Former Oregon Ducks Make A Splash in Opening Week of Free Agency

The Free Agency signing period in the NFL started this week and already seveal high profile players have departed their current team for what they believe is a greener pasture. Three of those players that will have a change of scenery are former Oregon football players.

Dec 8, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Buffalo Bills free safety Jairus Byrd (31) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The most recent to make a move was former Quarterback Kellen Clemens who is now with the San Diego Chargers, the former Duck played for the St Louis Rams last season starting nine games. His deal is for two years. Clemens will backup Starter Phillip Rivers. As a starter his numbers are not great at 8-13, but with all players sometimes playing in a new system can help. If you look at NFL rosters there are certainly worse backup signal callers you could have on your roster.

Other former Ducks to make a jump to a new team are both on Defense. Safety TJ Ward made the move from Cleveland, his home for the last five years to Denver. He joins a trove of new talent the Broncos have signed following their lopsided loss in the Super Bowl last month to Seattle. John Elway has been busy. Following signing the former Duck the team has also agreed to contracts with former Dallas Defensive End DeMarcus Ware on a three year deal and Cornerback Aqib Talib for six years. Ward’s deal is for four years.

Earlier in the week Former Buffalo Bills Safety Jairus Byrd also headed south and signed a six year contract to play for the New Orleans Saints. Each player has a proven track record in the NFL and it showed in the contracts they signed. Byrd’s deal was with $54 million, Ward will make $23 million over four years and Clemens will also get paid(terms were not disclosed at the time of this report.)

Related – Who Is Kellen Clemens? (Bolt Beat, Fansided)

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