NFL Weekly Card Count

NFL Free Agency is like a game of go fish with some serious poker faces as players, teams and agents barter for stakes. Tournament brackets, Pro Days all over the country, the changing of the guards in locker rooms, offices and even the NFLPA, just a few of the wager goings-on this week.

Opening week of the free agency ended with a bang, after one of the best players in franchise history, Steve Smith said goodbye to Carolina, he signs a three-year, $11.5 deal with the Ravens, where he’ll be playing catch with Flacco.  7-year-old Gavin Simone’s emotions flew high and viral on youtube as this young Panther fan was immensely affected, but he did hit the jack pot!   Smith surprised him with a hug and the first “Smith SR” no 89 Ravens jersey on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” he also promised to bring him to his football camp this spring in Charlotte.

“Had to meet him and hook him up with some new Ravens gear,” Smith said on GMA.

On #GMA with gavin pic.twitter.com/OQY0ODIgJh

— Steve Smith (@89SteveSmith) March 20, 2014

Who will Cam throw to now?  Jerricho Cotchery makes deal with Panthers for $8.015M,  but first things first, Newton went in Wednesday to undergo surgery on his left ankle with an anticipated recovery time of four months, sending PMA with full and speedy recovery wishes to him.  While stakes are high I’m keeping on the recovery and well wishes note to Colts owner Jim Irsay, who checked himself into rehab Monday, his daughter Carlie Irsay-Gordon step into her father’s role in his absence. Prayers and good to all the Irsay and Colts family, Commissioner Roger Goodell will have some tough decisions to make, right now however, its one day at a time.

According to a team statement, Irsay “took the first step toward regaining good health. He voluntarily checked into a highly-respected health care facility and is committed to undergoing the treatment and care necessary to help him meet his challenges head-on. Jim, the Irsay family, and the Colts organization are all deeply appreciative of the incredible outpouring of support and compassion from our fans and the Indiana community.”

Although Vegas is all in with the NCAA’s March Madness with sportsbooks, hotels and casinos filled.  Hunter on and off the field, Jared Allen is holding his cards for the weekend after meeting with SB48 Champions, The Seattle Seahawks.

Jared Allen heads home. After what were termed “good discussions” with #Seahawks, they made an offer. He’ll consider, decide this weekend

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 20, 2014

Amazing veteran back, Maurice Jones-Drew also will hold after a 2 days visit in Pittsburgh he left without a contract.

John Elway feeling like he got the royal flush, one more for the active Denver Broncos as they give former Steeler WR, Emmanuel Sanders a 3-year, $15M contract, however CBA gives Chiefs the ability to file grievances vs Sanders agent for bad-faith negotiations.

Raiders busy with the defense house, picking up former Texan, Antonio Smith, former Giant, Justin Tuck along with former Steeler, LaMar Woodley and Tarell Brown from just up the road, Niners.

Texas hold em or full house in Dallas, where thirty plus is the new Cowboy QB, 30-year-old Brandon Weedon signed a 2 year $2.1M guaranteed contract, hence there were three……… as he  joins 34-year-old Tony Romo and 31-year-old Kyle Orton.

Newly former Bronco, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie agrees to 5-year $39M deal with NY Giants, $14M guaranteed and warmly greeted by Antrel Rolle.

DRC DRC DRC DRC!! We need him @Giants

While out west, earlier this week, Chargers LB, Donald Butler went all in recruiting on The Mighty 1090’s Darren Smith show vying for Vince Wilfork.

“It’s a perfect match. If Vince is listening, come to San Diego!”

The road to the NFL, odds sway up and down throughout the country pre and post pro days mostly talks of late have been on Manziel and Bridgewater.

John Clayton on Johnny “He’s not Tim Tebow he’s better than that…I don’t think going to be a top 10 pick.”

Usually during Pro Days, you hear “the ball didn’t hit the ground.” Won’t hear that with Teddy Bridgewater’s Pro Day at U of L. Good arm tho

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2014

His long anticipated Pro day March 27th, while Thursday in Fresno Derek Carr impressed with an outstanding workout where all 32 NFL teams were represented.

During the annual NFLPA Player Reps meetings in Orlando, Congratulations are in order to NFLPA new President Eric Winston who will be succeeding Dominique Foxworth.  Also in Florida,  Anquan Boldin was presented with the most prestigious honor the NFLPA Byron “Whizzer” White Award and is awarded $100k to the Anquan Boldin Foundation.

A whirlwind of news, trades, deals, awards have come and continue while dreams lay ahead.  Sorry I couldn’t hit it all, but here’s the complete  up to date #NFLFreeAgency !  Until next week!

Desiree