Just about all the big-ticket shopping is done.
With NFL teams turning their full attention to the draft, the first phase of free agency is all but over. Following some notable transactions last week, just three players on the PFT Hot 100 Free Agent List remain unsigned: No. 25 Ryan Fitzpatrick, No. 33 Reggie Nelson and No. 45 Nick Fairley, who’s reportedly getting close to a deal with the Saints.
Only a couple major Pro Day workouts remain on the calendar, so teams are turning their attention toward private workouts and the final round of pre-draft meetings. There still could be a signing or two pop up on the transaction wire, but sometimes players still available after the first wave of movement choose to wait, thinking they’ll have more leverage or more options following the draft.
This year’s draft is April 28-30.
Fitzpatrick and the Jets are still in a bit of a staredown, with the Broncos looming as a possible contender. Nelson will have multiple options, too, though one of them probably disappeared last week when the Titans signed former Cardinals safety Rashad Johnson. It’s not just the first wave that went fast; with the Cowboys having signed running back Alfred Morris last week, players 51-66 on the Hot 100 list all have new contracts.
As for who was busiest in the fast-moving free agent period, the Jaguars ended up with No. 4 Malik Jackson, No. 34 Kelvin Beachum, No. 46 Prince Amukamara, No. 61 Chris Ivory and No. 66 Tashaun Gipson. The Giants were busy, too, signing No. 6 Olivier Vernon, No. 12 Damon Harrison and No. 29 Janoris Jenkins in addition to re-signing No. 21 Jason Pierre-Paul.
