This National Football League offseason has become one of the most anticipated free agency periods in years. There are many players whose contracts have expired and are available in a bidding war among the league’s general managers.
The free agency period plays a crucial role in shaping what teams will be looking for in the draft and moving into next season. Many teams have already started making moves to improve their roster since free agency began on Wednesday at 4 p.m.
“Free agency allows teams to address weaknesses in their roster and to pick up players in positions that they are lacking in,” said Ramapo junior Kevin Wilson.
The Denver Broncos have already made some big moves after losing the Super Bowl in January. The Broncos signed cornerback Aqib Talib and outside linebacker Demarcus Ware to bolster their defense.
However, the Broncos aren’t the only ones who have made a buzz around the league.
Wide receiver Golden Tate left the Super Bowl champion Seahawks and signed with National Football Conference rivals Detroit Lions. Fellow wide receiver Dexter McCluster signed with the Tennessee Titans.
One of the biggest names available on the free agent market was star cornerback Darrelle Revis, who was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“We have specific ideas regarding the best way to build this defense and, while you never like to lose a good player, we believe this is in the best interests of our team moving forward,” said Tampa Bay general manager Jason Licht following Revis’ release.
Revis signed a one-year deal with the New England Patriots on Wednesday night. Rumors that Revis was going to reunite with the New York Jets were squashed, as he will now suit up with their American Football Conference East rivals.
The Buccaneers also signed former Bears backup quarterback Josh McCown. Other players that were released include Julius Peppers of the Bears, Antonio Cromartie and Santonio Holmes-both from the Jets.
Free agency has just started and there will certainly be many more players on the move in the upcoming days and weeks.
Former Denver Bronco’s wide receiver Eric Decker is still an unrestricted free agent, and was said to be meeting with the Jets late on Wednesday, according to NFL.com.
There are plenty of defensive players still on the market as well. Former Chicago Bears defensive tackle Henry Milton is rumored to be meeting with the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday to talk about a possible contract.
Former Green Bay Packers defensive end B.J. Raji is also an option for teams looking to fortify their defense, but NFL.com reports that he will likely be asking for a lot of money based on his name value.
Just a few hours into free agency, some of the NFL’s most sought after free agents have already signed with their new team, but there are still plenty of options left for other teams in a particularly deep free agent class.
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cmay@ramapo.edu
