The Detroit Lions wasted no time in filling some of the massive production that left with Calvin Johnson’s retirement by landing Marvin Jones, the top wide receiver in the NFL’s free agent class.
The former Cincinnati Bengals playmaker agreed to a deal worth reportedly $8 million per season, which comes less than 24 hours after Johnson announced his retirement.
In his third season, the 25-year-old recorded a career-high 65 receptions and 816 receiving yards, while reeling in four touchdowns as the Bengals No. 2 wideout opposite star A.J. Green. He’ll now immediately be one of quarterback Matthew Stafford’s top weapons in Detroit, alongside wide receiver Golden Tate.
Another premier free agent, cornerback Janoris Jenkins, made the decision to sign with the New York Giants. The 27-year-old will reportedly sign a five-year, $62.5 million contract to make the jump from the St. Louis Rams, where he has spent his entire four-year career, to the NFC East.
Elsewhere in free agency, former Buffalo Bills defensive end Mario Williams agreed to a reported two-year, $17 million deal with the Miami Dolphins to stay in the AFC East.
Recent Super Bowl winner Malik Jackson cashed in on his role as defensive tackle in the middle of the Denver Broncos’ impressive defence to reportedly earn a sixyear, $90 million contract from the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Oakland Raiders, meanwhile, splashed the cash by adding former Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele to a reported five-year, $60 contract and former Seattle Seahawks pass-rushing linebacker Bruce Irvin to a reported four-year, $37 million contract.
The Philadelphia Eagles continued clearing house by trading cornerback Byron Maxwell, linebacker Kiko Alonso and the 13th overall pick in next month’s NFL draft to Miami in exchange for the No8 overall selection.
