NFL free agency brings about whirlwind changes

Michael Guido, Managing & Sports Editor

It’s that time of the year again when the flowers begin to blossom and the new league year begins for the NFL.

That also means that free agency is upon us.

By the time this article is published, teams will have already inked their high-prized acquisitions to monster contracts; however, that hasn’t negated the flurry of activity that has dominated the news cycle since late last week.

In just a few days, marquee names were on the move and big announcements took the world by storm.

Former Patriots standout cornerback J.C. Jackson headed west to the Los Angeles Chargers, taking a five-year, $82.5 million contract, arguably the top-free agent prize of the off-season.

The sudden un-retirement of quarterback Tom Brady caused the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to jump in and retain major pieces of their division-winning squad, bringing back cornerback Carlton Davis and center Ryan Jensen on major deals.

The Jacksonville Jaguars went on a massive spending spree, unloading big money on former Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk, offering a four-year, $84 million deal that gives young phenom Trevor Lawrence a top weapon heading into 2022.

Jacksonville didn’t stop there, inking guard Brandon Scherff, tight end Evan Engram, wide receiver Zay Jones and other key elements. In total, the spending adds up to $218 million.

Pittsburgh began a major re-tooling of the offensive line, bringing in guard James Daniels from Chicago, who at 24 and with range on the line, can be a force for a long time.

The Steelers didn’t stop there, also re-signing tackle Chukwuma Okorafor and center Mason Cole, both on three-year deals.

However, the biggest surprise was the addition of former Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, who arrives in the Steel City as the presumptive replacement for Ben Roethlisberger.

After a reset year in Buffalo, Trubisky comes in ready to play in an offense suited to his mobile instincts and with weapons around to bolster the offense.

Beyond free agent signings, major trades have also dominated the headlines, with the Browns acquiring wide receiver Amari Cooper from the Cowboys and guard Shaq Mason being traded from the Patriots to the Buccaneers, just to name a few.

At the time of this article being written, it doesn’t take into account where Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson may end up, a huge chess piece that could up end what happens in next month’s NFL Draft.

Overall, the last few days around the league have added much intrigue and interest for sports fans.

The best part? The chaos is far from over.

 

MICHAEL GUIDO

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