Yesterday's Free Agency Rush Recap

The first day of free agency yesterday resulted in a flurry of activity, including blockbuster trades, crazy rumors, and giant contracts.  Let’s break it down:

-The biggest name in the free agent class, Julius Peppers, signed with the  Bears for $91.5 million dollars over 6 years, with $42 million guaranteed.  Good lord that’s a lot of money– but for an extremely talented pass rusher the Bears needed in the wake of the tragic death of Gaines Adams.  People say that Peppers has questionable consistency and “takes plays off,” but I’ve honestly heard that about many of the great D-lineman in the league– shockingly giant pash rushers don’t bring maximum heat every play, perhaps to conserve some energy for more important/clear passing downs.  Plus, there’s this one guy, Randy Moss, who has heard this criticism and still continues to be one of the best WRs in the league.  Peppers may be on the wrong side of 30, but he’s still an elite pass rusher.   Althought the Bears paid a lot of money, they basically just signed Peppers to a 3 year 42 million dollar contract given that the rest isn’t guaranteed.  Not bad really.

-On the trade front, Anquan Boldin finally got his wish and was traded from the Cardinals to the Ravens for a3rd and 4th round pick.  The Ravens then signed Boldin to a 3 year, $25 million extension.  The Ravens finally get the consistent, No. 1 caliber wide receiver that they’ve been looking for for years.  Boldin is one of the toughest receivers in the NFL- he plays through injuries, goes over the middle, etc- which fits in perfectly with the Ravens’ ethos.  I wonder how Cowboys fans must feel after trading a 1st rounder and 3rd rounder for the lackluster Roy Williams…

-The Cards exodus continued with LB Karlos Dansby signing with Miami and released safety Antrel Rolle signing a deal with the Giants making him the highest paid safety in the NFL.  The Cards have taken a huge number of hits this offseason, losing 4 Pro Bowl quality players (Dansby, Rolle, Boldin, Warner).  The Cards can’t be considered the favorites in the NFC West any longer with huge elements of their offense and defense out of the equation.  Can you say 49ers win the West?

-In the unrestricted free agent area, it sounds like Brandon Marsall may be on the move from Denver soon.  Reportedly, Marshall is meeting with the Seahawks today to see if they can work out an offer sheet.  Offensive coordinator Jeremey Bates worked with Marshall as the former QB coach in Denver, so it makes sense that he would want Marshall.  Since the Broncos have a first round tender on Marshall, if Seattle were to offer Marshall a contract and the Broncos choose not to match, they would be entitled to the 6th overall pick in the draft.  Of course, Seattle and Denver could work out a trade for perhaps the 14th pick in the draft (which is the pick Denver traded to Seattle last year) or a lower pick and a player.  There’s two ways of looking at this: Seattle could trade the 6th pick for a young, 100+ catch Pro Bowl receiver (which sounds good), or Seattle would be trading the 6th pick for a risky, moody receiver that Mike Shannahan and Josh McDaniels both wanted to get rid of.  Ultimately, I think a deal for the 6th pick would be good for both teams.  Denver would have to be ecstatic to get such a high pick in the draft for Marshall, who they want to get rid of anyway.  Even if the Broncos are worried about the money they can always trade that 6th rounder for more picks in the draft.  Seattle would love to get a high impact reciever, and no one can question Marshall’s talent, so long as his attitude can be managed.  We’ll see what happens today…

-Browns kick returner/WR/RB Josh Cribbs got the extension he’s been seeking.  Mike Holmegren obviously likes what he sees in Cribbs, and who wouldn’t– he’s a speedy game breaker who’s been the best player on the Browns for the last two years.  It’ll be interesting to see if Cribbs has an expanded role this season to go along with that deal…