Time flies when you're having fun. Despite the low reviews of the 2017 free-agent class, this one has been a blast to cover.
As always with the NFL, expect the unexpected. Quarterback Mike Glennon was expected to get a starting job, but no one guessed he would get a contract worth $15 million a year. Undrafted gems such as A.J. Bouye and Tony Jefferson ended up getting some of the best contracts on the market. Sadly for running backs, they felt the footsteps of a strong class in the draft and had to sign at bargain prices.
What's great about following free agency is some of the strategies and results. Here are my favorite moves to date:
WR Brandon Marshall to the New York Giants
Marshall explained it best on the Monday of the NFL owners meetings. By going to the Giants as a No. 2 wide receiver, Marshall believes he and Odell Beckham Jr. will both improve their numbers. Marshall said he has been double-teamed for years as a No. 1 receiver, and he'll now get more chances against lesser cornerbacks. Beckham has 288 receptions in three years with a 14.3-yard average. Marshall has had six 100-plus-catch seasons in his career but posted just 59 last season. If Beckham is doubled, Marshall has a better chance to get open, and the more he is involved, the more he takes coverage away from Beckham. It's a win-win for the Giants.
