NFL Free Agent Signings 2013: Updates, Reaction and Analysis

The NFL free agency period is officially underway at the strike of 4:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, and there are plenty of marquee names to track as teams work to improve their rosters for the 2013 season.

Reports have already broken about several players who have clear-cut favorites as their new destinations in 2013 while other stars are still being courted by multiple suitors. There is sure to be a lot of drama in the coming days, and probably enough to last until April's draft.

Here are the latest updates on some of the biggest names, and some analysis of their prospective destinations.

Adrian Wilson

The New England Patriots fortified their leaky secondary by adding longtime Arizona Cardinals franchise cornerstone Adrian Wilson.

The four-time All-Pro remained loyal to the Cardinals even in the midst of so many losing seasons, and now will finish off his career with a perennial Super Bowl contender in New England.

Mike Jurecki of XTRA Sports 910 originally broke the news of Wilson's signing:

"

Adrian Wilson has signed w/ the New England

— Mike Jurecki (@mikejurecki) March 15, 2013"

NFL Network's Albert Breer broke down the terms of the three-year deal on Wednesday.

"

Adrian Wilson's 3-year deal with the Patriots is worth $5 million. Wilson gets a $1M signing bonus, base salaries of $1M, $1.5M and $1.5M.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 19, 2013"

ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss nicely summarized what Wilson would bring to Foxboro's finest prior to the contract agreement.

"

Adrian Wilson would bring size, experience and a hard-hitting presence to secondary. Also, potentially a LB-type role for him in sub package

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 15, 2013"

Aquib Talib

After being traded to the New England Patriots from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the middle of last season, Talib showed that he could stay disciplined off the field, which hasn't always been the case.

Talib wound up re-signing with the Patriots on a one-year deal, as initially reported by the NFL on ESPN's official Twitter page.

"

BREAKING: Patriots re-sign CB Aqib Talib to a 1 year deal. #NFLFreeAgency

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 16, 2013"

Albert Breer of NFL Network once again provided the details, as the contract gives Talib a handsome salary of $5 million in 2013.

"

Aqib Talib's one-year deal with the Patriots is worth $5 million.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 16, 2013"

It makes sense that New England wouldn't commit to a risky but talented commodity like Talib for the long haul. A full season to prove himself as a player and outside the lines should net him a solid, multi-year extension if all goes according to plan.

Greg Jennings

The longtime Green Bay Packer went over to NFC North divisional rival Minnesota. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport broke down the contract details for the Vikings' new No. 1 receiver.

"

Greg Jennings' deal: 5 years, $47.5M maximum. $45M base money. And $500K per year in Pro Bowl bonus. $18M guaranteed. $27M over first 3

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2013"

Jennings' speed and versatility to play inside and outside will go a long way in helping the team absorb the loss of playmaker Percy Harvin.

This also gives third-year QB Christian Ponder a legitimate No. 1 target, and allows the Vikings to have even more flexibility with their two first-round picks, one of which was netted in the Harvin trade.

There isn't much not to like about this move for Minnesota, as an arch-rival was weakened and the receiver corps got a necessary boost. Now the Vikings will ideally have more balance on offense to complement the running prowess of Adrian Peterson.

Kenny Phillips

A bigger deal likely would have awaited Phillips on the open market if he were able to stay healthier during his time with the New York Giants.

Still, the Philadelphia Eagles bolstered their secondary by picking up the veteran, who will have to prove he can stay on the field and be an impact player to justify a long-term deal. ESPN's Adam Schefter initially reported that the contract runs through only the end of the 2013 season.

"

Former Giants S Kenny Phillips accepted a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2013"

Phillips will be set to take over the starting free safety slot, and should put together a strong season. He is a ball hawk who is also capable of being physical against the run.

The Eagles' safety play should be much improved from last year, with the other addition of former New England Patriot Patrick Chung.

Cary Williams

Williams has good size at 6'1" and 190 pounds, and he had a breakout season for the Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens.

After top corner Lardarius Webb went down with a season-ending injury, it was Williams who really stepped up on the back end. He matched superstar safety Ed Reed for the Ravens' team lead with four interceptions during the regular season.

Now, the Philadelphia Eagles have signed him away in an effort to even further enhance their defensive backfield. Mike Garafolo of the USA TODAY provides the details of the deal:

"

Three years, $16.5 million for Cary Williams from the Eagles with the chance to earn even more.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 14, 2013"

SI.com cites Pro Football Focus in pointing out that quarterbacks registered a 98.1 passer rating when throwing Williams' way, but his play definitely picked up down the stretch as the Ravens made their historic run.

Keenan Lewis

For a brief break in the Philadelphia Eagles' free agent bonanza, here is one of the better, possibly more underrated signings of free agency.

The New Orleans Saints had the worst defense in the league in 2012, and struggled in giving up many explosive plays in the passing game. There aren't many better ways to upgrade than pulling from last season's top pass defense.

Lewis finally emerged as a starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers in his fourth season, and although he had no interceptions to show for it, there is little doubt about his coverage ability.

Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times reported the deal that the Saints inked Lewis to:

"

CB Keenan Lewis will sign a five-year, $26 million, including $11 million guaranteed, with the Saints, a source says.

— Sean Jensen (@seankjensen) March 14, 2013"

In an NFC South division with so many good receivers on the outside, the need for a physical CB like the 210-pound Lewis was essential. Combine that with the fact that he is a New Orleans native, and this is a great fit for both parties.

Connor Barwin

Many players who net big free agent contracts are coming off of career years. That's not the case for Barwin, who racked up just three sacks in 2012 after 11.5 in the previous year with the Houston Texans.

Apparently the lack of production wasn't enough to scare away the perpetually aggressive Philadelphia Eagles, who signed Barwin to a lucrative deal. CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora outlines the specifics:

"

Strong deal for Connor Barwin in Philly - 6 years, $36M, with the chance to earn a max of $40M including guarantees.

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 14, 2013"

Barwin will likely start as an outside linebacker in the Eagles' 3-4 alignment, according to the updated depth chart at Ourlads.com. How he and Brandon Graham—who came on strong last season—split snaps remains to be seen, though.

NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah asked one executive who the best free agent the Eagles picked up was, and Barwin was perhaps surprisingly the clear-cut answer.

"

What was the Eagles best move in FA? I asked an opposing exec and he didn't hesitate in naming Connor Barwin.

— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) March 15, 2013"

There is definite potential for that duo along with Trent Cole to be dynamic pass-rushers on the edge. A role as a pure pass-rushing specialist and familiar scheme may help Barwin regain the sensational form he flashed in his second pro season.

Steven Jackson

D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported earlier in the week that Jackson was being coveted by the Atlanta Falcons. That made sense in light of the recent release of running back Michael Turner.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Thursday that the Falcons and Jackson agreed to a deal:

"

Another free-agent jolt: Rams free-agent RB Steven Jackson has reached agreement with the Atlanta Falcons.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2013"

After years of playing for struggling teams, Jackson was rewarded in free agency, joining an instant Super Bowl contender. The all-time rushing leader in St. Louis Rams franchise history is approaching the age of 30, but has posted eight-consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns.

It may be more of a timeshare situation for Jackson, but he still appears to have at least a couple of good years left in him. In Atlanta he will serve as a nice, powerful complement to shifty RB Jacquizz Rodgers.

Matt Cassel

Almost as quickly as the Kansas City Chiefs released Cassel (h/t Yahoo!), he was already signed with another team.

Jay Glazer of FOX Sports initially broke the news of Cassel signing with the Minnesota Vikings:

"

QB Matt Cassel to the Vikings

— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) March 14, 2013"

The move away from Kansas City was easy to see coming with the signing of Chase Daniel in free agency and the trade to land starter Alex Smith. It was somewhat surprising how quick the turnaround was for Cassel to Minnesota, though.

Cassel will give young incumbent starting QB Christian Ponder at least a bit of a push, and will also provide the team with a quality backup option outside of the dynamic Joe Webb.

Sean Smith

The former Miami Dolphins standout cornerback has reportedly migrated to the Kansas City Chiefs, as the revamped regime led by new head coach Andy Reid continues to be active in this young offseason.

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter broke the news on Thursday:

"

Chiefs gave former Dolphins CB Sean Smith a three-year deal.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2013"

The three-year contract for Smith doesn't have an estimated value at this time, but his acquisition should be invaluable to the Chiefs' defense.

Now, Kansas City has a stellar cornerback tandem with Smith and Brandon Flowers. In the AFC West, that is critical, considering the team the Chiefs must ultimately get by is the Denver Broncos, who boast the dynamic tandem of Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker on the outside.

Wes Welker

In a rather stunning development, the star New England Patriots wide receiver has fled Foxboro and will play for the Denver Broncos for the next two seasons.

Broncos Executive VP of Football Operations John Elway confirmed the news on Twitter:

"

Agreed to terms on a 2-yr deal with Wes Welker. Excited to have Wes join the Broncos. His production & toughness will be a great asset!

— John Elway (@johnelway) March 13, 2013"

That gives Peyton Manning an incredible receiver corps with Welker in the slot, and Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas on the outside. It almost doesn't seem fair.

The Broncos went 13-3 in 2012 without Welker. It will be interesting to see the heights they reach with him in the fold—and whether the Denver offense can even be neutralized.

Danny Amendola

In response to losing Wes Welker, the New England Patriots nabbed the St. Louis Rams' top receiver in Amendola for five years and $31 million.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport compared the contracts of the two exceptional wideouts:

"

The Patriots agreed to a 5-year deal with Danny Amendola, source says. 5 years, $31M. $10 guaranteed. Avg: $6.1

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2013"

Amendola is a similarly shifty slot receiver to Welker, and should wind up being one of QB Tom Brady's favorite targets.

The only season that Amendola had with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels in St. Louis was 2011, where an injury kept him out for all but one game. However, there is still some familiarity there, and the Pats really needed another wide receiver to absorb the loss of Welker.

Brandon Lloyd is also reportedly going to be let go due to "erratic behavior." That made the signing of Amendola all the more critical.

LaRon Landry

The 2012 Pro Bowler for the New York Jets was lured to the Indianapolis Colts, a team with tons of cap space and unafraid to use it.

USA TODAY reported that the deal runs for four years and is worth $24 million. After two previous injury-plagued seasons, Landry made the most of his one-year opportunity with the Jets.

Landry will join a 3-4 scheme that is similarly exotic to the one he ran in the Big Apple, which should allow him to make an instant impact. The Colts have really stepped up the secondary by signing Landry and former Arizona Cardinal Greg Toler.

Antoine Bethea and Landry should form one of the better safety tandems in the NFL, and Landry will pack a punch against the run while also upgrading the coverage in Indy's formerly thin secondary.

The Colts' defense overall should be much improved in 2013, especially with the signing of former San Francisco 49er Ricky Jean Francois to beef up the defensive line.

Cliff Avril

The former Detroit Lion couldn't work out a deal with the team he spent his first five NFL seasons with, and now finds himself headed to the Seattle Seahawks for two years and $15 million (h/t SI.com).

NFL Network's Albert Breer broke the news on Wednesday:

"

Cliff Avril has agreed to terms with Seattle, per source.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 13, 2013"

Seattle needed a pass rusher in light of the torn ACL suffered by sack leader Chris Clemons in the postseason. Avril registered sack totals of 8.5, 11 and 9.5 over the past three seasons, and should bring a big boost in that regard.

Already stocked with a massive and athletic defensive line, the Seahawks should only improve at getting pressure on the quarterback as 2012 first-round pick Bruce Irvin continues to develop.

Dashon Goldson

As a two-time Pro Bowl safety for the vaunted San Francisco 49ers defense, Goldson predictably drew a lot of attention as a free agent.

UPDATE: Wednesday, March 13 at 5:10 p.m. ET by Matt Fitzgerald

Goldson has landed in Tampa Bay, as ESPN's Adam Schefter reports:

"

Former 49ers S Dashon Goldson agreed to terms on a five-year deal with Tampa Bay. Really. We're sure.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2013"

It was no secret that the Buccaneers needed to shore up the secondary with the league's worst pass defense in 2012. With a safety tandem of the All-Pro Goldson and last year's first-round pick Mark Barron, GM Mark Dominik can focus on the cornerback position moving forward.

---End of update---

ESPN insider Adam Schefter indicated the teams that are seeking to acquire the 28-year-old standout, including the front-runners.

"

Four teams - SF, PHIL, DET, TB - in play on Dashon Goldson - but DET, TB considered favorites. TB also in on CBs Sean Smith, B. Grimes, DRC.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2013"

The Bucs had the worst pass defense in the NFL in 2012, and Goldson would undoubtedly shore up the back end. Playing alongside Mark Barron at safety also makes Tampa an attractive destination.

Reggie Bush

Reggie Bush has had somewhat of a disappointing career as a former No. 2 overall pick. He has bounced back in a big way with the Miami Dolphins over the past two years, yet it apparently won’t be enough to keep him around.

That’s perfectly fine with several other teams, who have to be captivated by Bush’s newly found running form, his receiving ability and explosiveness as a returner.

UPDATE: Wednesday, March 13 at 3:00 p.m. ET by Matt Fitzgerald

The Detroit Lions have indeed snagged Reggie Bush, as SportsCenter's official Twitter page indicated:

"

BREAKING: RB Reggie Bush has agreed to terms with the Lions, source tells @espn_nfcnblog.

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 13, 2013"

ESPN Stats & Info points out how much of a help Bush could be to the Lions' backfield.

"

Reggie Bush goes to the Lions, who have gone longer than any other team since producing a 1,000-yard rusher (2004 Kevin Jones - 1,133)

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 13, 2013"

The Detroit Free Press captured Bush at his introductory news conference, sporting a Lions cap.

"

Reggie Bush in that Honolulu Blue. #Lions twitter.com/freepsports/st…

— Freep Sports (@freepsports) March 13, 2013"

---End of update---

Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reports that the Detroit Lions appear to be the likeliest to land Bush in free agency.

Bush will compete with Mikel Leshoure for the starting job, and although Leshoure showed promise this past season, Bush brings more versatility to the backfield.

No matter who gets the nod, the two should split time and form a nice one-two punch. Look for Bush to be involved heavily in the passing game if he ends up in Detroit, too, due to the thinning of the Lions' receiver corps.

This is an offense that desperately needs more balance to protect QB Matthew Stafford, and Bush can help provide that.

Chris Houston

It comes as no surprise that the Detroit Lions wanted to keep Houston, who was easily the team's top corner this past year.

Houston was rewarded with a five-year deal, and Jason Cole of Yahoo! provided the structure of the contract:

"

CB Chris Houston deal is 5 yr/$25 mill, $15.5 mill over the first 3 years.

— Jason Cole (@JasonColeYahoo) March 13, 2013"

Although he's only 5'11" and 178 pounds, he plays bigger than his size and is capable of covering just about anyone.

The team also managed to re-sign Louis Delmas and pick up former Houston Texan Glover Quin to fortify the safety position. That improvement to the secondary should help the Detroit defense continue improving in 2013.

Tony Gonzalez

Although he was "95 percent sure he would retire," and even echoing the sentiment after the Falcons' loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC title game, it appears the most prolific receiving tight end of all time is coming back for a 17th year.

Jay Glazer of FOX Sports has the latest on Gonzalez, which should be much to the delight of Falcons fans:

"

Tony Gonzalez told me he has officially informed Falcons he is coming back and they are working out a deal now. story on foxsports dot com

— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) March 12, 2013"

Gonzalez had 93 catches for 930 yards and eight touchdowns in 2012, so it's obvious that he has plenty of football left in him. The fact that the Falcons have a team built to win a Super Bowl in the immediate future also makes them an attractive option, and it doesn't seem that Gonzalez will go elsewhere.

He provides Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan with a security blanket over the middle, and should continue to make Atlanta among the most dangerous passing offenses in the league.

Brian Urlacher

The Chicago Bears have a lot of decisions to make, and Urlacher may be on the outside looking in when all is said and done.

Strong play at the end of 2012 from Nick Roach and Geno Hayes may ultimately cause Urlacher to leave the only team he's played for in his illustrious career.

Peggy Kusinski of NBC5 Chicago reports that the Bears are interested in bringing back Hayes.

"

while #Bears negotiate w/Brian Urlacher; Nick Roach a hot commodity w/other teams; Chgo interested in bringing back @pettywayzofhaze

— peggy kusinski (@peggykusinski) March 12, 2013"

CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora says that more teams than expected have expressed interest in Urlacher, although none are named.

General manager Phil Emery is in a difficult situation, where there is pressure to succeed after two-consecutive regular-season collapses that resulted in a missed shot at the playoffs. CSNChicago.com notes that the Bears have less than $7 million in cap space, and Urlacher cost the team over $9 million last season.

Rashard Mendenhall

Gerry Dulac of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Mendenhall is all but done in Pittsburgh, which was to be expected. He states that Mendenhall is drawing interest from the Denver Broncos and the Arizona Cardinals, and he also explains what got Mendenhall in the Steelers' doghouse:

"

The Arizona Cardinals and Denver Broncos are interested in Mendenhall, who fell into disfavor with coach Mike Tomlin last season and was suspended for one game for failing to show up for a game when he was inactive.

"

UPDATE: Wednesday, March 13 at 5:30 p.m. ET by Matt Fitzgerald

Mendenhall has inked a short-term deal with the Arizona Cardinals. Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network has the details.

"

According to sources, Rashard Mendenhall's deal with Arizona is 1 year, $2.5 mil, with potential to earn extra $1 mil.

— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) March 13, 2013"

The release of Beanie Wells and aforementioned interest from the Cardinals' side made this move a logical one. If the Cardinals can improve the offensive line, Mendenhall should pack some much-needed punch to Arizona's putrid running game that finished dead-last in the league.

---End of update---

The Broncos could use a feature back to stick behind Peyton Manning with the aging Willis McGahee and the lack of other surefire options in Denver. Assuming Mendenhall is healthy, he could easily be productive in that offense.

Due to the presence of head coach Bruce Arians—who called the plays in Pittsburgh at the beginning of Mendenhall's career—Arizona would also be nice for Mendenhall.

He would need an upgraded offensive line in front of him in that situation, though. As long as the Cardinals can provide that, he would be a huge favorite to win the No. 1 job in the desert.

Paul Kruger

The Baltimore Ravens just awarded QB Joe Flacco with a huge contract, and that's making it difficult to retain other marquee players.

One of those would be the pass-rushing dynamo Kruger, who is reportedly closing in on a deal with the AFC North rival Cleveland Browns.

-- UPDATE -- By Jesse Reed at 6:03 p.m. ET

The Browns have come to an agreement on a five-year deal with Kruger, per ESPN's Adam Schefter:

"

Browns reached agreement in principle on a five-year deal with Paul Kruger.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2013"

CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reported the terms of the deal shortly thereafter:

"

Browns and Paul Kruger agree to terms on a 5 year deal worth $41M

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 12, 2013"

He'll now spend his days chasing down quarterbacks for one of the Ravens' biggest rivals, and the Browns may be a team to be reckoned with on defense in 2013, despite the fact that the team is switching to a 3-4 scheme under Ray Horton.

-- END OF UPDATE --

Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun reported the news:

"

Sources say Browns are closing in on their target: Ravens pass rushing outside linebacker Paul Kruger. Nothing official yet of course

— Aaron Wilson (@RavensInsider) March 12, 2013"

Kruger would be an instant strong fit in new defensive coordinator Ray Horton's 3-4 scheme in Cleveland. The Browns let go of defensive ends Juqua Parker and Frostee Rucker, and must find an exceptional edge-rusher for Horton's attacking tactics to work.

In that context, there's no question Kruger fits the bill, as he led Baltimore with nine sacks in 2012. He and Jabaal Sheard could form a dynamic duo in getting to the quarterback.

Chase Daniel

Not many big-name quarterbacks are on the market in this class, and that's why it's somewhat surprising that the stock of recent New Orleans Saints backup Chase Daniel is rising so significantly.

-- UPDATE -- By Jesse Reed at 5:56 p.m. ET

The Kansas City Chiefs have acquired Daniels to backup Alex Smith.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter:

"

Chiefs reached agreement in principle on three-year deal with former Saints QB Chase Daniel, who played at Missouri.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2013"

This move solidifies a unit that was a weak link for the Chiefs last season, as Smith and Daniels will now be No. 1 and No. 2, rather than Matt Cassel and Brady Quinn. Cassel is expected to be released sometime in the near future (h/t CBS Sports' John Breech), and Quinn is an unrestricted free agent.

-- END OF UPDATE -- 

CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora tweets that Daniel's name is becoming more prominently discussed, with multiple suitors reportedly interested.

"

Continue to hear a strong buzz about Chase Daniel. Teams think he'll get $3M-plus a year. Lot of clubs in a shallow QB market ...

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 12, 2013"

There is a chance that Daniel will be successful, but it's difficult to say given the fact that he's had to sit behind Drew Brees during his entire time in New Orleans. Also, it's unclear where a starting gig might be available for him due to his lack of in-game experience.

Mike Wallace

The Miami Dolphins surprised nobody by coming to a tentative agreement with wide receiver Mike Wallace, pending a physical. 

Per NFL Network's Jeff Darlington:

"

Mike Wallace is indeed on the verge of becoming a Miami Dolphin, I'm told. He's taking a physical. The sides have reached an agreement.

— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) March 12, 2013"

"

Schedule for Mike Wallace's next two hours, according to sources: Finish taking physical. Arrive at Dolphins' facility. Sign by dotted line.

— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) March 12, 2013"

Wallace was the top offensive weapon in the 2013 free-agent class, and his ability to take any given pass the distance is rare. He possesses world-class speed and has caught 32 touchdowns in his firs four years as a pro. 

With plenty of cash to spend in free agency, the Dolphins were determined to make a big splash and supply quarterback Ryan Tannehill with dangerous weapons on offense, and this deal certainly qualifies.

That said, there are many personnel men around the league who don't believe Wallace is a complete receiver. The National Football Post's Dan Pompei recently spoke to a personnel director for an NFC team who said:

"

Mike Wallace is more of an outside vertical guy, but he doesn’t go inside much. He isn’t real strong run after catch. He’s pretty good at comebacks and hitches because defenders play off him since they have to respect his speed.

"

Time will tell if the Dolphins were overeager to land a playmaker or not. For now, it's safe to say the team has made the first big splash of free agency. 

Dannell Elllerbe

Within an hour of the news that the Miami Dolphins had come to an agreement in principle with receiver Mike Wallace, news broke that coveted inside linebacker Dannell Ellerbe had also come to an agreement with the 'Fins.

The Baltimore Sun's Aaron Wilson first broke the news:

"

Ravens linebacker Dannell Ellerbe reaches agreement in principle with Miami Dolphins, per a league source with knowledge of deal

— Aaron Wilson (@RavensInsider) March 12, 2013"

CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora confirmed with details:

"

LB Dannell Ellerbe leaves the Super Bowl champs for a deal he could not refuse in Miami - 5yrs, $35M. Ravens very thin at LB now

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 12, 2013"

This move seems to signal that the Dolphins deem linebacker Karlos Dansby and his $6 million base salary has become expendable.

The Dolphins' official Twitter page also reported the signing of former Oakland Raiders standout linebacker Phillip Wheeler to a deal that wound up being worth $26 million over five years (h/t SI.com).

"

Happy to announce that LBs Dannell Ellerbe (@ellerbe59) & Philip Wheeler (@philgood50) are officially signed. Welcome them to Miami!

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) March 13, 2013"

Ellerbe really took off in Ray Lewis' absence in 2012 for the Ravens. He's an athletic, speedy, instinctive veteran linebacker with his best football ahead of him. This deal really bolsters the Dolphins' front seven, and it will be interesting to see what happens to Dansby now. 

Andy Levitre

Andy Levitre is a phenomenal pass-blocking guard, and he was the top lineman available in free agency this year. 

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Levitre has agreed to a deal with the Tennessee Titans:

"

Former Bills G Andy Levitre has reached agreement in principle with the Titans on 5-year, $39 million deal.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2013"

The Tenneseean's Jim Wyatt, who has been banging the drum on this deal since before the legal tampering period began, updated the terms of the deal approximately 20 minutes after Schefter's report:

"

The deal for Andy Levitre with the #Titans is for 6 years, and worth $46.8 million.

— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) March 12, 2013"

Either way you slice it, this is a lot of money to pay for a guard.

The biggest issue with Levitre, as it concerns the Titans, is that he's not particularly adept at creating running lanes. Chris Johnson struggled the past couple of years without a sufficient push from his offensive line, and Levitre doesn't seem to be an answer for that particular issue. 

One thing is for sure. Jake Locker will have better protection in 2013 than he did last year. 

Martellus Bennett

Martellus Bennett is a big tight end who emerged as somewhat of a go-to guy for Eli Manning and the New York Giants last year, and he's now headed to Chicago to play with Jay Cutler and the Bears.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, he agreed on a four-year deal with the team:

"

Former Giants tight end Martellus Bennett reached agreement with Bears on a four-year deal.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2013"

The terms of the deal aren't yet known, but this is a smart move by the Bears.

Cutler needed more weapons, and Bennett will be a big target for him in the middle of the field. Bennett caught 55 passes for 626 yards and five touchdowns with the Giants. The team's top tight end last year, Kellen Davis, only caught 19 passes for 229 yards and two touchdowns.

Adding a skilled receiver like Bennett will open up the entire offense for the Bears, as teams won't be able to fall asleep on the seam routes that he runs so well. 

Jermon Bushrod

Jay Cutler needed protection in the worst possible way, and Chicago Bears general manager Phil Emery finally helped his quarterback on this front by signing offensive tackle Jermon Bushrod to a long-term contract.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport first broke the story:

"

Source: #Bears and reps for #Saints LT Jermon Bushrod are finishing up a long-term deal. #JayCutlersmiles

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2013"

ESPN's Adam Schefter confirmed the report and gave us the particulars of the deal:

"

Bears gave OT Jermon Bushrod a 5-year, $36 million deal, including $17.7 million guaranteed.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2013"

Bushrod only gave up four sacks last year with the New Orleans Saints, and he's a big upgrade over J'Marcus Webb. He'll be an instant starter for the Bears, and hopefully he'll keep Cutler from getting injured for a third-straight year in 2013. 

Louis Vasquez

Andy Levitre was the hot name this year for offensive guards, but Louis Vasquez is a prize, too. 

He's now headed to the Denver Broncos to guard Peyton Manning, according to USA Today's Mike Garafolo:

"

The Broncos have agreed to terms with OG Louis Vasquez, 4 years, $23.5 million with $13 million fully guaranteed.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 12, 2013"

Vasquez was as solid as a rock last year for the San Diego Chargers. He didn't commit a single penalty, and he only allowed two sacks all year long (Pro Football Focus; subscription required). 

He'll upgrade an already solid offensive line in Denver, and now all the Broncos need is a running back to feature a complete offense behind Manning. 

Jared Cook

The St. Louis Rams needed weapons for quarterback Sam Bradford, and the team landed one of this year's top offensive free agents in tight end Jared Cook. 

The Rams announced the signing, via the team's official Twitter account:

"

#Rams have agreed to terms with TE Jared Cook on a five-year contract.

— St. Louis Rams (@STLouisRams) March 12, 2013"

The terms of the deal aren't yet known.

Cook is a big, strong man who is also extremely fast. He ran a 4.50-second 40 at his combine workout in 2009, and he's shown flashes of big-play ability since joining the Tennessee Titans.

During his four seasons in Tennessee, Cook has caught 131 passes for 1,717 yards and eight touchdowns. Now, he'll have a chance to showcase his talents with the Rams, and Bradford gets a shiny new toy to play with. 

Desmond Bryant

The Cleveland Browns have signed defensive tackle Desmond Bryant. 

NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported the news via Twitter and Yahoo Sports' Jason Cole confirmed the deal when it became official:

"

#Raiders DT Desmond Bryant is going to sign with Cleveland. Best DT on the market.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2013"

"

Desmond Bryant to Clev is done.

— Jason Cole (@JasonColeYahoo) March 13, 2013"

As Rapoport notes, this is excellent news for the Browns, which ranked 19th in rushing yards allowed this past season. 

Bryant, 27, has missed just one game during his four-year career and recorded 24 tackles, three sacks and one forced fumble last season. 

Quentin Groves

More bold moves by the Cleveland Browns' new brass, as the front office continues to build its 3-4 defense by signing former Arizona Cardinals linebacker Quentin Groves.

Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal was on the scene when the team announced that they had reached an agreement with the 28-year-old.

"

#Browns just formally announced their agreement with LB Quentin Groves. I'll post quotes from HC Rob Chudzinski & CEO Joe Banner soon.

— Nate Ulrich (@NateUlrichABJ) March 13, 2013"

Groves played in Ray Horton's defense in Arizona, and now Horton is a member of Rob Chudzinski's staff in the same position. That makes three solid acquisitions for the recently conservative Browns in free agency, with Groves, Desmond Bryant and Paul Kruger.

The difference with Groves is that the Browns only signed him to a two-year deal worth $2.8 million (h/t SI.com). He'll face serious competition to start but has prior knowledge of Horton's scheme.

Donnie Avery

The speedy receiver had a solid year with the Indianapolis Colts, and is now reportedly going to be signing with the Kansas City Chiefs.

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter broke the news on Wednesday:

"

Former Colts WR Donnie Avery signing with KC Chiefs.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2013"

Injuries have plagued Avery throughout his career, but he has proven to be explosive when healthy, as evidenced in 2012. Avery set career-highs with 60 receptions and 781 yards, and also added on three touchdowns.

The Chiefs are providing new QB Alex Smith with a capable deep threat in Avery who is also dangerous in the open field after the catch.

Manny Lawson

The athletic linebacker most recently played for the Cincinnati Bengals, although he was totally overshadowed by Vontaze Burfict and Rey Maualuga in terms of production.

The Buffalo Bills clearly saw enough potential in Lawson over the past two seasons to reward him with a big contract. Jason Cole of Yahoo! has the details:

"

LB/DE Manny Lawson deal is 4 yr/$12 mill with Buffalo. Gets $7 mill in first 2 years.

— Jason Cole (@JasonColeYahoo) March 13, 2013"

Tim Graham and Mark Gaughan of the Buffalo News suggest that Lawson's arrival indicates the coaching staff's desire to have the 3-4 defense as a key part of their scheme. Lawson was college teammates with Mario Williams, which should help smooth his transition to Buffalo.