Free Agency, Days17-20

After a few days off, let’s catch up with the signings from the past four days.

Panthers acquire OT Bruce Campbell for RB Mike Goodson

The Panthers traded running back Mike Goodson for offensive tackle Bruce Campbell on Friday.

I’m not willing to say there was a winner in this trade, but I can’t say there was a loser either. The Raiders definitely needed a backup running back to cover for when Darren McFadden either needs a blow or gets

hurt, but Goodson has had a fumbling problem in the past so it’s a risky pickup. However, Goodson has shown that he can pile up yards in a hurry and has some value as a returner. When you consider that and the fact that Bruce Campbell has seen minimal time and was not going to work his way into the starting lineup in Oakland. The Panthers did need offensive line help but I’m just not sure how much Campbell can help that. Whether or not the Panthers got a good deal with depend on whether or not Campbell develops.

Chargers re-sign DT Antonio Garay

The Chargers re-signed defensive tackle Antonio Garay to a two-year deal on Thursday.

The Chargers needed to get this deal done. Garay has been the closest the Chargers have come to replacing Jamal Williams. With question marks still existing at defensive end, the Chargers needed to hang on to their best defensive lineman. I like this signing.

Broncos re-sign DE Jason Hunter

The Broncos re-signed defensive end Jason Hunter to an undisclosed contract Thursday.

Jason Hunter is a decent depth defensive end and Robert Ayers is far from a guaranteed starter. Hunter is not the answer at end, but he’ll work well rotating with Ayers and holding down a spot whiel the Broncos look for a young guy to complement Elvis Dumervil.

Eagles re-sign OT King Dunlap

The Eagles re-signed offensive tackle King Dunlap to a one-year deal Friday.

After finding out about the injury to Jason Peters, this signing makes sense. Dunlap is familiar with the offensive system and the coaching staff likes him. He’s not going to replace Jason Peters long-term, but he’ll work as a stop-gap option while the Eagles look for a better option to fill-in for Peters.

Packers sign DL Anthony Hargrove 

The Packers signed defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove to an undisclosed contract Thursday.

Hargrove has bounced around because of off-the-field issues and poor performance. When he plays well, he’s a decent depth player, but I’m not excited for this move at all. He just runs too hot and cold for me.

Panthers re-sign DE/LB Antwan Applewhite

The Panthers re-signed defensive end/linebacker Antwan Applewhite to a one-year deal on Friday.

Applewhite is a guy Ron Rivera likes a lot, which is why he got re-signed. He has enough speed and quickness to bring some pressure off the edge, but not enough to be a starter. He’ll be a decent depth player.

Raiders sign LB Philip Wheeler

The Raiders signed linebacker Philip Wheeler to a one-year deal on Friday.

Wheeler is athletic and has been a decent starter for the Colts, though it hardly shows in the defensive rankings of the Colt for that time period. He should slide into Kamerion Wimbley’s spot decently for the time being, though he’s not likely to provide the blitz pressure that Wimbley did. This was a decent signing.

Rams sign OG Robert Turner

The Rams signed offensive guard Robert Turner to an undisclosed deal on Friday.

Turner is purely a depth player and couldn’t break through with the Jets. I don’t think he’ll be anything more with the Rams.

Texans sign P Donnie Jones

The Texans signed punter Donnie Jones to a two-year deal on Thursday.

Jones is a solid punter with experience which definitely helps the Texans special teams. Given the effectiveness of the defense, a punter with Jones ability could easily make up for a lot of the pressure lost when Mario Williams left in free agency. I like this signing.