Well your brackets are already busted so let’s look at some more free agent moves and cap space for the North teams.
Around the League
Jared Cook signed a 2 year 12.2 million dollar deal with the Raiders. The Packers had already signed Martellus Bennett to a 3 year 21 million dollar deal. Cook got a decent deal this late in free agency.
Latavius Murray’s deal is 3 years 15 million dollars with Minnesota. The guaranteed amount is low and it could be a one year deal if Slick Rick Spielman wants. We’ll see how Murray performs behind the Vikings revamped offensive line. The important take in all of this is the Vikings don’t have a first round pick.
The Rams added Connor Barwin (OLB) for 1 year and 6 million. Some Packers fans wanted Barwin but he is off the market now.
The Ravens signed Brandon Carr to a 4 year 24 million dollar deal. Carr will be their starting CB. Morris Claiborne signed a deal with the Jets. Claiborne is oft injured but has talent. The Cowboys have lost almost their entire secondary with JJ Wilcox, Barry Church, Morris Claiborne and Brandon Carr (cut) leaving Dallas for greener pastures.
Former Packer backup, Mike Pennel (DE), also signed with the Jets. Former Jet, Darrelle Revis got his charges dropped in court. We’ll see if Overlord Goodell still wants to suspend him.
Former Bears left tackle, Jermon Bushord re-signed with the Dolphins. The Bills matched the offer for Center Ryan Groy. Finally, former 1st round pick, EJ Manual signed with the Raiders to be the backup QB.
The Raiders lost Murray to Minnesota but are interested in bringing in Marshawn Lynch out of retirement. Lynch retired and didn’t play last season and the Seahawks still own his rights. Seattle will have to trade or cut him first.
Cap Check
The Lions have 8.8 million in cap room left and will get another 5.8 million on June 1st from cutting DeAndre Levy for 14.6 million in space. Detroit and GM Bob Quinn have plenty of space for some lower tier moves (cough Anquan Boldin/Josh Bynes cough) and the draft if they want. Detroit splurged on Rick Wagner and TJ Lang to upgrade the right side of the offensive line.DJ Hayden, Akeem Spence, Cornelius Washington and Kareem Martin were also signed. The Lions lost Reiff and Warford to big deals but they were upgraded by Wagner and Lang for cheaper yet better.
The Lions could also extend Stafford this spring/summer which could lower his 22 million cap hit and provide more carryover space for 2018. The same applies to Ziggy Ansah on his fifth year 12 million dollar option. Detroit should try and extend both of them to ease the pressure for next year’s offseason. Ziggy Ansah is a prime candidate for a franchise tag next year though if no deal is made.
Green Bay has 27.7 million left in cap space per over the cap. Thompson is such a good little saver and did splurge on Nick Perry (12 per), Martellus Bennett (7 per) and Lance Kendricks (TE). Davon House was brought back for 3 million as well after failing with Jacksonville. The Packers did lose TJ Lang (9.5 per), Micah Hyde (6 per), Eddie Lacy (5.5 per), JC Tretter (5 per), Datone Jones (1year 3.5 million) and Julius Peppers from large to decent sized deals. Maybe next year they’ll be active in free agency or Thompson could re-sign impending 2018 free agents Davante Adams, Corey Linsley, Morgan Burnett, Ha-Ha Clinton Dix and Lane Taylor early. There are some veteran CBs on the market that could help Green Bay but they will probably wait until the draft at this point.
The Bears have 24.5 million left in cap space. GM Ryan Pace added a lot to the secondary with Quentin Demps, Prince Amukamara and Marcus Cooper. He lost Alshon Jeffrey though and the Bears need a number 1 WR despite the Markus Wheaton, Dion Sims (TE) and Kendall (1 year 4 million) additions. Mike Glennon has a 14 million cap hit to be the Bears new starting QB as the Jay Cutler era ended.
The Vikings have 18.5 million in space after cutting Adrian Peterson and spending on Riley Reiff (11.75 per), Mike Remmers (6 per) and Latavius Murray (5 per). The Vikings lost Chad Greenway (retired), Audie Cole, Rhett Ellison, Charles Johnson and Captain Munnerlyn in free agency as well but kept Terrence Newman.
Enjoy March Madness and I hope your brackets stay un-busted. Enjoy the Saint Patrick day shenanigans. Drink responsibly and don’t forget to kiss your favorite leprechaun (Raji or Nardo).