Free Agency, Days Six and Seven

A day with less than ten signings? In that case I’ll do two days. I will also note that any analysis I have on the Peyton Manning signing will occur after he signs on the dotted line. Until then, nothing is set in stone.  

Seahawks sign QB Matt Flynn

The Seahawks signed quarterback Matt Flynn to a three-year deal worth up to $26 million dollars, $10 million of which is guaranteed.

Well, this was a somewhat surprising. I know that the feeling around Seattle is that the Seahawks needed to get themselves a franchise quarterback, but I thought the Seahawks didn’t need to press to get one.  This kind of feels like a move made out of pressure, not necessity. I also thought that Matt Flynn would only be an effective starter in the Joe Philbin or Mike McCarthy offenses. I question how effective he will be in the Pete Carroll offense.

Dolphins sign QB David Garrrard

The Dolphins signed quarterback David Garrard to a one-year contract.

At this point, the Dolphins were beyond desperate for a veteran quarterback. They lost out on both Peyton Manning and Matt Flynn, throwing them cleanly into the running for Ryan Tannenhill and having to get a veteran to hold down the fort while Tannenhill develops. Garrard made the most business sense because Alex Smith at the very least could drive up the price negotiating between the Dolphins and 49ers. I wish Garrard the best, since he didn’t deserve what happened to him in Jacksonville, but it’s not likely he’ll be given much of a chance to prove himself.

Jaguars sign CB Aaron Ross

The Jaguars have signed cornerback Aaron Ross to a three-year deal worth up to $15.3 million.

I generally like this move. While the Jaguars are comfortable with their top two cornerbacks in Derek Cox and Reshean Mathis, Ross can pay well as the nickel and has starting experience if the injury problems that Cox and Mathis have suffered creep up again. That kind of versatility can help and already very good defense become truly great.   

Jets sign S Laron Landry

The Jets signed safety Laron Landry to a one-year, $4 million dollar deal.

This move makes some sense, though not as much as some would think. Landry is a big hitter with a ton of range, but not a great playmaker. He would likely be a good upgrade over Eric Smith as a run-stuffer, however his back end pass coverage has not been great. He has the range, but for some reason has never really developed. Maybe he’ll do better in the blitz happy Rex Ryan scheme.

The Panthers sign RB Mike Tolbert

The Panthers signed running back Mike Tolbert to a four-year contract worth up to $8.4 million, including $2.7 million in guarantees.

This signing both makes sense and doesn’t make sense to me. I get where the Panthers are coming from. Head coach Ron Rivera is very familiar with Tolbert from his days in San Diego and he’s a much better value as a backup power back than Jonathan Stewart, who is becoming a free agent. Ideally, the Panthers would want to trade Stewart to a running back desperate team (Cleveland, Cincinnati, pay attention) and get something back for him before he leaves as a free agent. However, if they can’t trade him, would they just sit him out of stubbornness? Cut him and get nothing for his services? None of that makes sense to me. And on some level, you have to acknowledge the fact that Stewart is a much better player than Tolbert. The value you get with him just being himself makes up for whatever cost difference you could be afraid of incurring. This signing is only sensible if the Panthers can trade Stewart (they’d be stupid to consider trading DeAngelo Williams).

Bengals re-sign Reggie Nelson

The Bengals have re-signed starting safety Reggie Nelson to an undisclosed contract.

This signing makes a great deal of sense for the Bengals. Their defense played very well with Nelson at free safety and Nelson had one of his better seasons while with the Bengals. While they still need to improve on the back end, it’s unrealistic for them to try and replace both safeties in one offseason. Good move on both sides.

Broncos re-sign LB Joe Mays

The Broncos have re-signed linebacker Joe Mays to an undisclosed contract.

Mays a run-stuffing linebacker who plays well in the defensive system John Fox brought to Denver. The problem is that his doesn’t do much more than that. He’s coverage skills aren’t great and his overall awareness is lacking. The Broncos could do better, but they have other needs so hanging onto whomever they can is a good idea.  

Patriots sign TE Daniel Fells. WR Donte Stallworth, OG Robert Gallery, CB Marquis Cole

The Patriots agreed to a three-year contract with tight end Daniel Fells worth a maximum of $7 million. They also signed wide receiver Donte Stalworth to a one-year contract and offensive guard Robert Gallery to an undisclosed contract.

The logic of this move escapes me somewhat. It’s considered that Fells will be used more in locking situations while Aaron Hernandez is going to be used ore as a receiver. However, doing that makes the play calling a bit too obvious. I understand that Fells can also catch the ball fairly well, but it’s just not the same as having Hernandez on the field a lot like they did this season. I view thin in one of two ways. Either the Patriots are looking to develop another tight end to work as a third receiver in multiple tight end sets, or they may put Hernandez on the trading block. Fells isn’t nearly as good, but he’ also cheaper and can be worked in. For the Patriots, who seem hyper-focused on not over-paying for their players, I think that could be a move that they are considering.

The Donte Stallworth signing feels very much like a desperate attempt for the Patriots to get the band from 2007 back together. Stallworth hasn’t been a major impact player since that last season with the Patriots. Questions should remain about his speed, which was his one major asset as a player.

The Robert Gallery signing fits into what the Patriots like to do in terms of reclamation projects, but I wonder about how this move will work out. Not only is Gallery older, he seems to lack the ability to be a quality interior lineman outside of Oakland. He might be good as a stop gap playing opposite Logan Mankins, but I’m just not sure if he’s worth the investment at this point.

Marquis Cole is strictly a backup and special teamer. He shouldn’t be a major player in the defense, but could help the special teams.

Bills re-sign WR Derek Hagan

The Bills have re-signed wide receiver Derek Hagan to an undisclosed contract

Hagan is a special teams player with limited value as a receiver., though the Bills clearly like him as a depth player.

Lions re-sign P Ben Graham

The Lions have re-signed punter Ben Graham to a one-year deal.

Graham has been a quality punter in his time in the NFL. The Lions did the right things re-signing him.

Colt sign OG Mike McGlynn

The Colts signed offensive guard Mike McGlynn to an undisclosed contract.

McGlynn had a decent year with Cincinnati, but he’s not the best blocker in the world. He would be a nice stopgap, but the Colts should keep in mind that this is not a final solution, at least not if McGlynn doesn’t improve.

The Eagles sign OG Michael Gibson and OT Steve Vallos

The Eagles signed offensive guard Michael Gibson to a two-year contract while also picking up offensive tackle Steve Vallos on a one-year contract.

These were just moves to add depth to their offensive line. It’s doubtful either player will see more then special teams duty.

Raiders sign CB Shawntae Spencer

The Raiders have signed cornerback Shawntae Spencer to an undisclosed contract.

Much like the Ron Bartell signing, this is the Raiders desperately trying to reload after having to cut so many players. Spencer has starting experience, but was never great as a cover corner. This was a desperation move and it shows.

Vikings sign RB Lex Hilliard

The Vikings signed running back Lex Hilliard to an undisclosed contract.

Hilliard mostly a special teams guy but has some value as a third-down back. Not a major signing, but a good one for special teams.