The deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets with rival clubs has come and gone. After 4pm ET/3pm CT, all of the league’s outstanding RFAs were left with no real choice but to sign tenders with their respective teams.
Redskins running back Chris Thompson was among the more notable names left in limbo, though he did not receive much in the way of interest and signed his one-year tender just prior to the deadline. Buccaneers defensive end Jacquies Smith did draw interest when he met with the Niners last month, but they ultimately did not present him with an offer sheet. With the deadline in the rear view mirror, the Bucs know for certain that he’ll be back in the fold. They’re eager to see what he can do after he missed most of the 2016 season with a torn ACL injury.
Although the RFA market isn’t typically full of excitement, we have had some major developments on that front in recent weeks. Bills running back Mike Gillislee appears to be on his way to the rival Patriots and Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler, who recently signed his tender, could still be dealt to the Saints.