Pre-free Agencies Signings

The Jets extend QB Mark Sanchez, re-signs DT Sione Pouha

Late on Friday night, while the Redskins and Rams were agreeing to a blockbuster trade that changes the face of the upcoming draft, the Jets announced that they signed quarterback Mark Sanchez to a three-year contract extension worth approximately 40.5 million dollars. This move came as a surprise to a lot of people, because it was thought that Sanchez would have one more year before the Jets gave up on him.

The question becomes whether or not this is a good signing, it really depends on where you stand on quarterback development. If you think that a quarterback generally shows what he’s capable off in his first three years, then you think this was a stupid signing. If you believe that quarterbacks are constantly evolving and changing their games, then you can understand why they did this after Peyton Manning rebuffed them. I fall into the latter category. While I’m no fan of Mark Sanchez, he’s worked well within the Jets system, especially when they focus on running the ball. He did lead them to two AFC Championship games and he could easily get back to that if he has a bit of a bounce back year. Ultimately, the Jets made a prudent move, but a risky move. Sanchez’s contract isn’t cap prohibitive so it wouldn’t be had for the Jets to let him walk if they need to, but they are doing the right thing in giving him another chance to show he’s the guy.

The Jets made a somewhat quieter but still very intelligent move on Monday in re-signing defensive tackle Sione Pouha to a three-year contract. Pouha led the Jets defensive line in tackles with 58 last year. He’s also played the nose tackle spot excellently the past three years, filling in well when Kris Jenkins missed two straight years with knee injuries before taking over full-time after Jenkins retired. He’s been solid in the middle of the Jets defensive lineup and it was a good move to keep him in place.

The 49ers sign WR Randy Moss, re-sign CB Trumaine Brock

The 49ers made one of the biggest, if not significant moves this offseason by signing Randy Moss to a one-year contract Sunday. Moss reportedly still has the speed to be a dominant deep threat and big time red zone target. That being said, he’s still 35 years old and most likely on his last legs in the NFL. On a one-year contract, the 49ers are protected from him doing anything that could seriously hurt the team in the long –term. At best, he can give the 49ers a good deep option for one year.

They also re-signed backup cornerback Trumaine Brock to a one-year deal. Brock was the originally the nickel corner, but lost the job after being injured and Chris Culliver won it. Still, the team thought highly enough of brock to have him as their nickel corner and as a key special teams player. Those are the kinds of players you like to have filling out the roster.

The Falcons sign LB Lofa Tatupu

The Falcon signing linebacker Lofa Tatupu to a two-year, 5.75 million dollar deal was a prudent move, though it could mean the end for Curtis Lofton in Atlanta. Given the difficulties that Atlanta has had in getting Lofton re-signed, getting a solid replacement ahead of time would make letting him walk a little bit easier. Tatupu has suffered injury issues the last three years he was playing in Seattle. Following being released by Seattle late last year, he spent the entire year recovering from a knee injury. With a year of recuperation behind him, he could return to the three-time Pro Bowler that he was in his early career with Seattle.

The Vikings re-sign QB Sage Rosenfels

The Vikings made a wise decision re-signing Sage Rosenfels to a two-year contract on Sunday. Rosenfels is a solid backup with starter ability when he’s giving the opportunity. That’s exactly the kind of backup you want to have when you are relying on a young quarterback like Christian Ponder to lead your team. Rosenfels can step in and play well in spurts. He’s a solid security blanket for the Vikings.