Thread For Our F/a Prospects

[Prime Time]

2014 full free agency tracker
Posted by Mike Florio on March 17, 2014

Getty Images

There are plenty of “free agency trackers” out there. But none of them have really tracked all the free-agency moves in complete and comprehensive fashion.

Now we know why. It’s a slow, tedious process, requiring consultation with multiple different lists and rosters and other online sources. Even then, we had to do some tweaking with the input of readers who took the time to let us know that we’d missed a move or two.

But it’s still not really work. (Please don’t tell the bosses that we don’t think it’s really work.)

We’ve broken it all down by division. Feel free to bookmark this page; we’ll continue to update the lists as the moves happen, possibly until the season begins.

If you see a move we’ve missed — or it you simply want to say hello or hurl an insult personally instead of via Twitter — let us know.

AFC East

AFC North

AFC South

AFC West

NFC East

NFC North

NFC South

NFC West

 

[Alan]

I'm glad you've finally come to your senses because I've always wanted to call that albefree69 guy a total nimrod.

Just saying.


:wabbit:

 

[VARAMS]

I am okay with the players the Rams have lost to free agency but not sure why we haven't pick up some depth at OL, CB or S. We need 3 - 4 new starters (OG, possible LT, FS and nickle back) in these positions and its hard to think they will be filled in the draft. In addition we need backuip at QB and S. I know we didn't have a lot of cap space and we have to think about next year but nothing???? Cap space needs to be a priority for next year - CL, JL, SB are solid (when healthy) but all overpaid.

 

[Prime Time]

Raiders reel in Kevin Boothe
Posted by Mike Florio on March 17, 2014

Getty Images

The Raiders had millions to spend in free agency and plenty of needs to fill. It adds up to an active week in Oakland.

The last new addition comes on the offensive line. The Raiders have announced that Kevin Boothe has signed a free-agent deal.

For Boothe, it’s a return to the team that drafted him in 2006. After appearing in 16 games (with 14 starts) as a rookie, the Raiders waived Boothe.

He then landed with the Giants, winning a pair of Super Bowl rings and starting 16 games in 2013.

Per a league source, it’s a two-year deal for Boothe, who played left guard and center for the Giants last year.

Giants enjoy a little Holliday
Posted by Mike Florio on March 17, 2014

Getty Images

Cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie wasn’t the only Bronco signed by the Giants on Monday.

They’ve also signed receiver/kick returner Trindon Holliday. Per a league source, it’s a one-year deal.

Holliday, who has four combined return touchdowns in his regular-season career and scored two (one punt, one kickoff) in a January 2013 playoff loss to the Ravens, was a restricted free agent but the Broncos didn’t make a tender offer. He visited the Falcons before agreeing to terms with the Giants.

He’s a Giant while anything but, standing a mere five feet and five inches tall. Still, he’s shown that he can be a difference maker. Holliday will get a chance to continue an impressive career in New York.

Raiders reach three-year agreement with James Jones
Posted by Mike Wilkening on March 17, 2014

AP

The Raiders, who had no lack of money to spend in free agency, have made another addition, this time on offense.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Oakland has struck a three-year deal with Packers wide receiver James Jones, the fourth-best free agent left on the market, per PFT’s rankings.

A San Jose, California native, the 29-year-old Jones caught 59 passes for 817 yards and three touchdowns for the Packers in 2013. He joins a Raiders receiving corps that has shown some potential, with Rod Streater, Denarius Moore and Andre Holmes all intriguing.

Jones, who turns 30 at the end of March, will be the most experienced member of the Raiders’ receiving corps. He will also work again with Raiders G.M. Reggie McKenzie, who worked in the Packers’ personnel department for the first five seasons of Jones’ career (2007-2011) before departing for Oakland.

 

[Prime Time]

Earl Bennett refuses pay cut, which could mean he is cut
Posted by Darin Gantt on March 18, 2014

AP

The free agent receiver market could be about to get another member.

According to Jeff Dickerson of ESPNChicago.com, Bears wideout Earl Bennett has refused a pay cut, and is expected to be released.

Cutting Bennett would create $2.45 million in cap space for the Bears, who could bump Marquess Wilson up a spot into the No. 3 role behind Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery.

The 26-year-old Bennett caught 32 passes for 243 yards and four touchdowns last year. Those are fairly pedestrian numbers, but in line with some of the other guys getting deals after the first-week flurry.

 

[Prime Time]

Capable pass rushers still available as second week of free agency begins
Posted by Mike Wilkening on March 18, 2014

Getty Images

With one week of free agency now in the books, here are the top remaining unsigned/untagged unrestricted free agents left in PFT’s rankings:

18. Vikings defensive end Jared Allen.

34. Bears defensive tackle Henry Melton.

43. Bears defensive end Corey Wootton.

48. Broncos outside linebacker Shaun Phillips.

49. Ex-Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie.

53. Eagles quarterback Michael Vick.

65. Cowboys defensive end/outside linebacker Anthony Spencer.

72. Packers tight end Jermichael Finley.

76. Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno.

79. Seahawks outside linebacker O’Brien Schofield.

83. Broncos defensive end Robert Ayers.

87. Ex-Buccaneers offensive guard Davin Joseph.

91. Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount.

93. Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew.

95. Saints center Brian De La Puente.

99. Panthers offensive guard Travelle Wharton.

101. Raiders defensive tackle Pat Sims.

108. Vikings quarterback Josh Freeman.

Now, a few thoughts entering the second week of free agency:

Pass-rush help is still to be had. Jared Allen is the biggest name still out there, but Broncos defensive end/outside linebacker Shaun Phillips (10 sacks in 2013) also remains unsigned. So does Cowboys defensive end/outside linebacker Anthony Spencer.

A number of the top unsigned players are coming off of injuries. Bears defensive linemen Henry Melton (knee) and Corey Wootton (hip) are two prime examples. Spencer (knee) missed almost all of 2013. Seahawks outside linebacker/defensive end O’Brien Schofield had a deal with the Giants nixed because of a knee issue. Meanwhile, a neck injury is clearly the holdup with Packers tight end Jermichael Finley, given his skill.

What happens with Knowshon Moreno? The top unsigned running back on the market, Moreno led the Broncos in rushing a season ago. There has to be a key role for him in someone’s backfield. He’s an asset in the passing game, and he fumbled just once in 301 regular season touches in 2013.

Similarly, who rolls the dice on Josh Freeman? The last player to make PFT’s free agent list, Freeman is just 26 years old. The question is, does he land a job before the draft, which will fill some of the open QB depth chart spots around the league? Ideally for Freeman, he finds employment with a team coached by someone who works well with quarterbacks. On paper, the Bears, Ravens, Eagles and Saints would seem like decent fits for Freeman, but it doesn’t appear he’s in a position where he can be choosy if he wants to work in 2014.

The strength of the 2014 NFL Draft could very well work against some players still on the market. There are still some veteran starters out there; Allen jumps to mind. And starter-caliber players can be patient. However, there are far more veteran reserves unsigned. The sooner experienced backups can land on a roster, the better. The rookies are coming.

 

[Prime Time]

Jason Campbell joins the Bengals
Posted by Mike Florio on March 19, 2014

AP

Veteran quarterback Jason Campbell won’t be leaving the state of Ohio for his next NFL gig.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reports, and PFT has confirmed, that Campbell has agreed to terms with the Bengals. It’s a one-year deal.

Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the decision came down to Campbell and Ryan Fitzpatrick, who once was a backup in Cincinnati to Carson Palmer. In 2008, Fitzpatrick started 12 games while Palmer was hurt.

Campbell will provide a veteran presence on the Bengals in a clear backup role, without Campbell threatening to take Andy Dalton’s job. And it will give Andy Dalton the support he needs as he tries to find a way not to just get to the playoffs but to win a playoff game.

A first-round pick in 2005, Campbell has played for the Redskins, Raiders, Bears, and Browns.

 

[Prime Time]

Report: Charles Woodson agrees to terms with Raiders
Posted by Curtis Crabtree on March 19, 2014

Getty Images

Charles Woodson and the Oakland Raiders enjoyed their return engagement so much in 2013 that they’ve elected to re-up for another season.

According to Josina Anderson of ESPN.com, Woodson and the Raiders have agreed to terms on a one-year deal to keep the versatile defensive back in the Bay Area.

Woodson re-signed with Oakland last year after seven seasons with the Green Bay Packers. Woodson started all 16 games for Oakland and compiled 97 tackles, three forced fumbles, two sacks and an interception.

Woodson said he would consider retirement if he couldn’t find a deal that was to his liking in free agency. Instead, he’ll get the chance to continue his career with the franchise that drafted him in 1998.

 

[Prime Time]

Falcons sign Devin Hester
Posted by Michael David Smith on March 20, 2014

AP

Devin Hester is heading to Atlanta.

Hester, who became perhaps the best return man in NFL history during his eight years in Chicago, has agreed to a new contract with the Falcons. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, it’s a three-year deal.

The 31-year-old Hester is the NFL’s all-time record holder in kick return touchdowns, and last year he led the league in kickoff return yards. Hester has also played wide receiver and even played some cornerback early in his NFL career, but the Bears had him exclusively on special teams last year, and that will presumably be his role in Atlanta as well.

Last year the Falcons had Jacquizz Rodgers returning kickoffs and Robert McClain and Harry Douglas returning punts. Hester should provide an upgrade to Atlanta’s special teams.

Bucs land Mike Jenkins
Posted by Josh Alper on March 20, 2014

AP

Buccaneers coach Lovie Smith said he wanted a strong finish to free agency and the Bucs have obliged by adding a cornerback to go withAlterraun Verner and Johnthan Banks.

The Buccaneers have announced that they have reached agreement on a contract with cornerback Mike Jenkins. Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports reports that it is a one-year deal, $1.5 million deal for the former Raider and Cowboy with another $500,000 available in incentives.

The move to Tampa also offers Jenkins a chance to get back to some of the defensive schemes that served him well enough at South Florida to become a first-round pick of the Cowboys. While Smith has made it clear that the Bucs won’t be all about the Tampa Two, Jenkins’ familiarity with the principles probably didn’t hurt him when he met with the Bucs.

Jenkins is the 11th free agent from outside the organization to sign with the Buccaneers since free agency opened last week. The team is expected to keep looking for help at wide receiver as they turn over the roster from the Greg Schiano/Mark Dominik era.

 

[ChrisW]

The St. Louis Rams signed LB Etienne Sabino to a contract Monday, according to the NFL transaction release.

Sabino, 23, signed with the Giants as an undrafted free agent out Ohio State back in 2013. He lasted until only until August before he was cut by the Giants.

Following his release, he visited with the Bengals, but never caught on with another team during the 2013 season.

 

[ChrisW]

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheet 6h
Alex Carrington has agreed to a deal with the #Rams, source says. They find their D-line help.