Free agency, Days 23-24

Two major signings in two days. Let’s dive right in.

Ravens extend CB Lardarius Webb

The Ravens signed cornerback Lardarius Webb to a six-year contract extension worth $50 million dollars with $10 million of it guaranteed on Thursday.

Ozzie Newsome is always ahead of the curve it seems like. He always finds good players in the draft, allows them to develop and when they do, will give them a big contract commiserate with their skill level. That’s this signing in a nutshell. Webb had a great year and the Ravens have faith that he’ll continue to excel for years to come. I love this move.

Eagles sign OT Demetress Bell

The Eagles signed offensive tackle Demetress (formerly Demetrius) Bell to a five-year contract on Wednesday. The financial terms of the deal were not released. 

The Eagles needed to get a deal done with an experienced left tackle other than King Dunlap. Bell has experience but has never really gotten the most out of that experience in Buffalo. Granted, he’s not there to replace Peters long-term, he’s only there to replace Peters for this year and then may be moved to right tackle. We’ll see what happens there, but for this year, I like the signing.

Chargers re-signed DE Luis Castillo, sign WR Michael Spurlock

The Chargers re-signed defensive end Luis Castillo to a one year deal worth a maximum of $2 million dollars on Wednesday. They also signed wide receiver/returner Michael Spurlock.

I really like the fact that Chargers got Castillo back. Castillo is a solid3-4 defensive end and has been a rock on their defensive line for years. I understand why they cut him before free agency, but getting him back to me was the bigger move. Signing Spurlock feels a lot like the Parrish signing from the other day. He doesn’t offer much as a receiver, but he has good kick return abilities. It really does show how much they miss Darren Sproles when they have to sign two players to take his place as a returner, ignoring his impact offensively.

Bears sign CB Kelvin Hayden, Jonathan Wilhite

The Bears signed cornerbacks Kelvin Hayden and Jonathan Wilhite to one year deals on Thursday.

The Bears are really concerned with building their secondary, at east that what these moves tell me. Hayden is a solid nickel back who can start in a pinch while Whilhite is purely a special teamer. I generally like the additions, though it doesn’t help the Bears long term.

Colt sign DL Brandon McKinney

The Colts signed defensive lineman Brandon McKinney to a two-year deal on Wednesday.

McKinney played in Pagano’s defensive system in Baltimore so he should be able to help any of the Colts defensive carry-over players adjust to the new scheme. I also like the value he offers as a run-stuffing defensive tackle.

Patriots sign LB Bobby Carpenter

The Patriots signed linebacker Bobby Carpenter to an undisclosed contract on Thursday.

Given the Patriots defensive problems this signing makes sense, but I can’t say it’s a good signing. Carpenter has just bounced around too much for me to think he’ll be a major upgrade as an interior linebacker with Patriots. He’s also proven to be a better 4-3 outside linebacker than a 3-4 inside linebacker so, that’s also in play here.

Texans re-signed S Quinton Demps

The Texans re-signed safety Quintin Demps to an undisclosed contract on Thursday.

Demps is a solid player coming off the bench and has return ability, so he’s a good value signing. I like this decision.

Dolphins sign S Tyrell Johnson

The Dolphins signed safety Tyrell Johnson to an undisclosed contract on Thursday.

The Dolphins are looking for someone to replace Yeremiah Bell if they can’t re-sign him. Johnson was a top pick of the Vikings, but never lived up to expectations. He might be able to get a fresh start in Miami. He’ll at least be a solid special teamer.

Vikings sign CB Chris Carr

The Vikings signed cornerback Chris Carr to an undisclosed contract on Wednesday.

Carr is a decent cornerback, but is a better returner than defender. That being said, the Vikings need as a much help in the secondary as they can get, and with Percy Harvin undergoing shoulder surgery, they could use a good kick returner.

Panthers sign S Reggie Smith

The Panthers signed safety Reggie Smith to an undisclosed contract on Wednesday.

Smith has been a decent backup safety for the 49ers and should be a good nickel back and special teamer for the Panthers. I generally like this signing.

Cardinals re-sign P Dave Zastudil, sign S James Sanders

The Cardinals re-signed punter Dave Zastudil to a two-year deal on Wednesday. Financial terms were not disclosed. They also signed safety James Sanders to an undisclosed contract.

Zastudil had a good year so it made sense that the Cardinals would want him back. They got him for a good length of time considering his age.

Sanders is a decent backup safety with good range and hitting ability. He should fill-in well if Kerry Rhodes or Adrian Wilson get hurt at any point.

Chiefs re-sign CB Travis Daniels

The Chiefs re-signed cornerback Travis Daniels to an undisclosed contract on Wednesday.

Daniels played mostly as a special teamer and replacement dime back. He’s not likely to play another role with the Chiefs this year.