Landon Collins
One of the biggest names in this year’s free agent pool has been snatched up. Former Giants safety Landon Collins has found a new home in Washington. The Redskins were able to sign Collins, agreeing to a six-year/$84 million deal. The safety has made three Pro Bowl appearances in his four years in the league, making him one of the most proven defensive talents at his age. The 25-year-old has recorded 428 tackles in his career, averaging well over 100+ tackles a season. Collins is expected to slide into the strong safety role of Washington’s 3-4 defense, adding another elite piece to a secondary that already has Josh Norman.
Tyrann Mathieu
Another highly valued safety was taken on Monday when Tyrann Mathieu agreed to terms with the Kansas City Chiefs. Mathieu, who was pursued by “dozens” of teams, has agreed to a contract offer that will keep him in Kansas City for a short three seasons, paying the safety $42 million. The move is an effort to strengthen the defense in Kansas City, an obvious weak point of the team. The Chiefs were among the NFL’s worst defenses last season, giving up 26.3 points per game, the ninth highest total in the league.
Mathieu will bring a double threat at safety. The 26-year-old has the football IQ, experience, and pure ability to be a high level pass defender, as well as a reliable run stopper from the secondary. Mathieu had 89 tackles and two interceptions from the strong safety position last season, and will join Eric Berry in Kansas City to form one of the most talented safety partnerships in the NFL.
Nick Foles
Nick Foles was the first free agent quarterback to announce his big offseason move. The Jacksonville Jaguars were in the market for a franchise quarterback, and it appears as if they have found their man for the future. The former Super Bowl 50 MVP has agreed to a four-year/$88 million deal, a monster contract for Foles, who has never started more than 11 games in a season.
Foles has started just 44 games in his seven season career so far, recording a 26-18 record. Foles’ best statistical season saw the quarterback throw for 2,891 yards and 28 touchdowns with just two interceptions, going 8-2 in his 10 games started. Foles will have the responsibility of jolting the Jags offense back to life after an abysmal season last year. Jacksonville finished with the second lowest scoring offense in the NFL, putting up just 15.3 points per game. Foles will replace Blake Bortles, who is expected to be released on March 14th.
