Day 3 of NFL free agency could not rival that of Days 1 or 2, as there were no DeMarcus Wares or Darrell Revises or Eric Deckers available. Still, there were major re-signings and changing of uniforms on the defensive side of the ball. Here’s the Day 3 roundup:
Tight Ends
After flirting with the New York Jets and reportedly nearing a deal, Brandon Pettigrew opted to re-up with the Detroit Lions in an offense that now includes Golden Tate alongside Calvin Johnson and Reggie Bush. Pettigrew was one of the best tight ends available after Jimmy Graham received the franchise tag and Dennis Pitta re-signed with the Baltimore Ravens.
Defensive End
Longtime New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck will no longer be filming Subway commercial in the Big Apple. After giving New York a chance to match any contract offers he received, Tuck signed with the Oakland Raiders on a two-year, $11 million pact. Tuck, 31, had 9.5 sacks in the final six games.
Defensive Tackle
Jason Hatcher switched allegiances yesterday when he traded in his Dallas Cowboys uniform for the Burgundy and Gold. Hatcher, who led all defensive tackles with 11 sacks a season ago, signed with the Washington Redskins. Not only does it strengthen the Skins defense, but weakens that of the Cowboys who lost all of its defensive linemen from 2013.
Linebacker
Joining Tuck on the Raiders’ defense is another former Pro Bowler, LaMarr Woodley. The former Pittsburgh Steelers standout, who was a cap casualty earlier in the week, will be a part of the new-look Raiders after inking a two-year, $12 million deal. Woodley will play right defensive end — not outside linebacker — and Tuck will slide into the left end spot.
Cornerback
One thing we know for sure is Brandon Browner did not officially sign a contract Thursday. Others, however, did.
Former Carolina Panthers corner Captain Munnerlyn has agreed to a three-year, $11.25 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings. Considered one of the best nickel corners in the league, Munnerlyn enjoyed a breakout campaign last season in his first as a starter.
The Vikings weren’t done there. They also signed former San Diego Chargers Derek Cox to a one-year deal. Cox was considered a disappointing with San Diego after failing to play up to the $20 million contract he signed last offseason. At 27 years old, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer probably believes he can straighten Cox out.
