The Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears are making waves in day one of the free agency period.
Early Friday morning, the Lions and Browns worked out a deal to send DT Corey Williams back to the NFC North for undisclosed draft picks. Then, Detroit added former Titans DE Kyle Vanden Bosch, who agreed to a four-year, $26 million contract. The Lions also signed former Vikings and Seahawks WR Nate Burleson to a five-year, $25 million deal.
These moves have the potential to greatly affect April's draft. By adding Williams and Vanden Bosch, the Lions may be shifting their focus away from Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy (whose style of play is very similar to Williams') and towards either Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh or Oklahoma State OT Russell Okung. The possibility of trading down also becomes much stronger now.
The Bears have also been making noise with three arrangements of their own. They added blocking TE Brandon Manumaleuna, who agreed to a five-year contract. They also swiped RB Chester Taylor from the Vikings. Taylor agreed to a four-year 12.5 million deal with $7 million guaranteed up front. Carolina Panthers DE Julius Peppers is expected to sign with the club shortly.
Following the Peppers signing, the Panthers will have lost two franchise icons of the last ten years, as they cut ties with QB Jake Delhomme earlier today.
The New York Jets and San Diego Chargers worked out a deal that sent CB Antonio Cromartie to New York for a high draft pick in 2011.
After releasing RB LaDainian Tomlinson, the Chargers have decided to hang onto Darren Sproles...for now.
The Green Bay Packers are on the verge of losing two key veterans. Left tackle Chad Clifton is being wooed by the Washington Redskins and Ted Thompson isn't expected to match bids with Daniel Snyder. In addition, DE Aaron Kampman is expected to choose between Tampa Bay, Philadelphia and Seattle. Should Kampman sign with the Bucs, the offseason could be incredible for the team if Suh somehow falls to the team at #3 in the draft.
Journeyman QB A.J. Feeley has signed with the St. Louis Rams.
