Monster deals sending Jimmy Graham to Seattle and Sam Bradford to Philadelphia stole the spotlight from free agent signings. That was until mid-evening, when Darrelle Revis returned to New York.
The Jets dug into their past to bring back the All-Pro cornerback, his agents said. Revis moved from the Jets’ rival the Patriots, who he helped win Super Bowl XLIX last month, to his NFL roots.
The deal is for five years at US$70 million, with US$39 million guaranteed.
Photo: Mark Rebilas-USA TODAY
New Orleans agreed to send its star tight end to the Seahawks for center Max Unger, with draft picks changing hands. The Saints are to get a first-round pick, while Seattle receive a fourth-rounder.
That stunner was followed by Bradford, the injury-prone quarterback, who has barely played during the past two years (knee), going to Philadelphia for Nick Foles, who also comes off an injury-shortened season (collarbone) and is headed to St Louis. Bradford was the top overall draft pick in 2010.
Foles is the latest starter to depart Philadelphia. He joins two-time All-Pro running back LeSean McCoy, now in Buffalo, and Pro Bowl wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, headed for Kansas City, in going elsewhere.
Philadelphia also added the Seahawks’ starting cornerback Byron Maxwell as a free agent on a six-year deal. Seattle brought in cornerback Cary Williams, formerly of the Eagles and a Super Bowl XLVI winner with the Ravens.
Baltimore dealt nose tackle Haloti Ngata to Detroit, who are about to lose All-Pro defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh as a free agent. Ngata, 31, a five-time Pro Bowler, is due US$8.5 million next season and has a US$16 million salary cap figure.
The Bills confirmed acquiring McCoy for linebacker Kiko Alonso; McCoy also signed a contract extension worth US$40 million over five years.
The Jets also confirmed a previously agreed upon trade, getting receiver Brandon Marshall from Chicago for a fifth-round draft pick. The Jets released Percy Harvin, whom they acquired last season from Seattle.
Carolina released DeAngelo Williams, its career rushing leader.
Two retirements drew attention away from the chase for free agents. Five-time All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis, the heart of San Francisco’s defense for eight seasons, called it quits. The 2007 Defensive Rookie of the Year is leaving because of recurrent toe and feet injuries.
“In my head, I’m already a Hall of Famer,” Willis said. “I am leaving this with closure, saying that I am happy today, more happy today than I was the day I was drafted. That says something to me.”
Tennessee quarterback Jake Locker, his four-year pro career ravaged by injuries, also retired, saying he has no “burning desire” to keep playing.
The 49ers lost another mainstay when running back Frank Gore, their career rushing leader, joined the Colts.
Linebacker A.J. Hawk, who grew up in Ohio and attended Ohio State University, agreed to terms with Cincinnati on a two-year deal. Hawk spent his first nine seasons with Green Bay.
Jacksonville, with lots of salary cap room, grabbed tight end Julius Thomas away from Denver among a slew of moves. The Jaguars agreed to deals with defensive end Jared Odrick, right tackle Jermey Parnell, cornerback Davon House, linebacker Dan Skuta and safety Sergio Brown.
Thomas agreed a five-year deal worth US$46 million, with US$24 million guaranteed.
Arizona got probably the best run blocker in this year’s group, guard Mike Iupati, who agreed a five-year, US$40 million contract with US$22.5 million guaranteed. The 1.96m, 150kg lineman played five seasons with San Francisco, is a three-time Pro Bowl player and made the All-Pro team in 2012.
Arizona re-signed linebacker LaMarr Woodley.
The Falcons fortified the middle of new coach Dan Quinn’s defense by signing free agents Brooks Reed and Justin Durant.
Among other official free agency moves early in the process were linebacker Malcolm Smith, who agreed on terms with Oakland; defensive end Kendall Langford to Indianapolis; wide receiver Brian Hartline to Cleveland; safety Tyvon Branch to Kansas City; tight end Owen Daniels to Denver; guard Orlando Franklin to San Diego; cornerback Buster Skrine to the Jets; fullback Jerome Felton to Buffalo; and quarterback Shaun Hill to Minnesota, who also re-signed running back Matt Asiata.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely