Raiders First-Round Draft Scenarios

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The Oakland Raiders were 7-9 last season and they showed that they are on the way up. They improved their team drastically in the offseason, as they made it a priority to improve their defense. With the NFL Draft upcoming, the Raiders could go many different ways with the 14^th pick.

Scenario 1: Draft a cornerback

This seems like the most realistic option for the Raiders. Oakland was one of the worst in the league last season in terms of pass yards allowed. Even though they signed Sean Smith, the team still needs a second cornerback. One name that comes to mind right away is Clemson cornerback Mackensie Alexander. He has a learning curve, and he has maturity issues, but he is one of the better cornerbacks in the draft. He has great speed and he has an eye for the ball. Another realistic option is Eli Apple from Ohio State. Although he is projected to go lower than Oakland’s pick, he is a good risk to take. He is a lockdown corner and he is very disciplined.

Scenario 2: Draft a wide receiver

Other than rookie star Amari Cooper, the Raiders didn’t have any real weapon to catch the ball. Oakland can draft a receiver like Corey Coleman who they would be snagging from the LA Rams. Coleman had a spectacular college career and he would help Derrick Carr. Another option would be Ole Miss receiver Laquon Treadwell. Treadwell is the most athletic receiver in the draft, and he has the ability to catch any ball. Oakland is desperate for another receiver and they have a lot of options at 14.

Scenario 3: Draft a linebacker

Even though the Raiders signed Bruce Irvin in free agency, they still lacked consistency from their linebackers last season. Oakland’s best option at 14 is ILB Reggie Ragland from Alabama. Ragland is an aggressive tackler who won two championships in college. Ragland could go before Oakland, but if he doesn’t then Oakland can have a special talent. Another option would be Notre Dame’s Jaylon Smith. Despite the fact he suffered a knee injury, he is a special talent that Oakland could really use.

Scenario 4: Trade the pick

Oakland is in the middle of the draft and they can’t really address a major need at this pick. They should trade down so they can accumulate more picks. Also, this could give them a good opportunity to take a running back like Derrick Henry. They could trade down into the twenties and they can acquire more picks this year.

Browns Sign Robert Griffin III

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The Cleveland Browns are expected to sign former Washington Redskins QB and 2012 #2 overall pick Robert Griffin III. RGIII as he is better known as, won the Heisman Trophy in 2011 as a member of the Baylor University Bears before being drafted second overall by the Washington Redskins in the 2012 NFL Draft.

In his rookie season, RGIII led his team to an NFC East title and a playoff appearance. In the wild card game against the Seattle Seahawks, RGIII tore his ACL in a loss. He has not been the same since then. Things have gotten so bad, RGIII was at one point a third-string QB behind starting QB Kirk Cousins and backup QB Colt McCoy.

RGIII did not even play a snap in 2015 and was released by the team earlier this month. He was in talks with different teams such as the San Francisco 49ers, who were reportedly looking to trade Colin Capernick, and the Denver Broncos, who signed Mark Sanchez earlier this month.

Dylan Goldman's Top 10 NFL Games of 2015

10. Week 12: Seahawks 39, Steelers 30

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This game had all of the qualities of a tense, high-intensity game. Two great coaches, two fantastic quarterbacks and two great defenses going head to head. The fourth quarter of this game couldn’t have been any more exciting. Both defenses didn’t give an inch but at the same time both offenses were having field days. Russell Wilson had five touchdowns and Ben Roethlisberger threw for 436 yards. Markus Wheaton had nine catches for 201 yards and Doug Baldwin caught three touchdowns.

The game was back and forth until the Seahawks took control late in the fourth quarter. There were four touchdowns in the fourth, two by each team. This game featured two playoff teams and two teams that plan to make a Super Bowl run in the 2016 season.

9. Week 7: Redskins 31, Buccaneers 30

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Originally, this game had very little intrigue. Tampa Bay came in with a 2-3 record and Washington came in with a 2-4 record. To make the game even less intriguing, Washington was down 24-7 at the half. The second half of the game is what puts this game on the list. The Redskins outscored the Bucs 24-6 the rest of the game to complete the thrilling comeback victory. Kirk Cousins threw three touchdowns, all in the second half including one with 28 seconds left to give the Skins a crucial win. After the comeback, Cousins yelled “You like that” in the hallway.

8. Week 15: Panthers 38, Giants 35

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The Panthers came into the game with a 14-0 record, and at first it seemed there perfect record was safe. Carolina led 35-7 in the third quarter, and this led Giants WR Odell Beckham Jr. to launch his helmet at Panthers CB Josh Norman. Cam Newton had five touchdowns in the game. The Giants scored three touchdowns in the fourth quarter which tied the game at 35. Newton then led the Panthers down the field to set up a Graham Gano field goal. Gano who had missed a field goal previously, sent the ball through the uprights to give the Panthers a 38-35 win.

7. Week 8: Saints 52, Giants 49

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For fans of old school, tough nose defenses this was not your type of game. Both teams went back and forth, and two future hall of fame quarterbacks went at it. Drew Brees went 39-50 for 505 yards and seven touchdowns. Eli Manning went 30-41 for 350 yards and six touchdowns. The Saints stopped the Giants just once, while New York failed to stop New Orleans on any drive. New Orleans won the game on a field goal. Despite the lack of defense, the back and forth action made this game one of the season’s best.

6. Week 6: Panthers 27, Seahawks 23

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This game featured a team on the rise on Carolina and a team in Seattle who was off to some early season struggles. In just five games, Seattle had already blown three fourth quarter leads. The Seahawks held a 20-14 lead in the fourth quarter, but again they blew a lead in the fourth. Cam Newton led a final drive that ended in a touchdown pass to Greg Olsen that won the game for Carolina. Both teams ended up meeting in the playoffs where Carolina beat Seattle again.

5. Week 10: Patriots 27, Giants 26

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This game featured two of the league’s greatest quarterbacks, and we got to see another Brady-Manning matchup. No, not Peyton but Eli got to take on Tom Brady. The Giants needed the win in order to stay in the playoff race, and it looked like they would get there wish. The Giants led 23-17 in the third and they led 26-24 with the Patriots on their final drive. Landon Collins nearly picked off Brady, but he set up Stephen Gostkowski with a 54 yard field goal. With one second left Gostkowski nailed the field goal and he broke the Giants hearts.

4. Wild Card: Steelers 18, Bengals 16

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These two teams absolutely hate each other. There really is no other way to put it. These two bitter rivals met in the Wild Card and it was perhaps one of the uglier games of the year. The Steelers dominated a rain filled first half, they led 6-0 at halftime. Pittsburgh tacked on nine more points, including a ridiculous catch by Martavis Bryant. The Steelers led 15-0 heading into the fourth quarter, when all hell broke loose. The Bengals took a 16-15 lead, on the next Steeler drive Ben Roethlisberger was viciously brought down by Vontaze Burfict.

Roethlisberger was carted off to the locker room, as he was carted off fans booed him and threw objects at him. Landry Jones was forced to come in and he immediately threw an interception that drained the hopes of the Steelers. Then, Cincinnati running back Jeremy Hill fumbled the ball and he gave it right back to Pittsburgh. Roethlisberger came back but he couldn’t throw the ball deep. He attempted a throw to Antonio Brown who didn’t catch it, because Burfict used helmet to helmet contact to bring Brown down. Brown was down on the field for a couple of minutes and Burfict was flagged 15 yards.

Then Adam Jones argued with a referee that got the Bengals flagged 15 more yards. The Steelers went from their 35 to the Bengals 35. The Steelers then sent out kicker Chris Boswell who nailed a field goal to keep the Steelers playoff hopes alive. The Bengals again seemed to have “imploded”.

3. Week 13: Packers 27, Lions 23

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The Packers were desperate for a victory, Green Bay had lost 3 of 4 after starting 6-0. On national television the Pack trailed 17-0 at halftime. The Packers still trailed after three quarters but they had cut the deficit to 20-14. Green Bay trailed 23-20 with one second left on the clock. Rodgers dropped back, slipped a sack, rolled to his left and he heaved a Hail Mary that landed in the arms of Richard Rodgers. Green Bay somehow won the game at a time when they desperately needed a win.

2. AFC Championship: Broncos 20, Patriots 18

This game featured the 18th and final edition of Brady vs Manning and the game had a special feel. The Patriots barely ran the ball mainly because the depth chart had been shortened due to injuries. Denver held a 17-9 lead at the half. The Broncos led the Pats 17-12 heading into the all-important fourth quarter.  Denver then kicked a field to give them the 20-12 advantage.

Despite the sweltering Broncos defense, Brady led a drive down the field and it ended in a Rob Gronkowski touchdown that cut the lead to 20-18. The Pats obviously had to attempt the two point conversion. Everyone knew that Brady would target Gronkowski and Brady lofted a pass for the tall Gronkowski to grab but it was knocked down and the Broncos edged the Pats.

1. Divisional Round: Cardinals 26, Packers 20 (OT)

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These two teams met in week 16, and Arizona absolutely dominated the Packers, 38-8, but this matchup was much closer. Green Bay held a 13-10 lead heading into the fourth quarter. The Cardinals scored 10 unanswered points to give Arizona a 20-13 lead. A turnover by the Packers gave the Cardinals a chance to end the game. But a turnover by the Cardinals gave the Packers one last chance. After a penalty and three poor plays, the Packers were left with fourth and long at their own 40. Aaron Rodgers used his rocket of an arm, to launch the ball to Jeff Janis who was brought down at about the 50. Rodgers had one play to work his magic. He rolled to his right and as he was unbalanced, Jeff Janis had a little bit of space to grab what was another Hail Mary for Rodgers.
Green Bay had tied the game at 20 and once again sent shock waves to the other opponent.

After a failed coin flip, the Cardinals found themselves down at the Packers' four yard line thanks to a 75-yard catch and run from Larry Fitzgerald. Carson Palmer flipped the ball to Fitzgerald who landed in the promise land. That made for one of the craziest, quickest changes of momentum we have ever seen.

Kevin Levine's Top 10 NFL Games of 2015

110.  WEEK 8: Saints: 52, Giants 49

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You can call this game ugly, sloppy, a poor show of defense and an example of how the NFL has become an offense happy league. I don’t care. This game was exciting, captivating, and one of my favorite games to watch all year. Brees and Manning combined for a 69 completions on 91 passing attempts, 13 TD’s and 855 yards. What more could you want in a modern day football game?

9. WEEK 7: Redskins 31, Buccaneers 30

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With 8:19 left in the second quarter, Howard Jones returned a fumble for a touchdown to put the Bucs up 24-0. The game was a rout and everyone outside of D.C. and Tampa had turned the game off (if they had it on in the first place). Redskins QB Kirk Cousins then threw three TD’s in the second half, including the game winner to Jordan Reed with 24 seconds left, staging the largest comeback in Redskins history. How do you feel about that Kirk?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsB7UQ8BlE0

8. WILD CARD WEEKEND: Steelers 18, Bengals 16

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Leading 15-0 heading to the fourth quarter, it looked like the A.J. McCarron-led Bengals couldn’t move the ball past midfield. Thirteen minutes later, A.J. Green caught a 25-yard strike to put the Bengals up a point. Although the two-point conversion failed, Cincinnati was still up a point and a Big Ben-less Pittsburgh would have to drive the length of the field. Backup Landry Jones took the field and threw an interception on the first pay of the drive, and the Bengals defense ran off the field to start the celebration.

On the very next play, Jeremy Hill fumbled, Pittsburgh recovered, the defense has to come back from the tunnel, and Big Ben returns. He then led a nine-play, 74-yard drive for the game winning field goal, sending Cincinnati home in the first round once again.

7. WEEK 6: Panthers 27, Seahawks 23

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A 4-0 Carolina Panthers came to Century Link field looking to finally prove themselves against a high caliber team. After struggling through three quarters, the Panthers put together a fourth quarter that would come to define their season. The Carolina defense forced three punts on Seattle’s final four drives, and Cam Newton lead the Panthers down the field in back-to-back 80-yard drives, capped off with a 26-yard TD to Greg Olsen with 32 seconds left to take the lead, and ultimately the game.

6. WEEK 13: Packers 27, Lions 23

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0vVqStvh_8

What more do you need to know?

5. AFC CHAMPIONSHIP: Broncos 20, Patriots 18

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Anytime Brady and Manning grace the same field, you know you’re in for a classic. We were not disappointed. In their second match-up of the year, we were shown for the last time why anyone lucky enough to watch these two field generals are part of the luckiest fans in history. I just wish Brady would’ve made one more great play, so we could’ve seen one last OT between the legends.

4. WEEK 12: Broncos 26, Patriots 20 (OT)

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People circled this game on their calendar months in advance as possibly the last time we’d see Manning vs. Brady. Funny that it wasn’t their last match-up, A) because they played later in the year and B) because Manning didn’t play. Yet, it was still one of the best games of the season. Osweiler led the Broncos to 17 straight fourth quarter points to take a three point lead after trailing the entire game. Brady then staged a 51-yard drive in 69 seconds to force OT, before C.J. Anderson shocked everyone with a 48-yard TD run to deny Brady an opportunity to win the game.

3. WEEK 12: Seahawks 39, Steelers 30

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One of the greatest fourth quarters I’ve ever witnessed. This was Russell Wilson vs Big Ben, making great throw after great throw. Neither defense was giving an inch, yet these two shredded the defense with long, arching throws that couldn’t have been placed better if they had handed it to their receivers.  Four TD’s were scored in the quarter averaging four plays in those drives and 47 yards per touchdown. 

2. WEEK 10: Patriots 27, Giants 26

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There’s something about a Brady-Manning match-up, and it doesn’t seem to matter what Manning. This was the highest quality game from start to finish of the entire season. Every play seemed important. Every down mattered. Every yard was valued. The Giants always find that extra level for Bill Belichick and the Pats, and this game was every bit as good as either Super Bowl. The only difference this time around was that the Giants late game woes once again proved to be too much to overcome.

1. DIVISIONAL ROUND: Cardinals 26, Packers 20 (OT)

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Two Aaron Rodgers hail mary’s, one from his own endzone on fourth down and one as time expires, both rolling the wrong way and throwing off his back-foot, might mark the most improbable game tying drive of the decade. And to have Carson Palmer and Larry Fitzgerald lead the Cardinals right back down the field in three-plays marks the quickest emotional shift from highest of highs to lowest of lows in the NFL this season.

Steelers' WR Martavis Bryant Suspended for 2016 Season

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Steelers third-year wide receiver Martavis Bryant has been suspended for a calendar year by the NFL for violating the substance abuse policy. The Clemson product was a major contributor to Pittsburgh's explosive offense which finished with the third most in yards gained and fourth most offensive points in the league last season.

Bryant was well on his way to becoming a star finishing second on the team with 765 receiving yards and catching six touchdowns last year after serving a four-game suspension for a previous violation. Bryant also has the fourth most touchdowns (14) of any Steelers' receiver in the first two years of a career despite being active in only 21 of a possible 32 games.

One of Bryant's agents Brian Fettner told USA Today that Bryant will be going to rehab and undergoing treatment for depression in an attempt to get his life and career in order. Fettner acknowledge that his client has a marijuana problem. He also stated that the reason the NFL game Bryant a year long ban instead of a 10 game suspension was that he skipped multiple drug tests. Bryant is now the fifth player to face a year-long suspension for substance abuse since the new policy went into effect in 2014.

With reports of Bryant's suspension becoming public knowledge late last week Pittsburgh made a couple of moves to provide Quarterback Ben Rothlisberger with weapons in the passing game outside of Antonio Brown and Markus Wheaton. Veteran wide-out Darrius Hayward-Bey (21 receptions for 314 yards and 2 touchdowns) was resigned to a three year deal. Free Agent Tight End Ladarius Green (37 catches for 429 yards and 4 touchdowns) was brought in on a four year contract to help mitigate the loss of Bryant and Tight End Heath Miller, who retired.

The Steelers will also look for second year receiver Sammie Coates to play a bigger role in the offense. He was taken in the third round of 2015 draft as insurance when Bryant faced his first substance abuse suspension.

Broncos Match Dolphins Offer for C.J Anderson

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On Tuesday, the Broncos matched the Dolphins offer sheet on Anderson, giving him a guaranteed $6 million in two weeks time. The Dolphins now continue to search for a RB to split carries with Ajayi, either through free agency RB's like Arian Foster, Chris Johnson, or Alfred Morris, or through the draft.

On Wednesday, RB Lamar Miller bolted for the Houston Texans, leaving Miami with RB’s Jay Ajayi and Damien Williams: Two young backs who are have not proven they can handle full-time workload.

Today the Dolphins looked to fill the hole Miller left by trying to take C.J. Anderson from the Denver Broncos. The Broncos signed Anderson to a $1.67 million tender, the lowest tender a restricted free agent can get.

This tender ensured that Denver got a chance to match any offer Anderson received. However, because Denver did not sign Anderson one of the top two tender amounts, the Dolphins do not have to provide any draft compensation to sign Anderson.

The Dolphins offer sheet to Anderson is $18 million over four years, with a $5.25 million signing bonus. Miami has also front loaded the deal, with a $6 million salary in 2016, making it tougher for the Broncos to match the offer.

Anderson had a breakout season in 2014, rushing for 849 yards and eight TD’s. Anderson struggled with injuries this past season, but still averaged 4.7 yards per carry and had five TD’s.

Anderson’s $4.5 million average per year contact is a bargain compared to Miller’s contract with Houston, which averaged $6.5 million per year, and has $14 million guaranteed.

Raiders Sign CB Sean Smith

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The Oakland Raiders have reached another deal with a major free agent as they continue to revamp their roster. Oakland announced that they have signed cornerback Sean Smith to a four-year $40 million contract with $20 million in guaranteed money. Smith has played his last three seasons in Kansas City after starting his career in Miami.

Smith was drafted by the Dolphins in the second round of the 2009 draft, he would end up spending four seasons in South Florida.  In 100 career starts, Smith has 350 tackles, 10 interceptions and 80 passes defensed. Last season, Smith had 45 tackles and two interceptions. He added 10 tackles and one interception in the postseason. Smith is very durable, he’s only missed seven games during his career and three of those were part of a suspension last season.

Raiders coach Jack Del Rio and general manager Reggie McKenzie generally keep their plans close to the vest, but even they made no secret of their need to upgrade. "Our secondary is going to be attacked this offseason with talent," Del Rio said last month at the NFL Scouting Combine. "Guys that are there are going to have to compete. We're going to be a more physical secondary next year. We're going to tackle better. We're going to play better and be a better defense. That has to happen."

The Raiders were desperate to upgrade the secondary especially the cornerbacks. The Raiders gave up an average of 268 passing yards per game which was 26th best in the NFL. D.J Hayden was highly ineffective last season while David Amerson was underrated after being picked up from the Washington Redskins. The Raiders also signed former Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bruce Irvin and former Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele to deals on Tuesday.

The Raiders were 7-9 last season and with these additions, they could challenge the Denver Broncos in the AFC West.  

Giants Acquire Oliver Vernon

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The New York Giants snagged another big fish from the NFL free agent pool as they undergo a complete rebuild on defense. The Giants signed former Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon according to sources with knowledge of the situation. The Giants gave Vernon a huge contract, he accepted a five year $85.5 million contract with $52.5 million in guaranteed money.

The Giants won in a bidding war against the Jacksonville Jaguars who desperately needed a revamped defensive front. The Dolphins rescinded their transition tag on Vernon so they could receive draft compensation from any team who signed Vernon. Vernon had 61 tackles and a career high 7.5 sacks last season. Vernon is considered the best 4-3 defensive end in the league. The Giants ranked dead last in the league last season in total defense, they also gave up 121 rushing yards per game.

Vernon and Jason Pierre-Paul will be the edge rushers. Damon Harrison who was signed from the Jets and holdover Johnathan Hankins will clog up the middle of the line. Vernon was part of the Giants huge day as they also signed Harrison and former Los Angeles Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins. The Giants overpaid for Vernon as he is now making more money than J.J. Watt who is arguably the best player in the league.

The Houston Texans defensive tackle makes a hair under what Vernon will make. The Giants were desperate to upgrade a horrible defense and defensive line. The Giants did a fantastic job of upgrading on a defense that was terrible all of last year and they even gave up 52 points in one game. The Giants finished the year with a 6-10 record and they hope to snap a three year playoff drought this season. 

Jets Sign Matt Forte

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The New York Jets quickly found a replacement for Chis Ivory, as the Jets signed veteran running back Matt Forte. Just 24 hours after Ivory left for Jacksonville, the Jets quickly found a replacement in the form of Forte. The Green Bay Packers were said to be very interested in Forte but he landed in the Big Apple instead. The financial terms of Forte’s deal have not been released. Forte was released by the Chicago Bears in February.

Forte is an immediate upgrade over Ivory because of his pass catching ability. Forte also is great at reading the blitz which will help New York. He is 30 which historically is the year that running backs tend to slow down. Forte has not shown any signs of age when he isn’t hurt. Forte’s injury problems are a cause for concern as he has missed at least three games in the last three seasons.

The Jets love to utilize running backs in the passing game. Bilal Powell and Ivory combined for 77 catches last season. With Powell being a free agent and with Ivory departing, the signing of Forte was needed. Forte had 218 carries for 898 yards and four touchdowns last season. He also had 389 yards and four touchdowns through the air.

Since 2008, no one has accumulated more yards from scrimmage than Forte (12,718). Prior to his MCL injury, Forte accounted for 32% of the Bears offense. Forte stated that being on a contending team was much more important than getting a lot of money. The Jets fell just shy of qualifying for the playoffs last season. As one of the most productive pass catching running backs of the past decade, Forte will probably be the third weapon in the Jets aerial attack. 

Jacksonville To Sign Free Agents Jackson, Ivory

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The Jacksonville Jaguars have come out firing at the start of this free agency period. Combine the signings of Malik Jackson and Chris Ivory with the tender offers inked by Nic Jacobs, Abry Jones and Ryan Davis, and it is clear to see that Jacksonville intends to use their league-high cap space aggressively.

Entering the market with more than $80 million in cap room, Jacksonville made the biggest splash of the day by pulling defensive end Malik Jackson away from the Broncos with a six-year, $90 million contract. The deal makes him one of the highest paid defensive linemen in the NFL for the next couple years, and significantly boosts the profile of Jacksonville’s defensive front four. Jackson, ranked as NFL.com’s top available free agent, has spent four years in the league, anchoring the Broncos league-leading defense with a total of 14.5 sacks over the last three years.

Jackson reacted to the news with the following comment on his Instagram account: 

“God is good.. I can't wait to start the next chapter of my football life. Thank u Denver for everything it's been real. WHATS GOOD JACKSONVILLE let's get theses dubs and start to change the culture in Jacksonville”.

Additionally, former Jets running back Chris Ivory is expected to sign with the Jaguars, becoming a dangerous backfield complement to current Jags starter T.J. Yeldon. Ivory has spent six years in the league since being signed as an undrafted free agent by the New Orleans Saints in 2010. After three years in New Orleans as a serviceable backup, he was traded the to New York Jets in 2013. Two productive years led to his role as a featured back for the first time last year.

He rewarded the Jets with a 1,000 yard season and his first Pro Bowl appearance. Yeldon’s rookie year saw him gain over 1,000 yards from scrimmage despite playing in only 12 games. Yeldon and Ivory give Jacksonville a strong pair of options in the run game, which has become a growing necessity in the league in recent years.

Defensive end Ryan Davis, defensive tackle Abry Jones, and tight end Nic Jacobs all signed their one-year tender offers.

Davis, a fifth-year backup out of Bethune-Cook, brings his 10 sacks over the last two years back to Jacksonville, along with his renewed spirit: “It means a great deal to me that they thought highly enough to include me in the plans… I’m just ready to go out and do my thing and get this thing rolling… Me working hard, really embodying what (the coaches) were looking for, then keeping me around.. I’m really thankful for that.”

Jones, going to his fourth year with the Jags out of the University of Georgia, continues the trend of stabilizing the defensive front. Returning to the team, Jones gushed with positivity: “I couldn’t find a better place than Jacksonville. It’s close to home and my family comes to every home game… The Jaguars took me under their wing and showed me the hard work necessary to get to this point. I’m just happy they want to keep me here. They showed me how much they appreciate what I do for them. I’m just happy this day has come.”

Jacobs, a 6’5”, 295-pound tight end entering his third year from McNeese State, stays in Jacksonville to provide a large target in red zone situations (of his three career receptions, one was a two-yard touchdown) while being another blocker at the end of the line in running situations.

Free agency officially opens Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, when the new league year begins.

Raiders to Sign Bruce Irvin

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Most people knew that Bruce Irvin would not return to Seattle but many didn’t expect where he would land. The Oakland Raiders continue to make their presence felt in free agency as they swooped up Irvin from teams like the Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals and the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

The financial terms of the contract will be released when the new league year begins on Wednesday. Irvin is a consensus top five free agent on defense and he was part of the Seattle Seahawks “Legion Of Boom” defense in 2013. Irvin had 38 tackles and 5.5 sacks last season. Seattle drafted Irvin with the 15th pick in the 2012 NFL draft. Irvin will be reuniting with former Seattle linebacker Malcolm Smith and former Seattle position coach, Ken Norton Jr. who is now the defensive coordinator. 

Irvin played a versatile role in Pete Carroll’s defense, he lined up at strong side linebacker in the base defense and he moved to defensive end in the Seahawks' sub packages. Irvin (6-foot-3, 260 pounds) has 22 sacks in his four-year career (58 games, 37 starts). Irvin, who is a special athlete, has scheme versatility with an ability to play linebacker or defensive end.

The Raiders are among the teams that were well under the salary cap and they are using every single penny. Along with Irvin, the Raiders also inked a deal with offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele. The Raiders might have the most dangerous defensive line in the league. Kahlil Mack a Pro-Bowler, Irvin, and Aldon Smith. This line is certain to wreak havoc on any team it faces.

The Raiders are not done spending as they would still like to address the running back position. With players such as Irvin and Smith in the linebacker corps and a promising defensive line featuring Khalil Mack, Mario Edwards Jr. and Dan Williams, Oakland's front seven is shaping up to be a strength in 2016. 

Raiders Sign Kelechi Osemele

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The Oakland Raiders made a big splash today, signing former Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele. Both sides have reached an agreement on a five-year contract worth a maximum of $60 million. Every contract will become official when the new league year begins on Wednesday. The Raiders were among the teams that were well below the league’s spending limit.

Osemele is a consensus top five free agent and he has started 51 games over four seasons. Osemele is considered one of the most physical and versatile offensive lineman in the league. He played left guard and left tackle which greatly boosted his value last season.

Osemele also started at right tackle during the Ravens Super Bowl run in 2012. Osemele was a second round pick in 2009. He has built a reputation for being a mauling run blocker and a rock solid pass blocker. He gave up just one sack and 10 quarterback hurries last season. His outstanding performance was overshadowed by five-time Pro-Bowler Marshall Yanda.

The Raiders ranked 28th out of 32 teams in total rushing last season. Oakland averaged 3.9 yards per carry last season. Osemele is certain to fix the Raiders rushing problem as he helped open holes for Justin Forsett in Baltimore. The signing will help fill gaps across the offensive line. Center Donald Penn is set to be a free agent, J’Marcus Webb a guard is also set to be a free agent.

Offensive tackle Menelik Watson is returning from a ruptured Achilles and depending on how he returns, the Raiders offensive line could look completely different. The Raiders will now look to sign a running back and they are said to be interested in Doug Martin and Chris Ivory. 

Dolphins Make Many Big Moves

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The Dolphins have started the offseason like a house on fire. After acquiring CB Byron Maxwell and LB Kiko Alonso from the Eagles, they make another splash on day two by signing DE Mario Williams to a two-year deal, as first reported by Ian Rapoport.

Williams was the first overall pick for the Houston Texans in 2006 before moving to Buffalo in 2012. He is a 4-time pro-bowl selection and a 2014 All-Pro. Williams is coming off a down season of just five sacks, but had 38 in the three prior season with the Bills.

In order to afford the reported $8 million per year salary, the Dolphins have restructured the contracts of DT Ndamukong Suh and Robert Thomas II, TE Jordan Cameron and LB Koa Misi, which saved the team over $21 million in cap space.

The Williams signing also puts the future of either DE Olivier Vernon or Cameron Wake in jeopardy. Vernon was given the transition tag last week at a price tag of $12.7 million, and Wake would be a $9.8 million cap hit. With the Dolphins reportedly interested in former St. Louis DE William Hayes, one or both Wake and Vernon could be in jeopardy of being cut if they don’t restructure their contracts.

Additionally, Miami has also cut veteran WR Greg Jennings after just one season, saving $4 million in cap space. Jennings had 19 receptions for 208 yards and one TD in 2015.

Miami is also expected to release CB Brent Grimes in the upcoming days. With Maxwell set to take over the shutdown corner spot, an aging Grimes $9.5 million cap hit is an excessive expense.

The Dolphins have also reported signing WR Christion Jones on Tuesday after being cut last pre-season.

Jaguars to Sign DL Malik Jackson

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Former Broncos defensive lineman Malik Jackson is expected to finalize a contract today with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The six-year offer will make him one of the highest paid players in the league at his position.

Jacksonville entered the free agency period with over $80 million in cap space, making them a dominant player in the market. The Broncos, Bears and Raiders all showed interest in Jackson, but none of them could compete with the Jaguars’ cap room.

Jackson was a fifth-round draft pick by the Broncos out of Tennessee in the 2012 NFL Draft. After receiving limited playing time in his rookie season, he has had 14.5 sacks over the last three years as a formidable force on the defensive line for a Broncos defense that was the league’s best last season.

Lions WR Calvin Johnson Retires

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The Detroit Lions have announced that wide receiver Calvin Johnson has officially retired. He caught 88 passes for 1,214 yard and nine touchdowns. He also broke the NFL record for receiving yards in a single season in 2012 when he caught 122 passes for 1,964 yards. He only caught five touchdowns in 2012, however.

His career high in touchdown receptions came in 2011 when he caught 16 touchdown passes. In his eight seasons in Detroit, he caught 731 passes for 11,619 yards and 83 touchdowns. He went over the 1,000 yard receiving yard mark in all but two seasons, his rookie season in 2007 and quarterback Matthew Stafford's rookie season in 2009.

"After much prayer, thought, and discussion with loved ones, I have made the difficult decision to retire from the Lions and pro football," Johnson said in a statement, "I have played my last game of football.

In his eight years, the Lions have played in just two playoff games, both losses on the road. But he was part of the Lions team that won at Lambeau Field against their NFC North rival Green Bay Packers for the first time since 1991.

Titans Acquire DeMarco Murray from Eagles

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The Tennessee Titans have acquired running back DeMarco Murray from the Philadelphia Eagles. Murray spent only one season in Philadelphia after signing a five-year, $42 million deal with the team last offseason.

 Murray was the NFL leading rushing leader in 2014 with the Dallas Cowboys, rushing for 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns. In his one season with the Eagles, he only rushed for 702 yards and six touchdowns. Not only were his stats down, but Murray was rumored to be unhappy in the city of brotherly love.

He was one of four running backs that took carries for the Eagles last season, meaning he also got a lot less carries than he was used to in Dallas. Unfortunatley, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones wasn't going to pay him the salary he required, so the Eagles took him from their NFC East rival.

Unfortunately, Murray didn't play the way the team had hoped and now he is on his way to Nashville. The Titans own the #1 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, so it is less than likely they will draft a running back with that pick now.The Titans will look for Murray to help their running game, as the Titans ranked 25th in the NFL last season, averaging just 92.8 rushing yards per game.