It has been a crazy week in the NFL. Not only has there been a frenzy with free agency, but blockbuster trades have been made as well. The top free agents have reached agreements and signed contracts as teams were able to throw money around to draw in big names. Here’s a look at five of the best signings from the craziness that was the past week of free agency.
1. Ndamukong Suh, Defensive Tackle, Miami Dolphins
Suh was arguably the biggest name in free agency, and a player several teams had interest in. The rumors ran wild with speculation as to where Suh would land, there was no doubt he would be signing a massive contract, it was just a matter of who was willing to take the chance on him and flash the cash.
He has a history of “playing dirty” with controversial displays on the field, but was a top player available for the taking this offseason.
The defensive tackle signed a six-year $114 million deal with $60 million in guaranteed money. A steep signing, indeed, but the Dolphins needed to make a splash this offseason and this was it. They’ve flirted with a playoff run, and now they have a strong defensive front with Suh and Cameron Wake. This was a good signing for Miami as they look to make a serious push in the AFC East next season.
2. Jeremy Maclin, Wide Receiver, Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs receiving core had their struggles last season, so in an effort to solve these woes, KC went out and signed Maclin to a five-year $55 million deal. The wide receiver is reunited with Andy Reid, who coached him during their time in Philadelphia with the Eagles.
After signing Maclin, the Chiefs decided to part ways with Dwayne Bowe, who had zero touchdown receptions in 2014.
The addition of Maclin means a down-the-field threat that the Chiefs have been missing, which could spark a fire in this offense.
3. Frank Gore, Running Back, Indianapolis Colts
The Colts needed to address the run game this offseason, and did just that with the addition of Gore. The running back signed a three-year $12 million deal with Indy this week.
The Colts offense is led by Andrew Luck, but will have a different look in 2015 as the team decided they were not going to bring back Reggie Wayne. Last season they were a pass heavy team, and their loss in the playoffs was proof they needed to improve with the run.
Enter Gore who has had tremendous success with the San Francisco 49ers. The running back stated he wanted to sign with a team that had a chance at winning a Super Bowl, and with this improved Colts offense, Indy will be a team to be reckoned with moving forward.
4. Julius Thomas, Tight End, Jacksonville Jaguars
Thomas was one of the prime free agents and was expected to bring in bookoo bucks, and, well, he did. The Jags were the team willing to throw the most money at the playmaking tight end, giving him a five-year $46 million contract with a reported $21 million guaranteed; making him the NFL’s highest paid tight end.
Now, Thomas was upfront about wanting a big contract and was going to sign with whoever gave him the most money, but the Jags are also building around their young talent with high hopes for the future.
They brought in Thomas to be a key, reliable target for young quarterback Blake Bortles, who enters his second season. The Jags are hopeful that by signing Thomas, there will be less pressure on the youngster, which will aid in his development.
5. Andre Johnson, Wide Receiver, Indianapolis Colts
With Reggie Wayne gone, Johnson isn’t a bad replacement. Luck is one of the best quarterbacks in the game right now, and he continues to be spoiled with a great receiving core.
Johnson signed a three-year $21 million contract with the Colts this week as they continue to improve their already impressive offense.
While Johnson’s production took a minor hit in 2014, he will fit nicely with this Colts offense and will benefit from having Luck at the quarterback position.