Ryan Fitzpatrick lands in Tampa Bay. After struggling through a dreadful season with the Jets in 2016, Fitzpatrick was going to be hard-pressed to find a starting job on the open market. Instead, the 34-year-old signed with the Buccaneers, with whom he’ll be a clear backup to starter Jameis Winston. Fitzpatrick will earn $3MM on a one-year deal with the Bucs, but has a chance to bring in as much as $5MM.
Seattle interested in Colin Kaepernick. The Buccaneers didn’t consider Kaepernick before inking Fitzpatrick, but the Seahawks are eyeing the 29-year-old signal-caller, whom they prefer to fellow free agent Robert Griffin III. Kaepernick would seemingly be a solid fit behind Russell Wilson, who wouldn’t have any qualms about Seattle signing the former 49ers QB. The Cowboys, meanwhile, aren’t considered a fit for Kaepernick.
Eagles sign a Blount force. Despite the Patriots placing a May 9 tender on free agent LeGarrette Blount, the veteran running back has found a new home in Philadelphia. Blount, 30, will take in $1.25MM in base salary and can earn another $1.55MM via incentives. Both the Giants and Cardinals reportedly made offers to Blount before he signed with the Birds. With Blount in town, Ryan Mathews‘ roster spot is now tenuous (at best).
Jason McCourty signs with a rebuilding club. Instead of heading to contender after being cut loose by the Titans, McCourty latched on with the Browns last week, signing a two-year deal worth $6MM ($2MM guaranteed). At age-29, McCourty will be an elder statesman on a Cleveland team in the midst of a rebuild. The Patriots also had interest in McCourty, and that link was apparently mutual.
Steelers release Ladarius Green after one year. Although Green was effective when on the field in Pittsburgh (16.9 yards per catch), he simply couldn’t overcome his health issues — concussions and an ankle issue — in order to contribute on a consistent basis. The Steelers cut bait on Green just one season into a four-year, $20MM deal, a move that leaves them north of $3.5MM in dead money. Green, still only 26 years old, has no plans to retire.