With the legal tampering period of NFL free agency starting on Saturday, teams are beginning to move fast and furious toward reshaping their rosters in cap space. Let’s run down some of the major storylines that have come down Friday:
Jets trade for Brandon Marshall, re-sign David Harris
Some clown on this website wrote Thursday that while the Chicago Bears were trying to trade receiver Brandon Marshall, they would ultimately be releasing him. Turns out, Marshall was dealt to the New York Jets for a fifth-round pick, giving the Jets a tandem of Eric Decker and Marshall on the outside, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Jets take on Marshall’s contract going forward, which pays out $8.1 and $8.5 million in 2015 and 2016 respectively. Marshall is one of the better receivers the league has seen over the past decade, hauling in 773 passes for 9,771 yards and 65 touchdowns over his nine-year career. In 2014, Marshall failed to hit 1,000 yards for the first time since his rookie season of 2006 with the Denver Broncos.
New York also re-signed inside linebacker David Harris to a three-year deal worth $21 million. The first two years of the contract are fully guaranteed, per Rich Cimini of ESPN. The $15 million in guarantees is surprising detail for a player at 31 years old. Still, Harris is an excellent player who has totaled at least 123 tackles each of the past three seasons, along with 11 sacks in that span.
After those moves, the Jets are likely to cut Percy Harvin. Harvin is scheduled to make $10.5 million in 2015
Colts moving on from Wayne
The Indianapolis Colts announced they will not be re-signing Reggie Wayne. Wayne, who spent 14 seasons in Indianapolis, went to six Pro Bowls, won the Super Bowl, and ranks second all-time in receptions, touchdowns and yardage in franchise history.
Wayne is mulling retirement after getting offseason surgery to repair a torn triceps. If Wayne, 36, comes back, he will likely have a limited market. After tearing his ACL in 2013, Wayne returned in 2014 and caught 64 passes for 779 yards and two touchdowns.
Saints restructure Colston contract
The New Orleans Saints are desperate for cap space, and got some with the restructuring of receiver Marques Colston’s contract, per FOX Sports. The numbers on the new deal have not been released yet, but any savings will help the Saints. New Orleans is approximately $15 million over the cap and have to be complaint by March 10.
In 2014, Colston caught 59 passes for 902 yards and five touchdowns. Colston, 31, is the franchise’s all-time leading receiver with 9,239 yards.
Chiefs re-sign Josh Mauga
The Kansas City Chiefs came to terms with inside linebacker Josh Mauga on a three-year, $8 million deal, according to Schefter. Mauga stepped in for Derrick Johnson last year after the superstar tore his Achilles tendon in Week 1. Mauga had a career year with 103 tackles, but struggles with instincts at times. He will likely be in a smaller role with Johnson slated to return.
Chargers sign Jones
The San Diego Chargers signed Jacoby Jones to a two-year deal, also per Schefter. The Chargers will likely lose Eddie Royal in free agency, making Jones his replacement. Jones caught nine passes for 131 yards in 2014 with the Baltimore Ravens, who cut him in February.
