Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Packer Plus
Williams now highest paid offensive lineman
The San Francisco 49ers locked up their biggest potential free agent for the long term by agreeing to give star left tackle Trent Williams the richest contract ever for an offensive lineman.
Williams' agents at Elite Loyalty Sports say the deal agreed to March 17 will pay Williams $138.1 million over the next six years, surpassing the $138 million deal David Bakhtiari got from Green Bay during last season. Williams also will get the biggest signing bonus ever for an offensive lineman at $30.1 million, as well as $55.1 million guaranteed.
The contract is a staggering reward for Williams, who sat out the entire 2019 season in Washington over a dispute with the front office before reviving his career in San Francisco.
He showed a few signs of rust early but quickly got back to his usual form and earned his eighth Pro Bowl selection. Williams was graded as the top left tackle by Pro Football Focus and is now being paid that way as well.
Cardinals sign Green, trade for Hudson: The Arizona Cardinals made a pair of big offseason moves, adding seven-time Pro Bowl receiver A.J. Green on a one-year deal and trading for three-time Pro Bowl center Rodney Hudson.
The Cardinals acquired Hudson and a seventh-round pick in the upcoming draft from the Raiders and will send a third-round pick back to Las Vegas. Terms of Green's deal were not disclosed.
The 32-year-old Green has played nine seasons in the NFL, all for the Cincinnati Bengals. He made the Pro Bowl in each of his first seven seasons from 2011-17. Green missed the entire 2019 season with an ankle injury but returned in 2020 and caught 47 passes for 523 yards and two touchdowns.
With the Cardinals, Green will team with DeAndre Hopkins, who caught 115 passes for 1,407 yards and six touchdowns last year. Arizona is still waiting for word if receiver Larry Fitzgerald will return for his 18th season or retire.
Bills sign veteran receiver: The Buffalo Bills reached an agreement to sign free agent receiver Emmanuel Sanders in a move that restores experienced depth to their passing attack. The agreement is pending Sanders passing a physical, and was announced shortly after the NFL's signing period opened.
Sanders, who turned 34 Wednesday, is an 11-year veteran preparing to join his fourth team in three years after spending last season in New Orleans.
Veteran cornerback joins Washington: Washington dipped into the free agent pool and spent significant money to fill a void at cornerback.
The team reached an agreement to sign William Jackson to a contract worth $42 million over three years with $26 million of the deal guaranteed, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.
Elsewhere:
Cleveland might have found a gem in Rams safety John Johnson III. The 25-year-old play-maker is a strong run defender who had four interceptions in 2018 and has eight over a career spanning 48 starts. His three-year deal with the Browns reportedly is valued at $33.75 million, with $24 million guaranteed.
San Francisco re-signed 29-yearold cornerback Jason Verrett for one year. He has been plagued by injuries throughout his career but stayed healthy in 2020 and excelled for the 49ers.
The 49ers also agreed on a five-year, $27 million contract with Kyle Juszczyk that will make him the highest paid fullback in the NFL.
Baltimore agreed with guard Kevin Zeitler, 31, on a three-year, $22 million contract. Zeitler, a former Wisconsin standout who is a nine-year veteran, was released by the New York Giants.
Jacksonville added Bears defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris with a three-year, $24.4 million deal that includes $14 million guaranteed.
hhhhOK, will the green and gold sombrero replace the cheesehead in Green Bay now?
Cashing in:
Ryan Fitzpatrick signed a 1 year, $10,000,000 contract with Washington. Inquiring minds want to know if he’s going to store the money in his beard.
DOWN
Rob Gronkowski took a one-year deal worth $8 million. That’s not going to even cover his bar tab.
Shopping sprees:
The Patriots spent a lot in free agency. This means no new hoodies for Bill Belichick.