Though most of the big-money free agents already agreed to deals at the onset of free agency, many impact players are still available, as teams throughout the NFL go bargain hunting in the weeks leading up to the NFL Draft.
NFL free agent tracker 2013: Aqib Talib re-signs with Patriots
Saturday proved to be busy in the NFL, as the New England Patriots and New York Giants made a flurry of roster moves.
Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
Two of the most successful teams in recent history were very active on Saturday, as the Patriots and Giants made a flurry of headlines, as Bill Belichick and Tom Coughlin attempt to return to the Super Bowl in 2014.
Bill Belichick continued to fortify his secondary on Saturday, re-signing Talib to a one-year deal worth $5 million. Talib reportedly had other offers on the table, including a five-year offer from New England, but opted for the one-year contract, and will again test the market in 2014.
Talib's signing comes not even 24 hours after the Patriots signed free-agent safety Adrian Wilson and re-signed cornerback Kyle Arrington. Talib will start opposite Alfonzo Dennard -- assuming Dennard is with the Patriots and not incarcerated or suspended to start the season.
Once a major weakness, New England’s secondary is taking shape, with Talib, Dennard, Arrington, Wilson and McCourty in tow.
Giants stay busy
The New York Giants remained busy on Saturday, signing free-agent linebacker Dan Connor and free-agent wide receiver Louis Murphy. New York is also hosting free-agent tight end Brandon Myers.
Connor's signing likely means the end of the Chase Blackburn era in New York. Blackburn served as New York's starting middle linebacker in 2012, but is now an unrestricted free agent. Connor will likely compete with Mark Herzlich for the starting middle linebacker job.
Murphy provides depth for the Giants -- and speed to dream of. Murphy spent the 2012 season with the Panthers, but had just 25 receptions, 336 receiving yards and a touchdown. With Domenik Hixon and Ramses Barden testing the free-agent market, signing Murphy is a solid move.
Lastly in New York, Tom Coughlin and New York's staff are hosting free agent Brandon Myers. Myers had the best season of his career in 2012, catching 79 passes for 806 yards and four touchdowns. Myers would replace Martellus Bennett, who signed with the Chicago Bears.
The Patriots remained busy Saturday afternoon, even after signing Talib. New England released Brandon Lloyd after just one season in New England, and consequently, avoid paying Lloyd a $3 million roster bonus.
Lloyd could still end up back in Foxboro, as the Patriots and Lloyd were attempting to restructure Lloyd’s deal prior to his release. New England will now have to compete with other teams for Lloyd’s services however, and it’s no guarantee that Lloyd is a Patriot in 2013.
Tampa Bay signed free-agent tight end Tom Crabtree late Friday night. Crabtree spent the first three years of his career with the Green Bay Packers, making his debut in 2010, after being signed to the practice squad in late 2009.
Crabtree served as Green Bay’s backup tight end, and never was a major factor in Green Bay’s offense. Crabtree finished the 2012 season with eight receptions for 203 yards -- boosted by a 72-yard catch -- and three touchdowns.
Along with Crabtree, the Packers also lost Greg Jennings on Friday, who signed with the Minnesota Vikings.
More in the NFL:
See More:
