Recapping Day 2 of free agency: Raiders continue surge
— -- NFL Nation reporters break down Thursday's free-agency action by all 32 teams:
AFC EAST
Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins spent most of Day 2 in free agency trying to figure out how to fill their void at running back, following the departure of Lamar Miller to the Texans. Miami hosted restricted free agent C.J. Anderson for a visit and presented a four-year, $18 million offer sheet. The defending Super Bowl champion Broncos now have five days to match the offer. -- James Walker
New England Patriots: The Patriots hosted seven free agents -- wide receivers Rod Streater and Chris Hogan, running backs James Starks and Benny Cunningham, defensive end Frank Kearse, tight end Clay Harbor and cornerback Sherrick McManis -- on visits, with Bill Belichick returning from his college scouting trip to meet and watch film with them. The expectation is that offers are forthcoming for Streater and Hogan as the team zeroes in on its need at receiver. The door isn't closed on the other players. -- Mike Reiss
New York Jets: The Jets continued the extreme makeover of their backfield by re-signing Bilal Powell and signing Khiry Robinson (Saints). Those two will join Matt Forte to give the offense a new look. It's not the fastest group around, but it's versatile. The big story remains free-agent quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, whose talks with the team have stalled. The Jets are considering fallback options, including Colin Kaepernick and Brian Hoyer. They have talked to the 49ers about trading for Kaepernick, sources said, but nothing is imminent. -- Rich Cimini
AFC NORTH
Cincinnati Bengals: After a flurry of activity on the first day of free agency, the Bengals might have wrapped up their major moves when they re-signed linebacker Vincent Rey to a three-year, $11.5 million deal Thursday. The third defensive player signed in two days, Rey's signing (coupled with safety George Iloka's on Wednesday) seems to be just enough to keep safety Reggie Nelson from returning to the team. Perhaps the Bengals will reconsider that if Nelson, a 2015 Pro Bowler, is still on the market next week. Otherwise, their focus should turn to the receiver position, where they have two spots to fill with Marvin Jones' (Detroit) and Mohamed Sanu's (Atlanta) departures. -- Coley Harvey
Cleveland Browns: On the second day of free agency, the Browns lost their fifth player, as special-teams standout Johnson Bademosi joined the Lions on a two-year deal. The Browns always thought Bademosi deserved Pro Bowl consideration for his special-teams play; if it happens, it will be in Detroit. He's the fifth free agent to sign elsewhere. Meanwhile, quarterback Johnny Manziel remains a Brown. -- Pat McManamon
Pittsburgh Steelers: After finalizing five deals since Monday, the Steelers slowed their pace Thursday. Coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Kevin Colbert attended Clemson's pro day. Chances for an extension for left tackle Kelvin Beachum and nose tackle Steve McLendon still exist, but tight end Ladarius Green, who visited team headquarters Thursday, was the team's big signee this week. The Steelers likely won't splurge much beyond Green's four-year, $20 million deal. -- Jeremy Fowler
AFC SOUTH
Indianapolis Colts: Another day passed, and it was another day of silence by the Colts on the free-agent front. The silence by the Colts is not surprising. Owner Jim Irsay and GM Ryan Grigson both said over the past month that they weren't going to be very active on the market because of their financial restraints. Defensive lineman Arthur Jones tried to help the Colts financially by taking a $2 million pay cut to bring his 2016 salary down to $2.5 million. The Colts are also looking for a backup quarterback behind starter Andrew Luck. -- Mike Wells
Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars officially signed four players Thursday: defensive tackle Malik Jackson, free safety Tashaun Gipson, running back Chris Ivory and punter Brad Nortman. The total guaranteed money from those contracts is $65.65 million. The Jaguars also scheduled visits with defensive end Robert Ayers and cornerback Prince Amukamara. -- Mike DiRocco
Tennessee Titans: The Titans have added five players and now move into a different kind of courtship as they host some visits. Cardinals free safety Rashad Johnson is expected Friday, per ESPN's Josina Anderson, and former Broncos guard Louis Vasquez should be in town over the weekend, per The Tennessean. On Friday, the team will introduce new receiver Rishard Matthews. With plenty of cap space and needs, expect the Titans to continue to be shoppers. -- Paul Kuharsky
AFC WEST
Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs lost perhaps the most irreplaceable member of their free-agent class when cornerback Sean Smith agreed to contract terms with the Raiders. He was the perfect complement to the Chiefs' other starting cornerback, Marcus Peters. Smith took some chances last season and was beaten a fair share of the time, which was unusual. He was rarely out of position, and though he isn't a playmaker -- five interceptions in three seasons, plus another in the playoffs -- the Chiefs didn't need him to be one. They have Peters for that. Throw in that Smith is 6-foot-3, almost 220 pounds and a nice match against the league's bigger, more physical receivers, and the Chiefs will have a difficult if not impossible time replacing him. -- Adam Teicher
Oakland Raiders: The Raiders added to their already impressive free-agent haul by signing sought-after cornerback Sean Smith, which strengthened their secondary while weakening division rival Kansas City. The Raiders also made the signings of Kelechi Osemele and Bruce Irvin official. In a conference call with Bay Area reporters, Smith said he senses a power shift in the AFC West. "It has definitely switched," he said with a laugh. "Clearly." He also said it was tough to leave Kansas City, but now, "it's all about the Dark Side." He is apparently joining Irvin's social media campaign to recruit free safety Eric Weddle. -- Paul Gutierrez
San Diego Chargers: After a busy first day of free agency, the Chargers introduced receiver Travis Benjamin, defensive tackle Brandon Mebane and safety Dwight Lowery to the local media on Thursday at Chargers Park. All three said one of the reasons they signed with the Chargers was to help turn things around after a disappointing 4-12 season. Mebane, who has a Super Bowl ring from his time with the Seahawks, said the goal for his new team is to own the AFC West after San Diego finished winless in the division in 2015. -- Eric D. Williams
NFC EAST
New York Giants: Thursday was bound to be a quieter day for the Giants, but they continued to add pieces to their woebegone defense by agreeing to terms with former Washington linebacker Keenan Robinson. That news broke late in the day, after the Giants had Janoris Jenkins, Olivier Vernon and Damon Harrison in the building to put pen to paper on the monster contracts to which they agreed the day before. The Giants needed a major rebuild on defense and are clearly undergoing one, as they still need a free safety and a nickel cornerback. They could also add another linebacker. -- Dan Graziano
Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles had a quiet Thursday, after signing five players and completing two trades Wednesday. The day was spent bringing the new Eagles to Philadelphia to sign contracts and meet their coaches. The defensive additions -- safety Rodney McLeod, and cornerbacks Ron Brooks and Leodis McKelvin -- are excited to play in coordinator Jim Schwartz's scheme. The Eagles will focus on the draft while keeping an eye open for free-agent bargains. -- Phil Sheridan
Washington Redskins: The Redskins have yet to sign anyone from another team and didn't do anything Thursday, but they did line up visits with tight end Vernon Davis and end/linebacker Andre Branch for Friday. Davis would give Washington depth at a position ravaged by injuries last season, and Branch would need to go from end in a 4-3 with Jacksonville to outside linebacker or situational rusher in the Redskins' 3-4. -- John Keim
NFC NORTH
Detroit Lions: The Lions signed two more free agents on Thursday, though none will have the name recognition of Marvin Jones. Detroit re-signed linebacker Tahir Whitehead, who will compete for a starting linebacker spot, and special-teams ace Johnson Bademosi from Cleveland. Bademosi in particular is a good signing for the Lions because he will immediately upgrade the team's coverage units. Considering New England's premium on special teams, that could be a sneaky good signing for Detroit. Offensive line and safety are two areas Detroit still needs to address. -- Michael Rothstein
Green Bay Packers: The second day of free agency differed from the first. No, the Packers didn't sign anyone from another team or even bring anyone in for a visit. But they did re-sign one of their own: outside linebacker Nick Perry. He's the fifth 2016 Packers free agent whom GM Ted Thompson has re-signed. Two others, however, could be on the move. Running back James Starks visited the Patriots, and quarterback Scott Tolzien will visit the Colts on Friday. The Packers would like to bring Starks back, but now they might have competition. -- Rob Demovsky
Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings finalized contracts with three of the four players they agreed with Wednesday -- guard Alex Boone and linebackers Emmanuel Lamur and Travis Lewis -- and continued to search for help on the offensive line. Bengals tackle Andre Smith is expected to visit the team next week. Minnesota's longtime punt returner, though, was on the move; Marcus Sherels visited the New York Jets on Thursday and could take another visit Friday. -- Ben Goessling
NFC SOUTH
Carolina Panthers: Looking for a big splash in free agency? Not from the Panthers. The first free agent they signed from another team was backup center Gino Gradkowski. This gives the team insurance in case something happens to Pro Bowl center Ryan Kalil, and it provides a player who can play guard. General manager Dave Gettleman will continue to let the market settle before potentially going after a player such as safety Eric Weddle. -- David Newton
New Orleans Saints: The Saints were fairly quiet on the second day of free agency, as they re-signed quarterback Luke McCown and running back Travaris Cadet and officially releasing cornerback Brandon Browner. Most of their coaching staff and scouting department spent the day at Clemson's pro day, which could be as beneficial to their defense as anything they do in free agency. The Tigers feature three prospects with Round 1 potential: defensive ends Shaq Lawson and Kevin Dodd and cornerback Mackensie Alexander, all of whom reportedly had dinner with New Orleans' staff Wednesday night. -- Mike Triplett
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Bucs officially introduced guard J.R. Sweezy on Thursday. They also hosted former Giants defensive end Robert Ayers. In addition, Tampa Bay is reportedly among the teams interested in former Bengals offensive tackle Andre Smith. -- Mike DiRocco
NFC WEST
Los Angeles Rams: After focusing on re-signing their own on the first day of free agency, the Rams were mostly quiet on Day 2. With the first surge of free agency over, the Rams are more likely to sit back and allow potential bargains to fall into their laps, as defensive tackle Nick Fairley did a year ago. Depth is still needed all over the defense and more likely to come than the big pieces required to bolster the offense. They'll also have to keep an eye on running back Benny Cunningham, a restricted free agent who visited New England on Thursday. The Rams would like to keep Cunningham and have matching rights if the Patriots sign him. -- Nick Wagoner
San Francisco 49ers: The Niners, who talked a lot about their massive cap space earlier this offseason, have announced one signing: a backup quarterback in Thad Lewis, who ended last season with coach Chip Kelly in Philadelphia. "Obviously, I made an impression on him, and he made an impression on me because I liked the offense and how he did things," Lewis said on a conference call. "I respect him as a coach. Obviously, I was looking for that again when I had the opportunity to come to San Francisco." Rumors continued to heat up regarding Colin Kaepernick and his trade viability, be it to Denver, Cleveland or the New York Jets. -- Paul Gutierrez
Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks brought back another one of their own in re-signing wide receiver Jermaine Kearse to a three-year deal. The offense now has its top three pass-catchers from last year back in Doug Baldwin, Tyler Lockett and Kearse. The Seahawks have yet to sign a player from another team, but they have retained three starters from the 2015 squad: Kearse, cornerback Jeremy Lane and defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin. -- Sheil Kapadia
Indianapolis Colts: Another day passed, and it was another day of silence by the Colts on the free-agent front. The silence by the Colts is not surprising. Owner Jim Irsay and GM Ryan Grigson both said over the past month that they weren't going to be very active on the market because of their financial restraints. Defensive lineman Arthur Jones tried to help the Colts financially by taking a $2 million pay cut to bring his 2016 salary down to $2.5 million. The Colts are also looking for a backup quarterback behind starter Andrew Luck. -- Mike Wells Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars officially signed four players Thursday: defensive tackle Malik Jackson, free safety Tashaun Gipson, running back Chris Ivory and punter Brad Nortman. The total guaranteed money from those contracts is $65.65 million. The Jaguars also scheduled visits with defensive end Robert Ayers and cornerback Prince Amukamara. -- Mike DiRocco Tennessee Titans: The Titans have added five players and now move into a different kind of courtship as they host some visits. Cardinals free safety Rashad Johnson is expected Friday, per ESPN's Josina Anderson, and former Broncos guard Louis Vasquez should be in town over the weekend, per The Tennessean. On Friday, the team will introduce new receiver Rishard Matthews. With plenty of cap space and needs, expect the Titans to continue to be shoppers. -- Paul Kuharsky Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs lost perhaps the most irreplaceable member of their free-agent class when cornerback Sean Smith agreed to contract terms with the Raiders. He was the perfect complement to the Chiefs' other starting cornerback, Marcus Peters. Smith took some chances last season and was beaten a fair share of the time, which was unusual. He was rarely out of position, and though he isn't a playmaker -- five interceptions in three seasons, plus another in the playoffs -- the Chiefs didn't need him to be one. They have Peters for that. Throw in that Smith is 6-foot-3, almost 220 pounds and a nice match against the league's bigger, more physical receivers, and the Chiefs will have a difficult if not impossible time replacing him. -- Adam Teicher Oakland Raiders: The Raiders added to their already impressive free-agent haul by signing sought-after cornerback Sean Smith, which strengthened their secondary while weakening division rival Kansas City. The Raiders also made the signings of Kelechi Osemele and Bruce Irvin official. In a conference call with Bay Area reporters, Smith said he senses a power shift in the AFC West. "It has definitely switched," he said with a laugh. "Clearly." He also said it was tough to leave Kansas City, but now, "it's all about the Dark Side." He is apparently joining Irvin's social media campaign to recruit free safety Eric Weddle. -- Paul Gutierrez San Diego Chargers: After a busy first day of free agency, the Chargers introduced receiver Travis Benjamin, defensive tackle Brandon Mebane and safety Dwight Lowery to the local media on Thursday at Chargers Park. All three said one of the reasons they signed with the Chargers was to help turn things around after a disappointing 4-12 season. Mebane, who has a Super Bowl ring from his time with the Seahawks, said the goal for his new team is to own the AFC West after San Diego finished winless in the division in 2015. -- Eric D. Williams New York Giants: Thursday was bound to be a quieter day for the Giants, but they continued to add pieces to their woebegone defense by agreeing to terms with former Washington linebacker Keenan Robinson. That news broke late in the day, after the Giants had Janoris Jenkins, Olivier Vernon and Damon Harrison in the building to put pen to paper on the monster contracts to which they agreed the day before. The Giants needed a major rebuild on defense and are clearly undergoing one, as they still need a free safety and a nickel cornerback. They could also add another linebacker. -- Dan Graziano Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles had a quiet Thursday, after signing five players and completing two trades Wednesday. The day was spent bringing the new Eagles to Philadelphia to sign contracts and meet their coaches. The defensive additions -- safety Rodney McLeod, and cornerbacks Ron Brooks and Leodis McKelvin -- are excited to play in coordinator Jim Schwartz's scheme. The Eagles will focus on the draft while keeping an eye open for free-agent bargains. -- Phil Sheridan Washington Redskins: The Redskins have yet to sign anyone from another team and didn't do anything Thursday, but they did line up visits with tight end Vernon Davis and end/linebacker Andre Branch for Friday. Davis would give Washington depth at a position ravaged by injuries last season, and Branch would need to go from end in a 4-3 with Jacksonville to outside linebacker or situational rusher in the Redskins' 3-4. -- John Keim Detroit Lions: The Lions signed two more free agents on Thursday, though none will have the name recognition of Marvin Jones. Detroit re-signed linebacker Tahir Whitehead, who will compete for a starting linebacker spot, and special-teams ace Johnson Bademosi from Cleveland. Bademosi in particular is a good signing for the Lions because he will immediately upgrade the team's coverage units. Considering New England's premium on special teams, that could be a sneaky good signing for Detroit. Offensive line and safety are two areas Detroit still needs to address. -- Michael Rothstein Green Bay Packers: The second day of free agency differed from the first. No, the Packers didn't sign anyone from another team or even bring anyone in for a visit. But they did re-sign one of their own: outside linebacker Nick Perry. He's the fifth 2016 Packers free agent whom GM Ted Thompson has re-signed. Two others, however, could be on the move. Running back James Starks visited the Patriots, and quarterback Scott Tolzien will visit the Colts on Friday. The Packers would like to bring Starks back, but now they might have competition. -- Rob Demovsky Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings finalized contracts with three of the four players they agreed with Wednesday -- guard Alex Boone and linebackers Emmanuel Lamur and Travis Lewis -- and continued to search for help on the offensive line. Bengals tackle Andre Smith is expected to visit the team next week. Minnesota's longtime punt returner, though, was on the move; Marcus Sherels visited the New York Jets on Thursday and could take another visit Friday. -- Ben Goessling Carolina Panthers: Looking for a big splash in free agency? Not from the Panthers. The first free agent they signed from another team was backup center Gino Gradkowski. This gives the team insurance in case something happens to Pro Bowl center Ryan Kalil, and it provides a player who can play guard. General manager Dave Gettleman will continue to let the market settle before potentially going after a player such as safety Eric Weddle. -- David Newton New Orleans Saints: The Saints were fairly quiet on the second day of free agency, as they re-signed quarterback Luke McCown and running back Travaris Cadet and officially releasing cornerback Brandon Browner. Most of their coaching staff and scouting department spent the day at Clemson's pro day, which could be as beneficial to their defense as anything they do in free agency. The Tigers feature three prospects with Round 1 potential: defensive ends Shaq Lawson and Kevin Dodd and cornerback Mackensie Alexander, all of whom reportedly had dinner with New Orleans' staff Wednesday night. -- Mike Triplett Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Bucs officially introduced guard J.R. Sweezy on Thursday. They also hosted former Giants defensive end Robert Ayers. In addition, Tampa Bay is reportedly among the teams interested in former Bengals offensive tackle Andre Smith. -- Mike DiRocco Los Angeles Rams: After focusing on re-signing their own on the first day of free agency, the Rams were mostly quiet on Day 2. With the first surge of free agency over, the Rams are more likely to sit back and allow potential bargains to fall into their laps, as defensive tackle Nick Fairley did a year ago. Depth is still needed all over the defense and more likely to come than the big pieces required to bolster the offense. They'll also have to keep an eye on running back Benny Cunningham, a restricted free agent who visited New England on Thursday. The Rams would like to keep Cunningham and have matching rights if the Patriots sign him. -- Nick Wagoner San Francisco 49ers: The Niners, who talked a lot about their massive cap space earlier this offseason, have announced one signing: a backup quarterback in Thad Lewis, who ended last season with coach Chip Kelly in Philadelphia. "Obviously, I made an impression on him, and he made an impression on me because I liked the offense and how he did things," Lewis said on a conference call. "I respect him as a coach. Obviously, I was looking for that again when I had the opportunity to come to San Francisco." Rumors continued to heat up regarding Colin Kaepernick and his trade viability, be it to Denver, Cleveland or the New York Jets. -- Paul Gutierrez Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks brought back another one of their own in re-signing wide receiver Jermaine Kearse to a three-year deal. The offense now has its top three pass-catchers from last year back in Doug Baldwin, Tyler Lockett and Kearse. The Seahawks have yet to sign a player from another team, but they have retained three starters from the 2015 squad: Kearse, cornerback Jeremy Lane and defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin. -- Sheil Kapadia