Free agency has barely started, but deals are being made all over the place. These deals could help you make bets at online casino someday, but for now they are interesting to analyze during the NFL offseason.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at the five best signings so far, listed in alphabetical order.
Carolina Panthers re-sign DE Charles Johnson
Soon before free agency started, the Panthers released Johnson, 29, saving $11 million in cap space. After he explored the market for a few days, he decided to return to Carolina on a one-year contract worth $3 million. This is a huge move for Carolina and comes at a great price. He is reported to have turned down $6 million per season from another team, and Mario Williams, a similar player, signed for about $8 million per season. If Johnson had left, the Panthers would’ve had a big hole at defensive end. The cheap price makes the signing even better.
Cincinnati Bengals re-sign S George Iloka
Iloka, 25, was one of the best safeties on the market, but only signed for $6 million per season. Rodney McLeod, a slightly less talented safety, signed for $37 million over five years compared to Iloka’s $30 million over five years. Cincinnati had multiple important free agents this offseason and having already lost Marvin Jones to Detroit, they couldn’t afford to lose their other best free agent.
New York Giants re-sign DE Jason Pierre-Paul
Despite recording only one sack last season, Pierre-Paul, 27, was one of the premier pass rushers on the market. He provided plenty of pressure despite his hand injury. He signed a one-year contract worth a maximum of $10.5 million with $8.5 million guaranteed. This is a great deal for both sides. Pierre-Paul will be able to hit the market after the season still in his prime and after what is sure to be a better season, while New York gets to keep their star pass rusher.
Oakland Radiers sign OL Kelechi Osemele
The biggest contract signed by an offensive player so far is from Osemele, 26, who signed a five-year deal worth $60 million. This is a huge amount of money to spend on a guard and resets the market for the position. However, Oakland had plenty of cap space to spend and they are investing it in a young offensive lineman. The Raiders’ offense has a great young core of Derek Carr, Amari Cooper and Gabe Jackson. This signing builds upon this core and helps protect Carr. With Osemele signed, the Raiders will have one of the best interior offensive lines in the game with Jackson and Osemele at guard and Rodney Hudson at center.
Pittsburgh Steelers re-sign CB William Gay
Of all the moves on this list, this signing flies well under the radar. Gay, 31, has been an above-average starting cornerback in Pittsburgh for the past three seasons. With his performance, a contract of around $5 million per season would’ve seemed reasonable. However, the Steelers re-signed him to a three-year contract worth a total of $7.5 million, which is an average of $2.5 million per season. At this value, Gay is an absolute steal for Pittsburgh. Cornerback is one of the biggest needs in Pittsburgh, so re-signing their best player at the position for cheap is a great move.
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