Free Agency, Day Eleven

Eleven days of signings and things just keep on going.

Packers sign OC Jeff Saturday, DT Daniel Muir

The Packers signed offensive center Jeff Saturday and defensive tackle Daniel Muir to undisclosed deals.

These were interesting, though sensible moves by the Packers. They needed help along the defensive line so grabbing a player like Muir made sense, though how much help he’ll be is yet to be seen. The Saturday signing though is going to be interesting to watch. Saturday has played his entire career in one offense and how able he’ll be to adjust to the Mike McCarthy offense is going to be key to whether or not this move works out.

Broncos sign TEs Joel Dressen, Jacob Tamme

The Broncos signed tight ends Joel Dressen and Jacob Tamme Friday. Tamme’s contract as for three-years and worth $9 million dollars with $3.5 million guaranteed, while Dressen’s contract terms were undisclosed.

I definitely like these signings. The Broncos are continuing to load up on offensive weapons for Peyton Manning and allow themselves to focus on building their defense through the draft. Dressen I’m not so much a fan of, but he’s been productive when given the opportunity. Tamme’s value is clear when you consider how productive he was when subbing for an injured Dallas Clark in Indy two years ago. These were good signings.

Patriots sign FB Spencer Larsen

The Patriots signed fullback Spencer Larsen to a two-year contract.

This is yet another in the long-line of Patriot moves to sign cast offs from other teams. Larsen will provide value as a blocker a special teamer. They may also look at him as a potential backup linebacker given his experience in that role in college.

Colts acquire QB Drew Stanton from Jets

The Colts acquired quarterback Drew Stanton and a seventh-round pick from the Jets for a sixth round pick.

Well, this had to happen. After the Jets acquired Tim Tebow from the Broncos, they really needed to off load the backup they signed earlier in the season. While Stanton won’t get a chance to start in Indianapolis, he should be a quality backup to likely starting quarterback Andrew Luck.

Ravens sign CB Corey Graham, S Sean Considine, re-sign LB Brendon Ayanbadejo, LB Jameel McClain

The Ravens signed cornerback Corey Graham to a two-year deal and safety Sean Considine to a one-year deal. They also re-signed linebackers Brendon Ayanadejo and Jameel McClain. McClain’s contract is for three-years and worth $10.5 million.

The Ravens got busy in a big way and made a great move in re-signing Jameel McClain. McClain, who has been starting next to Ray Lewis the last few years, was key to get back. Now they’ll have a core player on the defense around for the next few years while they’re transition from Ray Lewis to the next generation.

Ayanbadejo, Considine and Graham all add depth to the defense and special teams units. All have good value in those roles and were necessary. Especially in Considine’s case, as the Ravens have lost both of their top backups at safety.

Colts sign WR Donnie Avery

The Colts signed wide receiver Donne Avery to an undisclosed contract Friday.

I generally like Donnie Avery as a receiver, so normally I’d like this signing immensely. However, with Avery’s injury history and seeming inability to get on the field, makes it difficult for me to say that this was a good signing. Should he be able to get on the field and be productive, then it was a wise signing. Otherwise, it really doesn’t change anything.

Bengals sign DEs Derrick Harvey, Jamaal Anderson, re-sign OT Anthony Collins

The Bengals have signed defensive ends Derrick Harvey and Jamaal Anderson and re-signed offensive tackle Anthony Collins to undisclosed deals.

Given the losses of Frostee Rucker and Jonathan Fanene, it feels like the signings of Derrick Harvey and Jamaal Anderson were necessary. Both are first-round busts, but both still have talent and could breakout with the Bengals. At the least they’ll provide depth.

I like the re-signing of Anthony Collins. He’s been their top backup offensive lineman for the past couple of years. He’s got starting experience at both guard and right tackle, though he’ll likely be slotted to a guard position. With the losses of Nate Livings and Mike McGlynn, the Bengals need as much help as they can get on the interior.

Vikings re-sign LB Erin Henderson, WR Devin Aromashodu

The Vikings re-signed linebacker Erin Henderson to a one-year deal worth $2 million and wide receiver Devin Aromashodu to a one-year deal.

Both of these signings take a lot of sense. Erin Henderson played well in his first year as a starter, so it made sense that the Vikings would want him back. But they didn’t need to over-pay him or commit long-term on the basis on one-starting season.

I also like the re-signing of Devin Aromashodu. While he’s hardly a starting caliber wide receiver, his big size and good speed makes him an excellent sub package receiver and red zone threat. On a team that lacks a large number of receiving threats, having a big red zone option is a big deal.

Falcons re-sign LS Joe Zelenka

The Falcons re-signed long snapper Joe Zelenka to an undisclosed contract.

I like signings like this. Every time a team re-signs key specia teams players, I think they’ve got a good idea of how important the special teamers are to team success. The Falcons did the right thing by re-signing Zelenka.

Seahawks sign RB Kregg Lumpkin

The Seahawks signed running back Kregg Lumpkin Friday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Lumpkin purely a special teamer and occasional third-down back, and he’s likely to play in that kind of a role should he make the team out of training camp.

Saints sign LB Chris Chamberlain

The Saints signed linebacker Chris Chamberlain to a three-year contract.

Chamberlain has been a quality special teamer and backup linebacker for the Rams. He has good speed and should workout well as a nickel linebacker, maybe even push for a starting job on the outside. I like this signing.