It's that time of year when NFL teams go shopping. Follow all the moves, big ones and little ones, from around the league with SB Nation's NFL free agency tracker.
The 2014 league year starts Tuesday, March 11 at 4 p.m. ET. That's the technical term for it. Most of the rest of the world knows it as the day that NFL teams start handing out big contracts to unrestricted free agents. Some teams will come to regret those deals (Mike Wallace, anyone?); others will manage to swing a return on their investment.
Judging the free agent deals comes later. For now, it's hot stove season for football fans. Many of the best players on the market will never make it there, re-signed by their teams before a rival scoops them up. Others will make it to the promised land. Our handy free agent tracker will help you keep up with the action.
Notable signings:
Raiders sign Woodley
A day after the Raiders lost their top free agent target in Rodger Saffold, thanks to him failing a physical, the team has made another splash by signing former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley. Oakland is bringing him in on a two-year deal worth $12 million. The deal seems good for both sides, as Woodley appears to have a lot to offer at this point in his career, but has slowed down and shouldn't get more than a one- or two-year deal.
Hatcher goes to division rival
Former Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Jason Hatcher ended up signing with the NFC East rival Washington Redskins on Thursday. That's a huge hit for the Cowboys, who were trying to get Hatcher re-signed to a new contract, but with limited cap space (they only recently became cap compliant), it's not surprising the Redskins were able to sway him.
Jags re-sign Jason Babin; add Chris Clemons, Ziggy Hood
The Jaguars addressed their desperate need for depth on the defensive line on Thursday by signing former Seahawk defensive end Chris Clemsons (four-years, $18 million) and ex-Steeler Ziggy Hood and re-signing Jason Babin. It's hard to imagine Jacksonville fans getting too excited about this, however. Clemons is 32 with a history of knee problems and Hood was a first-round bust in Pittsburgh. Nevertheless, the pair of veterans add solid depth up front. Babin will be 34 by the time the season starts.
Jets hope to boost offense with signing of Eric Decker
The Jets have agreed to terms with free agent Eric Decker on a five-year, $36.25 million contract. The former Broncos wide receiver thrived over the last two seasons playing with Peyton Manning and will now try to duplicate those numbers with Geno Smith. Decker amassed 3,090 yards and 33 touchdowns over four season in Denver, with a majority of those stats coming in the past two years.
Rodger Saffold signs with the Raiders staying with the Rams
The bizarre story of Rodger Saffold played out on Wednesday with reports earlier in the day claiming that the offensive linesman had agreed to a big 5-year, $42.5 million deal with Oakland. The reports were true but hours later the deal was off after the Raiders decided to cancel the deal after a physical brought up issues with Saffold's shoulder. The Rams apparently weren't concerned about the tackles shoulder and are set to give him a new five-year deal.
Cornerback Darrelle Revis will reportedly play for the New England Patriots after being released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, though his business manager says no deal has been agreed to. We'd heard that playoff teams would be fighting to get Revis, and the Patriots signing him for a season makes the likelihood of seeing Revis in January and February much more likely. He's reportedly there on a one-year, $12 million deal that would certainly lead to bigger and better things if he shows he's playing up to form.
After winning a Super Bowl with the Seahawks, wide receiver Golden Tate has agreed to a five-year deal worth a reported $31 million with Detroit. The Lions -- who went 7-9 in 2013 -- have now given quarterback Matthew Stafford another talented receiver to throw in Tate. He should help boost the team's passing attack, forcing defenses to worry about someone other than just Calvin Johnson, one of the league's best receivers.
Corey Graham upgrades Bills defense, special teams
The Bills were reportedly looking to upgrade their special teams units this offseason, and they did just that by signing cornerback Corey Graham to a four-year, $16 million contract. The deal could go as high as $19 million based on playing time. Graham is a Buffalo native that spent his first five seasons with Chicago, and last two with Baltimore. He made the Pro Bowl for special teams in 2011.
Baltimore shored up a position on offense and special teams by re-signing Jacoby Jones to a four-year, $14 million deal on Wednesday. Jones had 455 receiving yards in 12 games, plus he handled most of the punt and kick return duties. He has had four special teams touchdowns over the last two seasons.
Another Super Bowl-winning team to retain one of their own, the Sahawks re-signed defensive tackle Tony McDanies to a two-year, $6.2 million contract. McDaniel made just five starts over his first seven years in the league, but had 15 starts for the 2013 champions, providing an important role on the defensive line.
DeMarcus Ware becomes the Broncos third big signing
After nine years in Dallas, defensive end/linebacker DeMarcus Ware will be paying a mile-high for the Broncos in 2014. Ware is a seven-time Pro Bowler, led the NFL in sacks twice (2008, 2010), and is the Cowboys' all-time leader in sacks and forced fumbles. Even at the age of 31, Ware looks poised to continue to play at a high level and the idea of having him line up with Von Miller should give opposing offenses nightmares.
Griffen isn't a household name like Jared Allen, but he sure got paid handsomely. Griffen is staying in Minnesota for the foreseeable future after inking a five-year, $42.5 million deal with $20 million guaranteed. He will be expected to pick up the slack with Allen headed elsewhere.
Strapped with very little salary cap space, not many expected the Saints to be a big player in free agency. They didn't add a lot of pieces on Monday, but did come away with the biggest piece of all, landing safety Jairus Byrd. Arguably the top overall free agent, Byrd agreed to a six-year deal with New Orleans. How the Saints will fit the deal under the cap remains to be see, but Byrd is a major addition. He will join second-year safety Kenny Vaccaro to form one of the best safety duos in the NFL.
Denver handed out the biggest deal of the day thus far, signing Talib to a six-year deal worth $57 million, including $26 million guaranteed. Talib has flashed greatness during his career but has been inconsistent and struggled with injury and off the field issues. The deal likely means Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will not return to Denver.
Tampa Bay may move on from Darrelle Revis, but they landed a solid replacement, agreeing to a four-year deal with Alterraun Verner. The deal is worth $26.5 million including $14 million guaranteed. The guaranteed portion of the deal is less than Revis would have made next season. Verner was arguably the top corner on the free agent market.
The back end of the defense has been a problem for the Broncos in recent seasons and they made a major move to resolve that by inking Ward. Most considered Ward to be the No. 2 safety in the class behind Jairus Byrd. Landing him on a reasonable deal appears to be a major coup for John Elway and the Broncos.
Left tackle has long been a problem for the Cardinals, but they found a solution Tuesday. Arizona landed one of the free agent prizes, signing left tackle Jared Veldheer to a five-year deal. Veldheer was one of the top tackles on the market and instantly becomes the best offensive lineman the Cardinals have had in several seasons. He didn't come cheap, but reportedly took less money than he was offered to remain in Oakland.
Chicago missed out on one of its top targets when Michael Bennett re-signed with Seattle, but the Bears landed a very solid second option, agreeing to a five-year deal with Houston. Like Bennett, Houston is a versatile player capable of playing a number of spots along the defensive line. He'll likely play a lot of defensive end, sliding inside at times to create a matchup mismatch.
Although Vontae Davis reportedly drew heavy interest, the Colts were able to retain their No. 1 corner on a four-year, $39 million deal. The deal is similar to what Sam Shields signed for with the Packers. The Colts have spent heavily in free agency in recent years, so locking up Davis, even for $20 million guaranteed, didn't come as a major surprise.
The Ravens made re-signing Monroe a top offseason priority and were able to get the deal done shortly after free agency opened. Monroe played very well after joining the Ravens in a midseason trade. The deal he signed was for less than Branden Albert, but the five-year $37.5 million matches what Jared Veldheer signed for.
A year after almost acquiring him in a trade from Kansas City, the Dolphins officially inked Albert on Tuesday. The deal should be a big one for Miami as they had a desperate need along the offensive line. There is still work to do, but Albert will shore up the left tackle position.
Indianapolis made a major move along the defensive line by matching Chuck Pagano with his former pupil in Baltimore. Jones was somewhat underrated with the Ravens, but is an excellent run defender and an effective pass rusher. He should have a major impact on the Colt defense next season
The Titans added another weapon, signing McCluster to a three-year deal worth $12 million. McCluster provides value both as a versatile slot receiver and as a return man. With the Titans also re-signing Leon Washington, they could have the most dangerous return unit in the NFL next season.
A four-year, $22 million contract with $11 million guaranteed for a 31-year-old inside linebacker is pricey. Jackson's probably a better fit for his leadership qualities than his defense nowadays. It's fair to wonder if Jim Irsay is the new Dan Snyder.
It's not a huge deal for the Cardinals offense, but Carlson at least gives Carson Palmer another pass catcher to work with. His injury history has limited his production over the last three seasons. A two-year, $4.65 million deal is essentially a no-risk investment.
Released by the Seahawks, Bryant rejoined his former defensive coordinator Gus Bradley in Jacksonville. The Jaguars picked up a few former Seahawks last season, but Bryant is the best of the bunch.
After talks had begun to swirl that Bennett would join his brother Martellus is Chicago, Seattle stepped up and inked its leading pass-rusher to a four-year, $28.5 million deal. With Bennett back, Pete Carroll has his defensive front in tact for 2014.
Tampa Bay is looking to make a splash in free agency, and started the period off with a bang. Technically not even allowed to sign their players yet, the Buccaneers have reportedly come to terms on a five-year, $43.75 million deal with $24 million guaranteed.
One of the best cornerbacks in football, Shields decided to forgo free agency and stay with the only organization he has ever known. Shields signed a four-year, $39 million deal, the richest in Packer history for a cornerback.
