NFL Free Agency Update

Here is a look at some key offseason moves by NFL teams

Kirk Cousins becomes a Minnesota Viking

Zachary Kontenakos, NFL Insider, Staff Writer

Free Agency is in full swing, and this year there are many huge names on the open market. Here are a few of those players that have already found a landing spot for the future of their NFL career.

Kirk Cousins- The largest free agent signing was of the former Washington quarterback, who signed a 3-year, $84 million guaranteed contract with the Minnesota Vikings. Cousins had been franchise tagged the last couple years by the Redskins, but when they traded for quarterback Alex Smith, it left the door open for Cousins. The Vikings believe that a solid quarterback in Kirk Cousins will be enough for their defensive-minded team to win the Super Bowl. The Vikings overpaid for Cousins, however, after years of mediocre and downright bad QBs in Minneapolis, the Vikings were pulling all the stops for an experienced, solid quarterback.

Tyrann Mathieu- Also known as the Honey Badger, this elite safety makes the Texans look downright scary, and greatly improves their secondary. Mathieu left the Arizona Cardinals after being asked to take a pay cut, and he landed himself in a great situation, with a team on the rise. After seeing the play of rookie quarterback Deshawn Watson, and combined with Deandre Hopkins, JJ Watt, and Jadeveon Clowney, this star-studded team is ready to break into the postseason. With Mathieu, the Texans know that their cornerbacks will have a lot of help, which will help this team that gave up many deep completions a season ago.

Jordy Nelson- The former favorite target of Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was cut by the team after they sealed the deal on signing Jimmy Graham to the team. Jordy Nelson had a down season last year, however, it was due to Aaron Rodgers being out for a majority of the season with a broken collarbone, and Jordy had no chemistry with the backup quarterback, Brett Hundley. The season before that, Nelson had 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns, so even though he is 32 years old, he still has a lot left in the tank. Jordy signed with the Raiders, and with a solid quarterback in Derek Carr, along with an experienced, energizing coach returning to the NFL in John Gruden, Jordy will have every opportunity to have a great season on the other side of Amari Cooper.

Jimmy Graham- Once considered one of the top 2 tight ends in the NFL when he was with the Saints, Graham has fallen from that pedestal while with the Seahawks due to the coaching staff’s inability to properly utilize the best offensive weapon on the team (outside of quarterback). Therefore, Jimmy decided to take his talents to the Packers, where a receiving spot was opened up for him with the cutting of Jordy Nelson. With Aaron Rodgers throwing the ball to him, Jimmy should have a great season and will greatly improve the Packer’s red zone efficiency and their offensive line play.

Richard Sherman-  One of the greatest cornerbacks of this generation has moved on from the Seahawks to join up with his former rivals in the San Fransisco 49ers. Sherman’s most popular moment is his epic rant to the sideline reporter after deflecting a pass thrown at Michael Crabtree to seal the NFC Championship game over the 49ers and put them in position to win the Super Bowl that year. His move to the 49ers was surprising because it was the only team that he met with, and there were many other teams that had a great interest in Sherman. Sherman was his own agent in the contract negotiations and secured himself an incentive laced deal, meaning that he must perform at a high level to earn all of his money. Last season, Richard Sherman tore an achilles, and no one has seen him play since, although he passed his physical. This means that the 49ers are taking a huge gamble on him, but if Sherman is as good as advertised, then he will be a game changer for a young team with a great young quarterback.