reporters assess/discuss Rams free agency … 3/9- ?

Re-signing Mark Barron, William Hayes keeps Rams’ options open

Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/199629/re-signing-mark-barron-william-hayes-keeps-rams-options-open

EARTH CITY, Mo. — From the moment the Los Angeles Rams released defensive end Chris Long and linebacker James Laurinaitis and placed the franchise tag on cornerback Trumaine Johnson, their primary free-agent priorities became clear: Do what it takes to retain end William Hayes and linebacker Mark Barron.

While Wednesday’s flurry of free-agent activity brought about big losses in cornerback Janoris Jenkins (to the New York Giants) and safety Rodney McLeod (to the Philadelphia Eagles), all was not lost as the Rams were able to strike last-minute deals with Hayes and Barron. In the process, they ensured that they can keep an open mind for the rest of free agency and heading toward the NFL draft.

Arguments can be made that McLeod and/or Jenkins were every bit as important to the Rams as Hayes and Barron, but there’s no denying that losing all four would have been devastating for 2016.

William Hayes became the Rams’ best run-stopper on the edge, while also chipping in on the pass rush.
Taking stock of the Rams’ current roster, there already are plenty of holes that need to be filled, especially on offense. Since Jeff Fisher arrived as head coach in 2012, the defense has been considered the strength of the team. But while the Rams have an in-house option to replace Jenkins (E.J. Gaines) and could find ways to replace McLeod (either with Cody Davis, who signed a new deal Wednesday, or perhaps a move of Lamarcus Joyner), the loss of Barron or Hayes would have created a huge opening (or openings) that would have required big money, key draft picks or both to fill.

In keeping Hayes, the Rams ensured that they don’t have to spend a first-round pick on a defensive end. The team released Long in part because of his $14.25 million salary cap number, but also because they believed that Hayes could step into the starting job full time after filling in for an injured Long each of the past two seasons. Hayes played well in that role as the team’s best run-stopper on the edge and chipping in on the pass rush as he piled up 95 tackles and 9.5 sacks.

That doesn’t mean the Rams can avoid adding help on the defensive line, especially if, as expected, they lose fellow end Eugene Sims and tackle Nick Fairley to free agency. They have youngsters such as Ethan Westbrooks, Matt Longacre and Louis Trinca-Pasat who could help out, but without Hayes, end would have gone from a secondary need to a primary one.

The same is true of outside linebacker with Barron. Upon releasing Laurinaitis, Fisher said that the plan was to slide Alec Ogletree to middle linebacker and keep Barron as weak-side linebacker, the position he played in Ogletree’s stead for most of the 2015 season. Barron exceeded any expectations, leading the Rams in tackles with 113 to go with a sack and three forced fumbles.

“We just kind of plugged him in and (defensive coordinator) Gregg (Williams) is good at moving people around and creating opportunities. Then early on in the season, unfortunately we lost Alec and Mark’s reps increased and I thought he had a really good year,” Fisher said. “If you see, there’s a trend in the league for that kind of guy. And we feel he really fits in our defense.”

Had the Rams been unable to re-sign Barron — who had no shortage of interest around the league — there were even fewer in-house options to replace him than at defensive end. In fact, the team didn’t even extend a tender offer to restricted free agent linebacker Daren Bates. So if Barron had departed for greener pastures, linebacker also would have quickly shot to the top of the list of the Rams’ needs.

Instead, the Rams are now well-positioned to do the thing they need to do most, which is improve the league’s least-productive offense. Of course, they will look for help in the secondary and depth for the front seven, and while they still could spend early draft picks on the defense, at least now they don’t have to.

PFF’S LIVE FREE-AGENCY NEWS TRACKER

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2016/03/07/pro-pffs-live-free-agency-news-tracker/

Check back regularly as the PFF team provides updates and reactions on every NFL free-agent signing.

Throughout free agency, the PFF team will be commenting on the biggest signings, news, and rumors from around the league. Be sure to check back regularly for the latest free agency updates.

Mark Barron’s versatility too much for Rams to part ways with
4:10 p.m. ET, Wed., March 9

According to Ian Rapoport, the Rams gave linebacker Mark Barron a five-year deal worth $45 million. It’s amazing to think that only two years after the Rams tossed pennies to the Bucs (fourth- and sixth-round picks) for Barron, they’re making him one of the highest-paid linebackers in the NFL. The safety/linebacker hybrid is currently the “trendy” position in the NFL, and Barron fills the role admirably. The issue is that his deficiencies in coverage that forced his move from safety didn’t just disappear at linebacker—they were just less costly, as he graded out right around average in coverage. He’ll obviously improve with more experience at the position, but right now, all the Rams are paying for is potential. – Mike Renner, @PFF_Mike

Rams re-signing key defender in William Hayes
4:07 p.m. ET, Wed., March 9

With DE Chris Long cut and DT Nick Fairley on the free-agent market, the Rams have come to terms on a new three-year deal with DE William Hayes (first reported by Mike Garafolo), with a maximum value of $21 million. Hayes was our No. 13 edge defender in 2015, and has graded very well the past four years, despite never officially being a full-time starter. In 652 pass-rush snaps the past two seasons, Hayes has racked up 10 sacks and 72 combined hits and pressures. – Josh Liskiewitz, @PFF_Josh

Rodney McLeod reportedly headed to Philadelphia
1:09 p.m. ET, Wed., March 9

The Philadelphia Eagles are reportedly landing Rams FS Rodney McLeod to a five-year, $37 million deal, per Ian Rapoport. McLeod is PFF’s fourth-best FA safety and 20th-overall FA, as he graded as the 10th best safety in 2015. McLeod played over 90 percent of his snaps from the deep safety spot in 2015, as he has been solid in pass coverage the past two seasons, allowing just three touchdowns to go along with three interceptions. It is yet to be seen how this shakes up the Eagles’ defensive backfield, but presumably this means Walter Thurmond is on his way out of the City of Brotherly Love. – John Kosko, @PFF_JohnKosko

Janoris Jenkins to the New York Giants
6.55 a.m. ET, Wed., March 9

With the Rams tagging Trumaine Johnson it was always likely that Janoris Jenkins wouldn’t be making the move with them to Los Angeles. Well so it proved as according to Adam Schefter he’s going to sign a deal with the New York Giants who continue retooling their secondary. Jenkins has been something of a polarizing player since entering the league. Capable of the sublime and the ridiculous, he’s coming off his most solid year which saw him post his best touchdown allowed to interception differential (five to three) while breaking up a further 10 passes. The money he gets will be worth watching as it could set the market for guys like Sean Smith. Jenkins was our 26th ranked corner in 2015.

Rams re-sign WR Brian Quick
6:08 p.m. ET, Wed., March 9

Brian Quick will be following the Rams to Los Angeles, as he’s signed a one-year, $3.75 million deal. Quick missed the beginning of the 2015 season, but still finished with nearly the same amount of offensive snaps as the previous two years. He finished with just 10 catches for 102 yards, both career lows. Quick’s 50.2 player grade ranked 108th out of 121 qualifying wide receivers last season. 2014 was his best season, when he caught 25 balls for 375 yards and three touchdowns—all career highs. – Matt Claassen, @PFF_Matt

Rams re-sign center Tim Barnes
4:54 p.m. ET, Wed., March 9

According to Sam Farmer, the Rams are bringing back starting center Tim Barnes (45.6 overall grade in 2015). In his first year as a starter, he played in all but five snaps over the course of the season, but graded below average in both pass-blocking and run-blocking. Barnes did have two games against the Seahawks and Lions where he looked like one of the better centers in the league, but in more games than not, he wasn’t helping the team. Outside of right tackle Rob Havenstein (76.3), the Rams’ offensive line is a weak point for the team, and bringing back Barnes isn’t going to help their situation. – Nathan Jahnke, @PFF_NateJahnke

[Grading every deal of 2016 NFL free agency PFF

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2016/03/10/pro-nfl-free-agency-grading-every-deal/

During the season, Pro Football Focus grades every player on every play of every game. We are doing the same for every transaction this free-agency period, with the return of our Deal Grader.

How should you feel about the moves your team made? Take a look at our grades for each move, on an A through F scale, which we will update throughout free-agency season as contract terms become known:

A-plus:

None

A:

DE Jason Pierre-Paul (NYG): One year, $10 million with $8.5 million guaranteed

When you see what other edge defenders have got, how can you not like this? Even if JPP never completely adjusts to his injured hand, he proved in 2015 he can still get it done, recording one of his best pass-rushing seasons of his career.

DE William Hayes (LA): Three years, $17.5 million with $10 million guaranteed

Whenver called upon Hayes delivered the goods in St Louis, and he has earned this deal and the starting spot that comes with it. Four strong seasons in a row for the one time Titan who can contribute on every down. Not a lot of money at all for a guy who had the 13th best grade of all edge defenders in 2015.

LB Danny Trevathan (CHI): Four years, $24.5 million with $12 million guaranteed

Is there a more perfect fit in free agency? Chicago desperately needed linebacker help, and the only surprise about this move is how little it cost them to execute. Sure Trevathan has battled some injury issues in the past. But he’s a guy who had the 10th highest grade of all linebackers and was one of our top 10 free agents on the open market.
A-minus:

OLB Tamba Hali (KC): Three years, $22 million with $12 million guaranteed

While Hali isn’t getting any younger, he still proved to be a productive pass-rusher this season, even when Justin Houston went down to injury and he had more attention to deal with.

RB Lamar Miller (HOU): Four years, $26 million with $14 million guaranteed

Given that Miller took less money to go to Houston should give you an idea of the value of this move. Miller has graded positively the past three years, with his 2015 effort worthy of a top-five grade at the position. Now he should get the opportunity to carry the load in a way Miami never gave him.

G Ramon Foster (PIT): Three years, $9.5 million with $2.75 million guaranteed

The past five years Foster has developed into one of the most reliable guards in a league devoid of them. To retain his services for so little money, and with the knowledge the team isn’t tied to him if his performance drops, is great work.

B-plus:

G Richie Incognito (BUF): Three years, $11.5 million with $5.45 million guaranteed

Buffalo is rewarded for taking a chance on Incognito with a per annum payout far less than his 2015 performance (top ranked left guard) would say he’s worth.

RB Doug Martin (TB): Five years, $35.75 million with $15 million guaranteed

It was a big move for the Buccaneers to keep Martin in town. He was our first-team All-Pro running back and led our rushing rankings with a nice bounce-back year after two years of underwhelming play. If he can maintain that level, he’s well worth this deal, which looks huge on the surface but isn’t too crazy in terms of guaranteed money.

K Adam Vinatieri (IND): Two years, $6 million with $3 million guaranteed

Maybe this is the year age catches up with the leg of Vinatieri, who is one of the greatest kickers of all time.

S George Iloka (CIN): Five years, $30 million with $5 million guaranteed

This was a big move for the Bengals, ensuring they kept an important part of their defense in town. Iloka isn’t your Earl Thomas type of playmaking safety, but he is a more than competent player who can make an impact as a center fielder. The money, given what others have been given, makes this a real win for the Bengals.

DE Derrick Shelby (ATL): Four years, $18 million with $7.5 million guaranteed

Coming off a year where he had the 10th-highest PFF grade of all 4-3 defensive ends, we expected Shelby to walk away a little richer, so kudos to Atlanta for getting value on a day when not everyone did. The former undrafted free agent really took advantage of Cameron Wake’s injury to show himself as more than just a run defender.

OT Mitchell Schwartz (KC): Five years, $33 million with $12.66 million guaranteed

One of the top right tackles in the league, Schwartz was a PFF selection for a second-team All-Pro spot after a strong 2015 season. He did an admirable job against Von Miller this season, but will now get to show whether that was a fluke when he faces off with him and Khalil Mack twice a year.

CB William Gay (PIT): Three years, $7.5 million with $1.9 million guaranteed

This really isn’t a lot of money for a guy who graded above average and was as solid as it got in a disappointing Steelers secondary in 2015. Gay might not be getting any younger, but the structure of the deal ensures the Steelers are covered if his play drops off.

C Alex Mack (ATL): Five years, $45 million with $28.5 million guaranteed

It’s a lot of money for a center, but given that no team lost as many games last year because of the play of their center, it was somewhat necessary. The Falcons retooled offensive line is one of the better ones in the league, especially if Mack can return to his pre-leg break form.

S Tavon Wilson (DET): Two years, $2.2 million with $500k guaranteed

Wilson always impressed in spot duty for the Patriots, but never really got the extended look to really showcase if he could turn that small sample size into a sustained career. Now he gets that opportunity in a Detroit system that will offer a path to playing time. For the Lions the lack of cash means they really have nothing to lose here.

CB Sean Smith (OAK): Four years, $40 million for $20 million guaranteed

The Raiders made a big statement raiding their AFC West rivals, getting our 12th highest grade of all cornerbacks in 2015. Given some of the deals that cornerbacks have got recently this has to be considered a real value get for Oakland.

B:

DL Malik Jackson (JAX): Six years, $90 million with $42m guaranteed

Have the Jaguars overpaid? Heck yeah. But they have so much cap room they have to spend that it’s justifiable. Grabbing an inside pass-rushing beast in Jackson (seventh highest grade of all interior defenders) is a win for the team.

OT Joe Barksdale (SD): Four years, $22.2 million with $10.5 million guaranteed

Given the Chargers’ luck with injuries you wouldn’t be surprised if Barksdale got injured signing his contract. But presuming he can make it to the regular season in good shape, Barksdale was a bright spot (21st-ranked tackle in PFF grades) on a terrible offensive line.

TE Antonio Gates (SD): Two years, $12 million with $6 million guaranteed

It was hard to imagine Gates playing anywhere else, and common sense shines through with this re-signing. Sure, Gates isn’t the athlete he once was, but his ability to get open remains excellent, as evidenced by him having the ninth-highest receiving grade of any tight end despite missing nearly half the season.

G Brandon Brooks (PHI): Five years, $40 million with $17 million guaranteed

It’s a lot of money, especially since Brooks didn’t have his best year in 2015. But his work prior to that was of a level of a player who deserved to paid near the top of his position. A rare athlete, he can really open up lanes in the run game.

B-minus:

G Alex Boone (MIN): Five years, $26.8 million with $10 million guaranteed

Boone hasn’t really built upon his breakout 2012 season and become one of the best guards in the league. But he has always graded positively, and given the money the Vikings have put into this deal they can consider this a good value pickup as they retool their offensive line.

DE Olivier Vernon (NYG): Five years, $85 million with $52.5 million guaranteed

In three years time, when people are re-grading this free-agent period, Vernon won’t sit here in the middle of the pack. No, he’ll either be right at the top because he delivered, or right near the bottom because he failed to. If he can play close to the way he did in the second half of the 2015 season, then he’ll be considered a success. He was as good as any edge rusher in the league during that stretch, and he did it against top tackles like Dallas’ Tyron Smith. But if he reverts closer to how he played earlier in his career — when he was a solid player, not an elite one — he won’t come close to justifying this contract.

LS Morgan Cox (BLT): Five years, $5.6 million with $700k guaranteed

Long snappers are people, too! Cox is one of the more reliable ones in the league, and this kind of figure puts him rightfully near the rest of the top earners at the spot.

LB Audie Cole (MIN): One year, $760k with $40k guaranteed

Caught our eye with some impressive play in 2014 but then got bitten by the injury bug last year. There’s definitely talent there, and given the money involved the Vikings will be happy to get at the very least solid depth and a good special teamer.

TE Ben Watson (BAL): Two years, $7 million with $3 million guaranteed

He’s not getting any younger but the Ravens need at tight end combined with his good work in the passing game show what a valuable weapon he could be for Joe Flacco. The worry is if they’re expecting an every down guy, his blocking isn’t what it once was.

RB Matt Forte (NYJ): Three years, $12 million with $8 million guaranteed

With a back who has had as many touches as Forte you always worry that the cliff is just around the corner. For that reason it’s a little scary that they team are tied to him for a couple of years, but on the plus side the Jets have got a do it all back who had the 10th highest grade of all running backs last year.

T Chris Clark (HST): Two years, $6 million with $3.25 million guaranteed

Outside of a game against Miami where he was torn apart, Clark has a nice first year in Texas. He’s got his limitations but the Texans are paying a small chunk of change for a guy who can play both tackle spots, and do it to a serviceable level. He might lose some battles, but at this cost he’ll win more than enough.

S Isa Abdul-Quddus (MIA): Three years, $12.75 million with $4.23 million guaranteed

An underrated move by the Dolphins to pick up a safety in the prime of his career who hasn’t cost them an arm and a leg. Sure he’s not the flashiest player but generally if you can get a safety who keeps it safe, you’ve done alright.

S Dwight Lowery (SD): Three years, $7.2 million with $1.5 million guaranteed

Similar to the William Gay deal the Chargers have lined up a tried and tested veteran who can ably fill in without impacting too much on the cap. Lowery had a solid year in Indianapolis after resurrecting his career somewhat in Atlanta.

WR Rishard Matthews (TEN): Three years, $15 million with $2.5 million guaranteed

It also felt a little odd Matthews couldn’t get more of an opportunity in Miami, but with a tidy little outlay from Tennessee he should get the chance to showcase his skills in extended playing time.

C-plus:

OLB Bruce Irvin (OAK): Four years, $37 million with $12.5 million guaranteed

This contract is a bit rich for a player who never delivered consistently, despite getting ample opportunities. But at the very least Irvin is a solid starter to whom the team isn’t tied for the long term, and when you have the cap room Oakland has, it’s hard to go wrong front-loading these deals.

DB Tyvon Branch (ARZ): Two years, $10 million with $5 million guaranteed

Is Branch an insurance plan in case Tyrann Mathieu can’t come back early next season? In any case, the Cardinals love themselves players who can do multiple things, and Branch is a guy who can line up all over the defensive backfield and provide solid play.

CB Kyle Wilson (NO): One year, $840k with $80k guaranteed

Wilson never delivered on his first-round potential, but has developed into the definition of an average slot corner. Not every player on your team needs to be a star, so if you can land contributors for less than market value it’s got to be considered a marginal win.

S Keith Tandy (TB): Two years, $1.85 million with $250k guaranteed

It might win the award for least flashy move, but free agency isn’t just about finding starters. It’s about finding reliable depth players who can contribute on special teams and Tandy checks those boxes nicely.

DT Haloti Ngata (DET): Two years, $12 million with $6 million guaranteed

Ngata proved he still has some juice in the tank with a strong finish to his 2015 season. He might not be the player he once was, but he can still make the kind of plays you look for at an interior spot. This is a reasonable move Detroit couldn’t afford not to make.

G Lane Taylor (GB): Two years, $4.15 million with $600k guaranteed

Didn’t look out of place when forced into the starting lineup. This is a useful chunk of change for the insurance of having someone fill in should either of the Packers stellar guards be forced from the field.

OL Kelechi Osemele (OAK): Five Years, $60 million with $25.4 million guaranteed

On one hand we love Osemele at guard. And if the Raiders play him there the move makes a degree of sense because Oakland simply has to burn some cash in this window. But there’s a sneaky suspicion that he might end up at left tackle, and that’s a huge leap of faith given how little experience has at the spot and how he played when forced to play there last year. Fantastic run blocker mind.

WR Marvin Jones (DET): Five Years, $40 million with $20 million guaranteed

It is certainly a great time to be a free agent receiver. Jones broke out in 2014 but nothing he did in 2015 suggested this big a pay day was coming his way. The talent is certainly there, but is the consistency? He’ll be vying with Golden Tate to be the Lions top target and now the pressure is cranked up on our 38th ranked receiver in 2015.

LB Frank Zombo (KC): Three years, $3.5 million with $500k guaranteed

With Tamba Hali locked up, the Chiefs are in consolidation mode on defense and the signing of Zombo brings back a guy who can help at any of the linebacker spots, as well as on special teams. He may not wow you when on the field, but for the cost involved it’s worth it.

TE Ladarius Green (PIT): Four years, $20 million with $4.75 million guaranteed

A move that could pay off or one that might see Green looking for a new contract this time next year. A somewhat aggressive move for a team scrambling to replace the ever excellent (and now retired) Heath Miller. Green must be happy to be out of the shadow of Antonio Gates, and you’d imagine he’s set to improve upon his career high mark of 686 snaps.

C:

TE Dwayne Allen (IND): Four years, $29.4 million with $16 million guaranteed

On his recent performance this deal makes little sense. But Allen has talent like few others at the position. If he can find the kind of form he did in his rookie year, and if the Colts can figure out how to use him more often, he has the talent to get Pro Bowl and All-Pro nods.

C Ben Jones (TEN): Four years, $17.5 million with $7.5 million guaranteed

While we don’t like this is verging on top-10 center money, we do like that the Titans are rectifying their big-time issues at the pivot. The three guys they started at center last year had a combined minus-47.0 grade, so they simply had to do something here.

S Rodney McLeod (PHI): Five years, $37 million with $17 million guaranteed

McLeod is very much an ascending player, and brings with him an intensity and aggressiveness you don’t often see from safeties. But as good as he is, it’s an almighty leap of faith to pay him like a top-5 safety when he’s never played like one.

DT Damon Harrison (NYG): Five years, $46.25 million with $24 million guaranteed

We love the play of “Snacks,” who has developed into a one-man wrecking crew in the run game, regularly leading the league in defensive stops against the run. There is no doubt that he makes the Giants better on early downs, but we can’t go higher with our grade because of the money involved. It’s simply too much for a guy who doesn’t get after the passer.

RB Chris Ivory (JAX): Five years, $32 million with $10 million guaranteed

It’s hard for the Jaguars to make bad moves, given how much money they have to spend. But that doesn’t mean every move they’ve made sees them hitting it out of the park, and there is a question whether Ivory was a player they really needed to go after, especially with the impressive rookie year of T.J. Yeldon. Nonetheless, they have acquired one of the better runners in the league.

TE Michael Hoomanawanui (NO): Three years, $5.2 million with $1.85 million guaranteed

In a league filled with terrible run-blocking tight ends, being around average has a level of value. Hoomanawanui won’t pull up any trees, but he will serve a function as a No. 2 tight end in an offense not afraid to use them.

P Brad Nortmann (JAX): Four years, $8.8 million with $1.65 million guaranteed

While Nortmann isn’t a top tier punter, that’s okay, because the Jags haven’t paid him top dollar. He’ll do a job worth the money on offer.

G Jeff Allen (HST): Four years, $28 million with $12 million guaranteed

It’s a big investment in a player who until last year was someone who didn’t inspire confidence when he got on the field. But the versatile and tough lineman did enough last year that Texans fans should be relatively happy with this move. Allen was our 10th ranked guard in 2015.

TE Coby Fleener (IND): Five years, $36 million with $14.6 million guaranteed

Was it Fleener’s inability or the all round ability of Dwayne Allen that limited his contributions in Indianapolis? Well they’ll be no excuses in New Orleans where the team will be counting on Fleener to best his 491 receiving yards of 2015.

S Tashaun Gipson (JAX): Five years, $35.5 million with $12 million guaranteed

If Gipson can get back to his 2014 form then this move will prove much better than the grade we’ve currently given it. But we can’t ignore how Gipson struggled last year and that’s what makes this move something of a leap of faith.

CB Ron Brooks (PHI): Three years, $5.5 million with $1.55 million guaranteed

A solid signing by the Eagles which reunites new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz with another player from his time in Buffalo. Brooks struggled to get on the field last year but with the money involved he should provide handy depth and special teams assistance.

DE Jaye Howard (KC): Two years, $10 million with $5.8 million guaranteed

A versatile lineman who can play over the center or up to a five tech, Howard had a breakout 2015 and while he didn’t deliver the consistency we wanted to see, there was enough to show he can start in this league. Our 24th ranked interior defender in 2015.

C-minus:

DE Mario Williams (MIA): Two years, $17 million with $7.5 million guaranteed

Rarely has Williams lived up to what is expected of him, but last season was a borderline disaster for him, as he ranked dead-last in pass-rush grade among edge defenders. It was less an aberration and more the culmination for a player who has rarely delivered against top competition. He is by no means a bad player, and the relatively little money involved here makes this worth a flyer. But why has the team gotten older and less explosive at a premium position?

DT Ahtyba Rubin (SEA): Three years, $12m with $5.5m guaranteed

Rubin did get better towards the end of the season, but he has a skill set that is readily available in the NFL. It’s a move that means the team doesn’t need to go out shopping for an early-down player, and it’s relatively cheap, so consider this a giant “meh.”

T Eric Winston (CIN): One year, $1.1m with $80k guaranteed

It’s not a lot of money for a guy who more than likely acts as little more than insurance given the team spent their first two picks last year on offensive tackles. Once one of the best right tackles in the league, Winston isn’t that guy any more, but at a push he could fill in.

DT Brandon Mebane (SD): Three years, $13.5 million with $5.5 million guaranteed

While Mebane had a good run in Seattle, he’s not the player he was once and it’s hard to envisage him making a big impact on the nose in a Chargers defense that is devoid of talent. Mebane had the 70th highest grade of 123 qualifying interior defenders.

T LaAdrian Waddle (NE): Two years, $2.35 million with $250k guaranteed

If Waddle can forget his 2015 performance and play more like he did when he entered the league, then this isn’t such a bad deal. But there’s no guarantee of that, with the only guarantee being Waddle is going to get $250k. That seems rich for a guy who will do well to make the roster.

CB Jeremy Lane (SEA): Four years, $23 million with $11 million guaranteed

Is Lane a bad player? No. But has he done enough to warrant double digits on the guaranteed money front? We’d say no, given in four years he’s never managed more than 356 snaps. He’s a guy you’d want on your roster but it’s hard to imagine many teams getting close to paying him that figure.
D-plus:

WR Travis Benjamin (SD): Four years, $24m with $13m guaranteed

It’s a terrible market for wide receivers, and the result is guys getting paid far more than they warrant. Benjamin may be coming off a career year, but he still only finish 66th in our wide receiver rankings. Is he the kind of receiver Philip Rivers needed?

WR Brian Quick (LA): One year, $3.75 million with $1.5 million guaranteed

For a guy who has never managed more than 400 snaps in a year, with a career best of 375 yards, you wonder if the Rams couldn’t have sweated a lower figure out of a guy who you imagine will be competing for a roster spot.

D:

QB Brock Osweiler (HOU): Four years, $72 million with $37 million guaranteed

There are those who like Osweiler’s potential and those who don’t, but wherever you stand you can’t deny there’s a huge air of uncertainty about a guy who was benched for a fading Peyton Manning last year. Osweiler did a serviceable job when coming into the lineup, but enough to think that he could be “the guy”? He ranked just 20th in PFF quarterback grades and second-worst in deep-ball accuracy percentage this season. This is the kind of risky move that could define Bill O’Brien’s time as Texans head coach.

S Andrew Sendejo (MIN): Four years, $16 million with $3.9 million guaranteed

It’s starter money for a guy who isn’t all that likely to start (certainly not in an every-down role), and isn’t all that good. Sendejo had the 85th-highest grade of 88 safeties in 2015.

T Donald Stephenson (DEN): Three years, $14 million with $10 million guaranteed

Paying Stephenson starter money is fine if he can play like he did Week 2 of the 2015 season against the Broncos. He was impressive then, but that was the exception to his season, and not the rule. He’s consistently been one of the weaker starters in the league, and paying him to be something else seems unnecessary.

C Tim Barnes (LA): Two years, $5.6 million with $2.5 million guaranteed

It’s not so much the max value of the deal that bothers us. In any move there’s an element of projection, and the Rams will hope that Barnes is better for having a year’s worth of starts under his belt. But the guaranteed figure seems unnecessary, given that Barnes could only finish the year 29th out of 39 ranked centers.

G J.R. Sweezy (TB): Five years, $32.5 million with $14.5 million guaranteed

He of the highlight-reel block. Sweezy can do things that coaches and fans can’t help but fall in love with, but it’s the lack of consistency (especially in pass protection) that has us shaking our heads at this deal. He’s earned a negative grade in each of his four years and looks to be quite the drop-off from the recently retired Logan Mankins.

LB Mark Barron (LA): Five years, $45 million with $15 million guaranteed

The league may be shifting to smaller linebackers but this seems an overpay for a guy who produced his first decent season in the NFL last year. And we emphasize the word decent, because while he was much improved in St Louis, he was still only our 20th ranked linebacker on the year. He’ll need to play at a level we haven’t seen to justify this cash.

LB Emmanuel Lamur (MIN): Two years, $6 million with $2.2 million guaranteed

While Lamur is familiar with Mike Zimmer from their time in Cincinnati he really isn’t a guy who has got better the more he played. In fact the past two years he’s really struggled, to the point where he’s really a guy you bring into compete for a spot on a roster, rather than offering enough in guarantees that you’re pretty much obliged to keep him.
D-minus:

Janoris Jenkins (NYG): Five years, $62.5 million with $29 million guaranteed

This is just an awful lot of money for a good corner who still gambles way too much. Big plays win games, and while Jenkins can make them, he’s been on the wrong end of more than his fair share. The Giants paid top-10 cornerback money for a guy who barely cracked the top 20 in our 2015 cornerback grades.

QB Chase Daniels (PHI): Three years, $21 million with $12 million guaranteed

It’s just an awful lot of money for a backup, and if he isn’t a backup, then why was so much money spent on Sam Bradford? In some respect you have to trust new head coach Doug Pederson, who has more knowledge of Daniels than any of us, but even he hasn’t seen how Daniels might handle significant game action.

F:

None

Rams do not see much free-agency movement on Thursday

Gary Klein

http://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-rams-nfl-free-agency-20160311-story.html

After a frenetic opening day to free agency, it was mostly quiet Thursday — at least outwardly — for the Rams.

A day after unrestricted free-agent cornerback Janoris Jenkins and safety Rodney McLeod joined other teams, and safety/linebacker Mark Barron and defensive end William Hayes re-signed with the Rams, there have been no major moves.

Running back Benny Cunningham, a restricted free agent who received an original-round tender from the Rams, reportedly visited the New England Patriots on Thursday.

The Rams have the right of first refusal if Cunningham receives an offer sheet from another team. There would be no compensation for the Rams if Cunningham signs elsewhere.

Cunningham tweeted about his trip to New England. “Back In Nashville.. Visit went great and I really enjoyed the hospitality.. All around great experience #FirstClass #GreatOrganization”

Defensive linemen Eugene Sims and Nick Fairley, kicker Greg Zuerlein, tight end/fullback Cory Harkey, and receiver Wes Welker are unrestricted free agents.

The Rams also are waiting to see what offers, if any, quarterback Case Keenum receives. The Rams offered Keenum, an restricted free agent, the first-round tender of about $3.6 million.

If Keenum receives an offer sheet from another team, and the Rams choose not to match it, the Rams would be awarded a first-round draft pick as compensation if Keenum signs with the other team.

The Rams are regarded as possible landing spots for other quarterbacks through free agency, trades or the draft.

Robert Griffin III was released by the Washington Redskins and is searching for a new employer. The New York Jets’ Ryan Fitzpatrick is an unrestricted free agent.

Brian Hoyer of the Houston Texans and Mark Sanchez of the Philadelphia Eagles could possibly be traded after their teams signed Brock Osweiler and Chase Daniel, respectively.

The Rams have the 15th pick in the draft.

Grading every deal of 2016 NFL free agency PFF

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2016/03/10/pro-nfl-free-agency-grading-every-deal/

During the season, Pro Football Focus grades every player on every play of every game. We are doing the same for every transaction this free-agency period, with the return of our Deal Grader.

How should you feel about the moves your team made? Take a look at our grades for each move, on an A through F scale, which we will update throughout free-agency season as contract terms become known:

A-plus:

None

A:

DE Jason Pierre-Paul (NYG): One year, $10 million with $8.5 million guaranteed

When you see what other edge defenders have got, how can you not like this? Even if JPP never completely adjusts to his injured hand, he proved in 2015 he can still get it done, recording one of his best pass-rushing seasons of his career.

DE William Hayes (LA): Three years, $17.5 million with $10 million guaranteed. Whenver called upon Hayes delivered the goods in St Louis, and he has earned this deal and the starting spot that comes with it. Four strong seasons in a row for the one time Titan who can contribute on every down. Not a lot of money at all for a guy who had the 13th best grade of all edge defenders in 2015.

LB Danny Trevathan (CHI): Four years, $24.5 million with $12 million guaranteed

Is there a more perfect fit in free agency? Chicago desperately needed linebacker help, and the only surprise about this move is how little it cost them to execute. Sure Trevathan has battled some injury issues in the past. But he’s a guy who had the 10th highest grade of all linebackers and was one of our top 10 free agents on the open market.
A-minus:

OLB Tamba Hali (KC): Three years, $22 million with $12 million guaranteed

While Hali isn’t getting any younger, he still proved to be a productive pass-rusher this season, even when Justin Houston went down to injury and he had more attention to deal with.

RB Lamar Miller (HOU): Four years, $26 million with $14 million guaranteed

Given that Miller took less money to go to Houston should give you an idea of the value of this move. Miller has graded positively the past three years, with his 2015 effort worthy of a top-five grade at the position. Now he should get the opportunity to carry the load in a way Miami never gave him.

G Ramon Foster (PIT): Three years, $9.5 million with $2.75 million guaranteed

The past five years Foster has developed into one of the most reliable guards in a league devoid of them. To retain his services for so little money, and with the knowledge the team isn’t tied to him if his performance drops, is great work.

B-plus:

G Richie Incognito (BUF): Three years, $11.5 million with $5.45 million guaranteed

Buffalo is rewarded for taking a chance on Incognito with a per annum payout far less than his 2015 performance (top ranked left guard) would say he’s worth.

RB Doug Martin (TB): Five years, $35.75 million with $15 million guaranteed

It was a big move for the Buccaneers to keep Martin in town. He was our first-team All-Pro running back and led our rushing rankings with a nice bounce-back year after two years of underwhelming play. If he can maintain that level, he’s well worth this deal, which looks huge on the surface but isn’t too crazy in terms of guaranteed money.

K Adam Vinatieri (IND): Two years, $6 million with $3 million guaranteed

Maybe this is the year age catches up with the leg of Vinatieri, who is one of the greatest kickers of all time.

S George Iloka (CIN): Five years, $30 million with $5 million guaranteed

This was a big move for the Bengals, ensuring they kept an important part of their defense in town. Iloka isn’t your Earl Thomas type of playmaking safety, but he is a more than competent player who can make an impact as a center fielder. The money, given what others have been given, makes this a real win for the Bengals.

DE Derrick Shelby (ATL): Four years, $18 million with $7.5 million guaranteed

Coming off a year where he had the 10th-highest PFF grade of all 4-3 defensive ends, we expected Shelby to walk away a little richer, so kudos to Atlanta for getting value on a day when not everyone did. The former undrafted free agent really took advantage of Cameron Wake’s injury to show himself as more than just a run defender.

OT Mitchell Schwartz (KC): Five years, $33 million with $12.66 million guaranteed

One of the top right tackles in the league, Schwartz was a PFF selection for a second-team All-Pro spot after a strong 2015 season. He did an admirable job against Von Miller this season, but will now get to show whether that was a fluke when he faces off with him and Khalil Mack twice a year.

CB William Gay (PIT): Three years, $7.5 million with $1.9 million guaranteed

This really isn’t a lot of money for a guy who graded above average and was as solid as it got in a disappointing Steelers secondary in 2015. Gay might not be getting any younger, but the structure of the deal ensures the Steelers are covered if his play drops off.

C Alex Mack (ATL): Five years, $45 million with $28.5 million guaranteed

It’s a lot of money for a center, but given that no team lost as many games last year because of the play of their center, it was somewhat necessary. The Falcons retooled offensive line is one of the better ones in the league, especially if Mack can return to his pre-leg break form.

S Tavon Wilson (DET): Two years, $2.2 million with $500k guaranteed

Wilson always impressed in spot duty for the Patriots, but never really got the extended look to really showcase if he could turn that small sample size into a sustained career. Now he gets that opportunity in a Detroit system that will offer a path to playing time. For the Lions the lack of cash means they really have nothing to lose here.

CB Sean Smith (OAK): Four years, $40 million for $20 million guaranteed

The Raiders made a big statement raiding their AFC West rivals, getting our 12th highest grade of all cornerbacks in 2015. Given some of the deals that cornerbacks have got recently this has to be considered a real value get for Oakland.

B:

DL Malik Jackson (JAX): Six years, $90 million with $42m guaranteed

Have the Jaguars overpaid? Heck yeah. But they have so much cap room they have to spend that it’s justifiable. Grabbing an inside pass-rushing beast in Jackson (seventh highest grade of all interior defenders) is a win for the team.

OT Joe Barksdale (SD): Four years, $22.2 million with $10.5 million guaranteed. Given the Chargers’ luck with injuries you wouldn’t be surprised if Barksdale got injured signing his contract. But presuming he can make it to the regular season in good shape, Barksdale was a bright spot (21st-ranked tackle in PFF grades) on a terrible offensive line.

TE Antonio Gates (SD): Two years, $12 million with $6 million guaranteed

It was hard to imagine Gates playing anywhere else, and common sense shines through with this re-signing. Sure, Gates isn’t the athlete he once was, but his ability to get open remains excellent, as evidenced by him having the ninth-highest receiving grade of any tight end despite missing nearly half the season.

G Brandon Brooks (PHI): Five years, $40 million with $17 million guaranteed

It’s a lot of money, especially since Brooks didn’t have his best year in 2015. But his work prior to that was of a level of a player who deserved to paid near the top of his position. A rare athlete, he can really open up lanes in the run game.

B-minus:

G Alex Boone (MIN): Five years, $26.8 million with $10 million guaranteed

Boone hasn’t really built upon his breakout 2012 season and become one of the best guards in the league. But he has always graded positively, and given the money the Vikings have put into this deal they can consider this a good value pickup as they retool their offensive line.

DE Olivier Vernon (NYG): Five years, $85 million with $52.5 million guaranteed

In three years time, when people are re-grading this free-agent period, Vernon won’t sit here in the middle of the pack. No, he’ll either be right at the top because he delivered, or right near the bottom because he failed to. If he can play close to the way he did in the second half of the 2015 season, then he’ll be considered a success. He was as good as any edge rusher in the league during that stretch, and he did it against top tackles like Dallas’ Tyron Smith. But if he reverts closer to how he played earlier in his career — when he was a solid player, not an elite one — he won’t come close to justifying this contract.

LS Morgan Cox (BLT): Five years, $5.6 million with $700k guaranteed

Long snappers are people, too! Cox is one of the more reliable ones in the league, and this kind of figure puts him rightfully near the rest of the top earners at the spot.

LB Audie Cole (MIN): One year, $760k with $40k guaranteed

Caught our eye with some impressive play in 2014 but then got bitten by the injury bug last year. There’s definitely talent there, and given the money involved the Vikings will be happy to get at the very least solid depth and a good special teamer.

TE Ben Watson (BAL): Two years, $7 million with $3 million guaranteed

He’s not getting any younger but the Ravens need at tight end combined with his good work in the passing game show what a valuable weapon he could be for Joe Flacco. The worry is if they’re expecting an every down guy, his blocking isn’t what it once was.

RB Matt Forte (NYJ): Three years, $12 million with $8 million guaranteed

With a back who has had as many touches as Forte you always worry that the cliff is just around the corner. For that reason it’s a little scary that they team are tied to him for a couple of years, but on the plus side the Jets have got a do it all back who had the 10th highest grade of all running backs last year.

T Chris Clark (HST): Two years, $6 million with $3.25 million guaranteed

Outside of a game against Miami where he was torn apart, Clark has a nice first year in Texas. He’s got his limitations but the Texans are paying a small chunk of change for a guy who can play both tackle spots, and do it to a serviceable level. He might lose some battles, but at this cost he’ll win more than enough.

S Isa Abdul-Quddus (MIA): Three years, $12.75 million with $4.23 million guaranteed

An underrated move by the Dolphins to pick up a safety in the prime of his career who hasn’t cost them an arm and a leg. Sure he’s not the flashiest player but generally if you can get a safety who keeps it safe, you’ve done alright.

S Dwight Lowery (SD): Three years, $7.2 million with $1.5 million guaranteed

Similar to the William Gay deal the Chargers have lined up a tried and tested veteran who can ably fill in without impacting too much on the cap. Lowery had a solid year in Indianapolis after resurrecting his career somewhat in Atlanta.

WR Rishard Matthews (TEN): Three years, $15 million with $2.5 million guaranteed

It also felt a little odd Matthews couldn’t get more of an opportunity in Miami, but with a tidy little outlay from Tennessee he should get the chance to showcase his skills in extended playing time.

C-plus:

OLB Bruce Irvin (OAK): Four years, $37 million with $12.5 million guaranteed

This contract is a bit rich for a player who never delivered consistently, despite getting ample opportunities. But at the very least Irvin is a solid starter to whom the team isn’t tied for the long term, and when you have the cap room Oakland has, it’s hard to go wrong front-loading these deals.

DB Tyvon Branch (ARZ): Two years, $10 million with $5 million guaranteed

Is Branch an insurance plan in case Tyrann Mathieu can’t come back early next season? In any case, the Cardinals love themselves players who can do multiple things, and Branch is a guy who can line up all over the defensive backfield and provide solid play.

CB Kyle Wilson (NO): One year, $840k with $80k guaranteed

Wilson never delivered on his first-round potential, but has developed into the definition of an average slot corner. Not every player on your team needs to be a star, so if you can land contributors for less than market value it’s got to be considered a marginal win.

S Keith Tandy (TB): Two years, $1.85 million with $250k guaranteed

It might win the award for least flashy move, but free agency isn’t just about finding starters. It’s about finding reliable depth players who can contribute on special teams and Tandy checks those boxes nicely.

DT Haloti Ngata (DET): Two years, $12 million with $6 million guaranteed

Ngata proved he still has some juice in the tank with a strong finish to his 2015 season. He might not be the player he once was, but he can still make the kind of plays you look for at an interior spot. This is a reasonable move Detroit couldn’t afford not to make.

G Lane Taylor (GB): Two years, $4.15 million with $600k guaranteed

Didn’t look out of place when forced into the starting lineup. This is a useful chunk of change for the insurance of having someone fill in should either of the Packers stellar guards be forced from the field.

OL Kelechi Osemele (OAK): Five Years, $60 million with $25.4 million guaranteed

On one hand we love Osemele at guard. And if the Raiders play him there the move makes a degree of sense because Oakland simply has to burn some cash in this window. But there’s a sneaky suspicion that he might end up at left tackle, and that’s a huge leap of faith given how little experience has at the spot and how he played when forced to play there last year. Fantastic run blocker mind.

WR Marvin Jones (DET): Five Years, $40 million with $20 million guaranteed

It is certainly a great time to be a free agent receiver. Jones broke out in 2014 but nothing he did in 2015 suggested this big a pay day was coming his way. The talent is certainly there, but is the consistency? He’ll be vying with Golden Tate to be the Lions top target and now the pressure is cranked up on our 38th ranked receiver in 2015.

LB Frank Zombo (KC): Three years, $3.5 million with $500k guaranteed

With Tamba Hali locked up, the Chiefs are in consolidation mode on defense and the signing of Zombo brings back a guy who can help at any of the linebacker spots, as well as on special teams. He may not wow you when on the field, but for the cost involved it’s worth it.

TE Ladarius Green (PIT): Four years, $20 million with $4.75 million guaranteed

A move that could pay off or one that might see Green looking for a new contract this time next year. A somewhat aggressive move for a team scrambling to replace the ever excellent (and now retired) Heath Miller. Green must be happy to be out of the shadow of Antonio Gates, and you’d imagine he’s set to improve upon his career high mark of 686 snaps.

C:

TE Dwayne Allen (IND): Four years, $29.4 million with $16 million guaranteed

On his recent performance this deal makes little sense. But Allen has talent like few others at the position. If he can find the kind of form he did in his rookie year, and if the Colts can figure out how to use him more often, he has the talent to get Pro Bowl and All-Pro nods.

C Ben Jones (TEN): Four years, $17.5 million with $7.5 million guaranteed

While we don’t like this is verging on top-10 center money, we do like that the Titans are rectifying their big-time issues at the pivot. The three guys they started at center last year had a combined minus-47.0 grade, so they simply had to do something here.

S Rodney McLeod (PHI): Five years, $37 million with $17 million guaranteed. McLeod is very much an ascending player, and brings with him an intensity and aggressiveness you don’t often see from safeties. But as good as he is, it’s an almighty leap of faith to pay him like a top-5 safety when he’s never played like one.

DT Damon Harrison (NYG): Five years, $46.25 million with $24 million guaranteed

We love the play of “Snacks,” who has developed into a one-man wrecking crew in the run game, regularly leading the league in defensive stops against the run. There is no doubt that he makes the Giants better on early downs, but we can’t go higher with our grade because of the money involved. It’s simply too much for a guy who doesn’t get after the passer.

RB Chris Ivory (JAX): Five years, $32 million with $10 million guaranteed

It’s hard for the Jaguars to make bad moves, given how much money they have to spend. But that doesn’t mean every move they’ve made sees them hitting it out of the park, and there is a question whether Ivory was a player they really needed to go after, especially with the impressive rookie year of T.J. Yeldon. Nonetheless, they have acquired one of the better runners in the league.

TE Michael Hoomanawanui (NO): Three years, $5.2 million with $1.85 million guaranteed

In a league filled with terrible run-blocking tight ends, being around average has a level of value. Hoomanawanui won’t pull up any trees, but he will serve a function as a No. 2 tight end in an offense not afraid to use them.

P Brad Nortmann (JAX): Four years, $8.8 million with $1.65 million guaranteed

While Nortmann isn’t a top tier punter, that’s okay, because the Jags haven’t paid him top dollar. He’ll do a job worth the money on offer.

G Jeff Allen (HST): Four years, $28 million with $12 million guaranteed

It’s a big investment in a player who until last year was someone who didn’t inspire confidence when he got on the field. But the versatile and tough lineman did enough last year that Texans fans should be relatively happy with this move. Allen was our 10th ranked guard in 2015.

TE Coby Fleener (IND): Five years, $36 million with $14.6 million guaranteed

Was it Fleener’s inability or the all round ability of Dwayne Allen that limited his contributions in Indianapolis? Well they’ll be no excuses in New Orleans where the team will be counting on Fleener to best his 491 receiving yards of 2015.

S Tashaun Gipson (JAX): Five years, $35.5 million with $12 million guaranteed

If Gipson can get back to his 2014 form then this move will prove much better than the grade we’ve currently given it. But we can’t ignore how Gipson struggled last year and that’s what makes this move something of a leap of faith.

CB Ron Brooks (PHI): Three years, $5.5 million with $1.55 million guaranteed

A solid signing by the Eagles which reunites new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz with another player from his time in Buffalo. Brooks struggled to get on the field last year but with the money involved he should provide handy depth and special teams assistance.

DE Jaye Howard (KC): Two years, $10 million with $5.8 million guaranteed

A versatile lineman who can play over the center or up to a five tech, Howard had a breakout 2015 and while he didn’t deliver the consistency we wanted to see, there was enough to show he can start in this league. Our 24th ranked interior defender in 2015.

C-minus:

DE Mario Williams (MIA): Two years, $17 million with $7.5 million guaranteed

Rarely has Williams lived up to what is expected of him, but last season was a borderline disaster for him, as he ranked dead-last in pass-rush grade among edge defenders. It was less an aberration and more the culmination for a player who has rarely delivered against top competition. He is by no means a bad player, and the relatively little money involved here makes this worth a flyer. But why has the team gotten older and less explosive at a premium position?

DT Ahtyba Rubin (SEA): Three years, $12m with $5.5m guaranteed

Rubin did get better towards the end of the season, but he has a skill set that is readily available in the NFL. It’s a move that means the team doesn’t need to go out shopping for an early-down player, and it’s relatively cheap, so consider this a giant “meh.”

T Eric Winston (CIN): One year, $1.1m with $80k guaranteed

It’s not a lot of money for a guy who more than likely acts as little more than insurance given the team spent their first two picks last year on offensive tackles. Once one of the best right tackles in the league, Winston isn’t that guy any more, but at a push he could fill in.

DT Brandon Mebane (SD): Three years, $13.5 million with $5.5 million guaranteed

While Mebane had a good run in Seattle, he’s not the player he was once and it’s hard to envisage him making a big impact on the nose in a Chargers defense that is devoid of talent. Mebane had the 70th highest grade of 123 qualifying interior defenders.

T LaAdrian Waddle (NE): Two years, $2.35 million with $250k guaranteed

If Waddle can forget his 2015 performance and play more like he did when he entered the league, then this isn’t such a bad deal. But there’s no guarantee of that, with the only guarantee being Waddle is going to get $250k. That seems rich for a guy who will do well to make the roster.

CB Jeremy Lane (SEA): Four years, $23 million with $11 million guaranteed

Is Lane a bad player? No. But has he done enough to warrant double digits on the guaranteed money front? We’d say no, given in four years he’s never managed more than 356 snaps. He’s a guy you’d want on your roster but it’s hard to imagine many teams getting close to paying him that figure.
D-plus:

WR Travis Benjamin (SD): Four years, $24m with $13m guaranteed

It’s a terrible market for wide receivers, and the result is guys getting paid far more than they warrant. Benjamin may be coming off a career year, but he still only finish 66th in our wide receiver rankings. Is he the kind of receiver Philip Rivers needed?

WR Brian Quick (LA): One year, $3.75 million with $1.5 million guaranteed. For a guy who has never managed more than 400 snaps in a year, with a career best of 375 yards, you wonder if the Rams couldn’t have sweated a lower figure out of a guy who you imagine will be competing for a roster spot.

D:

QB Brock Osweiler (HOU): Four years, $72 million with $37 million guaranteed

There are those who like Osweiler’s potential and those who don’t, but wherever you stand you can’t deny there’s a huge air of uncertainty about a guy who was benched for a fading Peyton Manning last year. Osweiler did a serviceable job when coming into the lineup, but enough to think that he could be “the guy”? He ranked just 20th in PFF quarterback grades and second-worst in deep-ball accuracy percentage this season. This is the kind of risky move that could define Bill O’Brien’s time as Texans head coach.

S Andrew Sendejo (MIN): Four years, $16 million with $3.9 million guaranteed

It’s starter money for a guy who isn’t all that likely to start (certainly not in an every-down role), and isn’t all that good. Sendejo had the 85th-highest grade of 88 safeties in 2015.

T Donald Stephenson (DEN): Three years, $14 million with $10 million guaranteed

Paying Stephenson starter money is fine if he can play like he did Week 2 of the 2015 season against the Broncos. He was impressive then, but that was the exception to his season, and not the rule. He’s consistently been one of the weaker starters in the league, and paying him to be something else seems unnecessary.

C Tim Barnes (LA): Two years, $5.6 million with $2.5 million guaranteed. It’s not so much the max value of the deal that bothers us. In any move there’s an element of projection, and the Rams will hope that Barnes is better for having a year’s worth of starts under his belt. But the guaranteed figure seems unnecessary, given that Barnes could only finish the year 29th out of 39 ranked centers.

G J.R. Sweezy (TB): Five years, $32.5 million with $14.5 million guaranteed

He of the highlight-reel block. Sweezy can do things that coaches and fans can’t help but fall in love with, but it’s the lack of consistency (especially in pass protection) that has us shaking our heads at this deal. He’s earned a negative grade in each of his four years and looks to be quite the drop-off from the recently retired Logan Mankins.

LB Mark Barron (LA): Five years, $45 million with $15 million guaranteed. The league may be shifting to smaller linebackers but this seems an overpay for a guy who produced his first decent season in the NFL last year. And we emphasize the word decent, because while he was much improved in St Louis, he was still only our 20th ranked linebacker on the year. He’ll need to play at a level we haven’t seen to justify this cash.

LB Emmanuel Lamur (MIN): Two years, $6 million with $2.2 million guaranteed

While Lamur is familiar with Mike Zimmer from their time in Cincinnati he really isn’t a guy who has got better the more he played. In fact the past two years he’s really struggled, to the point where he’s really a guy you bring into compete for a spot on a roster, rather than offering enough in guarantees that you’re pretty much obliged to keep him.
D-minus:

Janoris Jenkins (NYG): Five years, $62.5 million with $29 million guaranteed. This is just an awful lot of money for a good corner who still gambles way too much. Big plays win games, and while Jenkins can make them, he’s been on the wrong end of more than his fair share. The Giants paid top-10 cornerback money for a guy who barely cracked the top 20 in our 2015 cornerback grades.

QB Chase Daniels (PHI): Three years, $21 million with $12 million guaranteed

It’s just an awful lot of money for a backup, and if he isn’t a backup, then why was so much money spent on Sam Bradford? In some respect you have to trust new head coach Doug Pederson, who has more knowledge of Daniels than any of us, but even he hasn’t seen how Daniels might handle significant game action.

F:

NFL Free Agency Grades: 32 grades for 32 teams but only one big, fat F

Pete Prisco

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/pete-prisco/25516088/nfl-free-agency-grades-32-grades-for-32-teams-but-only-one-big-fat-f

The 2016 NFL free-agency period will be remembered as one for wild spending, good, not great, players getting contracts with generational money and seeing a Super Bowl team get picked apart like road kill by vultures.

The first week is in the books and most of the top free agents are gone, so I thought it a good time to look back on this crazy flurry of activity, which was highlighted by mega-deals for players like Olivier Vernon and Malik Jackson, two players who weren’t exactly household names when the 2015 season opened.

It’s tough to hand out grades for free agency, since there are teams, such as the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers, who sit and watch as the activity unfolds in front of them. That’s easy to do with their elite passers and good drafting, but for other teams it’s an opportunity to supplement their rosters.

Just remember that these grades can look bad a year from now. Remember when everybody was raving about the Eagles’ free-agency haul last spring? Now look. It turned out to be a disaster. So take the grades for what they are, an immediate reaction to the moves because nobody really knows how they will turn out.

Right, Chip Kelly?

Arizona Cardinals
The Skinny: They wanted to add a pass rusher, and were in on Jason Pierre-Paul, but he opted to go back to the Giants. The only addition was safety Tyvon Branch from Kansas City. They did re-sign backup quarterback Drew Stanton, but lost right tackle Bobby Massie.

C-: Not getting a pass rusher has to hurt, but they were mostly inactive, which is a sign of a good team.

Atlanta Falcons
The Skinny: They were aggressive in free agency and added players at need spots. They landed center Alex Mack from the Browns and he will be the anchor they need inside. They paid him a lot, but he’s a good player. Defensive end Derrick Shelby comes over from the Dolphins and he’s an underrated player who will help the pass rush. They did pay receiver Mohamed Sanu too much, but he will be their No. 2 to Julio Jones.

B-: Mack fills a big need, but he’s on the decline. Shelby was a nice signing. Solid, not special.

Baltimore Ravens
The Skinny: They had cap issues, so they couldn’t do a lot in free agency. They did lose guard Kelechi Osemele to the Raiders, which is a hit. The only outside free agent they signed was tight end Ben Watson. This isn’t a team that usually gets involved early in free agency.

C: They didn’t make any moves, but they were kind of hamstrung by the cap.

Buffalo Bills
The Skinny: They did the smart thing and made sure to keep the left side of their offensive line in tackle Cordy Glenn and guard Richie Incognito. They had some cap issues, so they did suffer a few losses like Mario Williams (released), corner Leodis McKelvin (released) and linebacker Nigel Bradham.

B: Keeping your own is important and they kept the players they wanted to keep.

Carolina Panthers
The Skinny: They didn’t do much, other than bring back veteran defensive end Charles Johnson and fullback Mike Tolbert. They did sign center Gino Gradkowski for depth, but that’s it for outside signings. They lost punter Brad Nortman.

C-: Not much here, but again this is a talented team that doesn’t need a lot and has some cap issues.

Chicago Bears
The Skinny: I like both of their top free-agent signings. They landed linebacker Danny Trevathan, who John Fox had in Denver. He will bring speed to a unit that needed it. Right tackle Bobby Massie will allow the team to move Kyle Long back to his natural spot of guard. That’s a smart decision there. Jerrell Freeman is another solid signing at linebacker.

B+: They didn’t get a lot, but what they did get was two important pieces and potentially a third.

Cincinnati Bengals
The Skinny: They didn’t sign anybody outside of their team, but they brought back three key free agents in safety George Iloka, corner Adam Jones and linebacker Vincent Rey. That’s big for the defense. They did lose receivers Marvin Jones, who they wanted back, and Mohamed Sanu, which creates a void there.

B: Keeping the key defensive players was big for them. Losing Marvin Jones hurt.

Cleveland Browns
The Skinny: They let so many good players get out the door, and did little in terms of replacing them. I get the idea that they didn’t want to overpay for some of their own, but all of them? They let Mitchell Schwartz, Tashaun Gipson, Alex Mack and Travis Benjamin all leave. I would have kept a couple, especially Benjamin since his deal with San Diego isn’t that much. They added tackle Alvin Bailey and linebacker Justin Tuggle, but that’s not a lot.

F: I get not overpaying, but keep some of the guys. Or go get some others.

Dallas Cowboys
The Skinny: The only player of note outside the team they added was defensive lineman Cedric Thornton from the Eagles. He is a good player, and that’s a good signing. They did re-sign some of their own in corner Morris Claiborne and linebackers Kyle Wilbur and Rolando McClain.

C: They weren’t active, but still landed a solid player in Thornton. The draft will be big in April.

Denver Broncos
The Skinny: Super Bowl teams usually get targeted in free agency, but the Broncos suffered the worst hit of all: They now have no quarterback. Yes, they traded to get Mark Sanchez from the Eagles, but he is stopgap at best. Allowing Brock Osweiler to sign with Houston is a major fail — no matter what the price. They also lost Malik Jackson and Danny Trevathan, two key defenders. But you can’t keep them all. That’s understandable. They did sign tackle Donald Stephenson from Kansas City.

D: This is a bad grade for having no plan at quarterback after Peyton Manning retired. They lost some talented players.

Detroit Lions
The Skinny: They needed to sign a receiver with Calvin Johnson retiring, so landing Marvin Jones was a solid move — even if he’s more of a No. 2 receiver. They added two safeties in Rafael Bush and Tavon Wilson to give them a chance to compete on the back end after losing Isa Abdul-Quddus. They also were smart in re-signing defensive tackles Tyrunn Walker and Haloti Ngata and linebacker Tahir Whitehead.

B: It was a solid class for the Lions, especially re-signing their own. Jones will make or break this class.

Green Bay Packers
The Skinny: The Packers are a team that won’t usually dive into the market. That’s not Ted Thompson’s style. So it’s tough to grade them. They did re-sign Nick Perry and inked Mike Daniels before he hit the market. Those are solid moves. But as far as diving in, they just don’t do it.

Incomplete: They just don’t get involved with other team’s free agents, so it’s hard to give them any grade. This grade can be the same every year.

Houston Texans
The Skinny: They made one of the biggest splashes of the period by landing Denver quarterback Brock Osweiler. They paid him a ton at $18 million per season, but it was a move they had to make. They also added a solid back in Lamar Miller, even if it’s not something I would have done. They lost guard Brandon Brooks and center Ben Jones, but replaced them with Jeff Allen and Tony Bergstrom.

A: They had to get a quarterback, and they got the best in this class. This could end up being their marquee free-agent class if Osweiler becomes what they think he will be.

Indianapolis Colts
The Skinny: They didn’t do much of anything, other than re-signing tight end Dwayne Allen and letting Coby Fleener leave to sign with the Saints They also re-signed kicker Adam Vinatieri. There wasn’t much activity for the Colts.

C-: It was a pretty blah free-agency period for them, but they’ve tried spending big in the past and it’s failed. They also have a big deal coming up with Andrew Luck.

Jacksonville Jaguars
The Skinny: They went into free agency with the idea of upgrading their defense, which they did. They landed defensive lineman Malik Jackson on a mega-deal and then added free safety Tashaun Gipson. They also signed Giants corner Prince Amukamara to a one-year deal. That’s three starters. They missed on the pass rusher, but tried. They paid too much for running back Chris Ivory, but that’s my personal bias against paying backs.

B+: They added three starters on defense, which was a must. The only knock is missing on the edge rusher, but they tried hard with Vernon. He just wanted to go to the Giants.

Kansas City Chiefs
The Skinny: The Chiefs did a really nice job of keeping their own. They re-signed edge rusher Tamba Hali, linebacker Derrick Johnson and defensive end Jaye Howard, a rising player. They added Mitchell Schwartz to play right tackle, and he’s an upgrade over Donald Stephenson, who went to the Broncos. They did lose corner Sean Smith and guard Jeff Allen, two quality starters.

B+: I like the idea of keeping that defense intact for the most part. Schwartz is an upgrade.

Los Angeles Rams
The Skinny: They franchised corner Trumaine Johnson, but lost corner Janoris Jenkins. They picked the right corner. They were also wise to bring back defensive ends William Hayes and Eugene Sims. They paid way too much to keep linebacker/safety Mark Barron. Losing Jenkins and safety Rodney McLeod were hits to the secondary. They didn’t do anything about the offense.

C: Keeping Johnson and Hayes were smart moves, but they didn’t do a lot outside of their own.

Miami Dolphins
The Skinny: Give general manager Mike Tannenbaum credit for trying to improve his team. But trading for two big contracts from the Eagles in Byron Maxwell and Kiko Alonso is risky. Defensive end Mario Williams could be a steal if he decides he wants to play hard. Safety Isa Abdul-Quddus is a solid signing who will be a nice complement to Rashad Jones. If the Broncos don’t match the offer to running back C.J. Anderson, that would be five starters out of this class. Not bad, but time will tell.

B-: They took on some risk with the Eagles contracts. But they feel like they’ve added good players to their defense.

Minnesota Vikings
The Skinny: The addition of 49ers guard Alex Boone gives them a nice addition to the offensive line. He will toughen that group up. Safety Michael Griffin will come in and compete with others for the job next to Harrison Smith. Linebacker Emmanuel Lamur played for Mike Zimmer with the Bengals and had his best year under him. He is an athletic kid coming off an injury. Re-signing Mike Harris was a solid move as well for the offensive line.

B-: It wasn’t a big haul, but landing Boone will really help.

23. New England Patriots
The Skinny: The Patriots are another team that usually waits until the big-ticket items are gone, and then they jump into the mix. The only major signing so far was tendering an offer to Bills restricted free-agent receiver Chris Hogan. That’s it. They also added outside linebacker Roman Humber from the Saints.

C: As usual, they draft and develop. The odd thing is the offer sheet to Hogan. Why not a deep threat?

New Orleans Saints
The Skinny: They didn’t have a lot of cap room, so the only major addition was tight end Coby Fleener from the Colts. They paid a lot of money for him, but he should be a nice fit in their passing offense. They re-signed some of their own, including backup quarterback Luke McCown, but the cap situation didn’t help their chances to land top players.

D: They got themselves into this mess, so it’s on the front office. They have a lot of needs and did little to help fix them.

New York Giants
The Skinny: General manager Jerry Reese spent money like he prints it this year. Desperate moves or smart ones? Whatever the reason, they added some good players, but it cost a bunch. I love the signing of Olivier Vernon to help the pass rush, but there is no way he should be paid what he’s getting. That’s the system though. I also like the additions of corner Janoris Jenkins and nose tackle Damon Harrison. That’s three quality starters for a defense that needed it. They also kept Jason Pierre-Paul on a one-year deal.

A: I love what they did, but was it out of desperation for Jerry Reese?

New York Jets
The Skinny: The biggest uncertainty is what they plan to do with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. So far, there is no deal. But it’s still possible. They did put the franchise tag on defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson, which was a wise move. They brought in running backs Matt Forte and Khiry Robinson to help offset the loss of Chris Ivory. They also re-signed Bilal Powell. They made a push for pass rusher Olivier Vernon, but that will have to be addressed in the draft. Losing Damon Harrison on the nose will hurt.

C+: Keeping Wilkerson was smart, but the quarterback uncertainty drives down the grade for now.

Oakland Raiders
The Skinny: They were the in the race to be the champs of the free-agency period. That doesn’t always mean you win, but they killed it. They had money to spend and spent it on good players. They landed Ravens guard-tackle Kelechi Osemele, which will really help their line. I also like the addition of tough-guy Bruce Irvin as a linebacker on the defense. Sean Smith is a nice man-cover player who fills a need.

A: Reggie McKenzie and Jack Del Rio added some good pieces to a team on the rise.

Philadelphia Eagles
The Skinny:They had a great free-agency period. General manager Howie Roseman dumped some bad deals from a year ago, re-signed Sam Bradford and also added some good players in guard Brandon Brooks, corner Leodis McKelvin and safety Rodney McLeod. They also traded to move up five spots in the first round with Miami, dumping two Chip Kelly players in corner Byron Maxwell and Kiko Alonso. They also traded DeMarco Murray to the Titans, dumping his big contract.

A+: Ridding themselves of the bad Kelly deals in those trades and moving up in the first round makes this grade. But then they also added some quality players and others for depth. But this grade is about the Chip dump.

Pittsburgh Steelers
The Skinny: Like the Packers and Patriots, the Steelers usually sit out free agency for the most part. I did like the signing of Chargers tight end Ladarius Green, a pass-catching player who will fit perfectly into their offense. Bringing back guard Ramon Foster was also a nice move.

C+: They added one key component in Green, which I liked. But, as usual, they sat back and watched — which isn’t always a bad thing.

San Diego Chargers
The Skinny: I really liked the signing of receiver Travis Benjamin, giving them a nice down-the-field threat. He can fly. They also added Brandon Mebane up front on defense, which is a good move, and Casey Hayward, a good corner, who should start. Bringing back Antonio Gates and tackle Joseph Barksdale were good moves.

B-: Benjamin will be the guy who defines their class, and I think he’s a heck of a signing.

San Francisco 49ers
The Skinny: They were relatively quiet, but re-signing nose tackle Ian Williams was a smart move. They did lose guard Alex Boone to the Vikings, which is a hit. The only outside guy they brought in was backup quarterback Thad Lewis.

C-: There just wasn’t a lot of activity and the Colin Kaepernick situation still hasn’t unfolded yet.

Seattle Seahawks
The Skinny: They suffered two big hits, losing guard J.R. Sweezy and linebacker Bruce Irvin. But both can be replaced, especially for a team that drafts well. They also lost defensive tackle Brandon Mebane. Bringing back receiver Jermaine Kearse, corner Jeremy Lane and defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin were good moves. They didn’t sign one player from another team.

C: Losing players is always tough to handle, but that’s what happens to good teams.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Skinny: They were aggressive in free agency and landed three players at need positions. They got guard J.R. Sweezy from Seattle, a solid player who probably got too much money. But he’s a tough guy, and they need that. They then helped the defense with corner Brent Grimes and defensive end Robert Ayers. The big move was re-signing running back Doug Martin, which is OK since he’s their back and not another team’s discard.

B: They had issues they needed to address and they did so. Not with stars, but solid football players. Getting Martin back was big.

Tennessee Titans
The Skinny:They added three pieces for the offense in running back DeMarco Murray, who came in a trade from the Eagles, center Ben Jones, who comes over from Houston, and receiver Rishard Matthews, who comes over from Miami. They had to get better on the offensive line, and Jones will help that. I don’t like trading and paying backs, even if Murray is an upgrade. Re-signing nose tackle Al Woods was also a good move.

B-: When a team can pick up three starters for a young quarterback, it’s a solid class.

Washington Redskins
The Skinny: The only outsider they added was defensive lineman Kendall Reyes from San Diego. They also paid out $20 million to keep quarterback Kirk Cousins on a franchise tag, which limited what they could do. They did re-sign several of their own, including backup quarterback Colt McCoy.

C: I think they were smart to put the franchise tag on Cousins and not give him a long-term deal. But that limited what they could do. He is playing for his future in 2016.