:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/30078665/20130516_mjr_su5_089.0.jpg)
The Indianapolis Colts have signed former New york Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks to a 1-year deal.
Nicks was smart to take this 1-year "prove it" deal to show he still belongs in the upper echelon of NFL receivers. He averaged 77.5 catches, 1,122 yards and nine touchdowns from 2010 to 2011, but saw his numbers dip to 56 catches for 896 yards and no TDs in 2013.
***
The Oakland Raiders have signed cornerback Tarell Brown to a 1-year deal.
It's for a modest $3.5 million, but it's fully guaranteed. Brown, a cornerback who has played his entire seven-year career in San Francisco, played in 13 regular-season games for the 49ers last season, starting 10, and he also started all three playoff games. He has 11 career interceptions.
***
The Raiders also signed defensive lineman Antonio Smith, formerly of the Houston Texans.
It's a 2-year deal worth up to $9 million. Smith accounted for 18.5 sacks over the last three seasons, including five in 2013. Along with new additions LaMarr Woodley and Justin Tuck, the raiders should have a much better pass rush in 2014.
***
Free agent offensive tackle Donald Penn will visit with the Washington Redskins on Saturday.
Penn met with the Raiders on Friday, but left without a contract. He's the best left tackle on the market, and the Cincinnati Bengals could theoretically show interest in him if they want to keep Andrew Whitworth at guard.
Thus far, they've shown no interest in the former Buccaneer, who was cut right after they signed Anthony Collins.
***
ESPN Chicago is reporting the Dallas Cowboys are interested in defensive end Julius Peppers.
With the departure of one of the best pass rushers in the league this week in DeMarcus Ware signing with the Denver Broncos after he was cut, Peppers could be a viable replacement. The former Chicago Bears DE was also cut this offseason, but he had a far worse 2013 season than that of Ware.