As the NFL's new year began on Wednesday, and many deals were finalized, plenty more were added in a hectic day around the league. Teams began looking for players to add to their roster, and wasted little time to make those key additions to their team.
The Detroit Lions struck early, just a day after the official announcement of Calvin Johnson's retirement. The team added former Bengals wide receiver Marvin Jones to replace "Megatron" next season. The deal is a five-year agreement, worth $40 million, with $27 million coming in the first three years.
Jones turns 26 on Saturday, and the former fifth-round draft pick was listed as one of the few standouts in free agency this off-season. Jones had his best season in 2013, catching 10 touchdown passes, including four in one game against the Jets.
After missing most of 2014 with ankle injuries, Jones returned last season to catch a career-high 65 passes for 816 yards and four touchdowns.
Another retirement that was bound to be addressed in free agency was Peyton Manning calling it a career on Monday. Brock Osweiler was Manning's backup last season, and projected to take over the starting role in Denver, but after Wednesday, there has been a change of plans.
Osweiler agreed to a four-year, $72 million deal with the Houston Texans Wednesday afternoon. The contract includes $37 million guaranteed for the quarterback, who was joined by former Dolphins running back Lamar Miller, who agreed to a four-year, $26 million deal with Houston as well.
The Texans hope Osweiler is the answer to a question that has lingered for years at the quarterback position. Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett failed to hold down the fort last season, and Osweiler finally has the golden opportunity to take over a team as the starter. After the benching of Manning last season, he led the Broncos to a 5-2 record, en route to their Super Bowl run.
Miller was frustrated in the Miami offense, feeling ignored at times, despite recording 10 touchdowns and 872 yards last season. He has been a starter the last two seasons, compiling 1,971 yards and 19 touchdowns in that role. He will have the same type of role in the new-look Texans offense in 2016.
One tough running back that isn't going anywhere is Doug Martin, who re-signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a five-year, $35 million deal. The officials terms of the contract were not disclosed, although multiple reports have confirmed the numbers.
The 27-year-old was second in the league in rushing last season with 1,402 yards, as well as catching 32 passes for 271 yards and a total of seven touchdowns. Martin also ranked second in yards after contact en route to his second Pro Bowl.
It has been hit or miss with the tailback, either rushing for over 1,400 yards, or less than 500 yards in each of his four seasons. The Bucs are hoping for a hit if he can stay healthy.
On the defensive side of the ball, the biggest move was made Tuesday night, finalized Wednesday, as LB Bruce Irvin is heading to the Oakland Raiders. The former Seahawk will receive a four-year deal with a maximum of $37 million, including $12.5 million guaranteed.
The 28-year-old has 22 sacks in his four NFL seasons, participating in 58 games, starting in 37 of them. Irvin had 5.5 sacks and 38 tackles in 2015, his final season in Seattle. The former 15th overall pick has a connection with the Raiders' defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr., who coached Irvin as the linebackers coach his first three seasons.
Plenty of other deals were made throughout the day, the big winners being the New York Giants, who stacked their defense with the additions of Janoris Jenkins, Damon Harrison, and Oliver Vernon.
There are a number of teams who are satisfied just one day into the league's new year, as it is just the beginning of teams' preparation for the 2016 campaign.
The Detroit Lions struck early, just a day after the official announcement of Calvin Johnson's retirement. The team added former Bengals wide receiver Marvin Jones to replace "Megatron" next season. The deal is a five-year agreement, worth $40 million, with $27 million coming in the first three years.
Jones turns 26 on Saturday, and the former fifth-round draft pick was listed as one of the few standouts in free agency this off-season. Jones had his best season in 2013, catching 10 touchdown passes, including four in one game against the Jets.
After missing most of 2014 with ankle injuries, Jones returned last season to catch a career-high 65 passes for 816 yards and four touchdowns.
Another retirement that was bound to be addressed in free agency was Peyton Manning calling it a career on Monday. Brock Osweiler was Manning's backup last season, and projected to take over the starting role in Denver, but after Wednesday, there has been a change of plans.
Osweiler agreed to a four-year, $72 million deal with the Houston Texans Wednesday afternoon. The contract includes $37 million guaranteed for the quarterback, who was joined by former Dolphins running back Lamar Miller, who agreed to a four-year, $26 million deal with Houston as well.
The Texans hope Osweiler is the answer to a question that has lingered for years at the quarterback position. Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett failed to hold down the fort last season, and Osweiler finally has the golden opportunity to take over a team as the starter. After the benching of Manning last season, he led the Broncos to a 5-2 record, en route to their Super Bowl run.
Miller was frustrated in the Miami offense, feeling ignored at times, despite recording 10 touchdowns and 872 yards last season. He has been a starter the last two seasons, compiling 1,971 yards and 19 touchdowns in that role. He will have the same type of role in the new-look Texans offense in 2016.
One tough running back that isn't going anywhere is Doug Martin, who re-signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a five-year, $35 million deal. The officials terms of the contract were not disclosed, although multiple reports have confirmed the numbers.
The 27-year-old was second in the league in rushing last season with 1,402 yards, as well as catching 32 passes for 271 yards and a total of seven touchdowns. Martin also ranked second in yards after contact en route to his second Pro Bowl.
It has been hit or miss with the tailback, either rushing for over 1,400 yards, or less than 500 yards in each of his four seasons. The Bucs are hoping for a hit if he can stay healthy.
On the defensive side of the ball, the biggest move was made Tuesday night, finalized Wednesday, as LB Bruce Irvin is heading to the Oakland Raiders. The former Seahawk will receive a four-year deal with a maximum of $37 million, including $12.5 million guaranteed.
The 28-year-old has 22 sacks in his four NFL seasons, participating in 58 games, starting in 37 of them. Irvin had 5.5 sacks and 38 tackles in 2015, his final season in Seattle. The former 15th overall pick has a connection with the Raiders' defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr., who coached Irvin as the linebackers coach his first three seasons.
Plenty of other deals were made throughout the day, the big winners being the New York Giants, who stacked their defense with the additions of Janoris Jenkins, Damon Harrison, and Oliver Vernon.
There are a number of teams who are satisfied just one day into the league's new year, as it is just the beginning of teams' preparation for the 2016 campaign.
