The fourth day of NFL free agency was a bit of a snore, as the rest of the league braced itself for the end of the Deshaun Watson trade sweepstakes and its inevitable fallout. Still, a handful of teams were able to improve their rosters toward the end of the first wave of free agency. Let’s take a look at the winners of Day 4.
NFL Free Agency Day 4 Winners
While few teams spent actively on the fourth day of free agency, there was enough movement to differentiate the winners from the losers. Wideout Allen Robinson, after waiting patiently, finally cashed in and joined the Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams. Robinson is among the winners for the fourth day of free agency.
WR Allen Robinson
Robinson had to wait for a while as the wide receiver class dealt with the aftermath of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ wild contract with Christian Kirk. However, Thursday, Robinson was able to land a three-year, $46.5 million deal with the Rams.
Robinson will now become the No. 2 wideout for the Super Bowl champs, opposite Cooper Kupp. With Robinson, Kupp, Robert Woods, and Van Jefferson, the Rams are still stacked at the position. Odell Beckham Jr., who is recovering from knee surgery, could still return as well.
Cincinnati Bengals
While the Bengals didn’t blow the roof off of free agency on Thursday, they did land a much-needed piece of their offensive puzzle. The team signed former Baltimore Ravens and Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst to a one-year deal. He’s an excellent catch-and-run option for QB Joe Burrow.
The team also re-signed starting cornerback Eli Apple on a team-friendly deal. Additionally, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported in the evening that former Dallas Cowboys right tackle La’el Collins is visiting the Bengals. His colleague, Ian Rapoport, said a deal has “a chance to get done” in a follow-up to the visit report.
Moreover, the Bengals re-signed backup QB Brandon Allen and special teams ace Mike Thomas.
DT Michael Pierce
The Baltimore Ravens got left at the altar by Za’Darius Smith on Thursday, but they still made a nice deal on their defensive line. The Ravens signed former Minnesota Vikings DT Michael Pierce to a three-year, $16.5 million deal, according to Rapoport.
Pierce played for the Ravens during his first four seasons in the league before signing a three-year, $27 million deal with Minnesota in 2020. He opted out of the 2020 campaign due to COVID concerns and only played in eight games last season. Pierce now returns to where it all started, and he will be a key member of the Baltimore defense.
P Pat O’Donnell
Yes, a punter made the list. After receiving annual one-year deals with the Chicago Bears for what seemed like an eternity, Pat O’Donnell signed a two-year pact with the rival Green Bay Packers on Thursday. The Packers need improved special teams, and this should help, as O’Donnell has plenty of experience with punting in the cold Midwest winters.
Lastly, punters are people, too.
EDGE Jacob Martin
Former Houston Texans pass rusher Jacob Martin got a nice contract from the New York Jets on Thursday. The Jets needed pass-rushing help in the worst way, and Martin should be able to enter the lineup as a proven veteran who eats up a lot of snaps.
His three-year, $13.5 million deal was another sensible contract by the Jets, who have improved their roster with shrewd moves throughout the week. GM Joe Douglas has flexed his negotiating muscles early in free agency.
Looking for our free agent losers?
NFL free agency is fun to think about in terms of winners and losers. We have absolutely no idea how the moves made in March will look in September, let alone two or three years down the road. All we can do is trust the process. Here’s our story on the 2022 NFL free agency Day 4 losers.
