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It was a wild first day of free agency in the NFL! Trades were made, players were released, and a lot of players got PAID! Let’s take a look at some of the biggest deals.
Probably the most jaw-dropping was the Saints shipping tight end Jimmy Graham off to the defending NFC Champions. The Saints who looked like a shell of themselves last season are looking to rebuild and the only way to do that was to clear cap space. Their $40 million tight end was the first to go. Rumors are swirling that defensive end Cameron Jordan and even quarterback Drew Brees could be next to go.
The Colts want to win and want to win now. They have their franchise quarterback in Andrew Luck and a passing game that is one of the best in the league, but their dense and running game have held this team back from advancing farther in the playoffs. The Colts decided to address those needs right away and show fans they are serious about this season. After letting go of fan favorite Reggie Wayne, the team signed running back Frank Gore and defensive end Trent Cole. Recently released receiver Andre Johnson was also at the Colts facility and could possibly sign with the team within the next few days. This team will now have the ability to rush the passer with Cole and Robert Mathis who missed last season when he tore his Achilles tendon. Their offense will now be more of a duel threat with Gore as he still has the ability to burst out for big gains. This is a team that will be one to watch as a Super Bowl favorite.
Once again the Eagles are making the headlines. Colts running back Frank Gore was originally supposed to sign with Philadelphia, but got cold feet and backed out of the deal. This left Philadelphia with a big hole to fill and one that it looks like they will fill in the draft. They did make a puzzling move trading quarterback Nick Foles to the Rams for their quarterback Sam Bradford. Both quarterbacks missed time with injuries, Bradford missing the entire season after an ACL tear. Many speculate this could be a way to gather up pieces for a trade on draft day to secure Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota. One thing is for sure, the Eagles have definitely made things interesting.
The New York Jets have also made a splash this free agency. First, it was a trade the brought Bears receiver Brandon Marshall to the Big Apple. Now, there is news that former Jets star Darrelle Revis will return to the team where he got his start. Considering, Revis is coming off a Super Bowl win with AFC East rival New England, this move has to be more business than football related. This team is putting some pieces together, but is still missing the biggest and most important one, a quarterback.
