"Legal Tampering": Weekend Roundup

Pixmule

Considering the sheer amount of player movement set to occur in the next few days, we'll be posting a daily recap summing up the previous day's noteworthy signings. Here is our recap of the weekend's activity during the "legal tampering" period, which will continue until free agency officially opens at 4 pm tomorrow.

• The cornerback market is developing, and the signs aren't positive for the Patriots chances of resigning Aqib Talib. Brent Grimes set the bar last week with his 4 year, $32 million deal but Sam Shields raised it this weekend, getting $39 million over four years from the normally thrifty Packers. This is all music to Talib's ears, who reportedly is seeking a top of the market deal and already has at least one team interested in Washington.

• The Jets cut ties with Antonio Cromartie, saving $9.5 million against the cap. While they haven't ruled out bringing Cro back on a reduced salary, there are reports that the Jets are serious contenders for Alterraun Verner, one of the top corners on the market.

• The Colts are reportedly optimistic that they'll be able to resign cornerback Vontae Davis, joining Miami and Green Bay as teams to retain their top free agent corner. 

• The Bears reportedly expected to land defensive end Michael Bennett when free agency opens on Monday. This move would have reunited Bennett with his brother, Martellus, who is the Bears starting tight end. However, Adam Schefter is now reporting that Seahawks have reemerged as favorites to retain Bennett. Stay tuned.

• Speaking of Seattle, one of their recent cap casualties found a home over the weekend. Defensive tackle Red Bryant, thought to be a potential target for the Pats, reached an agreement on a four year deal with Jacksonville, where he'll help his old defensive coordinator Gus Bradley implement his schemes.

• The Vikings win the award for the first mind-blowingly stupid overpay of free agency, giving defensive end Everson Griffin $42 million for five years. This ensures that free agent Jared Allen will be looking for a new team this offseason, which could be good news for the Patriots.

• With Jimmy Graham due for a megadeal, the Saints are making some tough cost-cutting moves. They've already released receiver Lance Moore, and will reportedly also cut Pierre Thomas and Darren Sproles loose if they can't trade either running back.

• The Titans are shopping running back Chris Johnson. When they inevitably find that no one is willing to trade assets for the right to pay Chris Johnson $8 million this season, they're reportedly prepared to release him as well.

• The Dolphins appear poised to sign former Chief Brandon Albert, filling a huge void at left tackle. With Albert likely off the market, the Cardinals have turned their eyes to the next best option: Oakland's Jared Veldheer.

• Former Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks has been cleared by multiple doctors and appears to have no lingering health concerns after being hampered by injuries the last two seasons. It was reported over the weekend that Nicks could be open to signing a one year deal. Nicks is now saying he wants a long-term deal, but that could very well be a negotiation ploy, as his value is at a career low right now. He also mentioned Andrew Luck, Cam Newton and Philip Rivers as quarterbacks he could see himself playing with.