With free agency officially opening this week, it has been an absolute frenzy of transactions as players find new teams. While there are far too many to be able to cover, let’s take a look at some of the major stories and signings of the week.
Rodgers Intends To Play, Likely Headed For Jets
After there was some uncertainty of his plans for next season, future Hall-of-Famer Aaron Rodgers gave some clarity this week on the Pat McAfee Show, saying that he intended to play next season and hopes that it will be with the New York Jets.
Both the Green Bay Packers and Jets have been trying to hammer out a deal, but to this point it has not come together. It is still likely that Rodgers ends up in the Big Apple, but the most certain conclusion is that he won’t be back with Green Bay next season.
Last year, the 39-year-old Rodgers threw for 3,695 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. The Jets are salivating at bringing in that type of veteran production to a team that has seemingly been strong in most other positions.
The Jets also added a wide receiver that is very familiar with Rodgers as they signed Allen Lazard to a four-year deal worth $44 million. In 15 games with Rodgers last season, Lazard had 60 receptions for 788 yards and six touchdowns.
The New York Jets currently are tied for the sixth-best odds of winning the Super Bowl at +1500.
After Big Trade, Bears Cashing In Free Agent Market
Last Friday, the Chicago Bears were in the spotlight as they traded the top overall pick in the upcoming draft for two first-round picks, two seconds, and wide receiver D.J. Moore. This week, they have stayed in the spotlight as one of the more active teams in free agency.
The biggest acquisition was on the defensive side, as they signed linebacker Tremaine Edmunds to a four-year deal worth $72 million. With the Bills last season, Edmunds had 102 tackles, one sack, and one interception in 13 games.
Other players that the Bears have added include offensive lineman Nate Davis, linebacker T.J. Edwards, defensive lineman DeMarcus Walker, running backs D’Onta Foreman and Travis Homer, quarterback P.J. Walker, tight end Robert Tonyan and more.
After finishing with the worst record in the league last season, the Bears are currently +300 to win the NFC North and +5000 to win the Super Bowl.
Patriots Bring In Offensive Weapons
Last season, New England finished 16th in the NFL in scoring, averaging 21.4 points per game. This week, they brought in some weapons to help quarterback Mac Jones.
First, they picked up arguably the best wide receiver on the free agent market in JuJu Smith Schuster. After finishing with 78 receptions for 933 yards and three touchdowns with the Kansas City Chiefs last season, he inked a three-year contract worth $25.5 million (plus incentives).
The Patriots also signed tight end Mike Gesicki (32 receptions, 362 yards, five touchdowns) and running back James Robinson (425 yards rushing, three touchdowns, 51 yards receiving, two receiving touchdowns).
Despite the additions, the Patriots still have the worst odds of winning the AFC East at +700.
Other Notable Moves
There were so many significant moves over the last several days. Here are a few more:
- Dallas Cowboy released running back Ezekiel Elliott.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers released running back Leonard Fournette and tight end Cameron Brate.
- Philadelphia Eagles signed quarterback Marcus Mariota.
- Carolina Panthers signed running back Miles Sanders
- Cincinnati Bengals sign offensive tackle Orlando Brown
- Denver Broncos sign offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey
