Happy new year NFL fans! Today is the start of the new football year and most importantly, day one of free agency. Many players have left their former teams and are ready for a fresh start, while others are staying with their team from last season. While a lot of players have been wiped off the board, do not fret if your team did not make any moves there are still plenty of quality players still available. Here are some of the notable free agency transactions from day one:
1. Donte Whitner- Cleveland Browns. Born in Ohio, Whitner gets a chance to go play in front of his hometown fans. Whitner was one of the hardest hitting members of the San Francisco 49ers’ defense, so much so he wanted to change his name to Donte Hitner. The Browns may not be quite as talented as his former team, but they do have the necessary pieces to get their very soon if they draft well this year. The Browns also acquired linebacker Karlos Dansby who had his best year last season finishing the year with 113 tackles. The 49ers have already replaced the void left by Whitner by signing S Antoine Bethea.
2. Lamarr Houston- Chicago Bears. He was one of the best defensive ends available and it was unlikely that he would stay unemployed for long. With Chicago having every intention of releasing Julius Peppers, which they did, they got a young stud for a cheaper price. The Bears struggled last season on the defensive line, but by adding Houston they get a very versatile player. This is a great signing for Chicago who was looking to get younger players on defense. The Bears also signed safety Ryan Mundy to a two year deal.
3. Linval Joseph- Minnesota Vikings. He is not big name player, but he is a good player who can fight in the trenches. He won a Super Bowl with the New York Giants and was one of their best run defenders. He is only 25 years old and has only missed one game over his three years in the league. He is a great pickup for the Vikings who will likely lose Jared Allen. The Giants may have made a big mistake by letting him walk so easily.
4. Vontae Davis- Indianapolis Colts. It appeared like Vontae Davis was going to hit the free agency market, but instead he is staying with the Colts. The two sides had been working feverishly to get a deal done for days and finally came to terms on a four year deal. Davis became Indianapolis’ top corner and did not want to lose him. The Colts also signed defensive lineman Arthur Jones today.
5. Darrelle Revis- Tampa Bay Buccaneers? He was once the most feared secondary player in the league, now he is just trying to find a stable home. After being traded by the Jets to Tampa Bay, the Bucs appear ready to trade him once again. The Raiders expressed interest in the cornerback as did his former team. The Bucs have not released Revis, but have reportedly signed Alterraun Verner which makes it seem like they are ready to move on from Revis.
6. Jairus Byrd- New Orleans Saints. It seemed strange that the Saints did not really try to retain safety Malcolm Jenkins who signed with the Eagles earlier today, but they clearly had a plan the entire time. After Byrd was released by Buffalo earlier this week, he will be headed to the Big Easy after landing a SIX year deal with the Saints. His deal is the longest one agreed upon today, but it looks like a good for both sides. Byrd was always a standout on Buffalo, but never got to experience the playoffs with his former team.
