GridironGrit.com’s Fantasy Football Analyst Ryan Lester presents a wrap-up from Day 2 in the 2012 NFL Free Agency frenzy with a fantasy slant.
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Calvin Johnson, also known as Megatron, signed the riches contract in NFL history on Wednesday. The 6-5, 236-pound receiver’s deal is worth a whopping $132 million with $60 million guaranteed for eight years. Look for Johnson, hands down one of the NFL’s top targets, to provide Matthew Stafford with an out-of-this-world weapon for years to come as he’s now expected to be a Lion for life.
The Philadelphia Eagles landed a long-term contract (five years) with one of its premier play-makers, DeSean Jackson. He comes with his fair share of headaches, but his talent and game-changing ability is unparalleled.
Kansas City solidified its backfield by acquiring former Cleveland Browns RB Peyton Hillis to a one-year deal. While his fantasy value descends, I’m not certain his style is suited for lead back carries, anyway. Jamaal Charles takes a hit as well, but the same probably holds true for the speedster.
Laurent Robinson turned his breakout 11-touchdown season into a long-term deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars. I’m not saying he’ll never be heard from again, in fact, he’ll most likely be featured more often with his new club, but Blaine Gabbert will take a tole on Robinson’s role in fantasy value. Chad Henne was brought on board, but he isn’t much better.
The Tampa Buccaneers had millions of dollars stuffed under their mattresses for show as they surprisingly held on to their cash for a rainy day last offseason. But the Bucs opened up their treasure chests, signing the likes of cornerback Eric Wright and guard Carl Nicks, following Tuesday’s addition in Vincent Jackson.
Dallas dished out $100,000 more for Brandon Carr than St. Louis spent on Cortland Finnegan. Carr looks to significantly help the secondary-starved Dallas Cowboys. The team also signed Kyle Orton to a three-year agreement. Miles Austin, Dez Bryant and Jason Witten owners have to be feeling pretty warm and fuzzy.
The Minnesota Vikings signed tight end John Carlson to a five-year, $25 million deal. The team used a second-round selection on Kyle Rudolph, so either this team loves tight ends too much or has been watching tape of the New England Patriots.
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