More and more pieces continue to fall into place this offseason, and now most of the key cogs are off the board. Among the big names still available are Michael Vick, Knowshon Moreno, Maurice Jones-Drew, Santonio Holmes, Jermichael Finley, Jared Allen, Henry Melton, Shaun Phillips, James Harrison and Antonio Cromartie.
Here’s a roundup of Monday’s free-agent action:
New York Giants
The Giants have targeted their secondary as an area to upgrade this offseason. First they snagged Walter Thurmond III from the Super Bowl champions and re-signed Stevie Brown and Trumaine McBride, then they made a splash. The team signed Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to a five-year, $39 million deal to create a lockdown corner tandem with Prince Amukamara.
The Giants also addressed their return units, adding Trindon Holliday on a one-year pact. Holliday eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark and had a pair of touchdowns last season with the Denver Broncos. His main flaw was fumbling issues, but he’ll be paired with Tom Coughlin who has helped players overcome that problem in the past, right Tiki Barber?
Oakland Raiders
The best available wide receiver left on the market has now found a home in the Black Hole. Former Green Bay Packers wideout James Jones signed a three-year, $11.3 million contract with the Raiders after setting a career-high in yardage (817) last season. He instantly becomes the No. 1 wide receiver in Oakland alongside youngsters Denarius Moore, Rod Streater and Andre Holmes
You just have to wonder where the Carolina Panthers were during this process.
The Raiders added another former Giant in Kevin Boothe. The versatile offensive lineman was originally drafted by Oakland and returns there on a two-year deal. He’ll likely fit in at guard.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys are hosting Jared Allen and Henry Melton, but despite holes all over the defense the team found a new backup signal-caller. Dallas came to terms on a two-year deal with Brandon Weeden, a former first-round selection by the Cleveland Browns. Weeden was released as the Browns again went through a coaching change. He provides some insurance for Dallas in case Kyle Orton opts to retire this offseason.
Philadelphia Eagles
A busy day in the NFC East, to say the least. After starting 16 games for Philly in 2013, the Eagles re-signed safety Nate Allen to a one-year deal worth $2 million. Allen did not play up to his second-round draft status for his first three years in the league, but showed some improvement under coach Chip Kelly last year. He will likely compete for the starting safety job opposite of newly signed Malcolm Jenkins.
