZ): Two years, $10 million with $5 million guaranteed
Is Branch an insurance plan in case Tyrann Mathieu can’t come back early next season? In any case, the Cardinals love themselves players who can do multiple things, and Branch is a guy who can line up all over the defensive backfield and provide solid play.
CB Kyle Wilson (NO): One year, $840k with $80k guaranteed
Wilson never delivered on his first-round potential, but has developed into the definition of an average slot corner. Not every player on your team needs to be a star, so if you can land contributors for less than market value it’s got to be considered a marginal win.
S Keith Tandy (TB): Two years, $1.85 million with $250k guaranteed
It might win the award for least flashy move, but free agency isn’t just about finding starters. It’s about finding reliable depth players who can contribute on special teams and Tandy checks those boxes nicely.
DT Haloti Ngata (DET): Two years, $12 million with $6 million guaranteed
Ngata proved he still has some juice in the tank with a strong finish to his 2015 season. He might not be the player he once was, but he can still make the kind of plays you look for at an interior spot. This is a reasonable move Detroit couldn’t afford not to make.
G Lane Taylor (GB): Two years, $4.15 million with $600k guaranteed
He didn’t look out of place when forced into the starting lineup. This is a useful chunk of change for the insurance of having someone fill in should either of the Packers’ stellar guards be forced from the field.
OL Kelechi Osemele (OAK): Five years, $60 million with $25.4 million guaranteed
On one hand, we love Osemele at guard. And if the Raiders play him there the move makes a degree of sense, because Oakland simply has to burn some cash in this window. But there’s a sneaky suspicion that Osemele might end up at left tackle, and that’s a huge leap of faith given how little experience he has at the spot and how he played when forced to play there last year (he earned negative grades in his games at left tackle).
WR Marvin Jones (DET): Five years, $40 million with $20 million guaranteed
It is certainly a great year to be a free-agent receiver. Jones broke out in 2013 but nothing he did in 2015 (he was PFF’s No. 38 wide receiver) suggested this big of a pay day was coming his way. The talent is certainly there, but is the consistency? He’ll be vying with Golden Taint to be the Lions’ top target.
LB Frank Zombo (KC): Three years, $3.5 million with $500k guaranteed
With Tamba Hali locked up, the Chiefs are in consolidation mode on defense, and the signing of Zombo brings back a guy who can help at any of the linebacker spots, as well as on special teams. He may not wow you when on the field, but for the cost involved it’s worth it.
TE Ladarius Green (PIT): Four years, $20 million with $4.75 million guaranteed
This is a somewhat aggressive move for a team scrambling to replace the excellent (and now retired) Heath Miller at tight end. Green must be happy to be out of the shadow of Antonio Gates, and you’d imagine he’s set to improve upon his career-high mark of 686 snaps in a season.
S Robert Golden (PIT): Three years, $5 million with $1.25 million guaranteed
A shrewd re-signing by the Steelers who have brought back a guy who did a decent job in his 400 regular season snaps. Added benefit of having top end special teams ability.
CB Leodis McKelvin (PHI): Two years, $6.2 million with $3 million guaranteed
McKelvin isn’t coming off the best two years of his career, but he’s not so far removed from his career year in 2013 that this doesn’t have some upside to it.
C:
TE Dwayne Allen (IND): Four years, $29.4 million with $16 million guaranteed
On his recent performance this deal makes little sense. But Allen has talent like few others at the position. If he can find the kind of form he did in his rookie year, and if the Colts can figure out how to use him more often, he has the talent to get Pro Bowl and All-Pro nods.
C Ben Jones (TEN): Four years, $17.5 million with $7.5 million guaranteed
While we don’t like this is verging on top-10 center money, we do like that the Titans are rectifying their big-time issues at the pivot. The three guys they started at center last year had a combined minus-47.0 grade, so they simply had to do something here.
S Rodney McLeod (PHI): Five years, $37 million with $17 million guaranteed
McLeod is very much an ascending player, and brings with him an intensity and aggressiveness you don’t often see from safeties. But as good as he is, it’s an almighty leap of faith to pay him like a top-5 safety when he’s never played like one.
DT Damon Harrison (NYG): Five years, $46.25 million with $24 million guaranteed
We love the play of “Snacks,” who has developed into a one-man wrecking crew in the run game, regularly leading the league in defensive stops against the run. There is no doubt that he makes the Giants better on early downs, but we can’t go higher with our grade because of the money involved. It’s simply too much for a guy who doesn’t get after the passer.
RB Chris Ivory (JAX): Five years, $32 million with $10 million guaranteed
It’s hard for the Jaguars to make bad moves, given how much money they have to spend. But that doesn’t mean every move they’ve made sees them hitting it out of the park, and there is a question whether Ivory was a player they really needed to go after, especially with the impressive rookie year of T.J. Yeldon. Nonetheless, they have acquired one of the better runners in the league.
TE Michael Hoomanawanui (NO): Three years, $5.2 million with $1.85 million guaranteed
In a league filled with terrible run-blocking tight ends, being around average has a level of value. Hoomanawanui won’t pull up any trees, but he will serve a function as a No. 2 tight end in an offense not afraid to use them.
P Brad Nortmann (JAX): Four years, $8.8 million with $1.65 million guaranteed
While Nortmann isn’t a top tier punter, that’s okay, because the Jags haven’t paid him top dollar. He’ll do a job worth the money on offer.
G Jeff Allen (HOU): Four years, $28 million with $12 million guaranteed
It’s a big investment in a player who until last year didn’t inspire confidence when he got on the field. But the versatile and tough lineman did enough last year that Texans fans should be relatively happy with this move. Allen was our 10th-ranked guard in 2015.
TE Coby Fleener (IND): Five years, $36 million with $14.6 million guaranteed
Was it Fleener’s inability or the all-around ability of Dwayne Allen that limited Fleener’s contributions in Indianapolis? Well, there will be no excuses for the tight end in New Orleans, where the team will be counting on Fleener to best his 491 receiving yards of 2015.
S Tashaun Gipson (JAX): Five years, $35.5 million with $12 million guaranteed
If Gipson can get back to his 2014 form, then this move will prove much better than the grade we’ve currently given it. But we can’t ignore how Gipson struggled last year and that’s what makes this move something of a leap of faith.
CB Ron Brooks (PHI): Three years, $5.5 million with $1.55 million guaranteed
This is a solid signing by the Eagles, and it reunites new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz with another player from his time in Buffalo. Brooks struggled to get on the field last year, but given the money involved he should provide handy depth and special teams assistance.
DE Jaye Howard (KC): Two years, $10 million with $5.8 million guaranteed
A versatile lineman who can play over the center or all the way out to a 5-technique defensive end in a three-man front, Howard had a breakout 2015 season. And while he didn’t deliver the consistency we wanted to see from him, there was enough to show he can start in this league. He was our 24th-ranked interior defender in 2015.
RB Bilal Powell (NYJ): Three years, $11.25 million with $6 million guaranteed
The price is a little bit steep for a player who will almost certainly be Matt Forte’s backup. Powell is coming off his best season, and is a solid backup running back, but did they need to spend that much on a backup?
QB Luke McCown (NO): Two years, $3 million with $500k guaranteed
This is a quiet move that keeps McCown as Drew Brees’ backup once again. He started one game last year and held his own, but the best part about this deal is that it doesn’t cost the Saints too much money.
WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (PIT): Three years, $3.8 million with $400k guaranteed
LB Tank Carder (CLV): Two years, $2.5 million with $300k guaranteed
While not the most impressive player, Carder is a guy who has experience on defense and can do a job on special teams. Bonus points for being the first guy the Browns were able to re-sign.
QB Thaddeus Lewis (SF): One year, $600k with no guarantees
The worst case scenario? A camp arm. Lewis isn’t a starting calibre quarterback but not every move is about who contributes on game day.
LB Mason Foster (WAS): Two year, $2.5 million with $350k guaranteed
After struggling in Tampa Bay Foster salvaged his career with a solid enough effort in Washington. The jury is very much out on him right now, with this being a waste of money if he reverts to old ways, but a bargain if he continues his 2015 play.
K Nick Novak (HST): One year, $965k with 80k guaranteed
Accurate enough but doesn’t have the leg you look for in kickoffs or the big field goals.
CB Sherrick McMannis (CHI): Two years, $2.85 million with $600k guaranteed
McMannis bombed as a cornerback, but if you keep him off defense and let him star on special teams this is worth the money.
CB Brent Grimes (TB): Two years, $13.5 million
Grimes has hit the age where he has started to decline, and this is still pretty strong money for a corner who is on the way down. This past season he allowed a passer rating of 103.2.
TE James Hanna (DAL): Three years, $8.25 million with $2.75 guaranteed
Played 231 snaps last season for the Cowboys as the primary backup to Jason Witten. Blocked well but offered little as a receiver.
G Mackenzy Bernadeau (JAX): Two years, $4 million
Bernadeau was playing very well the last time he saw significant game action, but that was now two full seasons ago, so the Jaguars are taking a bit of a shot into the unknown with him. At this kind of money though it’s a risk worth taking.
NT Al Woods (TEN): Three years, $10.5 million with $5 million guaranteed
Woods is a strong run defender but offers virtually nothing as a pass-rusher and has never seen more than 362 snaps over a season. This is strong money for a player that likely won’t see more than a third of defensive snaps.
C-minus:
DE Mario Williams (MIA): Two years, $17 million with $7.5 million guaranteed
Rarely has Williams lived up to what is expected of him, but last season was a borderline disaster for him, as he ranked dead-last in pass-rush grade among edge defenders. It was less an aberration and more the culmination for a player who has rarely delivered against top competition. He is by no means a bad player, and the relatively little money involved here makes this worth a flyer. But why has the team gotten older and less explosive at a premium position?
DT Ahtyba Rubin (SEA): Three years, $12m with $5.5m guaranteed
Rubin did get better towards the end of the season, but he has a skill set that is readily available in the NFL. It’s a move that means the team doesn’t need to go out shopping for an early-down player, and it’s relatively cheap, so consider this a giant “meh.”
T Eric Winston (CIN): One year, $1.1m with $80k guaranteed
It’s not a lot of money for a guy who more than likely acts as insurance, given the team spent their first two picks last year on offensive tackles. Once one of the best right tackles in the league, Winston isn’t that guy any more — but in a pinch he could fill in.
DT Brandon Mebane (SD): Three years, $13.5 million with $5.5 million guaranteed
While Mebane had a good run in Seattle, he’s not the player he once was, and it’s hard to envision him making a big impact on the nose in a Chargers defense that is devoid of talent. Mebane had the 70th-highest grade of 123 qualifying interior defenders last season.
T LaAdrian Waddle (NE): Two years, $2.35 million with $250k guaranteed
If Waddle can forget his 2015 performance and play more like he did when he entered the league, then this isn’t such a bad deal. But there’s no guarantee of that, and this deal seems rich for a guy who will do well to even make the roster.
CB Jeremy Lane (SEA): Four years, $23 million with $11 million guaranteed
Is Lane a bad player? No. But has he done enough to warrant double digits in guaranteed money? We’d say no, given that in four years he’s never managed more than 356 snaps. He’s a guy you’d want on your roster, but it’s hard to imagine many teams getting close to paying him that figure.
CB Shareece Wright (BAL): Three years, $13 million with $4.76 million guaranteed
Wright put some tough years in San Diego behind him with a decent showing in 2015. But this is a little too much money and we’d have rather seen a little less up front.
LB Ramon Humber (NE): One year, $965k with $25k guaranteed
It’s unlikely that Humber sees the field on defense, and truth be told he’s just another guy on special team. Sure there’s not a lot guaranteed but given he’ll do well to hold onto a roster spot, did they need to guarantee any cash?
T Bobby Massie (CHI): Three years, $18 million with $6.5 million guaranteed
One of these frustrating players. Massie can be very good, but there are stretches where pass rushes just work over him. Turned it on in the second half of the year and if he continues to play like that the Bears will be happy with their outlay.
T Sam Young (MIA): One year, $910k with $150k guaranteed
Young was not good in Jacksonville. On a per snap basis one of the weakest tackles in the league, he should be grateful for a chance to redeem himself and extremely grateful the Dolphins decided to guarantee part of his deal.
D-plus:
WR Travis Benjamin (SD): Four years, $24m with $13m guaranteed
It’s a terrible market for teams in need of wide receivers, and the result is guys getting paid far more than they warrant. Benjamin may be coming off a career year, but he still only finish 66th in our wide receiver rankings. Is he the kind of receiver Philip Rivers needed?
WR Brian Quick (LA): One year, $3.75 million with $1.5 million guaranteed
For a guy who has never managed more than 400 snaps in a year, with a career best of 375 yards, you wonder if the Rams couldn’t have sweated a lower figure out of a guy who you imagine will be competing for a roster spot.
DL Kedric Golston (WAS): One year, $1 million with no guarantees
At some point you have to cut the cord. We love their being no guarantees, but Golston has been a below average player since entering the league, and nothing is going to change that now.
CB Tracy Porter (CHI): Three years, $12 million with $4.25 million guaranteed
He got hot in the middle of the season, but all that did was serve as a sandwich to the usual replacement level play. Porter is worth having on the roster, but not at this dollar amount.
S Eddie Pleasant (HST): Two years, $2.15 million with $300k guaranteed
Just not good enough on special teams that you can be certain he’ll crack the final 53. At which point the question is why guarantee him cash?
P Shane Lechler (HST): One year, $1.8 million with $500k guaranteed
A great career, but his leg isn’t what it once was and boy is it showing.
WR Chris Hogan (NE): Three years, $12 million with $7.5 million guaranteed
Odd move given that Hogan never really produced in Buffalo. You think the Bills had to think twice about not matching this offer?
CB Morris Claiborne (DAL): One year, $3 million with $500k guaranteed
Claiborne was supposed to become an elite cornerback, but since being drafted has been anything but. His grade has been getting worse each season and if there was one team for whom his upside should seem unattainable at this point it is Dallas. Only relative low cost prevents this being even worse.
D:
QB Brock Osweiler (HOU): Four years, $72 million with $37 million guaranteed
There are those who like Osweiler’s potential and those who don’t, but wherever you stand you can’t deny there’s a huge air of uncertainty about a guy who was benched for a fading Peyton Manning last year. Osweiler did a serviceable job when coming into the lineup, but enough to think that he could be “the guy”? He ranked just 20th in PFF quarterback grades and second-worst in deep-ball accuracy percentage this season. This is the kind of risky move that could define Bill O’Brien’s time as Texans head coach.
S Andrew Sendejo (MIN): Four years, $16 million with $3.9 million guaranteed
It’s starter money for a guy who isn’t all that likely to start (certainly not in an every-down role), and isn’t all that good. Sendejo had the 85th-highest grade of 88 safeties in 2015.
T Donald Stephenson (DEN): Three years, $14 million with $10 million guaranteed
Paying Stephenson starter money is fine if he can play like he did Week 2 of the 2015 season against the Broncos. He was impressive then, but that was the exception to his season, and not the rule. He’s consistently been one of the weaker starters in the league, and paying him to be something else seems unnecessary.
C Tim Barnes (LA): Two years, $5.6 million with $2.5 million guaranteed
It’s not so much the max value of the deal that bothers us. In any move there’s an element of projection, and the Rams will hope that Barnes is better for having a year’s worth of starts under his belt. But the guaranteed figure seems unnecessary, given that Barnes could only finish the year 29th out of 39 ranked centers.
G J.R. Sweezy (TB): Five years, $32.5 million with $14.5 million guaranteed
He of the highlight-reel block. Sweezy can do things that coaches and fans can’t help but fall in love with, but it’s the lack of consistency (especially in pass protection) that has us shaking our heads at this deal. He’s earned a negative grade in each of his four years and looks to be quite the drop-off from the recently retired Logan Mankins.
LB Mark Barron (LA): Five years, $45 million with $15 million guaranteed
The league may be shifting to smaller linebackers, but this seems like an overpay for a guy who produced his first decent season in the NFL last year. And we emphasize the word decent, because while he was much improved in St. Louis, he was still only our 20th-ranked linebacker on the year. He’ll need to play at a level we haven’t seen from him yet to justify this cash.
LB Emmanuel Lamur (MIN): Two years, $6 million with $2.2 million guaranteed
While Lamur is familiar with Mike Zimmer from their time in Cincinnati, he really isn’t a guy who has gotten better the more he played. In fact, the past two years he’s really struggled, to the point where he’s really a guy you bring into compete for a spot on a roster, rather than offering enough in guarantees that you’re pretty much obliged to keep him.
G Tony Bergstrom (HST): Two years, $5.75 million with $1.125 million guaranteed
Given how little he has got on the field, did Houston really need to guarantee this much money? He flashed starting potential at center, but he still has a lot to prove with just 367 career snaps to his name.
S Johnson Bademosi (DET): Two years, $4.5 million with $2.9 million guaranteed
Did not look good when he got a longer run on defense, and while he is on a lot of special teams tackles, tackles does not equal talent.
DE Kendall Reyes (SD): One year, $2.5 million
Washington were able to re-sign Kedrick Golston for $1m, so adding Reyes to the mix given his proven history of awful play every season outside of his rookie year makes little sense. $2.5m is hardly rich, but it isn’t chump change either for a player with this kind of track record.
C Geno Gradkowski (CAR): Three years, $3.15 million with $450k guaranteed
A backup offensive linemen for moderate money, Gradkowski has only played significant snaps once, and he was bad in that season with a -13.1 overall grade.
DE Eugene Sims (LA): Three year, $10 million with $3.75 guaranteed
The Rams had a lot of talent on the D-line, but despite over 500 snaps of action last season Sims was the only member of the unit to grade worse than Chris Long – who got cut loose. Offers little as a pass-rusher and last season his play against the run deserted him too.
D-minus:
Janoris Jenkins (NYG): Five years, $62.5 million with $29 million guaranteed
This is just an awful lot of money for a good corner who still gambles way too much. Big plays win games, and while Jenkins can make them, he’s been on the wrong end of more than his fair share. The Giants paid top-10 cornerback money for a guy who barely cracked the top 20 in our 2015 cornerback grades.
QB Chase Daniels (PHI): Three years, $21 million with $12 million guaranteed
It’s just an awful lot of money for a backup, and if he isn’t a backup, then why was so much money spent on Sam Bradford? In some respect you have to trust new head coach Doug Pederson, who has more knowledge of Daniels than any of us, but even he hasn’t seen how Daniels might handle significant game action.
WR Mohamed Sanu (ATL): 5 years, $32.5 million with $14 million guaranteed
This is a lot of money for a player with a negative receiving grade in each of the past three seasons. He likely comes to Atlanta as the No. 2 receiver next to Julio Jones, but the salary, and his play to date, don’t really justify that.
F:
None
