After the first two crazy days of free agency, I really thought things were finally going to slow down on Thursday. While things weren’t as insane as the previous two days, day three of free agency certainly still brought us a lot of action. Here’s a look at some of the most notable moves from Thursday.
*For up-to-date information on all of the latest free-agency signings, check out our Free Agency Tracker to stay in the know.
Steven Jackson Signs With Atlanta Falcons
On Wednesday, multiple reports surfaced indicating that Jackson had decided to sign with the Green Bay Packers. But news quickly went quiet on that front and by Thursday nothing new had developed. Then mid-day Thursday, news broke that Jackson had officially signed with the Falcons (the other front-runner along with Green Bay) for three-years and $12 million. Despite his age and mileage, Jackson is a great pickup for the Falcons, and will easily replace the hole left by recently-departed running back Michael Turner.
Philadelphia Eagles Sign Connor Barwin
Barwin had a down year last season with the Houston Texans, but it didn’t seem to affect his value on the open market. The Eagles, who are transitioning to a 3-4 defense, decided to give the outside linebacker a six-year, $36 million deal that could be worth as much as $40.55 million. Barwin is a talented pass-rusher on the outside and provides good value for the Eagles.
Matt Cassel Signs with Minnesota Vikings
After the Kansas City Chiefs traded for Alex Smith and signed Chase Daniel on Wednesday, it was a foregone conclusion that they would cut Cassel; which they did Thursday. Cassel wasn’t on the open market long, as he was scooped up by the Vikings rather quickly. Obviously Minnesota needed an upgrade over Joe Webb at No. 2 and there’s a chance Cassel will compete with Christian Ponder this summer for the starting job; this is the Vikings we’re talking about after all.
Ricky Jean-Francois Signs With Indianapolis Colts
Jean-Francois was an important role player with the San Francisco 49ers, rotating in at all three positions along the defensive front. That versatility was apparently enough for the Colts to cough up $22 million over four-years for the defensive lineman. He’ll likely be a starter now in Indianapolis and will need to show he’s more than a roleplayer.
Kansas City Chiefs Sign Sean Smith
After signing new head coach Andy Reid and trading for new quarterback Alex Smith, Kansas City appears to be a hot destination for free agents. After making moves Tuesday and Wednesday, the Chiefs continued to bolster their defense by adding Smith, the former-Dolphins’ cornerback; on a three-year, $18 million contract with $11 million in guaranteed money. Smith joins a talented secondary that includes Brandon Flowers, Dunta Robinson and Eric Berry.
Jeremy Trueblood Signs With Washington Redskins
On Thursday the Redskins signed Trueblood to help bolster their offensive line. Terms of the deal have not yet been disclosed. Trueblood is a dependable lineman, having started 84 games and played in 101 total regular-season games. Last season he played in nine games and started one for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Ed Reed Close to Joining Houston Texans
After cutting Safety Bernard Pollard, it appears the Baltimore Ravens are about to lose yet another piece of their once-storied defense. Reed spent most of the day Thursday visiting Houston with his Agent and the Texans’ owner, and appears very close to joining the team. A deal could be announced as early as today.