Recapping Day 2 of free agency: Raiders continue surge

ByESPN.COM
March 10, 2016, 9:12 PM

— -- NFL Nation reporters break down Thursday's free-agency action by all 32 teams:

AFC EAST

Buffalo Bills: As expected, the Bills remained quiet Thursday, with no reported visits or signings of any free agents. The big news was the Patriots' pursuit of restricted free-agent wide receiver  Chris Hogan. If the Patriots extend an offer sheet to Hogan, the Bills will have five days to match -- a potentially difficult task, given their limited salary-cap room (about $4.5 million). The Bills will receive no compensation if they decline to match a New England offer sheet. -- Mike Rodak

AFC NORTH

Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens met with journeyman offensive lineman Vladimir Ducasse, who has played for three teams over the past three seasons (Jets, Vikings and Bears). This was the first reported visit of free agency for Baltimore. The Ravens also restructured the contract of cornerback Jimmy Smith, which created $4.5 million in cap room. -- Jamison Hensley

AFC SOUTH

Houston Texans: After a whirlwind of activity Wednesday, the Texans stood pat Thursday and used the day to introduce their free-agent signees. General manager Rick Smith was asked about Brian Hoyer's fate, given that the Texans' new starter at quarterback is Brock Osweiler. Smith called Hoyer a valuable member of the organization and said the team needs a "couple of" quarterbacks. -- Tania Ganguli

AFC WEST

Denver Broncos: With Brock Osweiler, Malik Jackson and Danny Trevathan having signed elsewhere, the Broncos face a decision on restricted free-agent running back C.J. Anderson, who received a four-year, $18 million offer sheet from the Dolphins on Thursday. The Broncos have five days to match the offer. If they don't, they will lose Anderson with no compensation. -- Jeff Legwold

NFC EAST

Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys said they would be low-key in their approach to free agency, and that came through with their first signing. Cedric Thornton had just four sacks in four seasons with the Eagles, three of which he spent as a 3-4 defensive end, but the Cowboys view him as a nose tackle in their 4-3 scheme. They wanted to get bigger and more athletic on the interior to better affect the passer. It's not a flashy move, but it's one the Cowboys believe will pay off. -- Todd Archer

NFC NORTH

Chicago Bears: After a busy opening day in free agency, the Bears signed just one player Thursday, when they re-upped special-teams ace Sherrick McManis on a two-year deal. The club lined up visits with free-agent defensive lineman Akiem Hicks and tight end Jermaine Gresham, who are both scheduled to arrive in Chicago on Friday. The Bears also introduced their top two free-agent acquisitions --  Danny Trevathan and Bobby Massie -- at a press conference. Massie confirmed he will play right tackle, which means three-time Pro Bowler Kyle Long is definitely heading back to right guard. -- Jeff Dickerson

NFC SOUTH

Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons signed wide receiver  Mohamed Sanu to a five-year, $32.5 million deal to be the No. 2 receiver behind Julio Jones. Although Sanu didn't have that role in Cincinnati last season, the expectation is for him to thrive as a guy capable of getting open and beating one-on-one coverage. Plus, Sanu's ability to run reverses and plays out of the Wildcat -- and even pass on occasion -- will allow offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan to open up the playbook and keep defenses guessing. -- Vaughn McClure

NFC WEST

Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals had a very quiet Day 2 of free agency. The only notable news coming from Tempe was that safety Tyvon Branch signed his contract a day after agreeing to a two-year deal. It was reported that five former Cardinals were scheduled to visit other teams: safety Rashad Johnson (Titans), linebacker  Sean Weatherspoon (Falcons), tight end  Jermaine Gresham (Bears), offensive tackle Bradley Sowell (Seahawks) and guard Ted Larsen (Seahawks). -- Josh Weinfuss