Day four of free agency was all about established veterans finding new homes and the right fits. The players are still winning this offseason by getting more money then is deserving in most cases, but this is what free agency is: overspending.
Colts sign WR Hakeem Nicks (1 years, $3.5 million):
Andrew Luck must be ecstatic with this signing and his new weapon. Nicks signs a one year “prove it” deal to prove that he can regain the form of his earlier career. Nicks will be a great compliment to Reggie Wayne and T.Y. Hilton while not having too much money tied up in any receiver.
Grade: A-
Ravens sign WR Steve Smith (3 years, $11M; $3.5M guaranteed):
Oh boy is this a bad contract for the Ravens, but Steve Smith must be laughing his way to the bank. Smith was highly sought after, but he doesn’t really bring much to the table. He hasn’t been a legitimate number one receiver in years and had a mediocre year in 2013. I don’t like the money, but if he preforms up to the contract the Ravens are scary.
Grade: C-
Eagles extend RB Darren Sproles (3 years, $10.5 million):
Love the Eagles trading for Sproles, but I don't love the extension they offered him. Sproles will start to decline at doe point during this deal and may not be worth half this money when he does. Sproles plays his position better than anyone, but how long can he play to the level he is accustomed to.
Grade: C+
Packers re-sign NT B.J. Raji (1 year, $4 million):
Raji had a great season when the Packers won the Super Bowl, but has started to decline since. This is interesting because he should be hitting his physical prime at this time. Nonetheless this is a great deal for both sides that could pay hide dividend for Raji if he returns to form.
Grade: B+
Jaguars sign DE Jason Babin (3 years, $7.06M; $500K guaranteed):
Another great deal on the Jacksonville line as they re-sign Babin after he voided his contract days ago. Babin’s deal is only $500K and the rest is purely incentive based which makes it easy for the Jaguars to let Babin go if he falls off talent wise. These prove it deals are becoming a trend.
Grade: B+
Tennessee Titans sign LB Wesley Woodyard (4 years, $16M; $4,75M guaranteed):
Woodley was my top OLB in free agency and he finds his way to Nashville to play ILB. Woodyard will find it easier to play inside in Ray Horton’s hybrid scheme and if he can stay healthy and committed he will rerun to form. Woodyard’s deal is front loaded and relatively cheap so you have to credit the Titans here.
Grade: B
Good Deals:
Raiders sign DE/DT Antonio Smith (2 years, $9 million): A
Raiders sign CB Tarell Brown (1 years, $3.5 million): A
Cardinals sign RB Jonathan Dwyer (1 years, $790K; $500K bonus): B+
Titans sign OT Michael Oher (4 years, $20M; $9.5M guaranteed): B-
Buccaneers sign C/G Evan Dietrich-Smith (4 years, $14.25M; $7.25M guaranteed): B+
Jets sign OT Breno Giacomini (4 years, $18M; $7M guaranteed): B
49ers sign S Antoine Bethea (4 years, $26M; $5M bonus): B-
Falcons re-sign C Joe Hawley (2 years, $6.5M; $3M guaranteed): B-
Bills sign ILB Brandon Spikes (1 years, $3.25M): B
Bad Deals:
Chiefs sign DE/DT Vance Walker (3 years, $13M; $3.75M guaranteed): C-
Dolphins sign CB Cortland Finnegan (2 years, $11 million): D
Giants sign C J.D. Walton (2 years, $5M; $3M guaranteed): C+
Redskins sign DE/DT Jason Hatcher (4 years, $27.5M; $10.5M guaranteed): C+
Where do you think the remaining free agents are heading? Tell us @SportsWN
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