Start of business year brings big paydays
All those promises worth millions upon millions to free agents turned into paydays Wednesday when the NFL’s business year began.
Of course, teams needed to clear salary cap space or rejigger their ledgers to make it work, and they’ll still be doing so for months.
While the likes of Drew Brees, Malcolm Butler and Andrew Norwell reaching agreements in the past two days before everything became official, some value entered the marketplace.
Arizona released safety Tyrann Mathieu when it couldn’t rework his deal. On Tuesday, the Cardinals let running back Adrian Peterson go.
Baltimore cut receiver Jeremy Maclin, freeing up an estimated $5 million in salary cap space. Detroit said goodbye to tight end Eric Ebron. Pittsburgh tore up a secondary that often was torn up by opposing quarterbacks, releasing Mike Mitchell, Robert Golden and William Gay.
But Carolina had more success with a veteran, completing a one-year deal with defensive end Julius Peppers.
Tackle Joe Thomas announced his retirement from the Browns, saving Cleveland his $10.3 million salary for 2018 and a $3 million bonus, but losing its best player and leader in the expansion era.
“This was an extremely difficult decision, but the right one for me and my family,” Thomas said. “Playing in the NFL has taken a toll on my body and I can no longer physically compete at the level I need to.”
RAVENS: After cutting Maclin, Baltimore then agreed to deals with receivers John Brown and Ryan Grant.
Brown, 27, spent four years in Arizona and is a speedy deep threat, something Baltimore desperately needs. He also can return kicks.
Grant, also 27, Washington for
49ERS: San Francisco agreed to a four-year contract with running back Jerick McKinnon and a fiveyear deal with center-guard Weston Richburg. McKinnon replaces departing starter Carlos Hyde; Richburg could start anywhere in the interior line. was four with seasons.
“We see Weston as one of the top young interior offensive linemen in the NFL,” GM John Lynch said. “His athleticism, intelligence and attitude are a perfect fit for our scheme. Jerick has proven to be an extremely versatile football player whose speed, elusiveness and tackle-breaking ability make him a very difficult matchup for defenses. We can’t wait to get them on the field with their teammates and coaches later this spring.”
GIANTS: New York agreed with offensive tackle Nate Solder, late of the Patriots, to become its starter on the left side. Solder, 29, will get a four-year contract worth about $62 million.
The Giants can move 2015 first-round draft pick Ereck Flowers, a former Miami Hurricane, to the right side as they rebuild a line that has struggled for years.
TITANS: Tennessee kept right guard Josh Kline and defensive end David King with new contracts after making a splash in free agency by getting Butler for $60 million over five years ($30 million guaranteed) and taking running back Dion Lewis away from New England.
BILLS: In adding defensive end Trent Murphy from Washington, the Bills get a needed pass rusher, albeit one coming off a major injury.
Murphy had 15 sacks in 47 games, including nine in 2016, then sat out last season after tearing two ligaments in his left knee in a preseason game. The Bills finished tied for 30th in the NFL with just 27 sacks last season.
The Bills added defensive backfield depth by agreeing with safety Rafael Bush on a two-year contract, and got linebacker Julian Stanford on a twoyear contract.
FALCONS: The Falcons addressed a need by signing offensive guard Brandon Fusco, who started 16 games for San Francisco last season, to a three-year deal. Fusco, who began his career with the Vikings, could immediately start at right guard.
CHARGERS: Tight end Virgil Green got a threeyear contract and safety Adrian Phillips re-signed with a one-year deal. Green spent the past seven seasons with the Broncos, starting all 16 games last season and winning a Super Bowl in February 2016. His addition adds intrigue to whether the Chargers will bring back tight end Antonio Gates.