NFL Free Agency Recap Of Day 1

The new NFL league year began on Tuesday with a ton of moves being made within the first couple minutes. Here is a basic recap of the most important things that happened by journalist Jonathan Webb:

The first day of the NFL’s free agency period was met with a bevy of early moves, but the Rams stood pat at least in the short term.

The only Rams-related news Tuesday involved G/T Rodger Saffold, who agreed to a five-year contract with the Oakland Raiders, and CB Cortland Finnegan, who was released following two seasons in St. Louis. Saffold had expressed a likelihood of him leaving St. Louis early in the week, and that sentiment was confirmed with his signing, which will net him an average of $8.5 million per season.

Finnegan’s release had been anticipated for roughly a week, and allows the Rams to avoid a potential $10 million salary cap hit tied to Finnegan for 2014.

Tuesday was a particularly busy day for the NFC West.

Arizona bolstered their offensive line by signing T Jared Veldheer to a five-year, $37.5 million contract. The Cardinals’ decision to add to their offensive line was an expected one, and was emphasized by Head Coach Bruce Arians in the weeks leading up to Tuesday.

San Francisco acquired QB Blaine Gabbert, a St. Louis native, in a trade with Jacksonville in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick. A former 10th overall draft choice, Gabbert received just three starts in 2013, with his final appearance of the year coming in St. Louis in Week 5, a 34-20 Rams win. Additionally, the 49ers released CB Carlos Rodgers, and signed S Antoine Bethea, who has been named to two Pro Bowls in his eight previous seasons with the Indianapolis Colts.

Instead of looking outside the organization for 2014 upgrades, Seattle used Tuesday to secure members of last year’s Super Bowl-winning roster. The Seahawks resigned Michael Bennett to a four-year, $28.5 million deal, and also agreed to terms with TE Anthony McCoy. The Seahawks will reportedly meet with TE Jermichael Finley, who is arguably the top pass-catcher among free agents at his position.

While Tuesday was particularly busy for free agent offensive linemen and safeties, among the key free agents remaining is S Jairus Byrd, who reportedly was set to meet with New Orleans Tuesday evening. Corners Aqib Talib and Alterraun Verner also remained on the market Tuesday. In addition to an ample supply of defensive backs, DE DeMarcus Ware became the top pass-rusher available when he was released by the Dallas Cowboys Tuesday, followed by DE Jared Allen and DE Julius Peppers, who was released by the Chicago Bears Tuesday evening.

The signing flurry left much of the receiver free agent class untouched, including Denver’s Eric Decker and Seattle’s Golden Tate. Defensive tackles Jason Hatcher and Henry Melton also were unsigned on Tuesday.

According to ESPN’s John Clayton, 26 unrestricted free agents agreed to terms with new contracts within the first 90 minutes of Tuesday’s opening of the new NFL season.

The Rams were a notable exception from that flurry of activity, electing—for at least a day—to stand pat.

Yanks Officially Introduce Carlos Beltran

The New York Yankees made the signing of outfielder Carlos Beltran official Thurday and introduced him on Friday morning at Yankee Stadium.

Beltran, 36, said during the press conference that he was happy to be back to the city where he once played for the crosstown rival New York Mets for seven years.

“Having the opportunity to come back again as a Yankee means a lot to me,” Beltran said. “I grew up being a Yankee fan. I grew up being a Bernie Williams fan. At one point [in 2005], I almost got a chance to sign with the Yankees, but it didn’t work out,” said Beltran during the press conference. Instead, he signed with the Mets. Although he had a few good years with the Mets, the marriage between the two was bumpy.

The Yankees and 8-time All Star Outfielder Beltran agreed to a three-year, $45 million dollar deal two weeks ago. The move was an immediate response to the departure of Robinson Cano, who signed with the Seattle Mariners for a whopping $240 million dollars over 10 years.

The Yankees also signed Jacoby Ellsbury to a seven-year. $153 million dollar deal. Ellsbury played for the Boston Red Sox last year.

This will be the sixth team that Beltran plays for during his 15 year career. With the St. Louis Cardinals last year, he hit .296 with 24 homers, 84 RBIs and had an OPS of .830, leading the team to the World Series and his first.

The switch-hitting Beltran not only brings his experience, and his power to the Bronx, but he also brings leadership and a strong veteran presence to a clubhouse that has lost legends Mariano Rivera, and Andy Pettitte to retirement.

The addition also gives the Yankees and manager Joe Girardi a more versatile lineup to combat other teams with. Although Robinson Cano is no longer on the team, the additions of Beltran, Ellsbury, a healthy Derek Jeter and Mark Teixeira, along with more pieces that are being added, the Yankees lineup will not have more depth but it will also have more speed toward the bottom and top.

Beltran has had issues with his knees over the past few years stemming back to his days with the New York Mets. The New York Yankees as a result will monitor him as he plays right field. They will also utilize him as a DH.