With the first wave of NFL offseason activities in the books, it’s a quiet weekend around the league. That, however, doesn’t mean there wasn’t news. One of the biggest names on the free agent market finally found a new team, while the NFL could be working on its next expansion plan — and it doesn’t involve football.
NFL news: Dwight Freeney signs, NFL bringing rugby to the U.S.?
After weeks on the free agent market, Dwight Freeney has a new team. Meanwhile, the NFL is helping to lay the foundation for a professional rugby league in the United States. That and more in the daily roundup.
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Dwight Freeney is now a San Deigo Charger, after the 33-year-old agreed to a two-year deal on Saturday. The Chargers showed increased interest in Freeney after losing Melvin Ingram to a torn ACL. The deal is worth $8.75 million, according to NFL.com, with additional incentives. Freeney is not the dominant pass rusher he once was, and he struggled adapting to a 3-4 defense last season, but he should still make an impact in San Diego. Richard Wade of Bolts From The Blue expects San Diego to use some 4-3 schemes that utilize Freeney's skillset.
Rugby does not have a huge following in the United States, but that could begin to change with some help from the NFL. The NFL has partnered with the Premier Rugby League with the intention of creating a professional rugby league in the U.S. The effort will include an exhibition game at Gillette Stadium this summer. The game will be televised on the NFL Network, which should help introduce the sport to a football audience.
The New York Jets' quarterback situation is still undecided, but after the retirement of David Garrard, the team could be looking to add another veteran to the mix. The Jets currently have Mark Sanchez, Geno Smith and Greg McElroy atop the depth chart. Adding an experienced quarterback may be easier said than done, however, with Gang Green Nation taking a closer look at the thin free agent market.
While the Jets and a few other teams may add another player or two before training camp, rosters are mostly set. The focus will soon shift to training camp battles as teams begin to finalize their 53-man rosters and starting lineups. The Washington Redskins are expected to have a battle for the starting right tackle job, but Tarik El-Bashir of CSN Washington expects Tyler Polumbus to win the job. Hogs Haven currently projects Tom Compton to win the job, with both players making the 53-man roster.
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