On Tuesday, the free agency period in the National Football League (NFL) began. I was going to say that the first day in free agency was dominated more by the players that were released than the signings, and that’s still probably true. However, late Tuesday it was announced that the Denver Broncos signed cornerback Aqib Talib, formerly of the New England Patriots to a 6 year $57 million contract.
Earlier in the day, the Dallas Cowboys released their all-time sack leader Demarcus Ware. This move freed up cap space, but must have been difficult for the team, and deflating for their fans. Ware has been their defensive leader for most of his 9 years as a Cowboy. Reportedly, the Broncos are very interested in acquiring Ware, among several other teams I’m sure. The Cowboys will also release wide receiver Miles Austin as a post-June 1st cut.
The Chicago Bears released 34-year old defensive end Julius Peppers, who in 2010 received the largest contract for a defensive player ever, 6 years $84 million. Peppers’ time in Chicago seemed over after the Bears signed former Oakland Raider defensive end Lamarr Houston to a 5-year, $35 million contract. It’s beyond me why he deserved that much money, with his total of 16 sacks in 4 years with the Raiders. He is 8 years younger than Peppers, and will earn half the annual salary of Peppers, but both salaries are too high for their production.
The New Orleans Saints signed former Buffalo Bills safety Jairus Byrd to a 6 year, $56 million contract. When they put Byrd along side Kenny Vaccaro, the Saints will have one of the best safety tandems in the NFL. Byrd was ranked by many as the top free agent this year. The Saints are reportedly having serious salary cap problems, which explains why they will try to trade running back Darren Sproles.
Another free agent signing was cornerback Alterraun Verner to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who was formerly with the Tennessee Titans. Verner signed a 4-year $26.5 million contract. This move should bring an end to cornerback Darrelle Revis in Tampa Bay, as early as Wednesday. The big free agent signing of Revis a year ago, is most certainly coming to an end after just 1 season.
This was just the first day in free agency, but it’s usually the most active day. If you really want a certain player on your team, you better go get him before someone else does. Most of the free agents are still unsigned, but they aren’t as high in demand, as those that were signed today. If the Broncos do end up getting a healthy Ware, their defense should be much better in 2014.
If you would like to have future commentaries sent to you, click on the link below, to take you to my website, then just enter your email address:
Sports With Frank Thomas
