Swaps steal spotlight as frenzy begins
NEW YORK — As free agency began Tuesday, the NFL looked more like fantasy football. Trades, anyone? Monster deals sending Jimmy Graham to Seattle and Sam Bradford to Philadelphia stole the spotlight from free agent signings.
New Orleans agreed to send its star tight end to the Seahawks for centre Max Unger, with draft picks changing hands. The Saints are to get a first-round pick, while Seattle receives a fourth-rounder.
That stunner was followed by Bradford, the injuryprone quarterback who barely has played the past two years (knee), going to Philadelphia for Nick Foles, who also comes off an injury-shortened season (collarbone). Bradford was the top overall draft pick in 2010.
Foles is the latest starter to depart Philadelphia. He joins two-time All-Pro running back LeSean McCoy, now in Buffalo, and Pro Bowl wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, headed for Kansas City, in going elsewhere.
Philadelphia also added Seahawks starting cornerback Byron Maxwell as a free agent with a six-year deal.
Other moves announced Tuesday, as free agency officially began: ■ All-Pro cornerback Dar- relle Revis is coming back to the Jets after winning the Super Bowl with the rival Patriots last season.
Revis’ agents Neil Schwartz and Jon Feinsod wrote on Twitter on Tuesday night that “pending legal,” Revis had agreed to terms on a new deal with the Jets.
The five-year contract is worth $70 million US, with $39 million guaranteed. He’ll make $33 million in the first two years.
Revis had two interceptions last season while helping the Patriots win the Super Bowl, but New England declined a $20 million option for 2015 — including a $12.5 million roster bonus — making him a free agent — and a top target for the Jets and new general manager Mike Maccagnan. ■ Baltimore dealt nose tackle Haloti Ngata to Detroit, which is about to lose All-Pro defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh in free agency. Ngata, 31 a five-time Pro Bowler, is due $8.5 million next season and has a $16 million salary cap hit. ■ The Bills confirmed acquiring LeSean McCoy for linebacker Kiko Alonso; Mc- Coy also signed a contract extension for $40 million over five years. ■ The Chargers agreed to terms of a five-year contract with guard Orlando Franklin, signing him away from AFC West rival Denver. Franklin has been a starter since his 2011 rookie season. ■ Carolina released DeAngelo Williams, its career rushing leader. ■ Tennessee quarterback Jake Locker, his four-year pro career ravaged by injuries, also retired, say in g he has no “burning desire” to keep playing.