NFL free agency grades: Instant analysis
Ronald Leary: Agrees with Denver Broncos
Broncos to sign G Ronald Leary to a four-year deal worth $35m with $20m gtd, source says. Big money for a guy once lost in the shuffle.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 9, 2017
Denver needed to upgrade its offensive line, and general manager John Elway is off to a good start. Leary was benched in Dallas due to a bevy of better options, but that’s not a knock on Leary. While he’s not an All-Pro, Leary should really help solidify the interior of the line alongside Matt Paradis.
As for the contract, it’s a good deal. Leary is only 27 years old, giving Denver the prime of his career at around $9 million per year. If the deal doesn’t work out, Denver should be able to get out of the pact after 2018-19.
Grade: A-
Terrell McClain: Agrees with Washington Redskins
#Redskins are signing DT Terrell McClain, per source. 4 yr deal north of $21M. They fill a big need in the trenches.
— Master (@MasterTes) March 9, 2017
The Redskins have been a laughingstock throughout the last week, with the whereabouts of general manager Scot McCloughlan seemingly unknown. With this as a backdrop, the team has allowed DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garćon to leave. However, the team has reportedly added defensive tackle Terrell McClain.
McClain’s signing is a scheme fit, but the money is a tad steep for a player who has been nothing more than a warm body until 2016. Last year, McClain recorded 40 tackles and 2.5 sacks. In the four seasons before that, he totaled 50 tackles and two sacks. Flash in the pan, or ascending big man?