Best NFL Free Agency Signings

Author: Jack Casabonne

Editor: Aaron Mesco

The NFL free agency period is always an exciting time, with teams and fans alike convinced that a few signings can put them in contention for the Lombardi Trophy. The 2021 free agency period has been no different, which will result in many players sporting new colors next season. I want to look at what I consider the three best contracts handed out during the 2021 NFL free agency period. I’ve judged these signings based upon scheme fit, contract details, and upside potential.

New York Jets sign Carl Lawson to 3 year, $45 million contract:

The Jets were expected to be active in free agency this offseason, and one of their biggest moves was signing former Cincinnati Bengals DE Carl Lawson. New head coach Robert Saleh knows the importance of a strong defensive line. While working as the defensive coordinator in San Francisco, Saleh coached a line consisting of Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, DeForest Buckner, and Dee Ford. With the addition of Lawson, Saleh now has an edge presence to team up with Quinnen Williams on the interior. Lawson’s sack numbers are not necessarily eye-opening, with 20 career sacks in 51 games. However, this has more to do with the lack of help elsewhere on the defensive line in Cincinnati. Lawson did finish second in quarterback hits in 2020, and was rated the 13th best defensive end by Pro Football Focus. Turning 26 in June, Lawson is still an incredibly young player with tremendous upside. I think having another solid pass rusher in Williams will help reduce the number of double teams Lawson will see, and should result in better statistical output. The Jets found a very impressive edge defender who should continue to grow and evolve as he reaches his prime.

Cleveland Browns sign John Johnson III to 3 year, $33.75 million contract:

Browns general manager Andrew Berry continues to make smart decisions since entering the role in 2020. Signing the best free agent safety to a deal below market value certainly adds to the list. Johnson spent his first four years of his career playing for the Rams, where he became one of the best players at his position. Not only is Johnson an extremely talented player, but he is also a leader, something that is needed in the young Cleveland secondary. Johnson was one of three captains of the Rams’ top-tier defense in 2020, demonstrating his importance in the locker room. Pro Football Focus gave Johnson an 83.5 grade for the 2020 season, which ranks 3rd among all safeties. He isn’t just a one year wonder, however. Outside of his injury-shortened 2019 season, Johnson has earned a PFF coverage grade over 80 since he joined the league in 2017. This signing will give Cleveland a true deep presence, as Johnson was responsible for LA allowing the least amount of 40 yard+ competitions in 2020. Johnson is still only 25, leaving room for growth alongside the rest of the young Cleveland defense as they make a push to dethrone the Chiefs in the AFC.

Washington Football Team signs Curtis Samuel to 3 year, $34.5 million contract:

One of Washington’s biggest priorities this offseason was to get a number two receiver to pair with Terry McLaurin. The signing of former Carolina Panther Curtis Samuel fills this role perfectly by giving the Football Team a dangerous weapon. Coming out of Ohio State, Samuel was an intriguing prospect, with the ability to be utilized as both a runner and a pass catcher. 2020 was a true breakout year for Samuel, as Joe Brady was able to perfectly utilize him in his offensive scheme. Samuel finished the season with career highs in catches, receiving yards, and rushing yards. Despite Teddy Bridgewater’s mediocre first season in Carolina, Samuel posted 851 receiving yards as he became a key player in the offense. Pairing up with his former Ohio State teammate in McLaurin, Samuel should fit right in as the number two receiver in Washington. With steady improvement every year since he was drafted, this contract could turn out to be a steal. Samuel will be 25 at the start of the season, and will look to record his first 1,000 receiving yard season in Washington.

SPORTS ARE OUR UNIVERSE

Can the Lakers Continue Their Success?

Author: Raul Martinez

Editor: Brian Symons

As the second half of the NBA seasons tip-off, the Los Angeles Lakers are looking to at least stay top five in the west. With new injuries appearing and the trade deadline nearing, the priority of the defending champions right now is to be ready for the playoffs.

With Anthony Davis being out an extra four weeks due to a calf strain, all the load was on LeBron James. James has been having an MVP season by averaging 25.4 PPG, 7.9 RPG, and 7.9 APG. However, on Saturday during the second quarter against the Atlanta Hawks, LeBron went down after trying to keep the ball. He was reported to have a high ankle sprain and is expected to miss seven weeks. While many see this as a downfall for the Lakers, others may see it as a blessing in disguise. Both Davis and James will have all the time to rest and recover until the playoffs. Essentially this means they'll be one hundred percent and be able to play their best basketball.

That being said, the Lakers will most likely fall in the standings. There is a chance that they could find themselves falling sixth or even eighth in the west as other teams will surpass them. Role players such as Dennis Schröder, Montrezl Harrell, and Kyle Kuzma will have to step up during this time. There's a great chance that the Lakers will make the playoffs though if worse comes to shove, they will have Anthony Davis and LeBron James ready for the play-in tournament. According to ESPN's strength of schedule metric, the Lakers have the third easiest first set of games, meaning they should be able to win at least half if not more of those games.

While the NBA schedule is nearing towards the end, the trade deadline has come and gone. The Lakers are in desperate need of a center as starting big man Marc Gasol has been a huge upset. Gasol averaging 4.8 PPG, 4.1 RPG, and 2 APG has been not so impactful for the Lakers. Well, they found their answer, as they have signed Andre Drummond, who is averaging 13.5 RPG and 17.5 PPG. Drummond also creates a strong presence in the paints, as it will be difficult for opponents to pass him.

Overall, the Lakers seem to be in a rather comfortable position despite not having James or Davis. With a trade deadline nearing, the Lakers hope to add the key piece to their back-to-back championships. Expect to see role players step up and advance the Lakers to their sixtieth playoff appearance.

SPORTS ARE OUR UNIVERSE

New York Jets Free Agency Recap

Author: Patrick Sullivan

Editor: Mark Awadallah

As the NFL free agency hype is beginning to come to a halt, one team that has been pretty active has been the New York Jets. The Jets are coming off a horrendous 2-14 season, the offseason is typically something the Jets can get excited for as it gives them a chance to improve their team, which they have done over the past week to a certain extent. Adding Robert Salah as their head coach has also improved their coaching staff dramatically, but the Jets have holes all over the place and in order to accelerate the process to become a competent team they truly need to nail free agency and the draft.

Thus far in free agency, the Jets have made some moves that complement the team nicely. Firstly, they started off free agency signing former Detroit Lions LB Jarrad Davis to a 1-year deal for $7M, which is a nice addition to the Jets linebacking core but nothing really special. The two big signings of free agency for the Jets have come in the form of Carl Lawson and Corey Davis. Starting with Carl Lawson, he was one of the best pass rushers available on the market which is an area needing a lot of improvement for the Jets. The Jets truly haven’t had an efficient edge rusher in over a decade and this signing came at a steep price. Lawson signed a 3-year $45M deal, with $30M guaranteed, with the Jets which isn’t groundbreaking but is definitely large for an edge rusher contract. Next, the Jets added Corey Davis to their receiving core which gives them a good, run-blocking WR as well as a receiver that can make some explosive plays on the outside. He should be a great pairing with Denzel Mims which has the potential to be a great “one-two punch” for the Jets along with Jamison Crowder in the slot. Davis signed a 3-year $37.5M deal, with $27M guaranteed, which comes out to $12.5M per year. Along with Davis, the Jets signed Keelan Cole to a one year $5.5M deal to further improve the team’s WR core.

Besides those larger signings, the Jets have made a good number of other moves such as safety Lamarcus Joyner, special teams player Justin Hardee, backup OL Dan Feeney, TE Tyler Kroft, and last but not least DT Sheldon Rankins. All of these signings of course add depth to the team but it would be fair to say that none of these signings are crucial signings for the Jets, as the team has still so many needs to fill.

The main needs for the Jets include cornerback, offensive line, tight end, running back, and quarterback. The decision regarding the future of the quarterback positions remains unknown but all the other positions need to be addressed in the coming weeks as the final wave of free agents are signed or put in the draft, which is more likely due to Joe Douglas’s “build through the draft” approach to building a team. Overall, the Jets need to make some more moves to secure starters in positions of need while also acing the draft to hopefully get the team back in the right direction. This could be the year where the Jets make a turn around in performance and while it might take some more time to get to the top, the steps they’re taking now are integral for that eventual goal.