NFL Under the Radar Free Agent Signings

Some big name players have been swapped around the league so far this off-season.  A few weeks ago I talked about the impact these big players are going to have on their new teams.  In this article I’m going to go over some free agent signings you might have missed, and why they are important.

Chargers sign free agent C Mike Pouncey.

Pouncey spent his last couple seasons with the Dolphins.  The 28 year old signed a 2 year deal with the Chargers this off-season.  Inking Pouncey for a few years helps solidify the Chargers offensive line.  The Chargers just missed the playoffs last season, and I think that’s due to the fact that Philip Rivers was trying to do too much on offense.  With a stable offensive line their stud running back Melvin Gordon can help ease the pressure of Rivers and they can play a more conservative offense.

Lions sign free agent RB LeGarrette Blount.

The Lions haven’t had much luck in regards to running backs the past couple seasons.  Signing Blount gives them a solid power back, for situations where they need to pound the ball down the field.  Much like the Chargers’ signing, I think this helps relieve pressure from the quarterback.

Patriots sign free agents DE Adrian Clayborn, RB Jeremy Hill.

Scooping up Clayborn was a huge move for the Patriots.  Clayborn gives their defensive line rotation a boost, which was much needed.  Also worth noting the Patriots traded for Danny Shelton who was a former first rounder.  The Patriots also really love signing ex-Bengal running backs too.  After adding Burkhead last off-season, they signed Jeremy Hill.  Hill showed some real promise for the Bengals in his rookie season but then was sidelined due to injury.  I think with the Patriots he can get back to his rookie season form.

Jaguars sign free agent TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins.

After releasing Mercedes Lewis, the Jaguars went out and got former Jets TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins.  Jenkins was playing really well for the Jets last season and gives the Jaguars offense quite the boost.  With their powerful run game already, the TE is going to be a huge part of their passing game.  Jenkins is a player who can make big catches over the middle of the field and really take advantage of play action passes.

49ers sign free agent RB Jerick McKinnon.

After losing Carlos Hyde to the Browns, the 49ers needed to find a replacement RB at a somewhat cheap price.  McKinnion showed some real promise as a lead back last season in Minnesota after Dalvin Cook went down.  I really like this signing because not only is McKinnion a good running back, but he is a good receiver too.  How else do you show your future franchise QB that you have faith in him?  You go out and get a guy like McKinnion to catch passes out of the backfield.

~Jon Tetreault ( @jtetreault13 )