Free Agent Frenzy
Added on Mar 14, 2012 by Scott in
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It didn’t take long for the wheeling and dealing to start once the 2012 NFL free agency period got underway yesterday at 4pm. A flurry of signings and trades in the last 24 hours pulled several of the big name players off the market, but it’s still early on in the process. A few teams made big splashes, while others stayed quiet in the bidding wars. Here’s a review of all the moves that transpired.
Megatron gets mega deal – The Lions made Calvin Johnson the highest-paid wide receiver in league history by rewarding him a whopping 8-year, $130 million extension. The game’s most dominating pass catcher has scored 49 touchdowns in five seasons and he’s only 26 years old.
Bucs break the bank – Tampa Bay ignored free agency in 2011, which resulted in a disappointing 4-12 campaign. Armed with a stack of cap space, they learned from past mistakes and and inked wide receiver Vincent Jackson, guard Carl Nicks and cornerback Eric Wright to multi-year contracts, thus filling positions of need.
Reunited in Chicago – The Bears search for a number one receiver is over. Chicago traded a pair of third-round draft picks to Miami in exchange for Brandon Marshall. The deal reunites Marshall and quarterback Jay Cutler, who hooked up for 206 receptions in 2007 and 2008 while members of the Broncos.
Deja vu in Washington – Redskins owner Daniel Snyder has never been shy this time of year. Especially when it comes to overpaying for average wide receivers. Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan are the latest to take advantage of Snyder’s generosity.
Colston stays put – The Saints weren’t willing to let Marques Colston bolt to a division or conference rival, so they locked him up with a 5-year, $40 million extension, thus securing one of Drew Brees’ favorite targets.
New guy in San Diego – Vinnie Jackson out, Robert Meachem in. The Chargers are hoping the speedy but inconsistent playmaker will shine in an expanded role. His most productive season came in 2009 when he caught 45 passes for 722 yards and nine touchdowns.
Wayne gets “Lucky” – In a mildly surprising move, the Colts and Reggie Wayne agreed to a three-year contract that will keep the veteran receiver in Indy. Would-be top pick Andrew Luck should be pleased.
Rams get defensive – St. Louis has needs all over the roster, but one of the most glaring was filled with the signing of ex-Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan, who brings his aggressive bump ‘n run style to a depleted secondary.
Eagles look inward – Rather than repeat last summer’s spending spree, the Eagles instead extended a pair of key veterans. Starting right tackle Todd Herremans and defensive end Trent Cole both received lucrative extensions. They also shipped offensive tackle Winston Justice and a sixth-round pick to the Colts in exchange for their sixth-round pick in April.
