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There wasn't that much player movement over the weekend, but two potential starting quarterbacks changing teams will always merit discussion. Lets take a look back at the weekend that was in NFL free agency.
- The biggest headline goes to the Jets, who signed QB Michael Vick to a one year, $5 million contract to compete with incumbent Geno Smith for the Jets starting job. All sides are saying the right thing so far, but the potential for drama appears high in New York should Rex Ryan, once again coaching for his job in New York, go with the veteran Vick for an immediate boost to the Jets offense. The move finally and perhaps mercifully pushed Mark Sanchez out of New York, who'll save $8.3 million against the cap by releasing the Sanchize. No word yet on what happens to Rex Ryan's tattoo.
- Vick's presence in New York might help the Jets land Philly WR DeSean Jackson, who could be in danger of getting cut if the Eagles can't find any takers for a trade over the next few days at the league meetings. Vick and Jackson are close, and owner Woody Johnson confirmed that the Jets are interested in Philly's dynamic diva, albeit "at the right price" and "if he fits the culture of our locker room". It's been reported that the Patriots were one of the teams to initially inquire about Jackson's availability, though it's unclear how serious those talks got. There's also been a lot of conflicting reports on whether the Seahawks and Niners could be potential landing spots for Jackson. Stay tuned on this one; its starting to look like Jackson's departure from the Eagles is a matter of when, not if.
- Another team that reportedly has expressed interest in Jackson added a starting quarterback when the Raiders traded a sixth round pick to the Texans for QB Matt Schaub. The Raiders had enough cap space to swallow Schaub's $10.9 million cap hit for 2014, but they won't have to after reportedly reworking his deal (terms have yet to be announced). For now Schaub is Oakland's starter, and he'll be a big upgrade there if he can recall his Pro Bowl form from Houston. If he's playing like he did during 2013's season-long pick six-fest...well, Oakland knows a thing about failed QB trades (Carson Palmer, Matt Flynn).
- The Bengals added a versatile player to their offensive line with former Packer Marshall Newhouse. The 25 year old Newhouse has started 31 games in his four year career playing offensive tackle, but the presence of Andrew Whitworth and Andre Smith will likely force Newhouse to move inside to guard to crack the starting lineup, a move Newhouse has already said he's open to.
- The Texans signed safety Kendrick Lewis away from Kansas City, reuniting the 25 year old with his former Head Coach, Houston DC Romeo Crennel. Lewis has started 50 games in his four year NFL career.
- The Giants continued to add to their reworked offensive line, signing former Dolphins G John Jerry to a one year deal. Jerry, 27, is better known for being one of the reported ringleaders in the Miami Dolphins bullying scandal than for his play on the field.
- The Panthers added a pair of veterans at positions of need, signing former first round pick CB Antoine Cason and former Patriots WR Tiquan Underwood. Cason will be reunited with Ron Rivera, his former DC in San Diego whom he played well for. Underwood might actually be one of the Panthers top two receivers right now, which says more about them than it does about him. He still has the best hair in the NFL though.
- The Steelers signed former Saints WR Lance Moore to a two year deal to help fill the need for bodies at receiver in Pittsburgh after losing Jerricho Cotchery and Emmanuel Sanders to the Panthers and Broncos respectively. Moore will turn 31 before the season starts, but brings some experience and a track record of pro success to the Steelers, likely for a low cost. Moore visited with the Patriots earlier this offseason.
- Speaking of the Steelers, they'll be the first team to bring Patriots free agent RB LeGarrette Blount in for a visit after the conclusion of league meetings. The Ravens reportedly also have some interest in Blount, though they haven't scheduled a visit with him yet. The Pats have reportedly maintained contact with Blount and are open to re-signing him, but have chosen to lie low on this one for now.
- Finally, the Ravens made a nice pickup to shore up their offensive line, trading a fifth round pick to Tampa Bay for C Jeremy Zuttah. Zuttah was made expendable by the Bucs signing of former Packer Evan Dietrich-Smith, but his athleticism should make him an excellent fit for new Ravens offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak's zone blocking scheme. The Ravens offensive line play got ugly last year, but the acquisitions of Zuttah and Eugene Monroe should help them start to rebuild there.
