After a brief lull, NFL free agency heated back up in a notable way on Sunday, with two of the biggest-name free agents coming off the market. Two of the AFC's best scored markedly, with Elvis Dumervil landing with the Baltimore Ravens and Sebastian Vollmer with the New England Patriots.
NFL free agent news: Ravens land Elvis Dumervil, Pats re-sign Sebastian Vollmer
Two of the top free agents came off the market on Sunday, as the Ravens agreed to a five-year deal with Elvis Dumervil, while the New England Patriots re-signed Sebastian Vollmer.
Meanwhile, the likes of Fred Davis, James Anderson and Geno Smith also made headlines. Check out the biggest stories from Sunday.
The Ravens have had a rough free agency, losing key players like Anquan Boldin, Dannell Ellerbe, Ed Reed, Cary Williams, Paul Kruger and Bernard Pollard to other teams. They finally scored a victory on Sunday when Dumervil decided to join forces with the defending Super Bowl champions. Dumervil, as you probably know by now, was set to re-sign with the Denver Broncos, but was late faxing his contract into management. The Broncos were forced to cut the veteran, making him an unrestricted free agent. Dumervil will replace Kruger at rush linebacker, and should potentially be an upgrade at the position.
Vollmer was arguably the best offensive lineman left on the free-agent market (along with Andre Smith), but after 12 days as a free agent, it became unclear whether or not the Pats were able (or willing) to re-sign him. Both sides came to an agreement on Sunday, locking up the right side of the of the offensive line nicely next to right guard Dan Connolly.
New Bills head coach Doug Marrone, general manager Buddy Nix and assistant general manager Doug Whaley, among others, reportedly gathered with tight end Fred Davis over a meal on Sunday. The Washington Redskins and Cleveland Browns are still vying for the veteran's services, but Buffalo would make sense as a destination as well. Scott Chandler is coming off a torn ACL, giving Davis a chance to make an instant impact.
The Chicago Bears continue to rework their linebacker corps post-Brian Urlacher. Former Carolina Panther James Anderson will head to Chicago after being released two years into a five-year contract with the Panthers. Anderson had a disappointing season at strongside linebacker last year, recording 73 tackles and zero sacks in 12 games played. He was prolific in 2010 and 2011, however, giving the Bears a potential gem if Anderson can return to his previous playing level.
After a very impressive pro day performance, Geno Smith is almost guaranteed a spot in the top 10 of the 2013 NFL Draft. The Jets, at No. 9, are reportedly among the interested teams, though they will have to hope he falls past the Jacksonville Jaguars, Oakland Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills. Could the Jets be looking to trade up?
SB Nation's JP Starkey took an in-depth look at the Cowboys' tight salary cap situation. With just over $100,000 in cap space, the Cowboys have little room to add players to help much-needed areas of improvement. Coming off an 8-8 season and with a big defensive overhaul forthcoming under defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, the Cowboys could be in store for even more trouble in 2013. Unfortunately, unless the front office is able to find some space, Dallas may force to play with what they have next year.
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