Free agency hasn’t even officially begun, but players are coming off the board left and right – cornerbacks especially.
After Byron Maxwell (signing with Philadelphia at more than $10 million per year), Brandon Flowers (staying with San Diego at $9 million per year) and Kareem Jackson (staying with Houston at $8.5 million per year) set the market high, Cary Williams and Davon House were both snatched up for nice paydays.
Williams, after two seasons and 35 starts for the Eagles, is reportedly headed to Seattle on a three-year, $18 million deal. Meanwhile, House – who played as a special teams guy who had just 14 starts in four years with Green Bay – will get his chance to start full-time with the Jacksonville Jaguars. According to Paul Imig of Fox Sports Wisconsin, House’s deal with Jacksonville is for four years and $25 million with $10 million guaranteed.
All of that movement sets up for the next big secondary prize: Darrelle Revis. New England declined to pick up the $20 million option for the four-time All Pro selection, but he could still end up back with the Super Bowl champs on a more cap-friendly deal. The Jets are also interested in bringing Revis back to New York. Cleveland has reported interest, as well.
Elsewhere on defense, long-time Eagles pass-rusher Trent Cole is headed to Indianapolis, according to Ian Rapoport. When Chip Kelly arrived in Philly, Cole made the transition from 4-3 defensive end to 3-4 outside linebacker and was able to register a combined 14.5 sacks over the past two seasons. Cole is better suited to play with his hand on the ground, and he’ll have that chance with the Colts. No details of Cole’s deal were reported.
Staying on the defensive line, the Cardinals will reportedly sign defensive lineman Corey Peters to a three-year deal worth “more than $3.5 million per season,” according to ESPN.com. Peters started just two games for the Falcons in 2014, but had a productive season with 26 tackles, two sacks and six tackles for loss.
Other reported free agent deals include:
Linebacker Dan Skuta has agreed to a five-year, $20.5 million contract with the Jaguars, per CSNBayArea.com. Skuta spent the past six seasons with San Francisco and filled in for the oft-suspended Aldon Smith on the outside.
The Jets will reportedly sign guard James Carpenter to a four-year deal worth “roughly $5 million a year,” per NFL Network. Carpenter started 39 games for the Seahawks over the past four seasons.
Wide receiver Brian Hartline, an Ohio State product, is headed back to his home state to play for the Cleveland Browns. According to ESPN.com, the deal spans two years and totals $6 million. Hartline spent his entire career with the Miami Dolphins and had over 1,000 yards receiving in both 2012 and 2013. His production fell off in 2014, however, as he hauled in 39 passes for 474 yards and two scores.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
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