Welcome the pre-draft FA analysis, on this article i'll review all the FA signs, offering a short or long comment depending the importance of player, picks will be order by teams, going in alphabetical order.
Team: San Francisco 49ers
Number of FA: 8
Total money spent: 199.4 M
Total 1st year salaries : 30.5
Total bonus spent: 77.59
Player: Jordan Matthews
Position: WR
Age: 25
Years: 5
Total contract: 18
Total bonus7.2
Salary year 1: 2.63
Comment: Matthews was a late pick (5th round by Steelers) that had a fantastic rookie season, given his attributes, i would say he even outperform, at sophomore season he didn't received enough opportunities and then was traded to Chargers as part of Tandon Doss deal, with Chargers he had to face a crowded WR group meaning few opportunities to do something, he do have 15 TD career a good number given his limit game time, he offers a solid 6"3 WR, and decent hand of 91 catch with 92 speed, is the kind of player that doesn't have what is needed to be WR 1 or 2, specially on a crowded and elite position, but he's for sure a reliable option for WR 3 and WR 4, and that's the role i'm expecting to see of him at 49ers, they did trade Stefon Diggs earlier in the off-season, and have another two excellent receivers on roster, so i guess this sign takes away 49ers off the race of drafting an slot receiver
Player: Kevin Pierre-Louis
Position: ROLB
Age: 26
Years: 5
Total contract: 15
Total bonus 6
Salary year 1: 2.2
Comment: A fantastic grab here, i saw him as one of the big fishes of the FA, Pierre-Louis was a steal pick at 2nd round for Vikings but he had the bad luck of being drafted at same draft and sharing position with 6"6 OLB Trent Murphy, Neal decided well to choose the giant player instead Pierre-Louis, but that affected the learning curve of Kevin, i remember seeing him multiple times on the block for a 2nd, so 49ers are receiving excellent value here, the awr and tackle are affected by not having enough game time during his first seasons of the league but he do have 86 spd – 83 str – 88 acc, is very hard to find a player with those attributes in FA, kudos to Gary for a fantastic pick in what i consider a very good cost.
Player: Ulrick John
Position: RG
Age: 27
Years: 5
Total contract: 37.5
Total bonus 15
Salary year 1: 5.49
Comment: Another big fish that decided to go to 49ers, Gary was very aggresive on the first FA window with his new team (Best of lucks in SF, Gary). Ulrick John has something in common with pierre-louis, former Viking player, and that just tell you how well Vikings draft, contrary to the OLB, Ulrick was not a depth player, he was an starter with Vikings last season, and don't let the sacks allowed to confuse you, he has quality but Vikings had a 2nd QB most games last season, that could've affected his performance, he's athletic enough, nothing spectacular, i would like more strenght but 93 is enough, the 96 at both block is an elite number, 49ers had to spend solid money on him, as the race for him was competitive, Jets GM Kevin Mullendore, mentioned he lost him for .5 M so SF gotta be happy grabbing him, he's an inmediate effect player and should take the role of RG for next season, this grab and other OL i'll talk about in a bit, will affect directly the mock of 49ers via draft, they were projected to draft OL, and i think it'll change that
Player: Ed Stinson
Position: RE
Age: 25
Years: 5
Total contract: 18
Total bonus 7.2
Salary year 1: 2.63
Comment: Ed Satinson have been a player that outperform his attributes almost every season, i'll be honest here, i don't like him, has low tackle, and nothing spectacular at other attributes, but the man performs, and that's all that matters. Not my judgement or what i like or not, he can be an excellent backup or a gap stop 1 season if trying to find a better prospect.
Player: Garrett Scott
Position: LT
Age: 27
Years: 5
Total contract: 30
Total bonus 12
Salary year 1: 4.39
Comment: Scott was the player that combined with Ulrick, imo takes away 49ers of the run of OL at 1st round, they could get one in a latter pick, but when can get this kind of quality for free, makes no sense to spend a top pick in more OL. Scott have been #8 in pancakes the last 2 seasons with Texans, that does tell 2 things, he can perform and he can do it consistently, being consistent is one of the best things can find in a player, he'll change teams and we'll see if his performance was cause Team or because his talent, is hard to find a weakness or flaw on him other than the 294 lbs, is nothing to overworry about, but is a bit small. Finally i do consider he should've been ME by Texans. So as divisional rival, i'm happy to see him going far far away to NFC
Player: Devonta Freeman
Position: HB
Age: 25
Years: 5
Total contract: 20
Total bonus 8
Salary year 1: 2.93
Comment: Devonta Freeman is a peculiar player, i can't remember it exactly how it happened, but if i remember well, he was a steal for Colts at 2.27, but then didn't get enough opportunities, and was trade to Chargers in the Quinn deal, where he became #2 HB but was outplayed by Chargers star Carlos Hyde, now he'll be the backup of CMC. I really like his attributes and consider in the right team he could've gotten the HB #1 roles, but at this point of career is just a solid backup, he got paid so he's probably not pissed about being number #2, the contract looks a bit bigger for the role he'll play, so i assume that the idea is to try and having a change of pace between CMC and Freeman, solid player but a bit expensive, money wise. With CMC and Freeman is almost certain SF not going HB on draft
Player: Aaron Donald
Position: DT
Age: 26
Years: 5
Total contract: 50
Total bonus 20
Salary year 1: 7.32
Comment: Former 1st round player he was one of the most desire targets on the FA, and he signed back with his former team, personally i'm a bit surprised that he wasn't the ME player by Packers, specially considering that he did cost 1.1 + to them (Via trading future pick to Steelers), and Gary manage to get back his DT during the packers tenure, DL is a hard position to judge, but he has to perform soon, or he'll be close to be a bust, his TFL – Sacks are not bad, but for the spot was taken at, final price, expectations and now his 50 M contract he has to do better than that, has all the attributes, and a change of scenario will tell. DT is a very expensive position, specially high ovr ones, so the 50 M is not a ton of money, grabbing a 26 yo, former 1st round pick with this kind of attributes for free at FA is always a winner move.
Player: Tyrann Mathieu
Position: CB
Age: 28
Years: 3
Total contract: 10.9
Total bonus 2.19
Salary year 1: 2,91
Comment: The Tyrann Mathieu journey might be one of the strangest at league history, at 5"9 personally i wouldn't have him on my team, he was mentor, in a season Cardinals had no more options, he had played almost nothing, i guess lined dime or nickel at best, he already tested FA last season, and Buccs grabbed him to 3 years, then cut him during season, and 49ers grabbed him to 1 year, then hit FA again, and 49ers grabbed him again, now to 3 years. Gary and SF made a fantastic FA grabbing top players overall, but i consider Mathieu should've stayed at FA.
Team: Chicago Bears
Number of FA: 2
Total money spent: 88.51 M
Total 1st year salaries : 13.59 M
Total bonus spent 34.38 M
Player: Marquis Flowers
Position: ROLB
Age: 26
Years: 3
Total contract: 5.25
Total bonus 1.08
Salary year 1: 1.41
Comment: Former bears player that returns with the team, i'm kinda surprised that didn't have much market, or and the best contract was for less than 2 M, i don't think is a player that grabbed a lot of atention, but is a former 3rd rounder with 84 spd and 84 str, that's excellent value for a FA grab. Brent knew better than the rest of us about him and took the opportunity for bring him back. He can start at ROLB spot or stay as depth. Very good value for money
Player: Erik Ainge
Position: QB
Age: 32
Years: 5
Total contract: 83.26
Total bonus 33.3
Salary year 1: 12.18
Comment: Oh man, one of the stories of the off-season without doubts, at the past i was fan #1 of how Brent developed him, expressed my respect, in an era without mentor he was able to develop a QB, without stop being competitive, and we didn't even have the formula of the 500 yards Tom shared with us, was impressive, till today i think that's a blue print of how to manage a QB. I think sending Ainge to IR seasons ago somehow affected morale and that prevented Bears to resign him. With Ainge refusing to re-sign,the most economical move was to set him as franchise tag player, and then work a trade, a restructure or hope morale increase for a re-sign next season, but finally he hit ME, in what in my opinion is the best player have ever reached ME, Colts and Steelers both bid on max offer forums, with Pittsburgh winning him but Bears retaining him. Match was the right move, and i would say it was cheap, it wouldn't surprise me to see a 100 M+ contract, aditionally to the 1st round compensation, Ainge will be a top QB for the next 5 seasons, and can mentor during that time, finantially the hit at finances of Bears was big, but nothing they can't survive, specially considering trade very few so almost never have high penalty cap, lots of teams (Mine included) often have way more than Ainge money, just in dead money
Team: Buffalo Bills
Number of FA: 4
Total money spent: 39.23 M
Total 1st year salaries : 9.67 M
Total bonus spent 10.85 M
Player: Eugene Monroe
Position: RG
Age: 31
Years: 1
Total contract: 4.63 M
Total bonus 1.85 M
Salary year 1: 4.63 M
Comment: Monroe going back to the GM drafted him and gave him an opportunity in the league is an emotive movement, i still remember Wade trusting Monroe block skills over strenght and it worked very nice, then he was traded to Chargers, played some time with Jets, had a briefly time with Buccs and signed last season with Titans as backup, his best days are past behind him, but he still has block skills, awareness and some speed on his legs, having a young QB as McCarron, getting him veteran OL, is an important task, the price was probably the min an OL with that OVR would've accepted
Player: Sergio Castillo
Position: K
Age: 26
Years: 5
Total contract: 15 M
Total bonus 3 M
Salary year 1: 1.93 M
Comment: Another former Wade's pick, Sergio Castillo used to be kicker for the Texans, he doesn't have the strongest leg, with 91 kpw, but has 99 kac, and at this point will only miss very long FG attempts, and those are missed by almost every kicker. Last season learned that develop a kicker is ugly, and since regression change, is harder to find reliable ones at FA, Bills grabbing a familiar face for 5 years and forgetting about the position, is a win in my book
Player: Larry Ogunjobi
Position: DT
Age: 24
Years: 5
Total contract: 11.6 M
Total bonus 4 M
Salary year 1: 1.64 M
Comment: He was a 7th round by Broncos last draft and then cut, he haven't seen register any stat at his carrer but the 72 spd and 90 str looks very good, i see a lot of potential in him playing as RE. He doesn't seem to be the kind of player built for being DT, but if that move to DE happens, he can be a very nice surprise and post good numbers, he's signed to 5 years so i think Bills have long term plans for him, nice grab.
Player: Kenneth Acker
Position: CB
Age: 26
Years: 4
Total contract: 8 M
Total bonus 2 M
Salary year 1: 1.47 M
Comment: Former 4th round by Colts he never got enough opportunities for progress, he has a solid size and decent speed – acceleration, he already lost the progression curve and seems to be just a depth CB, the position often requires depth so is a low risk – low investment signing.
Team: Denver Broncos
Number of FA: 1
Total money spent: 6.15
Total 1st year salaries : 1.67
Total bonus spent 1.08 M
Player: Chris Harper
Position: WR
Age: 27
Years: 3
Total contract: 6.15 M
Total bonus 1.08 M
Salary year 1: 1.67 M
Comment: Chris Harper joins a Broncos team that traded AJ Green away and brought Josh Gordon in, Harper is very fat for the position at 229, but aside that he seems to be just a depth player, never received enough opportnities at Chargers. Not flashy speed, so i think he was sign for fill depth with a cheap contract and a player can add depth.
Team: Cleveland Browns
Number of FA: 2
Total money spent: 41.7 M
Total 1st year salaries : 5.65 M
Total bonus spent 11.65 M
Player: Xavier Su'a-Filo
Position: LT
Age: 25
Years: 5
Total contract: 16.7 M
Total bonus 6.65 M
Salary year 1: 2.44 M
Comment: Su'a-Filo is the kind of player that fly under the radar, he isn't overly athletic, but has very good block skills, drafted at 6th round, i wonder how much he could've progressed if given the opportunity, with current league OL, everyday is harder to keep the pace for the players, what seasons ago was very athletic today isnt, now we have 70 speed as not that weird and 99 str as the standar str, yet i see this as an intriguing sign with very low risk and a good potential. At worst he becomes an excellent depth, at best a franchise OL, only 25 so still have many games on the tank.
Player: Khalil Mack
Position: LOLB
Age: 26
Years: 5
Total contract: 25 M
Total bonus 5 M
Salary year 1: 3.21 M
Comment: Khalil Mack saw his prime at his sophomore season with Packers, then struggle and lost the starting job, he isn't the faster player, but is tall and strong, with solid awr and tackle, i do like him and think can be a productive player. Browns did pay a future 3rd as part of the ME, compensation Packers did accept. Mack will struggle to find gametime in a Browns team that is loaded with good OLB and recently acquired JPP, i wonder if Ian is thinking about playing one of them as MLB, could be a interesting project, as currently have a lot of solid players at Outside linebacker and not a clear starter at MLB. I would bet that Browns won't draft an OLB high at draft and likely not even late, they're completely set there.
Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Number of FA: 2
Total money spent: 18.89 M
Total 1st year salaries : 4.2 M
Total bonus spent 7.52 M
Player: Desmond Bishop
Position: MLB
Age: 32
Years: 1
Total contract: 1.69 M
Total bonus 0.67 M
Salary year 1: 1.69 M
Comment: This is a clear sign looking for a mentor, i do think Bryan saw the opportunity to grab a cheap mentor that he can use if end drafting a MLB, or then will try to trade for a team that needs one, MLB is not a common position to mentor, being CB and QB the 2 league favorites, but the most is a low risk and safety bet for Buccs. Bishop shouldn't play any snap, his role is as a teacher, his playing days are past behind him.
Player: Wesley Johnson
Position: C
Age: 26
Years: 5
Total contract: 17.2 M
Total bonus 6.85 M
Salary year 1: 2.51 M
Comment: Former Buccs Center resign with the team, Bryan excel drafting starters at late rounds, that's one of the main reasons of his success, team had a clear need for a Center, so getting back their starter was a win for TB, he's 66 spd – 96 str – with solid awr and block numbers, still can develop more as only 26 yo, so the 5 years contract makes sense and the total money ended being a good price. He do have to prove the confidence team had with him and try to have his 1st season with 50 pancakes.
Team: Arizona Cardinals
Number of FA: 1
Total money spent: 8.52 M
Total 1st year salaries : 2.32 M
Total bonus spent 2.19 M
Player: Cyrus Kouandijio
Position: RT
Age: 27
Years: 3
Total contract: 8.52 M
Total bonus 2.19 M
Salary year 1: 2.32 M
Comment: Back to the Cardinals depth, Cyrus is a very good player, but never received the opportunity to develop in Arizona, a team with 2 elite OT, yet, he made some friends in the dessert and the team decided to sign him again, he only has 8 pancakes on his career, so progression have been close to none, yet, his block skills are close to the 90's at both. Signed to 3 seasons only, so once he regress he won't be part of the team.
Team: Kansas City Chiefs
Number of FA: 3
Total money spent: 138.27 M
Total 1st year salaries : 22.89 M
Total bonus spent 50.07 M
Player: Josh Huff
Position: WR
Age: 27
Years: 5
Total contract: 18.07 M
Total bonus 3.4 M
Salary year 1: 2.36 M
Comment: Former seahawks player, was trade to seahawks after his sophomore season and he's coming back, he doesn't have the height but has the speed, a very underrated WR, have posted almost 1600 yards and 12 TD with KC during last 2 seasons, with a high avg by catch he's a deep treat, Rodany and the Chiefs likely happy to have the speedster back to the team, he'll play there during next 5 seasons, unless gets traded.The cost is good for the first seasons, for the final2 i think he'll be cut or traded.
Player: James Hardy
Position: WR
Age: 32
Years: 3
Total contract: 13.2 M
Total bonus 2.67 M
Salary year 1: 3.53 M
Comment: A former 1.2 pick and SB champion, he's 6"5 so even without the prime speed,he used to have, he's still a decent target specially at redzone, has football skills with 91 awr and 90 catch, the agility and acceleration are a bit low and could be a motive of doubts, his last 2 seasons with Vikings were good, and at 2015 had a 1751 yards season with 12 TD, he's the kind of veteran can help a team winning, 3 seasons contract for a 32 yo player is not common as they often receive only 1 year so wonder whats the plan Chiefs have on mind, as final note he's a mentor, if KC drafts a WR at 1.7 he could mentor him.
Player: Alex Smith
Position: QB
Age: 34
Years: 5
Total contract: 107 M
Total bonus 44 M
Salary year 1: 17 M
Comment: The record man, no single FA have received as much money as him, well specially cause we just added Max+ contracts to league, former Seahawks QB took the team to SB, he has lost his thp, but keeps a high 96 tha with 96 awr, that's enough for being the best backup of the league or a top line starter, he's also a mentor, something Rodany was looking, considering how mentors cost 1 1st, i'm a bit surprised he didn't get more money or offers, i was on the run for him, then Rod and Kevin jumped in and i couldn't fight that money war, the fact he can accept a 5 years contract helps a lot as he will be pay year 1 and likely year 2, for then retire and that money will never be pay, yeah 17 M is a lot of monet, but if have it, and Chiefs do, there's no better way to spend it, that getting a franchise QB.
Team: Indianapolis Colts
Number of FA: 1
Total money spent: 5 M
Total 1st year salaries : 5 M
Total bonus spent 1 M
Player: David Irons
Position: CB
Age: 34
Years: 1
Total contract: 5 M
Total bonus 1 M
Salary year 1: 5 M
Comment: The only FA sign for a Colts team that is focus at draft and trades, living a rebuild and testing new things, Breck is an excellent GM and will find ways to keep his Colts competitive even with a young QB under center, i do see this signing as a move for get a mentor, cause Irons have lost his abilities to play, now, he was the lowest OVR CB able to mentor, so makes sense going after him, but 5 M seems as a big price to pay, given better CB's went for a similar price range.
Team: Dallas Cowboys
Number of FA: 3
Total money spent: 32.25 M
Total 1st year salaries : 4.72 M
Total bonus spent 12.85 M
Player: Dezmen Southward
Position: SS
Age: 25
Years: 5
Total contract: 6.5 M
Total bonus 2.6 M
Salary year 1: 0.95 M
Comment: An underrated SS with 6"0 and 90 speed, he won't take the starter spot for Cowboys but he provides a safety net at the position, that tend to have many injuries, the salary is very low paying only 6.5 during 5 seasons, the team had to pay a 6th round compensation to the Jaguars for the services of Dezmen, a price that seems fair for what he brings to the table, contrary to the ealier seasons Champa Tampa moves, he knows focus in manage his money in a better way and get his talent via draft / trades, imposible to question the Champion method
Player: Dakota Dozier
Position: lg
Age: 25
Years: 5
Total contract: 15.9 M
Total bonus 6.35 M
Salary year 1: 2.33 M
Comment: Another low money move, that brings back a familiar face to the team, if im not mistaken Dozier was Cowboys ME, so that allowed them to retain him for the miminun salary, he's a solid football player, but the 55 spd and the word compensation likely scared away any posible competition at the ME, i think he'll be an excellent backup OL, i have my doubts thinking that a such talented team as Cowboys won't draft a more athletic player, so i see the move as a safety blank.
Player: Michael Schofield
Position: LG
Age: 25
Years: 5
Total contract: 9.85 M
Total bonus 3.9 M
Salary year 1: 1.44 M
Comment: I don't think i've talked about this player and maybe never does again, but his name sounds like Prison Break protagonist, i'm sure was written in a different way but the sound is similar, he has the athletic abilities, and decent block skills, but he'll remain as a backup OL, the fact he haven't had a single pancake over 4 seasons confirm that, yeah he's only 25 yo but his learning curve is beyond fix. Drafted at 2.30, was one of those picks, all the teams have, taking a player and just not being able to find a spot as starters, bringing him back i saw it as a move of, well at least he'll stay as a cheap depth.
Team: Miami Dolphins
Number of FA: 1
Total money spent: 10.8 M
Total 1st year salaries : 2.77 M
Total bonus spent 3 M
Player: Justin Miller
Position: CB
Age: 34
Years: 3
Total contract: 10.8 M
Total bonus 3 M
Salary year 1: 2.77 M
Comment: Similar case to Colts, Dolphins only got 1 sign and was a mentor CB, last season Miami drafted a very solid group of CB, so was a logic move to try and grab a mentor via FA, the sign for 3 years i think is predicting a retirement before the completion of contract, and that way having a lower salary for current season. I don't think Miller can perform anymore with that speed, but he was hired for teaching purpose, i think for Awuzie
Team: Philadelphia Eagles
Number of FA: 1
Total money spent: 7.11 M
Total 1st year salaries : 2.04 M
Total bonus spent 0.84 M
Player: Kendall James
Position: CB
Age: 27
Years: 3
Total contract: 7.11 M
Total bonus 0.84 M
Salary year 1: 2.04 M
Comment: Drafted at 3rd round by eagles, he only played his first season and last one, he registered 2 interceptions so that convinced the coaches team, that now under a new GM former SB Champ Peter Fenger (Good luck Peter), James seems to be a player that will play a secondary role as nickel or dime CB, he doesn't have the attributes for a key role, the price was cheap and will be on the team for the next 3 seasons. This move doesn't tell us much about draft plans by Eagles, that joining the big day with multiple options.
Team: Atlanta Falcons
Number of FA: 6
Total money spent: 69.89 M
Total 1st year salaries : 27.18 M
Total bonus spent 19.65 M
Player: Spencer Long
Position: RG
Age: 26
Years: 5
Total contract: 26.16 M
Total bonus 5.7 M
Salary year 1: 3.4 M
Comment: Spencer Long, originally drafted by Seahawks and then traded to Falcons have been the starter for the last 2 seasons, and he'll be coming back with a new 5 years contract, he was declared as the ME of Atlanta, only 26 yo, with high blocks and decent awr, he's likely to keep his role as starter as long as his contract, so that rule out Falcons on the race for a RG, OL requires a group of 5 players, so that alone doesn't help us to predict what Falcons will do at draft, but glad they were able to retain Long, he's a very solid player. The contract of 26 M is cheap for a 90 ovr player at the position.
Player: Chris Boswell
Position: K
Age: 28
Years: 3
Total contract: 9 M
Total bonus 3.6 M
Salary year 1: 2.55 M
Comment: Right after FA kickoff i made a meme about Boswell receiving a max offer, that was mainly cause the position and how crazy that would be, but he was one of the big fishes of the FA window, high KPW of 95, max KAC of 99 and an almost perfect production, probably helps that he plays at least 9 games per season in a dome but haven't miss a FG last 2 seasons, and have only missed 4 fg at his carrer, he also have solid Touchbacks numbers, K in a non premium position but he was one of the best players available, and the contract he received was relative cheap, i'm sure almost all league would pay him 9 M in 3 years, very well played your cards there Garth
Player: David Buehler
Position: K
Age: 31
Years: 1
Total contract: 3 M
Total bonus 1.2 M
Salary year 1: 3 M
Comment: Better be safe than sorry, Falcons played safe here, likely were expecting losing Boswell, and wanted to have a plan B, K is one of those position where having depth is unnecesary, never see the field and the ammount of injuries is minimal, he could net some late pick in the trade market, but would come with a 1.2 M Penalty cap, it'll depend much on how their salary looks like, but i guess they'll avoid the penalty cap whenever is posible. Can bet Falcons not drafting a Kicker
Player: Demarco Murray
Position: HB
Age: 30
Years: 1
Total contract: 4.2 M
Total bonus 1.65 M
Salary year 1: 4.2 M
Comment: I think i mentioned at Discord how i was interested in see who got Demarco Murray, and Falcons did steal an excellent 1 season veteran, Tom Collins also questioned how he got to FA, and more than that im kind of surprised he only got a 4.2 M offer, a runningback have been traded for 1st round picks and that still have 1 season of solid game couldn't net a better offer, i wonder if some teams thought 3 contract year was necesary, or maybe the market at the position is low, we never know. He won't last at team longer than this season so the option to draft HB is still there but i doubt will be on a high round pick. Another excellent pickup
Player: Roosevelt Nix
Position: FB
Age: 26
Years: 5
Total contract: 15.53 M
Total bonus 3.2 M
Salary year 1: 2.03 M
Comment: Former 3rd round pick by Redskins, he hit FA market with only 26 yo, is very hard to retain Fullbacks, and they often hit FA, is a position that many teams consider secondary, the performance of Nix have been solid, and he has above average attributes, is a bit short at only 5"11 but is fast and strong, he should help to boost a rush attack that gerring stronger, another solid pick, salary is a bit high for a FB, but he worth it.
Player: Derek Cox
Position: CB
Age: 31
Years: 1
Total contract: 12 M
Total bonus 4 M
Salary year 1: 12 M
Comment: I was looking for reports about Cox race, and no one gave me any information, maybe i should go back to placing an offer at every FA for get some intel, kidding, or not, jokes aside, he's one if not my favorite FA sign, Garth and Falcons imo had the best pre-draft FA window,added talent, without compromise the future with long terms and much money contracts, they went after top targets at veteran spots, that can help Garth to keep his job safe, and Falcons will be very dangerous will all the talent they got. I'm a bit surprised that Cox did hit FA, i'm happy after all, now doesn't have to play him twice per year, but the talent is still there and even paying 12 M is an steal for Falcons.
Team: New York Giants
Number of FA: 1
Total money spent: 20.1 M
Total 1st year salaries : 5.67 M
Total bonus spent 7.68 M
Player: Chris Long
Position: LE
Age: 32
Years: 3
Total contract: 20.1 M
Total bonus 7.68 M
Salary year 1: 5.67 M
Comment: Romeo didn't overthink things, he got his elite CB via trade and decided not to spend money on this FA round, he'll likely waiting for after draft before drop the money. Long is one of the best DE's of league history, 87 awr and 91 tak are very hard to get, so no surprise he was ME, but also was going to be difficult someone did offer a 2nd or 1st for him, likely a 1st cause game do ask for much money at the position with high awr, i'm curious about the reasoning of 3 years contract, Giants likely thinking that even when lose his speed, he'll be smart enough for beat OL. They got him for cheap last season and keeping him 3 more seasons, nice move.
Team: Jacksonville Jaguars
Number of FA: 5
Total money spent: 63.01 M
Total 1st year salaries : 17.27 M
Total bonus spent 12.33 M
Player: Andre Caldwell
Position: WR
Age: 32
Years: 3
Total contract: 14.13 M
Total bonus 2.37 M
Salary year 1: 3.87 M
Comment: A vikings legend, one of the most productive WR at league history, even not being very tall he used to be a clutch player, i remember watching multiple Minnesota games and he saving the team with a long catch, specially on his first 4 season he had and insane TD ratio. Joining Jaguars to provide an smart target for an already developed Winston, 91 spd, 95 awr and 88 cth, are still excellent numbers, even at 32 he still have gas on tank, he couldn't do much to help a Bills team without QB last season but he wants to prove still can ball.
Player: Sidney Rice
Position: WR
Age: 32
Years: 3
Total contract: 14.13 M
Total bonus 2.37 M
Salary year 1: 3.87 M
Comment: He have played for Colts, Titans and now Jaguars after playing all his career as a 49er and having some incredible seasons, as slot last season for Titans was a very reliable target and had 764 yards – 5 TD, excellent numbers for WR #3, 96 awr and 96 are very elite, his speed of 88, awful 75 agi and low acc of 86 makes him not look as sexy, but he still 6"4 and extremely smart, he can move the chains and appears at redzone, Jaguars looking for experience at the position, both WR were sign to 3 years and not just 1, so wondering what's the plan, they could still draft a WR, and i see that a realistic option, but they wanted to be covered if can't grab one.
Player: CJ Fiedorowicz
Position: TE
Age: 25
Years: 3
Total contract: 8.1 M
Total bonus 0.99 M
Salary year 1: 2.31 M
Comment: Another former 49ers player, he's 6"6 with 82 spd, and solid hands, also only 25 yo, He's a player than asking for an opportunity, he had a hard time at SF sharing position with an elite TE as Coby Fleener, TE is a position where having 2 or 3 quality players is always good, CJ not elite, but a solid grab and a improvement to current group, i think he'll be the starter next season
Player: Andre Woodson
Position: QB
Age: 32
Years: 3
Total contract: 20.55 M
Total bonus 5.01 M
Salary year 1: 5.56 M
Comment: Leaving Ainge and Smith aside, he was the realistic option for any team looking for a top backup, 1 point more of awr and he could've been a mentor, maybe he has progression saved?. Personally i was expecting a more aggresive bidding on him, so a 3 years – 20.55 M contract for Jags seems a reasonable and cheap price, the starter will be Winston, but if there's an injury Woodson will be one of the best backups QB at league.
Player: Josh Chapman
Position: DT
Age: 29
Years: 3
Total contract: 6.1 M
Total bonus 1.59 M
Salary year 1: 1.66 M
Comment: Josh Chapman is a low salary veteran, at 29 yo haven't register a single stat, and it's unlikely that he does here. He's very heavy, so maybe Jags looking for some size at goal line defense.
Team: Ny Jets
Number of FA: 4
Total money spent: 39.96 M
Total 1st year salaries : 6.24 M
Total bonus spent 13.7 M
Player: Khairi Fortt
Position: MLB
Age: 26
Years: 3
Total contract: 4.41 M
Total bonus 1.75 M
Salary year 1: 1.25 M
Comment: A late pick by Texans that moved to Colts, and then to Jets, team that re-signing him, he's a solid backup, he had potential to be more, very solid numbers around the attributes but he was victim of a loaded position, and even more if play for Jets. The cost of the sign is very low, so Kevin was smart grabbing him, better to have enough depth
Player: Avery Williamson
Position: MLB
Age: 25
Years: 5
Total contract: 8.45 M
Total bonus 3.35 M
Salary year 1: 1.23 M
Comment: So the goal of this article is: analyze what teams sign thinking at draft, and also discuss about it, keeping Williamson, only confirms that Jets will draft MLB at 1.12, Kevin is smart, he built a smokescreen, and he'll proceed to do what he loves more, drafting MLBs, very well player but i just spoiled your plans, Roquan Smith to Jets. Going back to Avery, i'm exremely surprised by how cheap he was, i mean 80 ovr had something to do, so makes you wonder if target a low strenght Mlb and then restructure could help financially, he has all the attributes to be above average and starter at many teams, except the strenght. Excellent player, but better co$t
Player: Terrance West
Position: HB
Age: 25
Years: 5
Total contract: 11 M
Total bonus 2.2 M
Salary year 1: 1.41 M
Comment: Terrance West comebacks to team too, basically the 3 Jets signs, were players comingback, and well, that means know them and trust them. West has solid attributes for an HB #2, Jets have an insane runningback at Todd Gurley at only 23 yo, they just need a capable backup, nothing spectacular, and that's exactly what West offers, also another cheap salary. Solid grab
Player: Chris Borland
Position: MLB
Age: 27
Years: 5
Total contract: 16.1 M
Total bonus 6.4 M
Salary year 1: 2.35 M
Comment: My eyes saw him, my brain just told me: there's no way Jets signed 3 MLB, i was told by Kevin about him, and indeed, it's confirmed the Jets are after MLB Roquan Smith, he already traded up for a pick and built the smokescreen, while we're playing cheekers, Kevin is playing Chess.
