NFL Free Agent Rumors: Patriots Target Darrelle Revis; Justin Tuck, LaMaar Woodley Visit Raiders And Jacoby Jones, Evan Dietrich-Smith Consider Giants

The 2014 NFL Free Agency period officially opened on Tuesday, March 11 at 4:00pm, ET and with each of the 32 teams in the National Football League holding various needs, the opening portion of the exciting time saw numerous high-profile talents sign with new squads. Former New England Patriots cornerback Aquib Talib was expected to be a hot target during the offseason and even though every franchise knew a steep price tag would be attached to his name, it didn’t take long for the former first round pick to find a new destination. Inking a six-year, $57 million deal with the Denver Broncos, the 28-year-old will now join a team looking to return to the Super Bowl under the guidance of quarterback Peyton Manning.

While Talib padded his bank account Tuesday, 25-year-old corner Alterraun Verner also landed a new contract. Signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers shortly after the free agency signing period began, the former Tennessee Titans defensive back now hopes to live up to the $26.5 million contract the new-look Bucs will pay him over the next four seasons. In addition to the aforementioned major deals, other notable deals saw Kansas City Chiefs tackle Branden Albert sign with the Miami Dolphins while former New York Giants defensive tackle Linval Joseph agreed to a $31.5 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings, Jets tackle Austin Howard signed with Oakland and safety Jairus Byrd signed with New Orleans from Buffalo.

Other notable moves to take place during the first day-plus of NFL free agency saw former Chiefs guard Geoff Schwartz come to terms with the Giants, a much needed move for a New York team that struggled mightily to run the football and protect two-time Super Bowl MVP quarterback Eli Manning last season. The Giants have also reportedly agreed with former Raiders running back Rashad Jennings and Seattle linebacker O’Brien Schofield, adding depth to areas undoubtedly in need of a boost.

The Cleveland Browns were also very active early on, signing defensive backs Isaiah Trufant and Donte Whitner to contracts while also coming to terms with former Arizona Cardinals linebacker Karlos Dansby, moves that should help Cleveland further their defensive tenacity as they look to become competitors in the AFC North. As these moves become finalized, multiple teams and players remain active during a sacred time in the National Football League and as the 2014 Free Agency period continues, here’s an update on some other pressing headlines around the league.

Will Revis Join Bill Belichick?

Former New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis is expected to be released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after just one season in Florida. Though New York would like to see a reunion with the Pro Bowl talent, reports suggest that the New England Patriots – major rivals to the Jets – and the Cleveland Browns remain among the likely landing spots for a cornerback who is viewed as one of the best in the NFL.

Oakland Looks To Spend Big

With nearly $60 million in cap room, the Oakland Raiders will surely be looking to add high-profile players heading into next season. Holding needs along the defensive line and in their linebacker corps, the Raiders are scheduled to meet with former New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck and linebacker LaMaar Woodley, who spent the previous 7 seasons in Pittsburgh. Tuck has indicated recently that he wants to re-sign with the Giants while Woodley hopes to rebound from an injury-plagued season with the Steelers.

Dietrich-Smith and Jacoby Jones Headed to Big Blue?

The Giants addressed a serious need with the signing of former Chiefs guard Geoff Schwartz on Tuesday but after parting ways with oft-injured center David Baas this week, New York is now highly interested in Green Bay Packers free agent center Evan Dietrich-Smith. The 27-year-old undrafted veteran has familiarity with new Giants offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo after spending the last three seasons with the OC in Wisconsin.

While New York continues to pursue Dietrich-Smith, the Giants are also in the market for help at the wide receiver position and former Baltimore Ravens wideout Jacoby Jones could be the guy. In addition to serving as a nice compliment to Victor Cruz and Reuben Randle, Jones would surely provide a boost for New York in the kick return game, where he’s shown the ability to be one of the most dangerous returners in the league.