This week has gone by fast and quiet. So fast in fact I thought today was Thursday. For the second straight week, the NFL has stayed relatively quiet as teams prepare for the NFL Draft later this month. The biggest football news has been the released tape of Gregg Williams giving a pre-game speech to the Saints before they took on the 49ers. Williams will not look back and think 2012 was a good year for him. We'll take a quick look at Miami's only move of the week.
Signed S Tyrell Johnson, Contract Details Unknown: Johnson was a reserve safety for the Vikings and has 123 tackles, 2 INTs, and 2 fumble recoveries in 49 games played. He was drafted by the Vikings in 2008 in the second round when Minnesota traded up to select him. He was moving up the boards quickly. Being able to run a 40 in 4.4 seconds will do that to a prospect. Johnson is a solid tackler, but only when he's working in closed spaces. He's had issues in Minnesota trying to bring down a player in the open field and that is a liability when you're the last resort on defense. When he's playing up close to the line of scrimmage though, he's a very good player against the run. He's been solid on special teams and may be able to unseat Nolan Carroll as a gunner on the punt units. It's likely Johnson won't be the first in line to claim the SS position, but he's not a bad signing. My grade for this move would depend on his salary, but I don't believe Miami spent much to acquire him. He's a good signing for potential, depth, and special teams. Grade: C+
Only a few moves have been made by other teams this past week. The Eagles signed OT Demetrius Bell to replace Jason Peters who was lost to injury. The only intrigue to that deal is that Bell signed a 5-year deal, which will bring up a debate next year in who the Eagles keep at OT between Bell, Peters, and RT Todd Herremans.
The Chargers also re-signed Luis Castillo which is a great move by them. SD also found a potential slot WR with Roscoe Parrish. CB Kelvin Hayden agreed to a one-year deal with the Bears. Former Dolphins Bobby Carpenter and Travis Daniels found homes in New England and Kansas City. Torry Holt returned to the Rams for a day and then retired. Overall, not a lot of excitement with those moves.
Going Forward: There isn't much of a plan to go forward in free agency by Miami and other teams. Right now the focus is on the draft and Round 2 of free agency will start when some veterans are released after the draft as teams fill holes with younger prospects.