NFL free agency grades: Instant analysis
NFL free agency is a crazy place, and our expert, Matt Verderame, is here to help you navigate what is a good deal, and what went terribly wrong.
Every year, teams lavishly spend on free agents when the new league year begins. Come 4 p.m. ET on Thursday, we’ve once again reached that milestone. Already, rumors are flying around with clubs holding fistfuls of cash out the window, ready to release their hands.
Here, we will track all the agreements in principles and actual signings, assigning an immediate grade based on length and dollars, along with fit.
Stephon Gilmore: Agrees with New England Patriots
Bills free agent CB Stephon Gilmore expects to sign with New England barring any final snags, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2017
The Patriots won the Super Bowl, and somehow still had $55 million in cap space, per Over the Cap. It appears The Hoodie wasn’t satisfied, though, and now adds a 26-year-old star corner in Gilmore.
This is a terrific move for New England, which is likely moving on from Logan Ryan. Gilmore’s presence also allows the Patriots trading Malcolm Butler for Brandin Cooks, without leaving the secondary in shambles. Gilmore is supposedly looking at $14 million/year, which is the only ding on this grade. He’s very good, but he’s not All-Pro, and that’s All-Pro coin.
Grade: B+
Nick Perry: Agrees with Green Bay Packers
Nick Perry's extension with #Packers is a huge one: 5 years, $60 million with an $18.5M signing bonus. He's due $20.8M in first year.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 9, 2017
This is a nice job by general manager Ted Thompson. Perry was a first round pick out of USC in 2012 and endured a slow start to his career, notching only 12.5 sacks over his first four seasons. However, he broke out in 2016 with 11 sacks, helping the Packers reach the NFC Championship Game.
While the contract details haven’t been reported yet, Perry coming home would be a huge get for Green Bay. The Packers desperately need to upgrade the talent on their roster around Aaron Rodgers, and keeping a 26-year-old edge rusher is a smart way to start.