Minor NFL Transactions: 3/18/20
Here are the minor moves from the first day of official free agency. The list will be updated throughout Wednesday.
Carolina Panthers
- Waived: OL Garrett McGhin
Dallas Cowboys
- Waived: CB Donovan Olumba, DE Daniel Wise
Denver Broncos
- Re-signed: CB De’Vante Bausby
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Re-signed: T Tyler Shatley
Miami Dolphins
- Waived: C Evan Brown, DB Rashard Causey, T Chidi Okeke, WR T.J. Rahming
- Released with failed-physical designation: LB Mike Hull
Washington Redskins
- Re-signed: LB Nate Orchard
Giants, T Cameron Fleming Agree To Deal
The Cowboys opted not to pick up Cameron Fleming‘s option earlier this week, and the Giants are making a move to add him. Big Blue and the free agent tackle agreed to terms on a one-year deal Wednesday night, Mike Garafolo of NFL.com tweets.
The longtime Patriot uniquely has a history with both Joe Judge and Jason Garrett, spending four seasons in New England and two in Dallas. The former Cowboys and Pats backup will be first in line to be the Giants’ right tackle starter, Ralph Vacchiano of SNY adds (via Twitter).
Fleming has played between 230-400 snaps in each of the past four seasons, working as a part-time starter throughout this stretch. The Giants are in the market for a new right tackle; they let 2019 starter Mike Remmers hit the market. With Pat Shurmur and Mike Shula out of the mix, it is expected Remmers will be elsewhere in 2020.
The former Patriots fourth-round pick will be entering his age-28 season. He has started 26 games in his career but never more than seven in a season. This could be a major opportunity for the veteran, though the Giants figure to be in the market for tackles in the draft as well.
Rams Sign DT A’Shawn Robinson
After losing several key defensive players, the Rams are now adding to their core. NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero reports (via Twitter) that the team is signing defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson. It’s a two-year deal worth $17MM.
The 2016 second-rounder had spent his entire career with the Lions. After starting all 16 games during the 2017 season, Robinson was limited to only 26 games (16 starts) over the past two years. Still, he combined for 89 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.
The Rams defense will look a whole lot different in 2020. Safety Eric Weddle retired, Cory Littleton, Michael Brockers, and Dante Fowler have all departed in free agency, and the team declined their option on usual slot corner Nickell Robey-Coleman. So far, the organization has added former first-rounder Leonard Floyd and re-signed Austin Blythe.
They’ve also replaced defensive coordinator Wade Phillips with Brandon Staley, so it’s safe to say that side of the ball is getting a complete makeover after Sean McVay’s dissatisfaction with the previous structure became evident.
Packers Re-Sign TE Marcedes Lewis
Marcedes Lewis is sticking around for at least one more season. ESPN’s Field Yates reports (via Twitter) that the veteran tight end is returning to Green Bay. It’ll be a one-year deal worth $2.25MM.
The 35-year-old spent the first 12 seasons of his career with the Jaguars, earning a Pro Bowl nod and second-team All-Pro recognition in 2010. He joined the Packers prior to the 2018 season, and he’s spent the past two seasons in Green Bay.
While Lewis has hauled in close to 400 receptions throughout his career, his offense has fallen off during his stint with the Packers. Despite appearing in all 32 games (with 15 starts) over the past two years, the tight end has combined for only 18 receptions for 195 yards and one touchdown.
In total, Lewis has appeared in 202 career games in parts of 14 seasons.
Redskins Sign RB J.D. McKissic
J.D. McKissic is heading to Washington. NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero reports (via Twitter) that the Redskins are signing the running back. It’ll be a two-year deal for McKissic.
After getting cut by the Seahawks at the end of last preseason, McKissic was quickly claimed by the Lions. The 26-year-old ended up appearing in a career-high 16 games for Detroit, rushing for 205 yards on 38 carries. He also added another 34 receptions for 233 yards and one touchdown.
Other than a brief stint with the Falcons, McKissic had spent much of his first three NFL seasons in Seattle. He got into three playoff games during his stint with the Seahawks.
Browns To Add S Karl Joseph
Former first-round pick Karl Joseph will be heading east. The Browns will add the four-year Raiders safety on a one-year deal, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter).
The Raiders did not pick up Joseph’s fifth-year option in 2019, making him a 2020 free agent. After suffering a season-ending injury last year, Joseph will attempt to re-establish his value in Cleveland.
While the Raiders were open to a Joseph re-up, that was many months ago. And Las Vegas has been busy on defense this week, with one of those additions being safety Jeff Heath.
The Browns, however, have been active on the market as well. Joseph joins B.J. Goodson, Jack Conklin, Austin Hooper and Case Keenum as Cleveland-bound talents thus far in free agency. The Browns were discussing a potential tag-and-trade deal with the Vikings for Anthony Harris as well. Joseph may not interfere with those talks, but he has extensive starting experience and may be tabbed for one of Cleveland’s first-string spots. The Browns have already lost Eric Murray in free agency, and Damarious Randall is now on the market as well.
The No. 14 overall pick out of West Virginia in 2016, Joseph started 41 games as a Raider. He has never been a prolific ball hawk, intercepting four passes in four seasons, but has fared better in the box. Pro Football Focus has graded Joseph as a top-35 safety in each of the past two seasons, rating him as one of last season’s top run-defending safeties.
Lions Sign CB Desmond Trufant
Desmond Trufant has found his new home. ESPN’s Jordan Schultz tweets that the free agent cornerback has signed with the Lions. It’s a two-year, $21MM deal, including $14MM in guaranteed money.
Last year, Trufant compiled four interceptions and seven passes defended despite being limited to only nine games. He missed the first quarter of the year with a toe injury and was forced to go on IR in December after suffering a broken forearm. He started 16 games as recently as 2018, when he finished with 66 tackles and 12 passes defended. He earned a Pro Bowl nod with Atlanta in 2015.
Despite having three years remaining on his five-year, $68.75MM deal, Atlanta moved on from the veteran earlier this week. By releasing Trufant, the Falcons saved $4.95MM against $10.2MM in dead money. We heard whispers that the Jets could be interested in Trufant, but the rumor mill had otherwise been quiet surrounding the 29-year-old.
With Trufant signed, ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes (on Twitter) that the Lions can shift focus to trading cornerback Darius Slay. In late February, Lions GM Bob Quinn explained that all scenarios are being considered when it comes to the cornerback.
RFA/ERFA Tender Decisions: 3/18/20
Tuesday’s restricted free agent and exclusive rights free agent tender decisions will be posted below. Deals will be updated throughout the day.
RFAs
Non-tendered:
- Cardinals: CB Kevin Peterson, S Charles Washington
- Dolphins: T Roderick Johnson
- Jets: LB James Burgess, CB Arthur Maulet
ERFAs
Tendered:
- Lions: CB Mike Ford
Seahawks Sign OL Cedric Ogbuehi
Cedric Ogbuehi is moving to Seattle. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo tweets that the Seahawks have signed the offensive lineman. ESPN’s Jordan Schultz was first with the news (via Twitter).
The 2015 first-round pick spent the first four seasons of his career with the Bengals. He started 25 games between the 2016 and 2017 seasons, but he was limited to only two games in 2018.
He signed a one-year deal with the Jaguars last offseason, and he proceeded to appear in 14 games for his new squad.
The Seahawks have been busy adding to their offensive line. Over the past two days, the team has also added Brandon Shell and B.J. Finney.
Jaguars Sign DL Rodney Gunter
Rodney Gunter is signing with the Jaguars, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter). It’s a three-year for the defensive lineman.
The 2015 fourth-round pick had spent his entire career with the Cardinals, including a 2019 campaign where he started a career-high 13 games. The 28-year-old has compiled 11 sacks through five seasons in the NFL, including 7.5 over the past two years.
The Jaguars have been busy revamping their defense over the past few days. The front office spent big money to get linebacker Joe Schobert to Jacksonville, and they also signed cornerback Darqueze Dennard.