Matt Schaub, Jacquizz Rodgers, and Jason Trusnik are among the free agents who have reached agreements with various teams around the league today, but there are still plenty of players on the open market looking for new homes. Here’s the latest on a few of those players:
- The Texans have interest in bringing back free agent defensive lineman Antonio Smith, who was released by the Raiders today, tweets John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. A starter for five seasons in Houston and a Pro Bowler in 2011, Smith received interest from the Texans last year in free agency before he signed with the Raiders, notes McClain (via Twitter). The Broncos, who now employ former Texans defensive line coach Bill Kollar, are also expected to have interest, tweets Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com.
- The Ravens had discussions with free agent tight end Rob Housler, but while there’s mutual interest between the two sides, there’s no deal at this point, writes Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. According to Wilson, Housler and the Ravens are expected to continue talking in hopes of finding a financial compromise. Baltimore is in the market for tight end help with Dennis Pitta‘s status uncertain for 2015 and beyond.
- Veteran wideout Greg Jennings tweeted today that he’s “glad to be wrapping this free agency process up,” suggesting that he’s close to signing with a new team. The Panthers, Jaguars, and Dolphins have all been linked to the former Viking, and I expect we’ll find out where he’s heading within the next day or two.
- Asked today about Jennings, Panthers head coach Ron Rivera didn’t rule out signing the free agent receiver, but said that adding Jarrett Boykin took the pressure off the team to add another player at the position before the draft (Twitter link via David Newton of ESPN.com).
- Discussing the team’s approach to free agency today, Rivera pointed to former Panthers safety Mike Mitchell as the sort of player the team likes to target, according to Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer. Mitchell, who was a part-time contributor before becoming a starter in Carolina, was “on the cusp” of taking the next step and assuming a larger role, as Rivera explains.