Running backs are suddenly popular again as contending teams determining who of the many free agent options fit their roster. Which teams and running backs made agreements this week? And what big name is still out there after his former team decided to part ways?
Plus, the Giants finally have their top pass rusher signed on long term.
Check out all the big signings during week 2 of free agency as we rundown the top headlines in the NFL for this week.
unning backs are suddenly popular again as contending teams determining who of the many free agent options fit their roster. Which teams and running backs made agreements this week? And what big name is still out there after his former team decided to part ways?
Plus, the Giants finally have their top pass rusher signed on long term.
Check out all the big signings during week 2 of free agency as we rundown the top headlines in the NFL for this week.
Eddie Lacy Signs with Seattle SeahawksSeahawks Sign Running Back Lacy
On Wednesday, the Seattle Seahawks took care of major area of need, signing former Green Bay Packer running back Eddie Lacy to a one year contract.
Lacy had back to back 1100 yard seasons in 2013 and 2014. But injuries and weight issues have caused his numbers to drop recently, only gaining a combined 1018 yards over the last two seasons.
Lacy’s contract comes with $2.865 million guaranteed. There is potential for up to $2.685 million in bonus money in the deal as well.
One of the bonuses is tied to weight loss for Lacy, who entered the NFL at 235 lbs. However, a report from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that Lacy weighed 267 lbs. at a recent free agent visit. (Contract numbers originally reported by Sheil Kapadia of ESPN)
Vikings Sign Murray to Start in Backfield
On Thursday, the Minnesota Vikings signed former Oakland Raider running back Latavius Murray to a three year contract worth $15 million.
Murray was a Pro Bowler for Oakland in 2015, running for 1,066 yards. He ran for 788 yards and a career high 12 touchdowns last season. The Minnesota Vikings were last in the NFL in rushing, averaging just 3.2 yards per carry and running for just 1,205 yards as a team.
Adrian Peterson Moving on from VikingsVikings GM: Peterson “Will be Moving On”
The signing of Murray made clear the Vikings were unlikely to bring back long-time franchise running back Adrian Peterson.
That decision was made official by Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman on Thursday in a conference call when he told media members that Adrian Peterson “will be moving on.”
Peterson was a three time NFL rushing champion for the Vikings, running for 11,747 yards and 97 touchdowns with the team. But Peterson missed all but the first two games of 2016 with a torn meniscus, so the team decided not to pick up an $18 million option for him this season.
Giants Sign Pierre Paul Long Term
The New York Giants have agreed to a new contract for defensive end Jason Pierre Paul. The deal is a four year, $68 million contract with $54 million of the money guaranteed.
Paul has 50 career sacks over his 7 year career. His career high was 16.5 back in 2011. He had 12.5 sacks as recently has 2014. But an injury shooting fireworks cost him most of 2015, when he only had 1 sack and played in only 8 games. Paul played in 12 games last season, recording 7 sacks.
- Read more about this signing at NFL.com
Other NFL Transactions
- The New Orleans Saints agreed to a one year, $3 million contract with former Arizona Cardinals’ edge rusher Alex Okafor on Tuesday.
- On Thursday, the Atlanta Falcons signed defensive tackle Dontari Poe to a one year, $8 million deal.
- On Friday, the Seattle Seahawks agreed to terms with starting cornerback DeShawn Shead on a 1 year, $1.5 million deal.
