More Free NFL Agency Moves Keep Happening

More Free Agency Moves
Dorian “The Trashman” Colbert, Rosterwatch.com

Photo by Alex Dunlap

There were several receiver moves made this week, among others. These were the acquisitions of note:

David Akers K, Detroit Lions:

Out with the old, in with the old. The 14-year kicker is taking the place of 21-year veteran, Jason Hanson in Detriot after a a somewhat disappointing 2012 season for San Francisco in which Akers only made 69% of his field goals. A pelvis injury pestered him all season, and is probably at least partially to blame. The Lions are hoping the blame falls squarely on the injury and that Akers will have healed from the ensuing surgery by season’s start.

Mohamed Massaquoi WR, Jacksonville Jaguars:

Massaquoi joins a Jaguars receiving corps that is actually already pretty decent. Cecil Shorts and Justin Blackmon already have to two starting spots on lock, so maybe we’ll see Massaquoi on the occasional deep route, which as you know, isn’t really an option in a Blaine Gabbert led offense.

Domenik Hixon WR, Carolina Panthers:

Panthers GM David Gettleman is bringing as much of his former Giants team to Carolina as possible, it seems. Hixon was always a decent stop-gap in New York, and I think he might actually be the second-best receiver in Carolina after Steve Smith. If Brandon LaFell regresses at all, I would not be surprised to see Hixon step into a starting role this year. The organization told RosterWatch at the NFL combine that they love Brandon LaFell, but let’s face it—LaFell’s like Greg Little—he’s been on the “verge of a breakout” for his entire career.

Anthony Armstrong WR, Dallas Cowboys:

Armstrong started his career in Washington three years ago by toying with a thousand-yard season. He hasn’t approached that mark since, but Armstrong could be used as a situational deep threat in a Cowboys offense that doesn’t have much depth behind its starting receivers. Is he the third receiver they’ve been waiting for? We shall see.

Rex Grossman/Pat White QB, Washington Redskins:


Grossman is Mike Shanahan’s favorite player, so it’s no surprise that his contract was extended. I guess he serves as some sort of safety blanket for Shanny, but he probably won’t see playing time. White hasn’t played in the NFL since 2009, but his playing style is perfect for the spread offense that the ‘Skins are running now. He’s only 27, and this could be the kickstart he needs.

Tracy Porter DB, Oakland Raiders:

Perhaps the Raiders aren’t completely as clueless as I’ve suspected behind the backs of my RosterWatch partners who seem to have a masochistic love for the organization. After several dubious moves in free agency, this signing might actually help the team. Porter has had some injury issues that probably led to him being a free agent in the first place, but he is a solid corner that can play the slot in nickel formations. The Raiders secondary still needs help, though.

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