(Photo by Keith Allison)
I’ve lied to you. I promised that together we would analyze all of the deals of the NFL free agency period in a three-part series. Well, in an unprecedented move I’m expanding the series with a fourth edition.
There will surely be other big signings as remaining premier players sift through their options from multiple teams, but this will be the last round-up for now. Earlier this week I wrote about some of the best remaining free agents: You can check that out here. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the signings and their impact. All information is via NFL.com.
RB Jeremy Hill signs with the New England Patriots: 1 year, $1.5 Million
Last season, Mike Gillislee exploded out of the gate with three TDs against the Kansas City Chiefs, and we all assumed he would produce an 18 TD season similar to the one LeGarrette Blount had for the team in 2016. Only a few weeks later, he became a regular healthy scratch. With James White, Rex Burkhead, and Gillislee already on the roster, there is no question that the running back room is crowded. Jeremy Hill isn’t just any journeyman, though: he is a 25 year-old former second round pick who is only two seasons removed from scoring double-digit rushing TDs and three seasons removed from eclipsing 1,300 yards from scrimmage. For a deal this inexpensive, Hill has plenty of potential. Knowing Belichick, he could also be a training camp cut candidate, but either way this signing carries minimal risk.
CB Orlando Scandrick signs with the Washington Redskins: 2 years, $10 Million
After the Redskins traded Kendall Fuller to the Chiefs in the Alex Smith deal and have yet to sign Bashaud Breeland, the team needed to fortify its secondary. Scandrick will never be a Pro-Bowler, but he has played in 125 games in his career and at age 31 he should still have some tread on his tires. This helps fill in a nice hole, but the Redskins could still use some secondary help in the draft.
C Mike Pouncey signs with the Los Angeles Chargers: 2 years, $15 Million
It seems like the Chargers are always in need of offensive line help, so this move will go a long way in terms of fortifying things up front. Three time Pro-Bowlers don’t usually hit the market at age 28, so this is a great signing. The relatively pedestrian value of the deal makes the move team friendly as well, so I like everything about this for the Chargers. For Pouncey, he gets to play for an up and coming team in the AFC West with a veteran QB in Phillip Rivers and a great young RB in Melvin Gordon.
TE Eric Ebron signs with the Indianapolis Colts: 2 years, $15 Million
Eric Ebron was a bust in Detroit. When the Lions drafted him with the 10th overall pick, they expected him to develop into a perennial Pro-Bowler in short order. Instead, in spite of Matthew Stafford’s high amount of pass attempts per game, Ebron has failed to register 750 receiving yards or 6 TDs in any single campaign, and he doesn’t provide much in terms of run-blocking. He is still only 24 years-old, so it is possible that he is a late bloomer. I think that’s unlikely, though. The Colts would’ve been better served by using one of their picks acquired from the Jets to draft a tight end.
RB Frank Gore signs with the Miami Dolphins: 1 year ($ unknown)
Frank Gore will be 35 years-old when the 2018 season starts, and yet he keeps on chugging. Gore is an iron-man: he has played in all 16 games in every season since 2010, and he’s taken snaps in double-digit games every year dating back to when he was drafted in 2005. Gore was no slouch last year with the Colts, still registering more than 1,000 yards from scrimmage. After a long and productive career, the man who was born in Miami and raised at “The U” will get to finish his career back home where the sun shines. Good for Frank Gore.
Lightning Round:
FS Morgan Burnett signs with the Pittsburgh Steelers: 3 years, $14 Million
WR Mike Wallace signs with the Philadelphia Eagles: 1 year, $2.5 Million
WR Terrelle Pryor signs with the New York Jets: details undisclosed
WR Allen Hurns signs with the Dallas Cowboys: 2 years, $12 Million
QB Brock Osweiler signs with the Miami Dolphins: details undisclosed
Parting note: remember when the Texans signed Brock Osweiler to a four year $72 million deal, and then they traded a second round pick to the Browns literally just to take Osweiler’s cap hit off their books? It’s good to be Brock.
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