The dominos continue to fall into place with each passing day, and the majority of the big names are coming off the board. Here’s a roundup of Day 4 in NFL Free Agency:
Wide Receiver
Another wide receiver on the move in Hakeem Nicks, who has a chance to bounce back from back-to-back disappointing campaigns with his new team, the Indianapolis Colts. The ex-Giants wideout signed a one-year deal worth $3.5 million to haul in passes from Andrew Luck.
The veteran Steve Smith didn’t waste any time finding a new home. Smith proved the rumors were true when he inked a three-year, $11 million pact to join the Baltimore Ravens. Smith promised “blood and guts” whenever he faces his former club. The Ravens host the Carolina Panthers at M&T Stadium this coming season.
Tight End
A pair of Tier 2 tight ends, Andrew Quarless and Scott Chandler, both re-signed with their clubs. The Green Bay Packers re-upped with Quarless on a two-year, $3 million deal, likely making fellow tight end Jermichael Finley expendable. Chandler did the same with the Buffalo Bills for two years.
Offensive Tackle
“The Blindside” is coming back to its roots. Ex-Ravens tackle Michael Oher agreed to a multiyear deal with the Tennessee Titans and will now protect Jake Locker‘s blindside. The contract is believed to be worth $20 million over four years, including $9.5 million in guaranteed money. Oher’s tenure in Baltimore was seemingly over once the team traded for Eugene Monroe, then handed him a big-money deal earlier in the week.
Another tackle changing jerseys is Anthony Collins, who joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a five-year, $30 million deal. The Bucs released longtime tackle Donald Penn, who played 112 games in Tampa, to create space for Collins.
Center
The center market got some action Friday when Evan Dietrich-Smith signed a four-year, $14.25 million deal to also head to Tampa. Dietrich-Smith was Pro Football Focus’ No. 8 center last season with the Packers.
Defensive End
The long-awaited signing of Julius Peppers finally transpired, as the Pro Bowl end opted to stay in the Chicago Bears’ division to join the Packers on a three-year pact. The deal reportedly including $7.5 million in guaranteed dough and could max out at $30 million in his first season.
The latest veteran linemen to join the Oakland Raiders in Antonio Smith. The ex-Texans end signed a two-year, $9 million deal, and will now play alongside LaMarr Woodley and Justin Tuck, both of whom signed with Oakland earlier in the week.
Defensive Tackle
B.J. Raji opted to re-up with Green Bay for another season. He signed a $4 million deal for the 2014 season and now probably regrets not taking the long-term offer the team extended him last offseason.
Elsewhere, Vance Walker signed a three-year, $13 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, and ex-Steeler Ziggy Hood agreed to a four-year, $16 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Linebacker
The Buffalo Bills nabbed a pair of linebackers Friday in the form of Brandon Spikes and Keith Rivers. The ex-Patriot, Spikes, signed on for one year at $3.25 million, while the veteran Rivers agreed to a two-year, $4.05 million contract.
Daryl Smith re-upped with the Ravens for four more years as well.
Cornerback
Despite all of the confusion, Brandon Browner finally came to the terms with the New England Patriots on a three-year, $17 million deal. Browner joins Darrelle Revis as the new starting corners for New England, but will miss the first four games of the season due to suspension.
