NFL Free Agency 2016: Grades for Wednesday's Signings and Trades

The floodgates have opened. The lid is off Pandora's box. Insert cliche here.

On Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, the league officially began a new year. And new years in the NFL kick off with the league's answer to Black Friday at Wal-Mart.

Free agency.

Big-ticket items? The Jacksonville Jaguars were all up on the LCD TVs of the NFL. Lower-end savings? One day after trading away half the team (approximately), the Philadelphia Eagles got a nice deal on a crock pot. Scratch-and-dent items? The Miami Dolphins got a deep discount on a dining room set.

Or something to that effect, anyway.

As is usually the case, the first day of free agency brought with it so much activity and player movement that you need a program to tell who went where.

Well, it just so happens that we have one. In fact, here at Bleacher Report we'll go one better, with grades for all of Wednesday's biggest deals.

Cleanup on Aisle 4.

TRADE: CB Byron Maxwell and LB Kiko Alonso

Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

Philadelphia Eagles get: Dolphins' Round 1 pick in 2016 (No. 8)

Miami Dolphins get: Eagles' Round 1 pick in 2016 (No. 13), CB Byron Maxwell, LB Kiko Alonso

We'll kick things off with a trade that's been in the works for a couple of days now. A trade that shows without a doubt that the Philadelphia Eagles are moving on from the Chip Kelly era.

As quickly as humanly possible.

ESPN.com's James Walker reports, the Eagles sent Maxwell, Alonso and the No. 13 pick to the Dolphins (along with compensatory picks) for the right to move up five spots on April 28.

On the surface, it's a deal that looks great for Miami. Two potential defensive starters and some throw-ins for moving down five spots.

So what's not to like?

Well, everything.

When this deal was first rumored to be in the works, a very sage scribe here at Bleacher Report summed up the Dolphins' new "additions" rather aptly:

"

After starting opposite Richard Sherman in the Legion of Boom in Seattle in 2014, Maxwell was lured to Philadelphia from the Seahawks by Kelly last year. Well, Kelly and a six-year, $63 million free-agent bonanza.

And what did the Eagles get for that investment, which included $25 million in guarantees? The NFL's 69th-ranked cornerback in 2015, per Pro Football Focus. There may not be a player in the NFL who was paid more to do less.

Alonso came to Philly in the trade that sent LeSean "Troublemaker" McCoy to the Buffalo Bills. Reunited with his coach from the University of Oregon, Alonso was inserted as a starter at inside linebacker—where he, like Maxwell, was awful.

"

The trade nearly fell apart due to Maxwell's balky shoulder, but after a late medical check came through, the deal did the same.

It's just too bad the Dolphins doctors couldn't save the front office from shelling out $11 million in guarantees over the next two years for a scrub.

And another offseason in Miami full of sound and fury signifying nothing is underway.

Grade (Eagles): A

Grade (Dolphins): D

TRADE: RB DeMarco Murray

Elsa/Getty Images

Philadelphia Eagles get: Titans' Round 4 pick in 2016

Tennessee Titans get: Eagles' Round 4 pick in 2016, RB DeMarco Murray

The deal that sent Maxwell and Alonso packing was just the beginning of The Purge: Philadelphia.

Just as with Maxwell, a year ago the team handed big bucks to running back DeMarco Murray.

Just as with Maxwell, the team got zilch in return for that investment.

And just like with Maxwell, Murray is now headed out of town.

According to Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com, Murray was dealt to the Tennessee Titans for the NFL draft equivalent of a bag of Tostitos—a 13-pick bump on the third day of this year's draft.

This, for a player who led the NFL in rushing in 2014.

As if that wasn't enough, as Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk wrote the Titans also got Murray to rework his deal:

"

Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the revised four-year deal has a base value of $25.5 million, with $12.5 million guaranteed. Of that amount, $6 million is fully guaranteed in 2016, and $3 million is fully guaranteed in 2017. The remaining $3.25 million is guaranteed money is guaranteed for injury only at signing, and it converts to a full guarantee on the fifth day of the 2017 league year.

Incentives could push the deal to a maximum value of $33 million. That’s a healthy increase in the $1.5 million in remaining available escalators in Murray’s prior contract.

"

Given that information, Kuharsky hailed the trade as a "coup" for Tennessee.

And it's hard to disagree. Yes, the Titans have invested significantly in a tailback who fell off a cliff last year after a massive workload the season before.

But when you examine the potential reward versus the risk for a Titans team that badly needs to bolster the backfield, it was a gamble worth taking.

The Eagles, for their part, got what they wanted—Murray's salary off the books.

It isn't very often a trade is a win-win, but this is about as close as it gets.

Grade (Titans): A-

Grade (Eagles): B

CB Leodis McKelvin

Jeff Haynes/Associated Press

Signed by: Philadelphia Eagles

Contract terms: 2 years, $6 million

Apparently, Philadelphia Eagles Executive Vice President Howie Roseman likes being in the big chair again.

One day after doing everything in his power to make it look like the Chip Kelly era never happened by trading away three of last season's biggest additions, Roseman started the task of putting Humpty Eagle back together again.

As Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer tweeted, the Eagles signed veteran cornerback Leodis McKelvin, who spent his first eight NFL seasons with the Buffalo Bills, to a two-year, $6 million contract.

McKelvin told Matt Lombardo of NJ.com that familiarity with Philadelphia defensive coordinator (and former Bills DC) Jim Schwartz was a big selling point in the City of Brotherly Love.

"It's a 4-3 defense," McKelvin explained. "He's about getting the defensive ends out wide, rushing the ends, keeping contain and getting after the quarterback. That's his game plan. Use those guys and the rest of us will go to work."

Of course, this assumes McKelvin is able to go to work. The 30-year-old hasn't played in all 16 games of a season since 2011, and McKelvin has missed 13 games over the past two campaigns.

However, McKelvin told Alex Smith of the team's website he fully expects to make an immediate impact:

"

I expect to come in and contribute and compete. I expect to come in and help this team the best way I can and just try to get more wins. I can play anywhere. I see myself playing anywhere that this coaching staff wants me to play. I’m looking forward to coming in and doing that.

"

Granted, compared to some of Wednesday's whoppers, this relatively modest deal is barely a blip on the radar. But that's one of the reasons Andrew Kulp of CSN Philadelphia likes the deal:

"

This is an excellent addition, as long as expectations are kept in check. With 60 career starts, experience in the system and position versatility, McKelvin provides a great deal of value to the Eagles, and he could absolutely thrive in the right role. A situation that calls on him to become an every-down player may be less than desirable, but better a seasoned veteran than a total unknown. This is a safe move that adds some much-needed competition to the secondary and helps fill out the 90-man roster.

"

I agree. In fact, when you consider that at this time one year ago Kelly was handing Byron Maxwell $10.5 million per season, the McKelvin signing looks that much better.

Grade: B

S Rodney McLeod

Cliff McBride/Getty Images

Signed by: Philadelphia Eagles

Contract terms: 5 years, $37.5 million, $17 million guaranteed

Apparently, all that money Roseman saved by dealing away Maxwell and Murray was burning a hole in his pocket.

As Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported (h/t Conor Orr of NFL.com), the Eagles signed free-agent safety Rodney McLeod (formerly of the Los Angeles Rams, who were formerly the St. Louis Rams, who were formerly the Los Angeles Rams and now my head hurts) to a five-year, $37.5 million pact that contains $17 million in guarantees.

Orr hailed the move as the strong addition of a talented youngster to the back of the Eagles' new 4-3 defense:

"

McLeod is a relative bargain at the price. He will be 26 before the start of the 2016 season and is coming off a year where he had a career-high four interceptions and three forced fumbles. Alongside Malcolm Jenkins, Philadelphia may be building one of the more formidable safety nets in football. Jenkins was arguably the best player at his position in 2015 and McLeod was not far behind.

He has also never missed a game in his four NFL seasons.

"

The rankings at Pro Football Focus would seem to bear that assessment out. In nearly 1,200 snaps last year, McLeod graded out 10th at the position, ahead of the likes of Kam Chancellor of the Seattle Seahawks.

McLeod may not be the biggest name on this list, but his addition could well prove to be the biggest move of a day filled with big moves for the wheeling-and-dealing Eagles.

Grade: B

CB Janoris Jenkins

Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

Signed by: New York Giants

Contract terms: 5 years, $62.5 million, $28.8 million guaranteed

There's quite the arms race going on in the NFC East on the first day of free agency.

And a New York Giants team flush with cap space entering Wednesday wasn't about to be left out in the cold.

Per Tom Pelissero of USA Today, the Giants also got in on looting the Rams secondary, agreeing to terms on a massive five-year, $62.5 million contract with cornerback Janoris Jenkins. The deal contains nearly $30 million in guarantees, and makes Jenkins the NFL's No. 7 cornerback in terms of average annual salary.

The problem with that is Jenkins isn't anywhere close to being the league's seventh-best player at his position.

Yes, Jenkins has had a nose for the big play over his four-year NFL career, but the 27-year-old graded out 24th at his position a year ago, per Pro Football Focus.

The year before? Jenkins ranked 48th.

The year before that? Fifty-ninth.

There's a reason why the Rams decided to keep Trumaine Johnson over Jenkins. He's as apt to give up big plays as make them.

The Giants needed to upgrade a pass defense that was abysmal a year ago, but this reeks of a panic move by embattled general manager Jerry Reese.

Grade: C-

DT Damon Harrison

Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images

Signed by: New York Giants

Contract terms: 5 years, $46 million, $24 million guaranteed

Speaking of panic moves.

Yes, defensive tackle Damon "Snacks" Harrison had a career year in 2015 for the New York Jets. The fifth-year pro piled up 72 tackles for Gang Green, and Harrison ranked sixth at his position a season ago, according to Pro Football Focus.

But there's a reason why Harrison was rejoicing Wednesday on Twitter:

"

This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Without him I am nothing but with him I can do all things.

— Damon Harrison (@BigDame900) March 9, 2016"

Per Rand Getlin of NFL Network, the Giants inked Harrison to a deal that's almost as big as he is—over nine million per season, with over half of the $46 million total guaranteed.

Harrison is an excellent nose tackle and a phenomenal run-stuffer. But he's just that—a two-down lane-clogger who will add little or nothing to the Giants pass rush.

A Giants pass rush that was among the NFL's worst in 2015.

A Giants pass rush that isn't a bit better after watching the team throw two huge contracts at a 1-technique and a cornerback.

Good player. Bad deal. It's the sort of overly bloated contract that often comes on free agency's first day when teams have more dollars than sense.

Grade: C-

DE Olivier Vernon

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Signed by: New York Giants

Contract terms: 5 years, $85.5 million, $52 million guaranteed

Jerry Reese done lost his mind.

That's the only explanation for, as Bleacher Report's own Jason Cole reported, making defensive end Olivier Vernon the richest defensive end in NFL history Wednesday.

Five years; $85.5 million; $52 million in guarantees, including $40 million fully guaranteed.

More money than J.J. Watt of the Houston Texans.

You read that right.

Yes, Vernon is a very good young defensive end. No 4-3 end in the NFL received a higher grade in 2015 from Pro Football Focus.

However, Vernon also has all of one double-digit sack season on his resume, and last year wasn't it.

Vernon's good. He may become great. But there's a reason the Dolphins rescinded the transition tag on him. He just isn't (at least at this point in his career) a game-changing talent.

But the Giants just paid him like one.

There are two cardinal sins in free agency.

Don't panic, and don't overpay early.

Reese spent all day Wednesday doing both.

Grade: D

DE Jason Pierre-Paul

Julio Cortez/Associated Press

Signed by: New York Giants

Contract terms: 1 year, $10 million

Technically, this happened Tuesday. But I'm trying to give Giants fans something to be happy about.

Sometimes, the best signings involve players who don't actually wind up going anywhere. And sometimes, it isn't all about the money.

That appears to be the case with defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul. Despite an offer from the Arizona Cardinals that contained "much more" money, according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport, the two-time Pro Bowler is staying put, agreeing to a one-year deal with the New York Giants that could be worth as much as 10.5 million.

Pierre-Paul, who lost his chance at a megadeal in a fireworks accident last July that cost him part of his right hand, said on Instagram (via Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News) that his decision was a personal one:

"

It was hard to decide, but me and my family decided that it's best for me to stay in New York. Just being in the NFL is a privilege and I am honored. I am truly blessed to be in this position I am in today, thank you!

Now with that said I have some unfinished business to take care of in New York!!!

"

Pierre-Paul's sack numbers fell off a cliff in 2015 (he had only one in eight games), but his speed around the edge was still evident. So much so, in fact, that despite the drop in numbers Pierre-Paul was still a top-15 4-3 end, per Pro Football Focus.

Given that, Dan Graziano of ESPN.com thinks it's a deal that makes sense for both sides:

"

This is a good move both ways. It's the move with which the Giants hoped to begin their offseason, and it's done, so they can turn their attention to the significant work they have to do to build the defense around Pierre-Paul. Pierre-Paul can get to work knowing he's going to play and recuperate for at least one more year in the place where he feels the most comfortable.

"

Graziano's spot-on. A Giants team that ranked near the bottom of the NFL in sacks last year badly needs to get better in that regard in 2016. And Pierre-Paul's best shot at doing that probably lies in familiar surroundings.

If it works out, and Pierre-Paul rebounds, he'll still get his megadeal. If it doesn't, we'll be right back here at this point next spring.

Grade: A-

TE Ben Watson

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Signed by: Baltimore Ravens

Contract terms: 2 years, $8 million

It isn't that often that an NFL player pulls a career season out of his hat at the age of 35.

It's even rarer for that player to be able to parlay that renaissance into one last big payday.

Well, veteran tight end Ben Watson just did both.

According to Rapoport, the 13th-year pro, who set career highs in catches and yardage and tied a career best with six scoring grabs in New Orleans a year ago, has inked a two-year, $8 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens.

As Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com wrote, the Ravens, who don't usually go the unrestricted-free-agent route, were aggressive in their pursuit of Watson:

"

Why did the Ravens want Watson so badly? Baltimore prides itself on being a tight end-friendly offense, and the Ravens needed an experienced and durable one. Watson is known for being a leader after 13 seasons in the NFL, and he has missed only one game the past four seasons. The addition of Watson reveals the Ravens' concern about Crockett Gillmore's availability this season (two shoulder surgeries this offseason), Nick Boyle's suspension (10 games for performance-enhancing drugs) and Dennis Pitta's future (a potential post-June 1 salary cap cut).

This represents the Ravens' second gift to quarterback Joe Flacco, who signed a record three-year extension last week. Flacco has an affinity for throwing to tight ends, from Todd Heap to Pitta to Owen Daniels. Watson had one of those out-of-nowhere seasons last year, with 74 receptions (seventh among tight ends) for 825 yards (eighth) and six touchdowns (seventh).

It's probably unlikely Watson will come close to those numbers this season. He caught more than 50 passes only twice in his career, and he has been held to fewer than 500 yards receiving in eight of his 13 seasons.

"

It's the unlikeliness of a repeat, the Ravens' relative lack of salary-cap resources (second-least in the NFL, per Spotrac) and the presence of second-year pro Maxx Williams that make this signing a puzzling one for Ozzie Newsome.

However, Newsome hasn't made many missteps in his tenure as general manager in Baltimore, and there's no denying that Watson will add a steady veteran presence to a young tight end corps.

It isn't a good signing necessarily, but it's hard to call it a bad one either.

Grade: C

TE Coby Fleener

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Signed by: New Orleans Saints

Contract terms: 5 years, $36 million

With Watson bidding adieu to the Big Easy, the Saints were left with a massive hole at the tight end position.

The team wasted no time in filling it.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Saints lured tight end Coby Fleener away from the Indianapolis Colts with a five-year pact worth $36 million. The four-year veteran has been a durable player to this point in his career, having not missed a game since his rookie season.

The former Stanford star brings a skill set to New Orleans that should mesh well, as written about at ESPN: "Fleener is more of a pass-catcher than blocker. He's totaled 183 receptions for 2,154 yards and 17 touchdowns in his career. His best season was in 2014, when he had 774 yards receiving to go with eight touchdown receptions."

Even that career season doesn't scream "pay me!," but it's worth pointing out that Fleener has, to this point in his career, been part of a two-TE platoon with Dwayne Allen for the Colts.

Drew Brees has long shown an affinity for throwing to the tight end, and at only 27 there's reason to believe Fleener's best football is still ahead of him.

Throw in that Allen received slightly more per season, per Rapoport (h/t Dan Hanzus of NFL.com), to stay with the Colts, and it's a reasonably priced signing the Saints needed to make.

Grade: B

QB Brock Osweiler

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Signed by: Houston Texans

Contract terms: 4 years, $72 million

It isn't rare to see quarterbacks land huge contracts in today's NFL. Sam Bradford just got $18 million a season from the Philadelphia Eagles, and he isn't even all that good.

What is rare is to see a quarterback with a pulse not only hit free agency, but also switch teams. Especially when that quarterback has starting experience.

For the defending Super Bowl champions.

Still, that's just what happened Wednesday, when the Denver Broncos were suddenly left reeling by the departure of quarterback Brock Osweiler to the Houston Texans.

Of course, as Rapoport noted (h/t Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com), the Texans gave Osweiler $72 million reasons to jump ship.

However, before fans of the Texans pop the champagne, Rosenthal cautions that Houston just made a huge investment in a player who is still a relatively unknown commodity:

"

The Texans are taking a risk by putting so much faith in an unknown quantity, even as it leaves an AFC rival caught flat-footed. Osweiler was streaky in seven starts last season. He handled himself well for a first-time starter but also went through long droughts where he could not move the offense. He showed good arm strength and pocket movement but was slow to make decisions like many young quarterbacks.

This is a player the Broncos benched just a few quarters before the playoffs. But the Broncos clearly valued him highly; NFL Media's Albert Breer reported that Osweiler was offered a $16 million-per-year contract by Denver, which included $30 million in guarantees. Rapoport noted that Osweiler's move to Houston was motivated in part by him taking his benching personally.

"

If that wasn't enough cold water, consider this. As ESPN.com's Bill Barnwell pointed out, Osweiler's numbers in seven starts last year look an awful lot like Brian Hoyer's numbers in seven starts with Houston in 2015.

The Texans wanted a new quarterback. They got one.

What's the old adage about being careful what you wish for?

Grade: D+

DE Malik Jackson

Jack Dempsey/Associated Press

Signed by: Jacksonville Jaguars

Contract terms: 6 years, $85.5 million, $42 million guaranteed

Where Wednesday's signings are concerned, they don't get much bigger than defensive lineman Malik Jackson's windfall with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

As Mike Klis reported for USA Today, Jackson's megadeal, which will pay him $45 million over its first three seasons, makes the 26-year-old the NFL's fourth-highest paid defensive lineman and fifth-highest paid defensive player.

Given that fact, it's hardly a surprise that Jackson tweeted Tuesday, "What a time to be alive."

Whether it's one of Wednesday's better deals, however, is another story.

Yes, Jackson had the best season of his four-year career in 2015, registering 45 tackles and five sacks. He was Pro Football Focus' ninth-ranked 3-4 defensive end with the Denver Broncos a year ago, and only J.J. Watt of the Houston Texans and Fletcher Cox of the Philadelphia Eagles received a higher grade as a pass-rusher at the position. Only Cox had more QB hurries.

However, while Jackson racked up hurries, he was unable to seal the deal with regularity (only five sacks and eight QB hits). Also, $15 million a season is an awful lot to pay a strong-side end, the position Jackson will likely move to opposite youngster Dante Fowler in the Jaguars' 4-3.

It's no knock on Jackson, and as the Jaguars have often in recent years, they may well have felt forced to overpay in order to lure a player from a winning team to the Gulf Coast.

But overpay is exactly what the Jaguars did.

Grade: C-

RB Lamar Miller

Andrew Innerarity-USA TODAY Sports

Signed by: Houston Texans

Contract terms: 4 years, $26 million, $14 million guaranteed

I'll say this. The teams that are busy on free agency's first day are really busy.

You can definitely throw the Houston Texans in that bunch. In addition to handing Osweiler a truck filled with money, the Texans also found their replacement for Arian Foster, signing Lamar Miller to a four-year, $26 million contract, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Some will look at Miller's relative lack of production in Miami and shake their heads at this contract. Marc Sessler of NFL.com viewed it differently, chalking up Miller's relatively pedestrian numbers to misuse by the Dolphins:

"

Less than a week after releasing veteran Arian Foster, the Texans have found a workhorse in Miller who piled up 1,971 yards at a healthy 4.8 yards per clip over the past two seasons. Entering his fifth year, Miller has plenty left on the tires after being underused for much of his time in Miami.

The Cowboys reportedly also had their sights set on Miller, but Texans general manager Rick Smith deserves credit for finalizing two major, roster-jolting deals before the launch of free agency.

"

Over the past couple of years, fantasy football fanatics have wailed and gnashed their teeth about that underuse, confident that Miller could become a star if he only got the touches.

It would appear the Texans agree, and those touches will certainly come now.

After all, the money just did.

Grade: B-

RB Chris Ivory

Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Signed by: Jacksonville Jaguars

Contract terms: 5 years, $32 million, $10 million guaranteed

At first glance, the contract, as reported by Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, for running back Chris Ivory, just like Jackson's, looks like an overpay by a Jaguars team that is low on talent but big on cap space.

After all, $32 million and over $6 million a season is a lot for a 27-year-old back who has rushed for 1,000 yards all of once in six years. That's also the number of times Ivory has played 16 games in a season.

However, as NFL Network's Albert Breer reports, the deal is essentially a two-year, $12.5 million pact with additional options after, noting the Jaguars are "protected by per-game roster bonuses."

And in that respect, this "pay as you play" deal looks a lot better for the Jags.

Ivory had by far his best season last year, gaining 1,070 yards on the ground and averaging 4.3 yards per carry for the New York Jets.

If the oft-dinged-up Ivory can stay relatively healthy and continue to perform at that level, then Jacksonville will have the between-the-tackles bell cow they've been searching for. And with T.J. Yeldon also in the fold, the team won't have to run Ivory into the ground.

The argument can be made that Ivory's salary is overly robust for a timeshare back, but the fact is the Jaguars could afford it and had next to nothing behind Yeldon in the backfield.

It isn't a steal by any stretch, but Ivory's addition should afford the Jaguars a real shot at their most balanced offense in years.

Grade: B-

RB Doug Martin

Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Signed by: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Contract terms: 5 years, $35.75 million, $15 million guaranteed

Despite the fact that only Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings gained more yardage on the ground last year, it looked in recent days like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and tailback Doug Martin might be headed for a parting of the ways.

However, whether there was some 11th-hour fence-mending or it was all just smoke, as Dan Hanzus of NFL.com reported, Martin got his free-agent payday from the only NFL team he's ever known:

"

The numbers are impressive. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Martin's deal covers five years and is worth $35.75 million. In addition, $15 million is guaranteed and it covers an average of $7.25 million over the first three years. The max value of the deal is $42.5 million, Rapoport added.

It completes a major career comeback for Martin, 26, who was basically an afterthought last summer after two consecutive down years in Tampa.

"

Not only was Martin happy with his new bank account balance, but Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht told Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times the team is also pleased they were able to get something done:

"

Our top priority heading into this offseason was to ensure that Doug remained a Buccaneer and today we are excited to announce that he will. Many of our offensive accomplishments last season can be attributed to the success of our running game with Doug in the backfield and we believe he is a perfect fit for our offensive system. It is always satisfying when you get the opportunity to reward one of your own players and Doug certainly has earned his place as one of our young foundational players.

"

As they should be. Given the deals other running backs are getting in free agency, Martin would have gotten that $7 million and change somewhere.

Given that and his importance to Tampa Bay, keeping Martin in the fold was the smart play.

Grade: A-

DE Mario Williams

Bill Wippert/Associated Press

Signed by: Miami Dolphins

Contract terms: 2 years, $17 million, $4 million guaranteed

For the Miami Dolphins, the offseason is the postseason. At least it seems that way, because while the team hasn't seen the latter in some time, they've made plenty of noise in the former.

A year ago, it was making defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh the league's highest-paid defensive player. Earlier this week, it was trading for cornerback Byron Maxwell and linebacker Kiko Alonso.

And as free agency got underway Wednesday, it was a deal with a pass-rusher who used to hold Suh's title.

As Mike Garafalo of Fox Sports tweeted, the Dolphins have agreed to terms on a two-year, $17 million contract with defensive end Mario Williams. Incentives available in the deal could push its total value to $20 million.

The 31-year-old Williams, who spent the last four years in Buffalo, has 96 career sacks, including 14.5 as recently as 2014. But Williams carried a cap number of almost $20 million in 2016, saw his sacks free-fall to five in 2015 and drew the criticism of Pete Prisco of CBS Sports for his effort level:

"

It's clear to anybody who watched the Bills' tape from last season that Williams wasn't the same player. Yes, he was asked to do some different things in Rex Ryan's defensive scheme, but not much. He dropped out maybe once or twice a game into coverage, yet his on-field demeanor for much of the season was awful. The body language was bad.

The tape was even worse.

When he was released Tuesday, making him free to sign anywhere he wants, I contacted three general managers and asked if they thought Williams dogged it.

"Badly," one said.

"The tape I watched this morning was awful," another general manager said.

"

The Dolphins apparently disagree, hopeful that a change in scenery will reinvigorate a player who was once one of the NFL's most feared pass-rushers.

On one hand, it's hard to criticize the deal. The money isn't obscene. Nor is the length.

On the other hand, the next shrewd free-agent signing the Dolphins make will be the first in quite some time.

And that bad track record makes you wonder.

Grade: C+

WR Marvin Jones

Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Signed by: Detroit Lions

Contract terms: 5 years, $40 million, $20 million guaranteed

As the best option in the weakest free-agent class in some time at the wide receiver position, Marvin Jones was a prime candidate to be overpaid as free agency opened.

And after watching Calvin Johnson call it a career, the Detroit Lions were considered a prime candidate to be among the bidders to do just that.

Given that, it was a pleasant surprise to see that when the terms of the Lions' deal with the 25-year-old were announced, it was a relatively reasonable $40 million over five seasons.

The signing was first reported by ESPN.

I say relatively reasonable, because as Drew Sharp of the Detroit Free Press reports, $8 million per year is still a lot of cheese for what's essentially a No. 2 wideout:

"

Jones isn’t a No. 1 receiver. Teams don’t let those free agents walk. He’s not a future star. Jones won’t keep opposing defensive coordinators up at night, worrying about coverage packages. He can’t replace Johnson, because nobody can. But Quinn’s task in free agency isn’t conning anyone into thinking that a fat checkbook can cure all of the Lions’ ills. His objective is adding solid contributors at a reasonable market value.

At a reported $8 million annually, Quinn overpaid for Jones. According to NFL salary cap website spotrac.com, Jones’ free agency market value was close to $5.5 million annually. But considering some of the other, more outrageous deals reported today, the Jones deal isn’t fiscally irresponsible.

"

With all due respect to the fine folks at Spotrac, that $5.5 million market value for Jones is low. Yes, he's never eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards in a season. But Jones is coming off a career-high 65 catches, and three years ago he found the end zone 10 times for the Cincinnati Bengals.

There just weren't any better options out there, and someone was going to pay him.

It might as well have been the receiver-starved Lions.

Grade: B

OG Kelechi Osemele

Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Signed by: Oakland Raiders

Contract terms: 5 years, $60 million

Entering free agency, the Oakland Raiders had one of the league's largest free-agent war chests, with well over $70 million in coin to drop on players.

The Raiders got to dropping Wednesday—in a big way.

According to Rand Getlin of NFL Network, the Raiders have agreed in principle on a whopping five-year, $60 million deal with guard Kelechi Osemele, who spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens.

As ESPN noted, Osemele paved the way (so to speak) for this big payday with a position switch during the 2015 season:

"

Osemele, 26, is considered one of the most physical and versatile offensive linemen in free agency. He boosted his value last season when he switched from left guard to left tackle for the last four games. Osemele was also the Ravens' starting right tackle in the Super Bowl in 2012.

A second-round pick in 2012, Osemele built a reputation as a mauling run-blocker and sound pass-protector. He gave up one sack and 10 quarterback hurries last season, but his play often got overshadowed by guard Marshal Yanda, a five-time Pro Bowl lineman.

"

Given the Raiders' success (or lack thereof) in free agency over the past decade, some fans might have broken into a cold sweat at the prospect of paying that much to a player who has missed time in each of the past three seasons.

However, the fact is offensive linemen who possess Osemele's skill and versatility and are just entering the prime of their careers are quite literally worth their weight in gold in the NFL.

Besides, you can't take it with you. If the Raiders were going to make a splash signing, this was the one to make.

Grade: B+

Best of the Rest

Jim Steve-USA TODAY Sports

At one slide per deal, this article will still be being written as we prepare for free agency in 2019.

However, just because these other players don't have the highest profile doesn't mean their change in scenery won't have a substantial impact.

In fact, it's often the "lower-end" deals that wind up being the biggest bargains.

With that in mind, here's a quick breakdown of Wednesday's "other" deals.

LB Bruce Irvin (Oakland Raiders, 4 years, $37 million; per Adam Schefter and Field Yates of ESPN, h/t ABC13): Irvin has shown flashes in four NFL seasons and oozes athleticism. But north of $9 million a season is a lot to pay a player for "maybe" and "I hope," especially with youngsters like Derek Carr and Khalil Mack headed for megadeals in the next couple of years. Grade: C-

WR Travis Benjamin (San Diego Chargers, 4 years, $24 million; per Schefter, h/t NFL on ESPN): The Chargers get a deep threat at a reasonable price, while Benjamin gets $13 million in guarantees and emancipation from the fifth circle of football hell that is Cleveland. Grade: A-

TE Antonio Gates (San Diego Chargers, 2 years, $12 million; per Mike Garofalo of Fox Sports): At this point, Gates is being paid as much for what he's done as what he'll do. But the thought of the veteran playing anywhere but San Diego just seems...wrong. Grade: A

LB Derrick Johnson (Kansas City Chiefs, 3 years, $21 million; per Ed Werder of ESPN, h/t Schefter): One of Wednesday's late signings, this deal is less about size and length and more about letting Johnson finish his career with the only team he's ever known. Grade: B

TE Ladarius Green (Pittsburgh Steelers, 4 years, $20 million; per Rapoport and Breer, h/t Hanzus): Another late signing Wednesday, Green never lived up to expectations in San Diego, but his ability to stretch defenses should appeal to Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley in a big way. Grade: A-

QB Chase Daniel (Philadelphia Eagles, 3 years, $21 million; per Rapoport, h/t Rosenthal): He may be following Doug Pederson to Philly, but I'm not buying it's as anything but Sam Bradford's backup. Bradford gets more in guarantees the next two seasons than Daniel's entire contract. Grade: B

OG Alex Boone (Minnesota Vikings, 4 years, $26.8 million; per Ben Gosseling of ESPN): Boone's a capable veteran, but after ranking 35th last year among guards, per Pro Football Focus, his best football may be behind him. Grade: B

S George Iloka (Cincinnati Bengals, 5 years, $30 million; per Rapoport): Iloka was serviceable in 2015 (33rd among safeties at PFF), he's young and, most importantly to the notoriously frugal Bengals, he came relatively cheaply. Grade: B-

LB Rolando McClain (Dallas Cowboys, 1 year, $5 million, per Rapoport): The Cowboys need McClain, and he's resurrected his NFL career in Dallas. I can't believe I'm saying this, but it's a nice signing by Jerry Jones. Grade: A-

DE Derrick Shelby (Atlanta Falcons, 4 years, $18 million; per Yates, h/t Rapoport): On a day when defensive linemen got gonzo deals left and right, the Falcons get a solid young LDE on the cheap. It might be the best signing of the day. Grade: A

DE Adrian Clayborn (Atlanta Falcons, 2 years, $9 million; per Rapoport): Injuries may have sapped some of his ability, but Clayborn is at least a decent rotational end. The Falcons stick to the half-off bin on the defensive front with another solid signing. Grade: B-

OG Jeff Allen (Houston Texans, 4 years, $28 million; per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle): Allen missed four games last year and only started eight in Kansas City, but in 375 snaps he graded out as a top-20 performer at his position, per Pro Football Focus. Grade: B-

OG Brandon Brooks (Philadelphia Eagles, 5 years, $40 million; per Rapoport): Brooks is an OK guard, but $8 million a season is a lot for a player who ranked 62nd among guards in run blocking last year, according to PFF. Grade: C-

LB Mark Barron (Los Angeles Rams, 5 years, $45 million; per Rapoport, h/t USA Today): Barron fared well making the switch from strong safety to weak-side linebacker for the Rams in 2015, but $9 million a season for 12 good games may be Wednesday's biggest reach this side of Osweiler. Grade: D

C Ben Jones (Tennessee Titans, 4 years, $17.5 million; per Breer): The Titans need line help and the money isn't bad, but Jones graded out below average against both the run and the pass at Pro Football Focus in 2015. Grade: C

S Tyvon Branch (Arizona Cardinals, 2 years, $10 million; per Schefter, h/t NFL on ESPN): Branch had some big years in Oakland, but $5 million per year feels like a lot to pay a player with six starts over the last three years combined. Grade: C-

S Tashaun Gipson (Jacksonville Jaguars, 5 years, $35.5 million; per Adam Caplan of ESPN): Frankly, obtaining the ball-hawking center fielder at this price likely warrants its own slide more than being buried here. But I'm a Browns fan, and after the day they had, I'm bitter. Sue me. Grade: A

S Isa Abdul-Quddus (Miami Dolphins, 3 years, $12.75 million; per Rapoport, h/t Kyle Meinke of MLive.com): Given the paydays some safeties have garnered already this year, getting a top-20 option (per PFF) at the position for less than $5 million a year might be Miami's best signing to date in 2016. Grade: B+

Note: Other Wednesday deals (Alex Mack, Danny Trevathan, etc.) have been announced, but terms have yet to be disclosed. Look for grades for those deals in Thursday's edition of this piece.

Yes, I'll be back.

Stop rolling your eyes.