Free agent race in the NFL: still big catches

Free agent shopping continues in the NFL and several teams have in turn hit hard after the resounding momentum of the early hours of the market. The newspaper takes a quick look at the main moves that came after those that caught the eye the day before.

Joe Thuney, Chiefs

After losing the services of their two starting blockers, the Chiefs pulled off a steaming blow by getting their hands on one of the best guards available in Joe Thuney. Durable and effective, he will close an important breach, inside the Chiefs’ offensive line, along with Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, who will be back. The Chiefs have paid dearly, but inherit a reliable player with a proven track record.

Hunter Henry, Patriots

After hitting hard the night before with seven free agents, the Patriots did it again with another highly coveted player, tight end Hunter Henry. This means that with the other newcomer, Jonnu Smith, they will bet on a formidable tandem in this position. They will try to recreate the shock duo of the heyday of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. This will be the DNA of the Patriots attack.

Mike Hilton, Bengals

The Bengals lost a bit in the tertiary sector to William Jackson, but they found some great strengths in Mike Hilton and Chidobe Awuzie, two underrated cornerbacks. Awuzie will patrol away with Trae Waynes, last year’s acquisition who will be back from an injury. Hilton excels inside on the cover and on the blitz. The tertiary sector seems transformed for the better.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Washington

Cats are said to have nine lives and if so, Ryan Fitzpatrick is undoubtedly the King of the Cats. The veteran quarterback joins Washington, where he will end up as a starter in a ninth team. Yes, yes, new! He won’t work miracles, but he doesn’t cost too much ($ 10 million) in today’s market and will otherwise be an exceptional mentor for any young quarterback on board. Playoffs are not an unrealistic goal.

Shaquill Griffin, Jaguars

Griffin, formerly of the Seahawks, was arguably the most coveted cornerback in the market. At 25, he is in the prime of his life. The only problem is that he progressed steadily in his first seasons, before regressing somewhat in 2020. The Jaguars are already betting on a good young cornerback in CJ Henderson and the duo are intriguing.

Carl Lawson, Jets

Lawson is one of the defensive ends who is looked down on because the sack count is missing. He is a machine for applying pressure, however, and alongside Quinnen Williams on the Jets’ defensive line, he will be a hit. The Jets also solidified their receiving group with the addition of Corey Davis, who has progressed well in 2020 with the Titans.

Tyrod Taylor, Texans

Not that it’s such a big name, on the contrary. Career reservist quarterback Apart from a few seasons at Buffalo, Taylor is coming to the Texans and his arrival will further fuel the exchange rumors concerning Deshaun Watson. The latter wants to leave Houston and the showdown is still ongoing. With Taylor, the Texans are betting on an insurance policy.

Andy Dalton, Bears

What a stab at the hearts of the Bears loyalists, who clung to the hope of seeing Russell Wilson end up in their backyard, according to the latest rumors. Andy Dalton, mediocre at the end of his stint with the Bengals, continued in the same vein with the Cowboys, despite good offensive ammunition around him. So it looks like a competition between Dalton and Nick Foles for the starting position. Help!