NFL Free Agency and Draft Links to Click

Nov 23, 2013; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Zach Mettenberger (8) against the Texas A&M Aggies during the second half of a game at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Texas A&M 34-10. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

It turns out that LSU QB Zach Mettenberger had to wait until early January to have his ACL repaired after suffering the injury on November 29. Mettenberger, who projects be drafted somewhere between the 3rd-5th rounds depending on his health, also tore his MCL, for which doctors had to wait to heal before putting him through the knee reconstruction.

Still, he’s optimistic he’ll be able do pre-draft workouts before the draft takes place:

"“I fully anticipate to be good enough to go and do a five- and seven-step drop for scouts,” Mettenberger isaid regarding pre-draft workouts. “I’ve been pushing myself really hard. I’m expecting to be fully healthy in the 4-5 month range.”"

Mettenberger needs to show his knee is close to fully-healed and he’ll be ready to play this year, though he’ll likely be drafted to a team with a starter entrenched for at least this year.

Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel thinks the Green Bay Packers are unlikely to re-sign free agent Jermichael Finley after his neck surgery as the result of a devastating injury suffered last year.

Ty Schalter of the Bleacher Report had a great article called the Do’s and Don’t of NFL Free Agency. “Don’t Guarantee lots of Money to Aging Vets”, “Do Sign Older or Injured Vets to “Prove-It” Contracts” and “Do Target Players Who Fit Your Scheme” are just a few, and following those three in particular has helped the Bengals nab free agent steals in the form of Thomas Howard, Terence Newman, and Wallace Gilberry among others.

In looking at who the Bengals should target in free agency, Andrew Garda thinks Tennessee Titans cornerback Alterraun Verner should be Cincinnati’s No. 1 target. The problem there is Verner is an elite CB who will likely command a contract the Bengals cannot afford.

According to Pro Football Focus he was the 12th-best corner in the NFL in 2013 with a +9.5 grade. He tied for fifth in the NFL with five interceptions in 2013, and his 23 pass deflections led the league.

The Boston Herald reports that the New England Patriots will not re-sign free agent MLB Brandon Spikes. Beat writer Jeff Howe expects Spikes to get a “Rey Maualuga” type of contract, or about $6.5 million over two years.

Ironically, Maualuga and Spikes have the same agent.

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