It’s been extremely busy in the NFL this week. With the Free Agency period opening up on Tuesday, there’s plenty to recap. Here are three of the top deals so far in free agency.
Darrelle Revis; Cornerback, New England Patriots, two-year $32 million: After attempting to trade the All-Pro cornerback, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers decided to release Revis on March 12. Shortly after his release from the NFC South bottom dweller, Revis decided to join Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots with a two-year $32 million contract. Breaking down Revis’ contact, the corner will earn $12 million in the first year of his deal, with a team option for $20 million in the second year. Which mean’s that either the Patriots will give an extension to Revis after year one or we will enjoy the Revis Sweepstakes all over again next March. This signing bodes very well for the Patriots. After losing Aqib Talib to the Denver Broncos, New England had to make a decision about their secondary,and signing the former Buccaneer was the best decision they could make. You know it’ll be fun when Darrelle Revis returns to MetLife to face the New York Jets this fall.
DeMarcus Ware; Defensive End, Denver Broncos, three-year $30 million: After deciding not to restructure his deal with the Dallas Cowboys, the .500 NFC East team cut their long-time past rusher. 24 hours later, DeMarcus Ware decided to join the AFC Champion Denver Broncos. Ware was one of three major additions for the Broncos as they make one last playoff push before Peyton Manning retires. The former Cowboy lined up on the opposite side of Von Miller will provide a lot of problems for opposing offenses this fall. The addition of DeMarcus Ware might be the player that puts the Broncos over the hump.
Steve Smith; Wide Receiver, Baltimore Ravens, three-year $11.5 million: Steve Smith found himself in the same situation as the aforementioned DeMarcus Ware. The Carolina Panthers were looking for Smith to restructure his contract going into March, however Smith refused. The Panthers cut Smith on March 13 and one day later the former All Pro receiver signed with the Super Bowl XVLII Champions. The Ravens have been searching for another top-notch wide receiver after trading Anquan Boldin two off-seasons ago to the San Francisco 49ers, and Smith can be that guy. The Ravens got Smith at an extremely reasonable price. Be prepared for the former Panther to have a career year and help lead Baltimore back to the playoffs.
