The NFL’s annual free agency period opened on Monday, and several former Buckeyes have since signed re-upped with their current team or signed a deal with a new team.
The most notable is defensive tackle Dre’Mont Jones, who signed a three-year, $51.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks that will pay him $23.5 million in the first year of the deal. Jones was taken in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos, where he has spent the last four seasons, appearing in 56 games with 133 tackles and 22 sacks.
Another Buckeye who found a new home is safety Vonn Bell, who has inked a deal with the Carolina Panthers for three years worth $22.5 million, $13 million of which is guaranteed. Bell is entering his eighth season in the league and has spent the last three with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he helped the squad make an appearance in Super Bowl LVI.
Prior to his time with the Bengals, Bell spent four seasons with the New Orleans Saints, taken by the team in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
While Bell and Jones received big contracts, other Buckeyes in free agency have settled for shorter and smaller deals, offering a chance to improve their value on one-year contracts. Linebacker Raekwon McMillan re-signed with the New England Patriots for a one-year, $1.6 million deal, while defensive end Tyquan Lewis re-upped with the Indianapolis Colts on a one-year, $2.1 million deal.
McMillan has struggled to find a home since being drafted in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins, also spending a season with the Las Vegas Raiders in addition to his current stint with the Patriots. Lewis, meanwhile, has spent all five of his professionals season with the Colts but has suffered several season-ending injuries.
Other notable Buckeyes who have hit free agency include cornerbacks Eli Apple and Bradley Roby, wide receivers Noah Brown and Parris Campbell, offensive guard Michael Jordan and center Billy Price.
