(Photo by Jeffrey Beall)
For the final installment of my “NFL Free Agency Roundup” series, let’s analyze a few more key signings of the NFL’s new year.
Although this marks the end of the big deals signed during the March free agency period, important trades and releases are sure to come as the draft arrives, training camp approaches, and rosters begin to take shape. All signing information is via NFL.com.
QB AJ McCarron signs with the Buffalo Bills: 2 years, $10 Million - $16.5 Million (Incentive Dependent)
The former Alabama QB has always been seen as a winner who lacks optimal physical traits and abilities. After finishing an unspectacular tenure as Andy Dalton’s backup--and after a botched trade by the Cleveland Browns--McCarron has found his way to Buffalo on the open market. Although he has yet to play a truly significant amount of NFL snaps, McCarron should be a serviceable option for the Bills. His modest contract and the fact that the Bills traded up to the 12th pick of the 2018 draft, however, indicate that McCarron is little more than a stopgap option while the Bills groom their QB of the future. Whether this is Josh Allen, Baker Mayfield, Lamar Jackson, or some late round pick, rest assured that AJ is not the Buffalo QB of the future.
WR Jordy Nelson signs with the Oakland Raiders: 2 years, $15 Million
After a fantastic nine season Packer career that included 7,848 receiving yards, the 2016 NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award, a Pro Bowl and second team All Pro selection, and a Super Bowl championship, Jordy Nelson has become a cap casualty. With Brett Hundley at the helm, Nelson struggled. At age 32, this short contract reflects that Jordy’s career is near its end. In the meantime, he should nicely slot in as a complement to Amari Cooper as the Raiders attempt to bounce back from a disappointing 2017 campaign under the guidance of Jon Gruden.
DT Dontari Poe signs with the Carolina Panthers: 3 years, $27 Million
Poe, a two-time Pro Bowler, has been a rock solid run defender throughout his six-year career. The $9 Million price tag indicates that the Panthers are expecting Poe to be a huge contributor to a solid defense that already includes the likes of Kawann Short and Luke Kuechly. This move makes sense given that the Panthers will have to compete with the New Orleans Saints and their star running backs to win their division.
DT Sheldon Richardson signs with the Minnesota Vikings: 1 year, $8 Million - $11 Million (Incentive Dependent)
Richardson has been one of the few good picks from the disappointing 2013 draft, registering a slate of solid seasons highlighted by a Pro Bowl effort in 2014. Richardson is just another piece in the NFC arms race as the Vikings load up to take advantage of their three year Kirk Cousins window and while players like Eric Kendricks and Stefon Diggs are still playing on cheap contracts.
WR Michael Crabtree signs with the Baltimore Ravens: 3 years, $21 Million
Crabtree has posted solid numbers throughout most of his career, highlighted by his 1,000 yard campaigns in the 2016 and 2012 seasons. The veteran should provide support to a Ravens team that lacks offensive weapons, but they will still need to acquire more offensive talent on the outside if they hope to compete in the playoffs.
DB Tyrann Mathieu signs with the Houston Texans: 1 year, $7 Million
Mathieu has had an interesting career path. He was a consensus first team All American and the SEC Defensive Player of the Year back in 2011 before substance issues took him out of football temporarily. He ended up with the Cardinals in the 2013 draft and ultimately played well enough at the right moments--including a first-team All Pro 2015 campaign--to earn himself a massive $62.5 million five-year extension. He was cut after refusing to take a paycut, and at age 25 he finds himself with a “prove-it” deal from the Texans.
DE Vinny Curry signs with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 3 years, $27 Million
Curry is a solid run defender who should add some talent to a mostly listless and uninspiring Bucs squad. I still think this team is in need of a new coaching staff to make the most of Winston and Evans, but that’s an article for another day.
RB Legarrette Blount signs with the Detroit Lions: 1 year, $4.5 Million
It looks like the Detroit Lions are going to win the Super Bowl this year. At least, that is what Blount’s arrival would suggest, since he has won with two different teams each of the past two years. Look for Blount to be the goal line bull-dozer that Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick can’t be with their size.
DE Adrian Clayborn signs with the New England Patriots: 2 years, $12 Million
Clayborn is a solid addition to the Patriot’s dismal pass rush. With a 9.5 sack season in 2017, Clayborn should join Trey Flowers, Derek Rivers, Deatrich Wise, and a draft pick or two to try and improve one of the AFC champions’ achilles heels.
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